Fragments of a Vow

Ten years ago, Seraphina had first met Caelum at a sanatorium on the outskirts of the city.

The sanatorium had long since become abandoned. Creeping ivy covered the desolate building.

Seraphina followed the route engraved in her memory. She would take a few steps and stop along the way. Various memories of her time with Caelum flashed through her mind.

When they first met, Caelum ignored her existence completely. Gradually, he grew used to her presence. Then, at long last, there came the moment he held her tightly in a torrential downpour and refused to let go.

Seraphina stopped beneath the large oak tree in the garden at the back. The tree that had been lush a decade ago still stood tall and vigorous now.

Her fingers brushed the trunk where two names were carved. By now, they had faded so much that they were almost invisible. In her mind, she saw again that nervous young man who had a stubborn look in his eyes that was full of love for her.

He had said that he would only ever love her in this lifetime. He had also said that he wouldn't let her leave him and that they would be together forever.

After that, he had carved their names carefully on the tree trunk with an intensely serious expression.

However, as time went by, he split his heart into two. Half of it still belonged to her, but the other half had gone to another she-wolf. His so-called "forever" lasted no longer than ten years.

The 19-year-old Caelum would never know that his 29-year-old self would lose Seraphina forever.

Seraphina dug a small hole bit by bit using a stone. She placed the folder she brought inside and covered it carefully with soil.

With that done, she used her transmission crystal to send Caelum one last message.

He answered almost immediately. His voice was as gentle as ever. "Sera, what's wrong? Do you need something?"

She looked at the oak tree and asked softly, "Do you still remember the oak tree at the sanatorium?"

Caelum had a smile on his face when he responded, "Of course. I remember confessing my love to you under that tree. Time really flies. It's been almost ten years since then."

Seraphina smiled as well. "Good. I buried a gift for you and Liam under that tree. Don't forget to come get it."

"Liam heard what you said and got all excited. I'm looking forward to it too. Once we're done with the pack matters, we'll go get it. Tonight, the three of us can look at it together at home," Caelum said.

Seraphina didn't respond and simply ended the call.

There would never again be the three of them. She knew they would not return home that night.

And she would never return.

From this moment on, the Blackwood pack would no longer have a Luna named Seraphina.

At long last, she heard the Will of the Moon Goddess, who had been silent all the while, speak to her telepathically. "My child, preparations for the separation ritual have been done. Are you sure you want to leave?"

"Yes," Seraphina whispered.

The moment the word left her lips, a blinding column of moonlight descended from the sky and formed a glowing sky corridor. A fierce wind rose, shaking the oak tree and sending its leaves swirling through the air.

Without a moment's hesitation, Seraphina stepped into the light.

She thought solemnly, "Caelum and Liam, we shall never meet again."