Lara's Pov
As my hand trembled, an old man entered my room, accompanied by the woman who had shed tears over my return. Our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat. Was she my mother? And was the man beside her truly the Lycan King?
"She was our child. The DNA test confirmed that she is the lost princess," the Lycan King said to the woman, causing her to cry out with overwhelming emotion. I longed to walk towards her, but the doctor advised me to rest and refrain from exertion.
Seeking permission, my mother approached me, and when she stood before me, tears cascaded down my cheeks like a river. She embraced me tightly, and I closed my eyes, feeling an overwhelming rush of joy. In that moment, I sensed her love, sorrow, and happiness—an amalgamation of emotions from her long wait to reunite with her lost child. As someone who had never met my parents before, the happiness of being with my biological parents now filled my heart with joy.
The subsequent events were a blur, but now we were all together, happy, and engaged in conversation about life. My mother lay on the bed, hugging me as if I were still a little girl. Though I couldn't deny the comfort of her embrace, I felt even more happiness in this newfound connection.
"You are beautiful," my mom said, sweeping away the hair that obscured my face.
"She looks just like you," the Lycan King remarked.
"Thank you. I didn't know how to react, but this is the happiest moment of my life. When I learned of my adoption, I thought my biological parents didn't love me and had abandoned me like garbage," I confided in them.
This was no lie; thoughts of being discarded like trash haunted me, especially after Adam rejected me as his Luna. He desired a more esteemed mate, one he could proudly present to others. Yet, how could I have considered myself worthy of such honor when I believed my biological parents didn't love me? My adoptive parents never divulged the details of how they found me, always emphasizing that our past didn't matter; they loved me as their own, and I truly felt that love, even from my brother Henry.
"No, we would never do that. I am sorry you ever felt abandoned. You will never feel that way again, I promise," my mother reassured, hugging me tightly.
My gaze shifted to my father, his face etched with concern. He had looked this way before, but he kept his thoughts to himself. It wasn't my place to inquire about the King's worries.
"It is my fault for not keeping an eye on you and allowing you to leave the palace," he finally confessed.
In response, I reached out my hand to touch him. His eyes shifted from my hand to my face, and I offered him the sweetest smile I could muster. "It wasn't your fault... father." It was challenging for me to address him as such, as I had considered referring to him as King. But my mother had encouraged me to call him father.
"I agree with our daughter. We shouldn't let the past haunt us every day. Let us leave those dark memories behind and create new ones," my mother chimed in.
I didn't want to dwell on the past either. I desired to make new, positive memories with my newfound family. The past was part of our lives, but it need not chain us to sorrow. I yearned for freedom and happiness, which my parents could undoubtedly provide.
"Our daughter is right. We should not allow the past to dictate our present. Let us create new memories together, filled with love," my mother declared.
Her words brought an even broader smile to my lips. After everything we had been through, we were finally embracing our new life together. We would complete our family through love and understanding. This day had arrived beyond my wildest imaginings.
I vowed to become a better version of myself for them, never repeating the same mistakes. From now on, I would strive to forget my love for Adam. He deserved happiness, even if it meant being without me. Should we meet again in the future, I would ensure my feelings for him were no longer as intense.
As my mom, the Lycan King, and I discussed our lives, the King revealed plans for a party to introduce me to his friends. I had never experienced such an event before and felt slightly apprehensive about meeting new people. However, I reminded myself to change my mindset and embrace my new life as a princess. It was a challenge, but I was determined to succeed.
"We will hold a party for your eighteenth birthday," my mother shared, and I looked at her expectantly.
"Will my ability to change my form come forth at that age?" I inquired, seeking confirmation of what Lady Malia had told me.
"Yes, and afterward, you'll need training to master it. My friend's son, Graham, will be your personal trainer," my father replied.
"You'll meet Graham soon. He's a nice and handsome young man," my mother teased. I chuckled at her comment, though I felt uncertain about the idea of getting close to someone again. Adam's rejection still lingered in my heart, and I didn't want to repeat past mistakes.
Regardless, I resolved to face this challenge as the new Lara. I was no longer the same person I once was—I was ready to be the best version of myself.