Fragments of a Vow

Caelum and Liam answered in unison, "We're not tired at all!"

Liam held her hand. His eyes were sparkling. "It's something I'm doing for you. I could never be tired, Mom."

Caelum gently pinched her cheek with affection. "Sera, no matter how busy or exhausting pack affairs are, the moment I see you, all my fatigue disappears. Besides, today is our anniversary. We celebrate it every year. No matter how busy I am, I'll still come back."

Seraphina simply smiled and said nothing more.

Caelum set down the cake and immediately went to the kitchen. He had given all the maids the day off and planned to personally cook several of her favorite dishes for their anniversary.

Liam refused to be outdone. He pulled over a small stool. Then, he began to cut some fruit to make juice.

They busied themselves the whole morning. By the time all the dishes were finally placed on the table, it was already afternoon.

Caelum lit the candle shaped like a seven. He held her hand with eyes filled to the brim with love.

He said appreciatively, "Sera, if you hadn't stayed by my side back then…"

Liam clapped enthusiastically beside them. "Wow! This is so romantic, Mom and Dad!"

Then, Caelum's shrill ringtone shattered the warm atmosphere.

Seraphina retracted her hand and handed him the phone. The name Rayna flashed repeatedly on the screen.

Caelum smiled and said he wouldn't answer anyone's calls today, but Seraphina still insisted on giving it to him. When he saw the name, he hesitated for a brief second before finally picking up.

"Sera, it's my assistant. I'm worried there's a pack emergency. Give me a moment," he said.

With that, he stepped aside to take the call. And when he returned, he wore the familiar and predictable apologetic expression.

"Sera, I'm sorry. Something urgent happened in the pack. I have to go," Caelum said.

Liam didn't know what the caller had said, but he had seen Rayna's name on the screen. So, he jumped off his chair and ran to Caelum.

"Mom, I want to go too! I can help you supervise Dad so he finishes faster and comes home sooner!" Liam made up an excuse.

As she looked at the pair who were secretly eager to leave, Seraphina nodded lightly.

"Go on, then."

Caelum let out a silent breath of relief. He picked Liam up, and the two kissed her on each cheek.

"Wait for us to come back," he said.

"See you soon, Mom!" Liam chirped.

They hurried out the door and didn't even notice Seraphina's odd silence.

Caelum and Liam had no idea that this would be the last time the three of them would ever be together.

Once Seraphina saw that Caelum's car was out of sight from the window, she threw the burnt-out candle and the cake into the trash. She then went to the bedroom, picked up the prepared folder, and stepped out of the mansion.