Mine to Claim

Chapter 55

Fenris frowns, his expression tightening the moment Sierra quietly utters her cryptic words about family and enemies. There's a flicker of confusion in his eyes—maybe even guilt. I think I know who she's referring to. But how does she know? She's been here the entire time, while we uncovered Alcina's betrayal piece by piece.

Did Dragomir tell her? It's possible. He's the only one who's had access to both sides of this fractured story. Still, it's a lot to take in, and the timing feels too precise. Almost as if Sierra had known all along.

Fenris doesn't dwell on it. He brushes past her words, too focused on salvaging what's left between them.

"We can talk about it at home," he says softly, his voice almost pleading. "I promise we'll sort everything out. Just... come back to me."

Sierra's reply is calm, but it lands like a blade.

"Yes, I will return—for Selene. I won't keep her from you. It seems she's more your daughter than mine. She needs her witch-wolf father more than she needs her wolf mother."

The words sting, and Fenris recoils as if struck. His voice cracks as he responds, desperation bleeding through.

"No, no. It's not like that. Please don't say that. What do I have to do to make you believe in me?"

It's a strange sight—watching the young king on the verge of breaking. He's not just apologizing. He's unravelling. And Sierra... she's standing at the edge of despair, not because she's weak, but because she's been strong for far too long.

She exhales slowly, her fingers curling into a tight fist. It's subtle, but I see it—she's fighting herself. Fenris, being an empath, must feel it too. He rises from his chair and extends his hand to her, silently offering a choice.

It's her decision now. Whether she has the strength to believe in him again.

Her eyes flick to Dragomir, who watches the scene with a carefully neutral expression. There's a glint of amusement in his gaze—well hidden, but there. Still, beneath it, I know he's concerned. For both of them. For Nikita too. But Dragomir is an Ancient. His perception is layered, deeper than ours.

He gives a small nod, as if offering Sierra his silent blessing.

She blinks twice, then glances at Selene—still asleep in Dragomir's arms. Her smile is faint, conflicted, but it's there. And then, slowly, she turns back to Fenris and places her hand in his.

He pulls her gently to her feet and wastes no time wrapping her in a fierce embrace. Sierra's hands tremble as they rise to return it. A few tears escape, but she blinks them away. The moment is tender, tragic... and fleeting.

Dragomir clears his throat, stepping around his desk to hand Selene to her parents. Sierra allows Fenris to take her, and he does—his eyes shining with love and relief.

"Thank you," he whispers, glancing at Sierra before pressing a kiss to his daughter's forehead.

"All's well that ends well," Dragomir declares, and I nearly laugh at his clumsy attempt to lighten the mood. Nikita smiles beside me, and I can't wait to have her all to myself again.

Sierra is making her way back home, but the distance between them is still stretching wide with unresolved pain. While her return is signalling a shift, the silence lingering between them is continuing to speak volumes, and the fragile hope of reconciliation is flickering—uncertain, yet refusing to fade.

Dragomir's intentions seem genuine. Fenris has a powerful ally now. Alcina still needs to be dealt with—but that can wait.

And in the meantime, I have something to look forward to. I can finally claim Nikita before the world. Yes, that's a good beginning. If only the royal couple would move their feet a little faster.