21 Inside the pottery studio, the air had finally settled into calm. June mechanically kneaded the clay in her hands, her knuckles turning white from the pressure. Star sat quietly beside her, glancing over every now and then with a worried expression. "Auntie June..." the little girl finally spoke up, her eyes sparkling with concern. "Are you really sad? You just look so unhappy." June paused, forcing a smile. "No, Star, don't worry about me. Just keep working on your little bowl." Dr. Gabriel quietly handed her a cup of warm herbal tea, setting it gently beside her. "Want to take a break?" She shook her head, her gaze falling on the clay bowl she'd only half-shaped-its lopsided form mirroring her tangled emotions. Images of Kai and Cora's tear-streaked eyes kept flashing through her mind, leaving her chest tight with unease. 'They... they look so thin," she murmured, almost to herself. Dr. Gabriel said nothing, simply staying by her side in supportive silence. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow on the worktable where Star's little bowl shimmered gently in the light. 'Uncle," tiny Star thought for a moment before piping up with a suggestion, "let's make a gift for Auntie June! Dr. Gabriel tenderly ruffled his niece's hair. "Sure, Star. What do you want to make?" 'A little house!" Star exclaimed excitedly. "That way, Auntie June can have a new home!" The innocent words hit June like a wave, making her throat tighten with emotion. She watched the little girl earnestly working the clay and Dr. Gabriel guiding her with focused care, suddenly ealizing that, without her even noticing, these two had become a vital part of her life. Star," she asked softly, "why do you want to make me a house?" The girl looked up, her big eyes clear as mountain water. "Because you're not happy, Auntie June. Uncle says home should be a place that makes you happy, so I want to help you feel better." June's eyes reddened again. Dr. Gabriel shifted awkwardly, adjusting his glasses, his ears turning a faint pink. "Kids say the sweetest hings... June, don't let it get to you." Thank you both," June said suddenly, her voice catching, but she quickly laughed through her tears. "Meeting 'ou... it's made me so happy." star threw herself into her arms, wrapping her small hands tightly around June's neck. "Auntie, can we stay ogether forever? Just like a real family!" Dr. Gabriel's hand froze in midair, a piece of clay slipping from his fingers. His eyes met June's, and they both blushed. Star," he said gently, "saying that might put pressure on her. She's..." It's okay." June gave a soft laugh, stroking the little girl's hair, her gaze toward Dr. Gabriel warm and letermined. "I'm honored to be part of your lives." he two pairs of eyes before her lit up like brilliant stars. lune looked at the big and small figures in front of her and couldn't help but smile, the ache in her chest lowly giving way to a fresh sense of peace-a security she hadn't felt in years. Rain had been pouring down on Moonlight Ridge for days, leaving even the herb shop with a slump in business. Yet, a black SUV had been parked stubbornly outside, day after day, never moving. "Auntie June, look at my drawing!" Star dashed over with a crayon masterpiece, bouncing with excitement, but she skidded to a halt when she saw the look on June's face. "Auntie," Star asked tentatively, "are you sad again?" June mustered a faint smile and didn't answer, just took the paper and said, "It's beautiful. Is that a little wolf?" "Yeah!" Star nodded vigorously, then pointed her small hand toward the window. "Is it because those bad people are back, and that's why you're upset?" Dr. Gabriel stepped out from behind the herb shelves, holding a steaming cup of calming tea. He casually positioned himself in front of the window, blocking the view from across the street. "Want me to contact the local supernatural community?" he asked quietly, his eyes fixed on the SUV that had been stationed there for a week. Through the rainy haze, two small figures were faintly visible, pressed against the car window, staring longingly toward the shop. June shook her head, her tone cool. "They'll give up eventually." The rain grew heavier, and suddenly, the car door across the street flew open. Cora stumbled out, fumbling with an oversized black umbrella, and dashed toward the shop. Rain soaked her dress and little boots, but sh didn't care-she just pounded relentlessly on the locked door. "Mom! Please open up!" her childish voice pierced through the downpour, choked with sobs. "I know you're in there! Mom, you see us, so why won't you answer? Do you really not want us anymore?" June's fingers clenched the curtain, her knuckles turning white. Dr. Gabriel moved silently to her side, gently laying his warm palm over her trembling hand. "This is the last time," June said abruptly, her gaze hardening with resolve. "I'm going to put an end to this." With that, she pulled out her phone, found the number she'd blocked ages ago, and sent a message. In the cafe, June chose a seat by the window and waited quietly for the three of them to arrive. It wasn't long before Nicholas walked in with the two pups. He was