Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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I was curious when Ash called me and Duke to join him in the study early in the morning. My curiosity morphed in surprise when I saw that Luca was there as well.

Duke and I sat on the sofa, and he immediately held my hand in his. He is clingy and I love it. There is a dose of comfort and security that envelops me whenever he holds my hand and I wondered if he feels the same.

Luca was sitting on the sofa chair, and Ash stood straight, facing us.

Ash thanked us all for coming and then turned to Duke.

"I reflected on everything you said last night, and I want to ask you for a favor, but first, I need to apologize."

Ash looked guiltily at Luca, and I wondered when did Duke talk to Ash. I guessed that it happened last night, while I was in the study with Lazarus.

"I am sorry.", Ash said to Luca. "I promised that I won't touch Zoe until her eighteenth birthday and if you didn't come when you did, I would break that promise."

Luca's expression was unreadable, but I could see specs of golden in his eyes as his wolf wanted to come out and probably erupt in another fight.

After a brief silence, Ash continued. "I will talk to Zoe and explain the situation so that she doesn't blame you."

"No need.", Luca responded coldly. "Zoe should know that what I did was for her benefit. She won't blame me."

"I will still talk to her and apologize." Ash extended his hand toward Luca who narrowed his eyes in response. "Friends?"

"I don't believe that you won't do it again if you get a chance. If you cross the line, I will beat you up."

I never heard Luca speak so firmly.

Ash smirked. "I'm counting on it."

Luca nodded and put his hand in Ash's.

"This is valid until Zoe's eighteenth birthday.", Ash said without releasing Luca's hand.

Luca's expression darkened, but he didn't respond.

How on earth can a seventeen years-old boy be so intense, I had no idea.

The atmosphere between Ash and Luca was stiff but it warmed my heart to see that this happened without me needing to intervene. Whatever Duke said to Ash last night, it worked.

I took a mental note to talk to Ash and discuss what exactly he is planning to say to Zoe.

Next, Ash turned to Duke and me.

"I hope that I can do an internship at Eclipse. I promise to work hard and not mess this up."

Duke glanced at me before responding, "Finish the remaining courses and we will talk."

"That's the favor I wanted to ask." Ash fidgeted for a moment. "I was wondering if I can start earlier."

Both Duke and I frowned, and Ash quickly spoke, "I have only a handful of lessons to attend and three exams, and that will be online. I can do it from London. Mr. Orsini, you said that you wouldn't take anyone without a college degree and that I have this opportunity because I'm under Seraphina's care, right?"

Duke nodded and Ash continued, "You are already overlooking my lack of education which is telling me that this opportunity is about showing resolve and how quickly I can learn. I am willing to do that."

"You want to go to London before you finish high school?", I asked, just to make sure I understood what Ash's goal is.

Ash confirmed. "I'm ready. Today, tomorrow, any day is fine. I decided that this is what I want to do and there is no reason to delay. If I slack with my education or with work, you can send me back."

I was caught unprepared for this. Can Ash live on his own? Does he know what it all means? From a firm structure that Fynn's place provides, Ash will be on his own. That is a lot of freedom but also a lot of responsibility. Clothes, food, bills, cleaning, even waking up in the morning… he will need to manage.

And another thing... Duke mentioned the internship at Eclipse only two days ago. How can Ash be so confident that this internship is a good idea? I told myself not to overthink it. Ash can do his best, and maybe it doesn't work out.

As a werewolf, Ash has hundreds of years to try different careers and this is a golden opportunity. I shouldn't obstruct him from exploring the possibilities.

I glanced at Duke.

Duke saw my unspoken questions and gave me a small nod of assurance that he got it figured out. "I told Ash that during his internship, I will prepare where he can stay. I will keep an eye on Ash and if he causes any trouble, he will need to pack his things."

I didn't like that Duke went so far with this plan, and he even made promises to Ash, without consulting me. Does he know what it takes to watch over a teenager? And Ash is a werewolf!

Maybe Duke spoke vaguely, but I could see Ash's enthusiasm to start as soon as possible.

I wanted to clarify a few points first before giving a response to Ash.

"Is there anything else you wish to say?", I asked Ash and when he shook his head, I sent him and Luca out. I needed to talk to Duke in private.

"What exactly did you tell him?"

Duke's brows furrowed with concern. "You don't approve?"

I knew that Duke means well, but moving to a different country is a big decision even if it's temporary. To complicate things, there is also the small detail of Ash being a werewolf. He can't just shift into a wolf and make circles through the suburbs of London! Without a pack protecting him or at least an elder werewolf to guide him, Ash will be vulnerable.

Not many outside Fynn's group know that Ash is related to me (and in extension to Aldus), but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be in danger. There are hunters and other creatures lurking in broad daylight. Those sketchy characters don't come near the property of Notte Pharmaceuticals where Fynn and his group are staying, but in London, anyone can come and go as they please.

Would Ash know how to protect himself? Should I designate a guardian for him? Or maybe Marius will watch over him from the shadows? There is also Mona. No, Ash will need someone closer, preferably a werewolf. Ah, I didn't have time to think about any of this!

Before I started the planning frenzy, I wanted to clarify a few things with Duke.

"I would appreciate it if you discussed this with me first. It's not easy to send a seventeen years-old boy to a different country where he doesn't know anyone. Currently, Ash is staying in a dorm-like setting where a sense of community exists, and schedule is enforced. I fear that he is not ready to live independently."

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