Charlene
The drive to the airport was filled with the children's chatter as they showed off their gifts, and I couldn't help but smile as I listened to their comments about the gifts.
"I'm going to wear my tiara all day," Dawn declared proudly, holding her head high. Everyone said she was like me, but that wasn't entirely true. I had never cared about being a princess.
I hated it because my life got ruined because of it.
"I have a flute!" Drew exclaimed, raising it triumphantly. "I am going to play it in Daddy's castle."
Damien, meanwhile, was quietly reading his book, completely absorbed.
"What do the children like?" Draven asked suddenly, his question catching me off guard.
I frowned in confusion. "Why do you ask?"
He hesitated, glancing back at the children. I followed his gaze and realized the intent behind his question. "I just want to know what they like," he said softly.
A small smile touched my lips. For the rest of the drive, I told him about their favorite foods, hobbies, and bedtime stories, and he listened with rapt attention and wrote some of it on his notepad.
I knew he was bent on understanding the kids there, which warmed my heart. Even though we had bad blood, he didn't want it to affect the children.
When we reached the airport, we boarded Draven's private jet. A doctor was already on board to monitor Damien in case of any emergencies. His surgery couldn't be delayed beyond the coming week, and Draven had promised to ensure everything was arranged immediately upon arrival.
The flight to the werewolf realm lasted eighteen hours. At some point, I drifted off to sleep, holding Damien close. Woke up a few times to make sure the children eat until it was nightfall and everyone including Damien fell asleep.
When I woke, Draven was gently shaking my shoulder. The children were still asleep, each clutching their gifts tightly. "We have landed," he announced.
"Alright," i said quietly.
He carried Drew and Dawn out of the plans while I held Damien.
A limousine awaited us, and we were driven straight to the Royal Mansion.
I sat in silence throughout the ride, fear knotting in my stomach. My return felt like stepping back into a nightmare. The Royal Mansion was filled with ghosts of my past—pain, betrayal, and judgment.
"Are you alright?" Draven asked, glancing at me. "If you need to say something before we arrive, now's the time."
I took a deep breath and finally voiced the fear that had haunted me throughout the journey. "Do you think your mother will be pleased to see us?"
"You don't have to worry, Charlene," Draven replied. "I spoke to my mother yesterday and told her I had a surprise for her. You and I are no longer in a relationship, so her opinion of you shouldn't concern you."
His words stung more than I wanted to admit. I had never asked him if he'd remarried or if there was a new Luna Queen. I had only been focused on Damien's survival. Still, his cold reminder pierced deep.
"The children are the only reason we're together again," Draven said firmly. "Don't start imagining anything else between us, Charlene. I'll play my part for their sake, nothing more."
"I understand," I said quietly, forcing a small smile. "I'm doing this for the children, too—especially Damien. Don't worry, Draven. I have no fantasies about us."
He said nothing more, though I could occasionally feel his eyes on me. Each time I caught him looking, he quickly turned away or pretended to rest.
I shut my eyes, holding Damien close, but sleep never came. My mind replayed the pain I'd left behind and the storm I was returning to.
Two hours later, Kylan's voice broke the silence. "Your Highness, we've arrived at the Royal Mansion."
My heart pounded in my chest. Even as Draven stepped out, I remained still for a moment, whispering, "You can do this, Charlene." Finally, I stepped out of the limousine, holding Damien tightly.
The mansion loomed ahead—grand, cold, and painfully familiar. Some things had changed: a new sculpture of a werewolf guarded the entrance, and a fountain sparkled beside a marble pathway. But the air still carried the same heavy tension I remembered.
As we approached, the heavy doors opened, and ten royal guards emerged in black uniforms, bowing their heads before Draven. Behind them followed five maids—and then her
The former Luna Queen. My greatest fear. Draven's Mother.
She was as elegant as ever—beautiful, regal, and cruel. Her bright smile faltered the moment her gaze shifted toward me.
Two women trailed behind her, but I barely noticed them. I kept my eyes on the ground, praying she wouldn't recognize me immediately.
"Draven!" her sharp voice rang out. "So glad you're back, just in time for the royal ball." Before he could answer, she frowned at seeing the children in his arms. "Why are you carrying children?"
Draven cleared his throat. "Remember when I told you I had a surprise for you?"
"Yes," she said suspiciously. "What is it?"
Draven turned and stepped aside, revealing me. "This is Charlene," he said clearly. "The mother of my children."
Silence followed. It was so thick that the sound of my heartbeat filled my ears. I was practically shaking where I stood.
"Raise your head," the Luna Queen commanded as she strode toward me. I hesitated, but her perfume, roses, and authority reached me before her hand did. She gripped my chin harshly and forced my face up.
"You!" she gasped, her eyes wide with fury. Then, without warning, her hand struck my cheek.
The slap echoed through the courtyard, and pain burned across my skin.
"How dare you come back here?" she shouted. "You're alive?"
Her voice trembled with disbelief and rage, and all I could do was tighten my hold on Damien, praying I wouldn't drop him as the nightmare of my past came crashing back to life just as I expected.