Fated by Moon and Sea

Chapter Six: The Family I Never Had

Chapter Six: The Family I Never Had

Savannah POV

My feet crunched in the stony gravel as I went from the cliff towards my house on the east end. I lived on the palace grounds with Dad and Selene, the Prime Alpha and Luna. The place was guarded twenty-four-seven, so I didn't bother concentrating on my surroundings as I trekked to our house.

Even though Aetherium was home to all types of shifters, whether wolves, lycans, or even dragons—which were a dying breed—we were also home to creatures such as vampires and mermaids. But above them all ruled Orion's parents—King and Queen Oberon and Rosana—a Triton and Siren, just like my father, Selene, and my quintuplet brothers. Just like me, I suppose. But it didn't feel right. Why did the thought of me being a siren, even though having manifested as one and lured the next king of Aetherium, not excite me one bit but create this feeling that something was missing? That I was a stranger in this mix. It was a realization that hit me like a ton of bricks, a weight I couldn't shake off.

The feeling started manifesting when I turned sixteen; it was like a nagging bumblebee, always buzzing around but not so important that it couldn't be swatted away. Then, the moment I turned seventeen, and with it a few months, and with only six months leading towards my eighteenth, that bee became a swarm of them, that no matter the swatting, they didn't seem to go away.

I've contemplated going to Lunaris trying to find answers, maybe even visit my dead biological mother's family, track them down and talk to them. The urge was so strong, but whenever I finally decided to go, I thought, what would I say to that family? Father had mentioned that my biological mother's family didn't want her to keep me. As a result, I came to Aetherium with my father. Why would they want to talk to me now, almost decades later? But the urge to go to Lunaris was so intense these past few days that it was like a boulder on my chest.

When I finally made my way towards my place, the massive house—more like a mansion—loomed over me in ivory colour. The grand foyer was a stunning blend of modern architecture and ancient mysticism. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, and the walls were lined with portraits of my ancestors, each seeming to watch over the house with a protective gaze. The marble floors gleamed under the soft, ambient lighting, and the air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine and sandalwood.

I made my way up the sweeping staircase, my fingers trailing along the polished wooden railing. The hallways were lined with rich tapestries and ornate mirrors, reflecting the luxury of my surroundings.

Reaching my room, I paused to glance at myself in the mirror. My heart-shaped face stared back at me with its high cheekbones and smooth, fair skin with a sun-kissed glow. My large, almond-shaped sea-green eyes, flecked with silver, seemed to shimmer under the light. My deep indigo hair, with lighter blue and purple streaks, cascaded down my back in soft, voluminous waves. My full, naturally rosy lips formed a thoughtful pout.

I needed to change from my denim shorts and crop top into something more formal. It was the way of the siren court. We weren't considered the most beautiful creatures for nothing.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my delicate silk dress. It exuded elegance and refinement. The ivory fabric contrasted beautifully with my deep indigo hair, the lighter blue and purple streaks catching the light. The lace detailing at the neckline and sleeves added a touch of timeless grace. I completed the look with vintage pearl earrings and a matching necklace, feeling like I had stepped out of a different era.

Satisfied with my appearance, I went downstairs to my father's study. The house was quiet, the only sound being the soft echo of my footsteps on the marble floor. As I reached the heavy wooden door of the study, I took a deep breath before knocking lightly.

"Come in," came my father's voice from inside.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the room. My father, Asher, looked up from his desk with a warm smile. The study was filled with bookshelves that reached the ceiling, the air rich with the scent of old leather and parchment.

"Orion told me you wanted to talk," I said, closing the door behind me.

"Yes, Savannah, please have a seat," my father replied, gesturing to the chair across from him.

I sat down, smoothing out my dress, and looked at him expectantly. The seriousness in his eyes made me uneasy.

My father was an imposing figure, with a strong, commanding presence that filled the room. His face was chiselled and rugged, with high cheekbones and a firm jawline that spoke of strength and resolve. His skin was tanned, hinting at years spent under the sun, and a few silver streaks ran through his thick, dark hair, adding a distinguished touch to his appearance. His eyes, piercing blue eyes, held a depth of wisdom and experience, but today, they seemed clouded with something else—perhaps regret or sorrow.

"I need to tell you something important about your past," he began, leaning forward slightly. "Something I've kept from you for a long time."

I nodded, urging him to continue.

