Chapter 245: Chapter 245

Jai sighs and shakes his head. “Zaia, it’s not that. We were just concerned, Se- The Black Beast he… I don’t know. I feel we need to talk to him-”

“Do not question me. As far as I am concerned, The Black Beast is just another enemy. From this day forward, I expect you all to remember that. He betrayed betrayed me, again… It was my fault to let him in again, but I did, stupidly. But he showed he wasn’t worth it. I have screamed and screamed that we need to be honest with one another, that we needed to stick together, but… he didn’t find it important.”

“Zaia, I know you’re hurting-“I cut Valerie off, my eyes flashing, not wanting annoyance to seep into my voice with the children here.

“No. I don’t want sympathy. I messed up once and I won’t again. Forgive me for not. allowing myself to feel sympathy for him. He will meet the same end as the others. Whatever that may be.” I say, standing up and forcing myself to smile down at Sia, who is watching me with concern.

“He’s their father,” Jai says quietly, making me pause and I turn back, looking at him.

“And?” I ask challengingly.

“Give him a chance to explain, maybe he had a reason-” Jai begins.

“I said enough! Jai. This is the last time I want this topic brought up. If either of you wish to join his side, you are welcome to leave.” I say coldly. “Take this as my final warning. Good night.”

Silence follows as I place my mug down and look at Zion.

“Zion, shall we head to bed?” I say, sensing Sia watching me intently.

I look down at her, smiling gently as a wave of guilt rushes through me. The children shouldn’t sense that something is wrong. I need to do better.

“Come, let’s get you to bed,” I say gently.

She nods and I leave the room with my children and, for a moment, although I’m not alone, I feel it…

Mom was always there, but now I need to step up. I can’t keep relying on Valerie either, since she has her own life.

I was and still am a single parent… Mom managed it, and I will too. I just need to make sure I survive this war for them…

I shower them, messing around to distract them, making some bubbles from the soap and giving them soapy beards. They giggle and laugh and for a few beautiful moments; I forget my troubles, the song of laughter like a soothing remedy for the pain within me.

“Ok! Let’s grab our pyjamas!” I say after we have brushed our teeth.

“Oh, is Mommy going to sleep with us today?” Zion asks hopefully.

I smile. “Do you want me to?” I ask, crouching down in front of him and towel–drying his hair. He nods vigorously. “Then that is exactly what we’ll do,” I promise with a firm nod of my own head.

“Yes! Mommy can sleep next to me!” Sia says.

“NO! Mommy has to sleep in the middle! Mommy always sleeps next to Sia!” Zion frowns.

“Hey… you two, no fighting alright. You two are siblings and siblings don’t fight, right?” I say gently, as Sia looks upset and frowns as Zion looks upset, which is unlike him.

Does he know something isn’t right and is playing up because of it?

“Look…” I pull them both close. “I’ll make sure I am with both of you, and I’ll sleep in the middle,” I say, trying to calm them both.

“See, I said that. It’s always Sia Sia Sia.” Zion says pointedly, rolling his eyes.

“Zion…” I reprimand gently.

He sighs and looks guiltily at his sister. “Sorry Sia…” he mumbles before he closes. the gap between them, giving her a big hug and kissing her cheek as she wipes her tears away.