Set You Free, My Lord Chapter 09

Set You Free, My Lord Chapter 09

Six months had transformed him.

The gaunt, haunted look was gone. He was leaner, calmer.

Most importantly, those crimson eyes-once full of despair and obsession-were incredibly calm.

He wore a simple gray sweater and dark jeans.

He looked like a normal human volunteer.

Not a high and mighty vampire Prince.

“Odette?” He froze at the door. Surprise flashed in his eyes. But there were no wild mood swings. No ecstasy. No despair. Just a gentle surprise. “What… what are you doing here?”

“I came to say goodbye,” I said directly. My voice was calmer than I expected.

He nodded. He didn’t ask why. He didn’t overreact. He just stepped aside peacefully. “Come in. It’s chilly out there.”

The inside was even cozier.

Warm pine wood burned in the fireplace, giving off a light scent.

On the comfy sofa, a little girl with werewolf traits sat drawing quietly. She looked about seven or eight. Her arm was wrapped in bandages for silver burns.

“We saved her from vampire hunters last week. A werewolf orphan,” Dorian pointed to her softly. His tone was full of fatherly love. “Good thing we got there in time. She’ll be fully healed in a week.”

I noticed his eyes were full of gentleness and patience.

It was a stark contrast to the cold, arrogant Prince in my memories.

“Would you like something to drink? Tea or coffee?” he asked. Just like hosting a normal friend.

“Tea is fine, thank you.”

He brewed a pot of herbal tea. It smelled light and soothing.

We sat across from each other. The vibe was surprisingly peaceful.

“Alexander said you were rescuing outcast supernaturals here,” I started.

“Yes,” Dorian nodded. A faint light shone in his eyes. “These kids and wanderers were thrown away by a cruel world. Purebloods won’t accept them. They can’t blend in with humans. They need a safe home.”

“Why this?”

Dorian was quiet for a moment. Then he answered softly. “Because I finally understand what true redemption is. I used to always take. Taking respect, taking obedience, taking love. But true redemption comes from giving. Unconditional giving.”

He looked out the window at the recovering wanderers. His eyes softened. “They taught me a lot. They made me realize true power isn’t controlling others. It’s protecting those weaker than you.”

We decided to take a walk outside.

The autumn forest was breathtaking. Gold and red leaves danced in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the branches.

I confessed that I used to rely on hating him to keep going. I also told him I found someone who truly loves me, and I found my inner peace.

Dorian stopped walking. He smiled.

I had never seen that smile before. It was purely genuine and deeply supportive.

“I’m happy for you,” he said. His voice carried the most sincere blessing. “This is the life I always wanted you to have. Free, happy, and truly cherished.”

He took a delicate wooden carving from his pocket. It was a rose carved from tundra ironwood. Every petal looked incredibly real.

“I carved this myself,” he handed it to me. “A rose with no thorns. It means rebirth and pure freedom. I hope you are never chained to anyone, ever again.”

I took it. I felt the smooth wood and beautiful craftsmanship. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“Odette,” he looked right into my eyes. “I want to formally apologize. Not just for those ten years in our past lives. But for my past blindness and arrogance. Losing the blood bond was the most painful thing in my life. But it was also the most precious gift. It taught me. Love isn’t possession; it’s a blessing. It’s not taking; it’s giving. It’s not chaining someone down; it’s letting them freely choose their own happiness.”

He paused. His voice grew even gentler. “I want you to know something. Unless you truly need my help, I swear I will never show up in your life again. Your happiness matters more than any of my feelings.”

The sun bled gold through the trees, bathing us in its final light. For the first time, I felt a true, profound peace. A final release.

“Goodbye, Dorian,” I said softly. “Thank you for showing me who you really are. I hope you find your peace here.”

“Goodbye, Odette. May you be happy forever.”

Carrying a strange warmth and total peace, I drove back to my town.

Liam was already waiting at my door. When he saw me, a relieved smile spread across his face.

“How do you feel?” he asked gently. He opened his arms to hug me.

“Great,” I answered honestly. I hugged the man who gave me a new life tight. “Better than ever.”

Two months later, on a Saturday afternoon, Liam took me to the beach where we had our first date.

The sunset painted the sky rose-red. Gentle waves washed over the sand.

When he got down on one knee and pulled out a simple, elegant diamond ring, tears instantly rushed to my eyes.

“Odette, these past two years with you have been the best of my life. You make me believe in true love.” His voice shook with emotion. “Will you marry me? Let me spend my life proving you deserve to be cherished?”

“Yes!” I answered without a second thought. My voice was thick with happy tears. “Of course I will!”

When Liam put the ring on my finger, I felt completely whole and happy.

This time, I truly chose the life I wanted.

Six months later, in the spring, we got married in the town church.

It was a perfect spring day. Cherry blossoms were blooming. A soft breeze was blowing.

I wore a simple, elegant white dress. Liam wore a dark blue suit. We exchanged our eternal vows surrounded by the cheers of our friends and family.

That evening, we went back to our newly decorated house. I found an unsigned letter at the door.

I opened it. Just a few simple words:

“May you be eternally happy. The world is better because you are in it. -D”

I smiled, closing the letter. A quiet warmth filled my heart. Not love. Not pity. Just… peace.

In our garden that night, moonlight spilled over the roses like silver. I took Liam’s hand. I felt the warmth and safety from his palm.

“Ready to start our new life?” he asked. His eyes sparkled with hope for the future.

“Never been more sure,” I replied. My voice was full of excitement for what was to come.

In the moonlit garden, we held each other and danced.

For our true happiness. For the beautiful future we chose together.