Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

Chapter 165

"Aunt Sarah!" Abby squealed, running straight into her arms.

Sarah chuckled and lifted her, spinning her around slightly. "You're going to take off if you keep waving that wand so fast!"

Abby giggled. "Maybe I'll fly like a fairy!"

The warmth in Sarah's chest deepened as she held the little girl close.

Cole stood a few steps away, his expression calm but observant. "I thought you were busy with family plans," he commented.

Sarah hesitated, adjusting Abby in her arms. "Elisa wanted to come here. I just came along to drop her off."

Cole hummed, as if he didn't entirely believe her. "Well, since you're here, why don't you join us?"

Before Sarah could answer, Abby pulled back slightly and pointed toward the sky. "The fireworks are starting!"

A loud boom echoed, followed by an explosion of gold and red across the night sky.

The crowd gasped in awe, and for a moment, Sarah was caught in the magic of it. The colors reflected in Abby's wide, delighted eyes as she clapped her hands together.

"This is the best night ever!" Abby declared.

Sarah felt her tension ease, her lips curving into a genuine smile.

As the festival wound down, Elisa returned to Sarah's side, bidding her friends goodbye.

too late. "Why are

we visiting aunt Laura

words left her lips before she realized Cole was standing

she clamped her mouth shut, eyes darting

air around them grew

entire body tensed, though outwardly, he

*Jaria Sanitarium...*

a secluded facility on the outskirts of the city, designed to

long-term mental health patients. It was not the type of place someone would end up in by

would Sarah's mother be

fixed on the night

saw no change in his expression, no

*Thank goodness.*

of her had dreaded this moment-Cole finding out about her mother. And for now, at least, it seemed she

and turned to Abby, ruffling her hair. "It's getting late. I should take

"Can't you

her go, Abby.

nodded. "Okay... but promise

smiled and nodded.

hand, bidding Cole and Abby

dull gray as if reflecting the somber

the trees blurred past. Elisa sat beside her, uncharacteristically quiet, while Alexander focused on driving. Their grandmother sat in the front seat,

facility, Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat. The building loomed before them-a sterile white structure surrounded