Chapter 5

VALENTINA Uncle Samuel visibly froze. His gray eyes darted to me as his lips quivered at the sudden realization… “Val?” he whispered in a daze. A droplet of tears slipped down my cheek as my eyelashes shivered at the recognition. "Uncle..." I murmured again. “I-is it you, Val?” He hurriedly stepped toward me as the guards moved aside, confusedly. “Ye-es uncle,” My voice shivered. "It's me, your Val." My uncle recognized me! “You've finally returned.” His cold gray gaze softened with his usual affection, which somewhat calmed my troubled heart. At least, I am still alive in my uncle's affections. Perhaps I still have a chance. Uncle Samuel embraced me warmly and tightly, offering much comfort. This acceptance matters to me greatly. Uncle Sam isn't just the most promising beta of the Ebbon Moon Clan, he's also my father's best friend of twenty-five years. My father considers him more of a brother than a friend. "You've changed a lot in two years, little berry," he said, and the endearment once again fluttered my heart, reopening my beautiful memories here with him. "You have evolved. You grew taller." He chuckled softly. "You've grown your hair out, and you're even wearing a mask.” His remark, however, stiffened me. Once again, the unsettling feeling of fear grasped me. I know my bizarre changes would raise many questions, and I have to answer them, but not here. I need to see Papa first. "Girls are meant to change with time," I said, feeling drained by emotion, and asked, "Where is Papa?” ——————— After a few minutes, I entered the pack's comfortable and opulent house. A warm sandalwood scent filled the air, quite unlike before. Previously, it had been a gentle fragrance with floral and fruity notes, indicative of a kind and loving home. Now, however, it was a strong, sweet scent that induced a headache. Also, some decorations had changed, as if someone had tried to forcefully incorporate their tastes… “Your father is in his office.” Uncle Samuel’s voice disrupted my thoughts and my gaze turned to him. "I have informed him of your arrival. He is waiting for you," he said. My heart twisted with a strange chill and I swallowed painfully. “H-he wants to see m-me?” My voice shook. My uncle probably understood my hesitancy and patted my shoulder. “Indeed, he does. You have no idea how much your father misses you. Yes, both of you are indeed stubborn, but this time, be patient with him, Val. He is, after all, a broken man.” I slowly nodded. I don't need to be reminded this time; my deep, lifelong scars will never let me forget that leaving my father was the most horrible decision I ever made. I just hope my father doesn't get scared seeing me and despises my broken self… The door of Papa's office opened once we reached the eastern part of the pack house. Uncle Samuel pushed open the door and stepped aside for me to enter. Inhaling shakily, I stepped inside, and there he was—Alpha Victor Rodriguez—my father. He was pacing the room with an impatient stance. Once I entered, he paused, and his eyes shot up in my direction. Our gazes met, and we both froze for a moment. “Papa—” That was all I could mutter before running to him and throwing myself into his arms. I didn't, for once, think if he would want me anymore; what I knew is, that I had finally returned to my safe place, to my father. “Val, my daughter, my love…” Papa's strong arms circled me, pulling me into a hug that was warm, affectionate, and most of all, secure. His familiar woodsy scent calmed me and evoked emotions of my most beautiful moments, which eventually broke free as tears. I have suppressed my emotions for a considerable time, striving to project an image of strength, but I could no longer contain my feelings upon receiving my father's acceptance. My tears pour endlessly, flowing out all the sorrow and heartache I have endured for the past few days. “I-I a-am so-orry p-papa.” I whispered hoarsely. “I-I am so sor-ry…” "No, shush," he caressed my head. "It wasn't your fault alone; I messed it up as well. I am sorry, my child.” Papa and I both cried at our reunion. After a while, Papa broke the hug and looked at me. His soft eyes suddenly turned intense as confusion crossed his expression. “Why can’t I sense your wolf?” he murmured, and soon his brows furrowed deeply as if he were noticing my changes. “Val, what’s going on with you?” My heart clenched tightly. Here comes the moment of truth. “Papa, uncle—please don't get scared.” Muttering quietly, I removed my mask, only to be met with loud gasps from them. A whoosh of disappointment enveloped me and I fell into a deep despair. My head lowered in shame and remorse, feeling nothing but useless before them. “Val, what—what happened to you?” Uncle gasped as Dad stared at me, puzzled. A deep sigh escaped my lips before I looked up at them. “It’s a long story…” I explained what happened after I left home… “That bloody bastard! I will rip his head off!” A menacing growl echoed within the walls of Papa's office as soon as I finished. Papa's eyes blazed with fury; his expression changed from soft to murderous. His veins popped out in anger. “How dare he hurt my daughter? I will destroy his life and drag him to the pit of hell.” His eyes had turned red, “Samuel, we're going to the Shadow Crust pack! Now!” He announced and was ready to rush out. However, I hastily jumped in front of him, stopping him. "Papa, no!" I grabbed his arms. "Calm down, Papa," I pleaded. “How can you ask me to calm down?” His hoarse voice rumbled, “That bastard must pay for his deeds! He didn't know whom he messed with!” He was about to storm off again, but I stopped him. "No, Dad, you can't act recklessly. One wrong move and the council will intervene, which won't be good for our pack. We can't prove it, Papa. They'll deny the claim because they planned everything precisely. We have no proof. No one will believe us, and it will backfire.” I tried to reason with him. “She’s right, Victor, don’t rush. Also, what matters most now is healing her wolf. We will aim for revenge, but slowly and with a proper plan.” Uncle Sam supported my words. Eventually, Papa was persuaded and calmed down. He sat down on the sofa in the office and nodded, "You're right; we need to act cautiously.” Although he seemed composed, his eyes betrayed him. No wonder; if Atlas accidentally appeared before him, he would definitely rip him apart. I sat beside my father and held his hand. “I promise you, Papa, I’ll get back to him and never disappoint you again,” I said determinedly. His grip tightened on my hand. "It's I who am to blame. Because of me, you suffered. Forgive me, my daughter," Papa apologized, holding my hand close to his eyes. His words were full of regret and guilt, which shuddered my heart, and I hurriedly hugged him. “Don’t worry, Papa. Now I am back, and I’ll never leave your side again.” “I will not allow it either,” Papa vowed… Uncle Samuel mind-linked the pack's healer quickly. I was taken to a private chamber since my return was not yet announced. In the well-equipped chamber, the healer ran several tests on me and after some time returned to us with a grave expression. My breath caught in my throat as I watched him go through my reports with a darkened face. My grip tightened on Papa's hand as we both gazed at him. Although, as a powerful alpha wolf, silver poison technically won't completely kill my wolf spirit, or at least that's what we thought all this time, the doctor's expression otherwise gave me a bad feeling. At some point, my anxiety arose to extremes, and I couldn't help myself but ask, "What is it, Doctor? Do I still have a chance to reconnect with my wolf?”