Chapter 122
Chapter 122
Valencia’s POV
I took another step forward, the damp grass and earth soft beneath my shoes, and my breath caught in my throat.
This place-
Wasn’t this the same garden from my dream?
The one where I had seen her?
Dante’s mother.
I stared at the vast lake stretching before me, its surface rippling slightly from the cool morning breeze. The surrounding trees cast long shadows, their leaves whispering in hushed tones as if mourning alongside us.
A gentle nudge from Marcelene snapped me out of my trance.
I blinked rapidly, pushing away the eerie familiarity settling in my bones, and continued forward toward the already gathered crowd.
The pack had assembled in solemn silence, all dressed in black, their faces a mixture of grief and reverence. The scent of fresh earth and incense filled the air, mingling with the unshakable weight of loss.
As my gaze flickered across the scene, it landed on the tombstone already standing beside the freshly dug grave.
Aurora Steele.
I hadn’t known for certain where she had been buried before now, but seeing her final resting place… it made sense.
And now, Raiden would be laid beside her.
A warmth spread through me at the thought, despite the sorrow hanging over the funeral.
At least… at least they would be together again.
Dante stood at the forefront, his broad shoulders squared despite the exhaustion weighing on him. Caius stood beside him, gripping the edge of the closed coffin with one hand, his knuckles white.
I took a slow breath, preparing myself for the ceremony.
The funeral began.
The burial process was slow
The Alpha’s final rites were carried out with the utmost respect, following the deep–rooted traditions of the Steele pack.
One by one, the elders stepped forward, murmuring prayers in the old language, their voices low and steady. Their words, spoken in unison, formed a rhythmic chant–a sendoff to guide Raiden’s soul to the afterlife.
Sir Joseph placed a silver coin atop the coffin, a symbolic token for safe passage, before stepping back.
Then, Dante and Caius, as the Alpha’s closest blood relatives, each laid a hand against the coffin in a final gesture of farewell.
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Chapter 122
I watched as Dante’s fingers curled slightly, his jaw tightening as if willing himself to remain composed.
I wanted to reach out, to offer comfort, but I knew this was a moment he had to face on his own.
Slowly, the coffin was lowered into the ground.
The first handful of soil was placed atop it by Dante himself, followed by Caius.
Then the others followed.
As the grave was filled, final words were spoken.
The last prayer was said.
And just like that-
Raiden Steele was gone.
–
Two Weeks Later –
The days passed in a blur after the funeral.
Everything moved forward, whether we were ready or not.
Dante and Caius were thrust fully into their responsibilities without pause, burdened with the weight of leading the pack. Meetings, alliances, financial decisions–everything fell on them now.
Unlike the past life, in this life Dante became the pack Alpha and Caius his second in command.
I barely saw Dante at all.
And when I did, it was only in fleeting moments–brushed fingertips in the hallway, a soft kiss before he disappeared into another meeting.
Or when he came to rest while I was already asleep deep into the night. Even then, by the time I woke up he’d usually be gone.
It had been almost two weeks since I had last been truly alone with him.
And I had still not told him I loved him back.
I sighed, shifting the weight of Castor’s egg in my arms.
I had realized a couple days ago that It had grown considerably in size, now twice as large as before. What had once been the size of a big hamster was now more akin to a small watermelon, heavier and harder to carry around.
Despite that, I never left him behind.
That afternoon, as I made my way downstairs for lunch, I was met with an unexpected surprise.
Daniel was already sitting at the dining table.
And across from him-
Aiden.
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Chapter 122
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I blinked, momentarily thrown off. It had been a couple days since I had last seen Daniel, and even longer since I had seen or talked to Aiden.
I approached the table, glancing at the butler. “Where is everyone?”
For the first time after Raiden’s demise, the butler actually smiled. “They’re running a little late, Luna. The rain delayed the morning meetings, but they should be here soon.”
I had gotten used to being called Luna in my past life, so it wasn’t hard in this life either. But the difference was that here it was said with more love and sincerity while with Jaxon it was more of a mockery.
I nodded, shifting Castor slightly as I turned toward Daniel.
“You look better,” I noted, taking in his appearance.
He really did.
His bandages were gone, his complexion was no longer sickly pale, and he had even gained a bit of weight. He wore a simple black shirt and loose sweatpants, though they looked a bit oversized-
I frowned realizing they looked familiar.
“Are those Caius’s clothes?”
Daniel’s eyes widened, and for the first time since I had met him, I saw the faintest hint of color rise to his cheeks.
He nodded, looking slightly flustered.
My brows lifted in amusement–until I noticed where his eyes flickered.
Aiden.
My curiosity piqued, but before I could comment, I turned toward Aiden, finally acknowledging him properly.
“Hey.”
Aiden barely looked up from his phone.
He gave a small nod. “Hey.”
I sighed, shaking my head. Everyone was drowning themselves in work, and here I was doing nothing but lazing around. Shouldn’t I be doing something too?
I had asked Dante once if I should help with anything as the Luna, but he had only smiled, kissed my forehead, and said-
“All you need to do is relax and spend my money.”
I had laughed at the time, but-
Was that really all I was supposed to do?
I didn’t have to deal with an abusive husband.
I didn’t have to handle pack responsibilities.
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Chapter 122
My baby was growing well inside the egg.
And for the first time in my life… I didn’t have to worry.
Then why did I feel so restless?
Without thinking, I spoke.
“Daniel, want to go shopping?”
The words came out so easily, so naturally, that I almost startled myself.
Hadn’t it been years since I had gone out just for the sake of it?
Daniel blinked at me, looking almost startled by the offer.
His posture stiffened slightly. “Oh… um, there’s no need, Miss Valencia.”
I tilted my head, feeling a slight sting in my chest.
He didn’t want to?
I tried to brush it off, but my mood sank slightly.
Was I just being childish?
I barely realized I had zoned out until Daniel spoke again, his voice suddenly edgier than before.
“Uh, Miss Valencia?”
I blinked. “Yes?”
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His fingers twitched against the edge of the table. He seemed hesitant, like he was working up the courage to say something.
Then, finally-
“Why have you stopped calling me Seven?”
I stared.
What?
I blinked again, thrown off by the sudden question.
“Because your name is Daniel,” I said simply.
He nodded slowly, but there was something uncertain in his gaze.
“But…” He hesitated.
And then, in a quiet voice-
“I like the name you gave me.”
My breath caught.
13:53 Sat, 15 Feb 5
Chapter 122
I wasn’t expecting that.
