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.

wasn't too late. "Why

we visiting aunt Laura at

before she realized Cole was standing right next

too late, she clamped her

air around them

tensed, though outwardly, he remained

*Jaria Sanitarium...*

was well-known a secluded facility on the outskirts of the city, designed

mental health patients. It was not the type of place someone

would Sarah's mother be

he kept his gaze fixed on the night sky, feigning indifference. The fireworks continued to explode

him, Sarah watched his reaction carefully. But when she saw no change in his expression, no flicker of

*Thank goodness.*

moment-Cole finding out about her mother.

breath and turned to Abby, ruffling her

pouted. "Can't you stay a

her go, Abby.

"Okay... but promise we'll see each other again

and nodded.

bidding Cole and Abby goodnight before driving

dull gray as if reflecting

staring out the window as the trees blurred past. Elisa sat beside her, uncharacteristically quiet, while Alexander

up to the facility, Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat. The building loomed before them-a sterile white structure surrounded by an iron fence, its garden carefully