Fated by Moon and Sea

Chapter Six: The Family I Never Had

Savannah’s POV

My feet crunched against the gravel as I walked away from the cliffs, heading toward the east side of the palace grounds. The estate sprawled over acres of pristine land, surrounded by high walls enchanted with ancient magic to keep threats at bay. But inside, it felt more like a gilded cage than a sanctuary. I didn’t pay much attention to the guards stationed at every turn; they were a permanent part of my life, like shadows that never left.

Despite Aetherium being a place where shifters of all kinds thrived—wolves, lycans, even dragons, who were now a rare breed—it wasn’t just them who called this realm home. Vampires lurked in the darker corners, mermaids glided through the waters, and then there were the sirens and Tritons ruling above them all. My father, Asher, was one of them. So was Selene, my stepmother. So were my quintuplet brothers. And, supposedly, so was I. But no matter how often I told myself I belonged, it never felt right.

That doubt had always been a whisper in the back of my mind, easy to ignore. But over the last year, it had grown into a roar, an itch beneath my skin that I couldn’t fucXGHking scratch away. Like something inside me knew I wasn’t where I was meant to be. The thought of being a siren, fully stepping into that role, and tying myself to Orion and the Aetherium throne—shouldn’t it have made me feel powerful? Proud?

Instead, all I felt was lost.

The urge to go to Lunaris had been gnawing at me for days. I had never set foot in the werewolf realm, but something in my bones told me I needed to. I had no real reason—no logical excuse to just up and leave. My father had always been vague about my biological mother, Liora. All I knew was that she had died after giving birth to me, and her family had wanted nothing to do with me. So why did I feel this pull to go back to where she came from?

I shook my head as the mansion loomed before me, its grand ivory façade gleaming under the midday sun. It was beautiful, built with towering columns and intricate carvings that depicted the rich history of our kind. The foyer was equally breathtaking, a mix of modern luxury and ancient tradition, the air scented with sandalwood and jasmine. But none of it felt like home.

By the time I made it to my room, frustration burned under my skin. I ripped off my denim shorts and crop top, opting for something more appropriate. Sirens were known for their beauty; the court required us to look the part. I slipped into a silk dress that hugged my curves, the ivory fabric flowing like water. My natural deep indigo hair, streaked with lighter shades of blue and purple, cascaded down my back in soft waves. A pair of vintage pearl earrings completed the look, making me feel more like a doll than a person.

Satisfied—or at least pretending to be—I made my way downstairs toward my father’s study.

The heavy wooden door loomed before me. I exhaled sharply before knocking.

“Come in,” came my father’s voice.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside. The study smelled of parchment and old leather, the walls lined with bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling. My father sat behind his desk, looking up at me with a solemn expression.

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

“Yes, Savannah. Sit,” he instructed, gesturing toward the chair opposite him.

Something about his tone made me uneasy. I lowered myself into the seat, smoothing out my dress as I studied him. My father was imposing, broad-shouldered with sharp cheekbones and piercing blue eyes. He had a presence that could command a room without saying a damn word. But today, there was something else in his gaze—something heavier.

“I need to tell you something about your past,” he began, his voice quiet. “Something I’ve kept from you for a long time.”

A knot formed in my stomach. “Go on.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Years ago, before you were born, Selene and I separated. We were destined mates, but fate doesn’t erase mistakes. I was angry… lost. I left Aetherium and travelled to Lunaris.”

I stiffened. There it was again. Lunaris.

“In Lunaris, I met your mother, Liora,” he continued. “She was unlike anyone I had ever known—strong, kind, determined. Her mate had died not long before I arrived, and we found comfort in each other.”

My breath hitched. This was the part of my history I had never been told.

“I loved her, Savannah,” he admitted, his voice softer now. “It wasn’t the all-consuming love one has for a destined mate, but it was real. It was healing. And when we learned she was pregnant with you, I thought I had found something new. A second chance.”

I swallowed hard. “Then why did you leave?”

His jaw clenched. “Because I had responsibilities here. My time to take the position of Prime Alpha was coming closer. And Liora… she knew I could never stay in Lunaris. She didn’t ask me to. She wanted you to have a future, so we made a choice. I came back to Aetherium, and she stayed.”

Anger flared in my chest, the heat of it burning away my shock. “You told me she died giving birth to me,” I snapped. “You f*****g lied. She was alive. She didn’t want me.”

My father’s expression darkened. “That’s not true.”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “So what is the truth, then?”

He exhaled, his voice laced with something I couldn’t quite place. “I don’t have all the answers, Savannah. But what I doknow is that your mother begged me to take you away from there. She made me swear never to bring you back.”

The room felt suffocating. My lungs burned as I tried to process his words. “Why?” I demanded. “Why would she say that?”

“I don’t know,” my father admitted, pain flickering in his gaze. “But she was terrified, Savannah. And I trusted her enough to listen.”

His voice turned sombre. “But that’s not all. Liora had another daughter before you, with her destined mate. Your half-sister, Alicia.”

My stomach dropped. “Alicia?”

“She passed away recently,” he continued. “Her funeral is tomorrow. She was mated to the Supreme Alpha twins of Lunaris, Isaiah and Josiah Stark. She had children, Savannah. Your niece and nephew.”

The air in the room shifted. A weight pressed down on my chest. A sister I never knew. And now she was gone.

“She died from Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC),” he added after a moment. “A rare and severe blood clotting disorder. She suffered excessive bleeding during childbirth… even her werewolf healing wasn’t enough to save her.”

Tears burned in my eyes as I stood abruptly. “I need to go to Lunaris.”

My father studied me for a long moment before nodding. “Then go. But be careful. Lunaris is dangerous for someone like you.”

I barely heard him as I left, my heart pounding with a mix of grief, confusion, and something else—something I couldn’t name yet.

But I would find out. One way or another.