"It all started many years ago before you were born," he said, his voice taking on a wistful tone. "Selene and I had a falling out. We were destined partners, but sometimes, even fate can't keep two people together. I was angry, hurt, and felt betrayed. I left Aetherium and found myself in Lunaris."

My spine stiffened. There it was again-Lunaris.

"In Lunaris, I met your biological mother, Liora," my father continued. She was unlike anyone I had ever met—beautiful, strong, and full of life. It was a whirlwind romance. We were drawn to each other in an almost magical way. Her mate had died not too long ago. We knew I wasn't her second chnace fated mate, and my destined partner was Selene, but regardless, I believed we loved one another. It was not an all-consuming but a safe, healing love. We knew she was pregnant with you."

I listened, my heart pounding in my chest. This was the story I had always wanted to hear but needed to figure out how to ask for.

"But as much as I loved Liora, I knew I couldn't stay in Lunaris. I had responsibilities here in Aetherium and needed to reclaim my position as Prime Alpha. So, I returned and reconciled with Selene. We tried to rebuild our family, to move past the hurt and betrayal. For you and your brothers."

"Why are you telling me all this now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Because, Savannah, there's more you need to know," my father said, his expression sombre. "Liora made me promise never to let you return to Lunaris. She knew something, something she never told me. She believed it would be dangerous for you to go back."

"Then why are you telling me this now?" I repeated, feeling a mix of confusion and fear.

My father looked at me with a pitying expression. "Because your biological mother had child with her destined mate before he passed. Your half-sister, Alicia."

Alicia. The name felt like a jolt to my system. I had heard it in hushed whispers and fragmented conversations between my father and Selene, but I never knew who she was.

"She passed away recently," my father said softly. "Her funeral is tomorrow. There's no one left from her family, Savannah. I thought you should go to put your sister to rest."

The room seemed to spin around me. Alicia, my half-sister, was gone. A sister I had no clue about. Did she know I existed? If she did, did she ever want to meet me? How did she look? Did she have a mate or kids? The question swamped my mind.

I was supposed to go to her funeral, to a place that was deemed dangerous for me. The weight of the revelation settled heavily on my shoulders, a mix of shock, grief, and an overwhelming sense of duty. I felt a tear slip down my eye. I did not know my sister, but it felt like I lost a part of myself despite that.

I looked at my father, searching for answers in his eyes. "Why now? Why tell me all of this when it's too late?"

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Because you deserve to know the truth, and despite the danger, you have a right to say goodbye to your sister. It's a decision only you can make, Savannah."

My mind raced, trying to process everything. The room, the house, and the world felt different now as if I were seeing it through a new lens.

"Did Alicia know about me?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

My father sighed, leaning back in his chair, his expression pensive. "I don't know, Savannah. Liora didn't keep in touch with me after I left Lunaris. When she and her mate died a couple of years ago, the only news I had of Alicia was that she had become a doctor and was mated to the Supreme Alpha twins, Isaiah and Josiah Stark. They govern the werewolf realm of Lunaris."

The Supreme Alpha twins, Isaiah and Josiah Stark, resonated with an almost palpable power and authority. I had heard whispers of them, legends of their strength and leadership. But what was weird was the tingles on my spine hearing their names.

How did she die?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My father's face grew sombre, the lines of worry deepening. "According to my sources, Alicia died in childbirth. Despite being a werewolf, she suffered from severe internal bleeding, specifically from a condition called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). It's a rare, life-threatening condition where abnormal blood clotting occurs throughout the body's blood vessels, leading to excessive bleeding. Even with her werewolf healing abilities, she couldn't survive it."

The colour drained from my face as I processed his words. Alicia, my sister, had died bringing life into the world. And now, she had left her children behind. The thought of those little ones growing up without their mother twisted my heart in ways I couldn't explain.

"I'll leave for Lunaris right away," I said, standing up abruptly.

"Savannah, wait—" my father began, but I cut him off.

"No, Dad. I need to go. I need to be there for her children, for my family. They deserve to know that they're not alone." My voice was firm, resolute. I felt a surge of determination coursing through me.

My father looked at me with a mixture of pride and worry. "I understand. But please, be careful. Lunaris is not without its dangers, especially for someone like you."

I nodded, already making a mental list of what I needed to pack. My heart was pounding, and my mind was racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. I had to go to Lunaris, say goodbye to Alicia, and meet the family I never knew I had.