After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 121

Before Nora could react, Abby broke free from Cole’s grip and ran straight into her arms.

Nora caught her easily, surprised but touched by the enthusiasm.

Cole approached with a small smile. “We’re here for the festival. Abby wouldn’t stop talking about the Moonlit Rite tonight.”

Abby pouted up at Nora, her big eyes full of unspoken hope. “Come with us?”

Nora hesitated.

She hadn’t planned on staying. Festivals weren’t the same anymore. She didn’t want to be surrounded by people and

reminded of what she had lost.

But then she caught something in Cole’s expression.

He had been watching her.

Not in a way that was intrusive, but in a way that told her he had noticed. He had seen her walking alone in the crowd, surrounded by laughter yet untouched by it.

Had he followed her intentionally? Something about the way he stood there, the quiet patience in his gaze, made her suspect that he had. And the strange thing was… she didn’t mind. Nora looked down at Abby, whose small hands clung to her coat.

Maybe, just for tonight… She could pretend.

She could be a part of something again.

A sudden surge of acceptance came through and she was about to say ‘Yes‘ to their kind offer that suddenly something stopped her words in the mouth…

saw three familiar figures appearing

other than Arnold, Linda, and Alex who had arrived for

when her gaze landed on them. Her breath hitched, a cold shock running through her veins,

the soft glow of the ceremonial fires, an effortless smile gracing her lips. But it was Alex–the boy who once clung to Nora without hesitation–who truly made her stomach twist.

Linda’s hand.

98.4%

Chapter 121

edges of her thoughts

hesitation immediately. His dark eyes flickered toward the same direction, landing on the trio. There was no change in his expression, no sharp intake of breath or visible reaction, yet somehow, she knew he had taken in every detail just as swiftly

coaxing her attention back.

a second to remember what they had been talking about. Her mind struggled to reorient itself, to pull away from the

watching her expectantly, waiting for an

Nora exhaled quietly.

no reason for her

“Alright, Let’s go.”

did he linger. With an easy grace, he matched her pace as they made

The center of the festival had been transformed into a breathtaking display of tradition and history. White furs draped over wooden structures, pine boughs wove together to create intricate decorations, and soft lanterns cast a warm

the center, a massive flame burned bright, surrounded by dancers moving in synchronized, fluid movements that imitated the rhythm of the hunt–the way wolves stalked, ran, and struck their prey. Each step

the music and energy of the festival pull her away from lingering

stepping slightly closer until he

to take some pictures for you?”

simple, casual, but it made her

wasn’t someone who usually indulged in taking pictures, but something about the way he offered made it feel like an anchor, a reminder that she was still here, still part of this moment, despite

a moment of hesitation, she nodded. “Alright.”

out his phone, motioning for her to pose. She went along with it, standing near the backdrop of falling snow and flickering flames. The first few shots were just her alone, then Abby