out of his usual leather jacket today, his simple black shirt wrinkled and clinging to him, dark circles shadowing his eyes. The pups looked just as pitiful, their clothes dirty and worn, as if they'd lost weight and been through hell. "Mom!" Cora lunged at her the moment she saw her, but June sidestepped just in time. "Take a seat," June said, pointing to the chairs opposite, her voice unnaturally calm. Nicholas swallowed hard, struggling to speak. "June, the pups have been having a rough time. They're not well, and without you to look after them... "I know," she cut him off, pulling a manila envelope from her bag. "This is the growth journal I kept for them, from birth right up to now-everything they need for care, all in here. Plus the allergy lists and medical records They're old enough now; I'm sure you can handle it." Nicholas's face drained of color, his voice shaking. "What are you saying? I don't want this... June, don't you get it? We just want you back." June didn't even glance at him, just looked down with a bitter smile and slowly rolled up her left sleeve, revealing a jagged scar. "Remember this? It's from when Kai pushed me down the stairs and I crashed into the stone wall." "That night, I was in the medical den getting stitched up, while you all were at home, cozy as could be with Megan Silvermoon-playing the perfect happy family." Kai's face went ghostly pale; he stared at the scar in horror, his lips quivering. "Mom, I didn't mean it..." June shook her head gently, then lifted her skirt to show the gruesome scar on her leg-a thick, twisted mark that looked like it had torn out a chunk of flesh. "This was from that time I fell off the cliff during the moon ceremony, and you chose her because she was more important, so you left me there bleeding on the rocks." "I came this close to losing the leg entirely." "You all say it was an accident," June's voice was soft but sharp as a blade. "Just like when you accused me of poisoning you with moonlight grass on purpose, and then told everyone how much you hated me." She turned her gaze to Nicholas, her sarcasm unfiltered. "So what about me? Are all the hurts I went through supposed to vanish with a casual 'it wasn't on purpose"?" Cora burst into tears and threw herself forward, trying to grab June's arm. "But we've learned our lesson now! Mom, please come back-we won't do it again!" June watched her daughter cry her eyes out, but strangely, she felt nothing but calm-no familiar pang twisting inside her. She just sat there quietly, waiting for the sobs to fade. "I used to..." she began slowly, each word scraping out of her chest like it hurt. "I used to love you all so much. Cora was so small when she was born, and I sat by her bedside for seven straight days and nights." "When Kai got picked on by older pups and wouldn't go to training, I walked him to the practice grounds every day... I memorized all your favorite foods and made special meals for you by hand..." "But love runs out eventually." "When you pushed me down those stairs and said you never wanted to see me again, and chose Megan Silvermoon as your mom... that's when it all ended between us." "I'm here today to tell you," June stood up, tucking the coffee money under her cup, her words deliberate and final, "I'm not coming back. This isn't about punishing you; it's because I've built a new life for myself. I don't want to get stuck in the old mess anymore, tied to you without any real reason." She turned and walked out without hesitation, Cora's heart-wrenching cries echoing behind her, but her steps didn't falter for a second. "Mom! Please, don't leave us!" June pushed open the cafe door, and across the street, Dr. Gabriel stood waiting by the car with Star. The little girl spotted her immediately and broke free from her uncle's hand, running over. "Auntie June!" Star threw herself into June's arms, her small hands anxiously touching June's face. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" June bent down and scooped up the girl, planting a kiss on her soft cheek. "I'm fine, sweetie. Let's go home." Dr. Gabriel approached, not saying a word, just gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders. The three of them walked toward the car, their figures harmonious in the sunlight. Back in the cafe, Cora's cries slowly died down. Nicholas stared out the window, watching June climb into that unfamiliar sedan, the little girl snuggling close in her lap, and the gentle man tenderly helping her with her seat belt... "Dad," Kai tugged at his father's shirt, his voice laced with a fear he'd never known before, "is Mom... really done with us for good?" Nicholas didn't answer. The certainty he'd felt before coming here had vanished completely. This time, it seemed they had truly lost June for good. June stood on the balcony, gazing out at Star in the yard as she watered the herb garden. The little girl was in a pale yellow dress, humming an off-key tune while she skipped around, looking utterly delighted. "What's on your mind?" A pair of warm hands slid around her from behind, and Dr. Gabriel rested his chin gently on her shoulder. Hel still carried the faint scent of medicinal herbs, a