After I Severed the Kinship Bond, My Whole Family Regretted It Chapter 06

After I Severed the Kinship Bond, My Whole Family Regretted It Chapter 06

Mom was still trying to justify it. “Elara’s always been tougher. She can make do with less. Lyra’s different…”

Her voice faded under the Council’s stare.

One of the representatives typed a few lines into a laptop. “That’s enough. This household is clearly not an

appropriate placement for both of you. The separation will proceed.”

She handed me a tablet. “These are wolf families currently approved for bond matching. Take a look and see

if anyone feels right.”

My eyes landed almost immediately on the Hales, a middle–aged couple.

“They look kind. And… lonely.”

The Council representative said, “They’re good people. Their daughter died in a car accident a few years ago. They don’t have the kind of money the Vances do. Are you still sure?”

I nodded without hesitation. The Council called the Hales, and after they reviewed my profile, they were happy with the match too. By the end of the call, arrangements were made for me to move in the next day.

The following morning, the Hales drove over to pick me up. Mom was strangely eager to help me pack, and

she made Dad and Lyra come downstairs too.

The moment the car window rolled down, Mom hurried over to Eleanor Hale before anyone else could speak.

“Just so you know what you’re getting into, she’s my older daughter. She’s lazy, selfish, impossible to please,

and useless at practically everything. You’re going to regret taking her in.”

Eleanor’s expression changed at once. Mom didn’t notice. She pulled Lyra closer like she was presenting a

prize.

“This is my younger daughter. She’s beautiful, sweet, and thoughtful. Nothing like her sister.”

Eleanor’s voice cooled. “Mrs. Vance, I think you’ve just explained exactly why Elara is leaving. An adult who

has to tear down one child to make herself feel better isn’t proving anything about the child.”

Clara’s face turned a deep, blotchy red.

Elias loaded my suitcase into the trunk. As we drove away, I saw Clara stamping her foot and shouting after us, calling me ungrateful and saying I thought I was too good for them.

At the Hales‘ house, Eleanor led me into a clean bedroom glowing with warm amber light. A bouquet of flowers sat beside the bed.

She gave me a gentle smile. “This was our daughter’s room. We had to get it ready on short notice, but I

hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

My throat tightened. “Thank you, Mrs. Hale.”

Eleanor laughed softly and touched my shoulder. “You can call me Eleanor. And if ‘Mom‘ ever feels right one day, I’d be honored.”

I hesitated, then said it softly. “Mom.”

Eleanor pulled me into her arms. “Oh, sweetheart. This is your home now. You don’t have to be scared here.”

Elias gently ruffled my hair. “Your old bond was severed, so the next few days may be rough. If you feel sick or anything hurts, tell us. Don’t try to tough it out alone.”

Eleanor kissed my forehead. “First, we feed you. Everything is easier on a full stomach. We’re having chicken

wings tonight, and they smell incredible. Come on.”

At dinner, Eleanor kept spooning food onto my plate until it was almost overflowing. I hesitated. “Mom, I

don’t like celery. Do I have to eat it?”

I’d hated the taste of celery since I was little, but Lyra loved it. Once, when I refused to eat it, Mom slapped me at the dinner table and said, “Then don’t eat anything. Nobody here is going to cater to you.”

Elias answered immediately. “Then don’t eat it. Nobody’s going to make you eat something you hate, kiddo. If

you need something, say so. We’re a family now.”

My eyes stung. I ducked my head and pretended to focus on dinner while I wiped away my tears.

So there really were people in this world willing to love me.

Not because we shared blood.

But I knew a new bond would grow between us, little by little.