Fated by Moon and Sea

Chapter Seven: I'm going to Lunaris

Savannah's POV

"I can't f*****g believe you have a sister, Vannah. Like, what the actual hell? Your dad's been holding out on you for years," Laasya exclaims, arms crossed as she paces my room like she's ready to fight someone.

I groan, rubbing my temples. "Yeah, trust me, I'm still trying to process all of it myself. It's like… what else has he been keeping from me? Because this? This is some next-level shit."

Aurelia, who's been sitting quietly on my bed, finally speaks up. "Maybe it's not as bad as it seems," she says, voice calm but thoughtful. "There could be a good reason he didn't tell you earlier. Parents do dumb things when they think they're protecting us."

Laasya stops pacing long enough to shoot Aurelia a look. "A whole-ass sister, Aurelia. That's not some little oversight. That's major. And from what Vannah said, Alicia was older, which means she's been around for a while. That's years of silence. YEARS."

"Exactly," I muttered, sinking into the oversized chair in my room. "I don't know what's worse—finding out I had a sister or realizing I'll never get the chance to meet her."

Aurelia's wings flutter slightly as she leans forward, golden hair spilling over her shoulder. She's the definition of fairy grace, with all her delicate features and luminous magic. Even when she's deep in thought, she looks like she just stepped out of an ethereal dream.

"Laasya's got a point," Aurelia admits. "But so does your dad. He might've had a reason—maybe even a good one. But that doesn't change the fact that you have a right to be upset. And more than that, you deserve to know the whole truth."

"Damn right," Laasya growls, dropping into the seat across from me. Her cropped dark hair frames her sharp features, and her intense blue eyes flicker with barely contained frustration. As a werewolf shifter, she's always been the most aggressive one between us, but she's also the most loyal. "And whatever you decide, we've got your back. If you need to confront your dad, if you need to storm Lunaris for answers, we'll be right there with you."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "I appreciate the loyalty, but storming Lunaris might not be the best plan. My father already said he'd smooth things over, but it's not like I can just waltz in there like I belong."

"But you do belong," Aurelia says firmly. "Alicia was your sister. That means her children—your niece and nephew—are your family, too. You have every right to be there."

I exhale heavily, rubbing a hand over my face. "Yeah, but what if the Supreme Alphas don't see it that way? There's no real treaty between Aetherium and Lunaris, just that ancient verbal agreement. What if they see my presence as a problem?"

"Then we make them see reason," Laasya says, cracking her knuckles. "And by 'we,' I mean you—because I doubt me kicking their asses will help the political situation."

I chuckle despite myself. "Yeah, let's not start a war. I still have to talk to Orion about all of this. He needs to approve my portal access, and I'm not sure how he's going to react."

Aurelia tilts her head thoughtfully. "Orion loves you. He'll understand why you need to go. Just be honest with him."

"Yeah, but it's politics, Aurelia," I groan. "It's never that simple. He's going to be worried about how this could impact Aetherium's standing with Lunaris. I just hope he trusts me enough to let me handle this."

Laasya places a firm hand on my shoulder. "You'll figure it out. And if Orion acts like an ass about it, we'll handle him."

I grin. "What, you gonna fight the crown prince now?"

"If I have to," Laasya smirks. "Wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to him. He's too pretty for his own good."

Aurelia giggles, and I finally feel a little bit of the tension ease from my chest. No matter what happens, I know I won't be alone in this.

As if on cue, there's a knock at the door. Orion steps inside, effortlessly commanding the space like he always does. His silver-blond hair falls perfectly into place, shimmering under the light, and his deep blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Little Melody," he says, his voice calm but serious. "We need to talk. Alone."

Laasya and Aurelia exchange glances before standing up. "We'll be outside," Aurelia says softly. "Shout if you need us."

"Or punch him if he pisses you off," Laasya adds with a wink before dragging Aurelia out.

Once the door shuts, Orion sighs and gestures to the couch. "Sit with me."

I do, folding my hands in my lap as I brace myself. "I assume my father told you?"

He nods. "You want to go to Lunaris."

"I need to go," I correct. "Alicia was my sister. She left behind children. I need to see them—to make sure they're okay."

Orion exhales, running a hand through his hair. "I get that. But I'm worried. Lunaris is unstable right now. The Supreme Alphas are grieving. They might not be thinking rationally. If they see you as a threat—"

"I won't be a threat," I say firmly. "I just want to pay my respects. I have to do this, Orion. I need to."

He studies me for a long moment before finally nodding. "Alright. But promise me you'll be careful. If anything feels off, you leave immediately."

I nod. "I promise."

He hesitates, then says, "There's something else, Savannah."

I frown. "What is it?"

His jaw tightens. "I knew about Alicia."

The world stills. "You knew?"

"Since before our engagement," he admits. "Your father told me. He wanted me to know everything before we were betrothed. But he made me promise not to tell you."

A sharp pain lances through my chest. "So you've just been pretending all these years? Watching me live my life without ever knowing I had a sister?"

"It wasn't like that," Orion says quickly. "I wanted to tell you. But I swore to your father I wouldn't. I thought I was protecting you."

I stand up, stepping away from him. "I don't need protecting, Orion. I needed the truth."

"I know," he says, voice filled with regret. "And I'm sorry. I'll do whatever it takes to make this right. Just please, don't shut me out."

I stare at him, my emotions tangled in knots. "I don't know what to do with this, Orion. I need time. I need to go to Lunaris. Alone."

His shoulders sag, but he nods. "Alright. But be careful. And if you need me, I'll be here."

I nod, then turn and walk out. My world has been shattered, but one thing is clear—I am going to Lunaris.