clear sign he'd just gotten home from the healing center. I'm thinking..." June hadn't even turned around yet when a laugh bubbled up. "About the first time we met, when you brought Star to buy books about herbs." Dr. Gabriel let out a low chuckle, his eyes behind his glasses brimming with tenderness. "Back then, I already thought to myself, how is this girl from school still so beautiful after all this time?" "You're such a smooth talker." June gave his shoulder a light tap, laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath. Their laughter caught Star's attention in the yard. The little girl dropped her watering can and dashed up the stairs like a fluttering butterfly. "Uncle! Auntie June! What are you two whispering about?" Dr. Gabriel bent down and scooped up his niece, planting a kiss on her dirt-smudged cheek. "Uncle's just asking Auntie June if she wants to stay with us forever." Star's eyes lit up instantly, and she clutched tightly at June's clothes. "Really? Is Auntie June going to be with us forever?" June felt her heart go soft, as if it had been steeped in warm honey. She took Star into her arms and nodded under the girl's eager gaze. "If Star wants that, of course." "I do! I do!" Star cheered, wrapping her arms around June's neck, then twisting to look at Dr. Gabriel. "Uncle, put the ring on Auntie June right now-just like they do on TV!" Dr. Gabriel's ears turned pink as he fished a small velvet box from his pocket and dropped to one knee. "June Blackstone," his voice trembled slightly, "will you..." "I will." She cut him off with a firm answer, tears glistening in her eyes but a joyful smile on her lips. Their mating ceremony was set for three months later. On the day itself, the mountain sun shone brighter than anyone expected. June walked down the forest path in a simple white dress, holding a bouquet of wildflowers that Star had picked for her, surrounded by well-wishes from the small mountain pack as she made her way to Dr. Gabriel. When the pack elder declared them officially mated, Star couldn't hold back and leaped into June's arms, calling out in a clear, bright voice, "Mama!" At the edge of the gathering stood three lonely figures-one adult and two pups, standing apart and isolated. "I'll handle it," Dr. Gabriel whispered, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "No, I'll go myself." June took a deep breath, lifted her skirt, and headed for the forest edge. The moment she approached, Cora rushed forward. "Mom! You look so beautiful today!" June stepped back, dodging the embrace, and said coolly, "What are you doing here?" Nicholas's eyes fixed on the mating ceremony behind her, his voice hoarse with regret. "We don't mean any harm... We just wanted to wish you well." "I don't need it," June replied calmly. "Please leave." Her words were quiet but carried a weight that hit hard. Nicholas's face drained of color instantly. He reached out to grab the two sobbing pups, his gaze tinged with desperation. "Kai, Cora... Let's go." "No!" Cora wrenched free from her father's grip and clung to June's leg, breaking down in tears. "Mom, please just look at me! Please look at me!" June gazed down at the daughter she had once cherished and held dear, but she didn't bend down-she simply gently pried the small hands away. "Goodbye, Cora Blackstone, and Kai Blackstone. Don't come looking for me again. Go live your new lives." "I'm starting my own new life now." As she turned away, the sound of Nicholas's stifled sobs and the pups' gut-wrenching cries echoed behind her. But when she stepped back into the ceremony and saw Star running toward her with a little flower baske and Dr. Gabriel smiling in the sunlight, those noises faded into something distant and meaningless. Later, June heard from pack gossip that the Blackstone family wasn't doing well. After Megan Silvermoon was thrown out, the pack house had fallen into complete chaos. Nicholas was buried in territorial disputes, the two pups were sent to boarding school, and their behavior had grown increasingly wild. They'd even tried to come to Moonlight Ridge to find her once more, but pack security had turned them away at the borders. Sometimes, June would dream of the past-dreams of staying up all night tending to Kai during his terrible fevers, or the bright smiles on the pups' faces the first time they called her mom. When she woke, Dr. Gabriel always noticed right away, pulling her into his arms for a soft, comforting whisper. "June... do you ever regret it?" he asked hesitantly one time. June shook her head as she watched two stray kittens playing with Star in the yard. "Life's happy now, and the future's full of light. I won't look back." Just then, Star came bounding over with the two kittens in her arms, her face smudged with bits of grass as she beamed. "Mama! Aren't they adorable? Can we keep them?" "Of course we can," June said with a smile, gently stroking the sweat-dampened cheek of the little girl. "This is our home, and you get to decide." Sunlight filtered through the pine trees, casting dappled shadows over the three of thern. The dark clouds that had once hung over her were gone for good, never to cast their shadow again.