Tabitha's POV
Upon hearing Lucian's words, I felt a hint of warmth in my heart.
I had faced so many changes alone. Orson and Gloria supported me, but they couldn't confront Derek.
"You were never alone," my wolf said in my mind.
It was like being gently stroked by a pair of furry claws.
I gratefully responded to her.
Then I looked at Lucian and smiled slightly, saying, "Even if we killed him, it wouldn't change anything. What has happened could never be changed, and the damage is done."
"But at least you won't be hurt any further," Lucian said calmly.
His tone, though composed, held a fierce determination. He wasn't trying to comfort me.
So, I said, "Don't provoke him. He's a madman. Madmen are not scary, but madmen with wealth and power are. Perhaps you think this place is like a utopia, but it's only a matter of time before he finds it."
He listened to my words and fell into silence.
I continued, "I have already used some of the alimony he gave me, and I can use the rest to improve the living conditions here. It is paying a ransom for him."
"Don't you hate him?" he asked.
"I did, and I used to love him. At times, I even wanted to revenge by using the death of his child. But now, after spending a day here, I suddenly feel peaceful," I replied.
I reached out and felt the sea breeze slipping away from my fingertips. "I think I've finally found my home, Lucian. Can I buy my home with this money?"
I thought, 'Once I clarify everything, avenge myself, and completely end things with Derek, I will return to this island and face my fate.'
"Okay," Lucian agreed to my request.
He continued, "Let Kyrian stay with me for another week, and then we will send him back."
"Okay," I agreed.
Suddenly, he reached out and pulled me up. "Follow me."
Not knowing what he was going to do, I picked up the small lamp and followed.
The lamp emitted a faint light, swaying from side to side with Lucian's footsteps, but enough to illuminate my path.
I was taken to the kitchen.
Lucian tied on an apron and scanned the limited ingredients.
He chose several cans of corn and peas, as well as a packet of frozen chicken.
The frozen chicken was put in a large bowl and soaked in cold water to thaw.
Meanwhile, he opened the can, and corn and green peas poured out.
As the chicken was thawed, he coated it with a layer of dried herbs and chili flakes unique to the island.
The simple seasoning brought out a bold and rich flavor.
After that, he poured a small amount of oil into a pot and added the chicken. Immediately, the oil sizzled.
The chicken rolled in the pot, gradually turning golden and filling the air with a delicious aroma.
He gently stirred the chicken with a spoon, ensuring that every piece was evenly heated.
Afterward, he poured corn and peas into the pot and stewed them together with the chicken.
Soon, the kitchen was filled with a rich aroma, a blend of sweet corn, fresh peas, and delicious chicken.
Lucian, tall and slender, completed the cooking process smoothly under the single lamp's light.
The leaping flames licked the bottom of the pot, and the fire danced on his metallic mask. It reminded me of the past Derek.
Whenever I felt hungry, he would get up and make me a plate of spaghetti or a sandwich, even late at night.
Finally, Lucian poured the soup into a bowl. The vibrant green peas and golden corn floated on the surface, while the chicken meat sank.
He picked up the bowl and walked out of the kitchen. Under the moonlight, the soup looked enticing.
"Have some. No matter what life was like, you had to enjoy it."
Tears in my eyes, I hung my head and drank the soup sip by sip.
His concern was like a blue whale, opening its enormous mouth and swallowing me whole, temporarily making me forget the betrayal.
Lucian placed his hand on my head and gently rubbed it. "Even if there's only one day left, we must live it well."
"Yes," I responded.
The following days were simple and joyful. I accepted Lucian's task to gather the children on the island and teach them how to read.
Kyrian was always pulling at a little dog's tail. As soon as I finished class, he followed me happily like a shadow, arms open wide, saying, "Mom, hug me."
At first, I tirelessly corrected him when he called me "mom", but over time, I also got used to it.
"Baby, let me have a look, you fell again, didn't you? Look at your little face," I said.
I gently wiped his face, and he laughed and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
The children on the island were all very kind to me. I had the plan to help them apply to establish a pack in the Council of Elders.
Once established, they were no longer rogues.
Here will also become a new territory, preventing other werewolves from disrupting their lives.
The next step was to develop the island, providing modern necessities like water and electricity, and sending the children to the mainland for education.
With a sense of purpose, life no longer seemed so difficult.
As New Year's Day approached, Lucian went out specifically to make a purchase.
Aiden and Noah had been waiting eagerly by the shore, watching as Lucian returned with a boat full of supplies. As the boat finally arrived, they jumped for joy, moving everything into their home.
I didn't expect that this year's New Year, I spent it on a special island with a group of strangers.
Neither did I anticipate that Kyrian would be in my arms.
At that moment, I forgot about Derek's inflicted pain. All I wanted was to let go and find solace in my newfound peace.