The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 86: Ch : Are you happy now?

Noah’s head snapped up, anger flashing in his eyes.

"You can’t just tell us what to do, Selene."

"Why not? You’ve been doing it for years. Ignoring me, pretending I didn’t exist. Shouldn’t be too hard to keep doing that."

Selene challenged.

Her words were sharp, cutting through whatever fragile hope had lingered between them. Noah took a step forward, his fists tight at his sides.

"We did that to protect you. To keep Father from looking your way. You think it was easy?"

"I think you took the easy way out. You could’ve stood by me. Fought for me. But you chose to hide instead. Then again, you were kids, so I don’t feel that angry either."

Selene said, her gaze unyielding.

Noah’s face twisted, a mixture of guilt and frustration. His lips moved as if he wanted to retort, but no words came.

Before the silence could turn into something worse, Nora stepped forward. She placed a gentle hand on Noah’s arm, calming him.

Her voice was quiet, but it held a strength that made both of them listen.

"Are you happier now? More than you were with us?"

Nora asked Selene.

Selene’s expression softened, some of the sharpness easing away.

"I was happy when I was with you. But it was... suffocating. I couldn’t breathe under Father’s roof. Couldn’t be myself. And as much as I loved our moments together, they were never really ours, were they? Always stolen, always with eyes watching."

Nora nodded, a flicker of sadness passing over her face.

"And now?"

"I’m happy. I’ve found my place. I can make my own choices. No more shadows, no more pretending."

Selene said.

Noah’s shoulders sagged. He looked at Selene as if seeing her for the first time. She stood tall, her expression serene but unwavering.

There was a light in her eyes that hadn’t been there before—confidence, freedom.

"I don’t want to lose you."

He said, his voice cracking.

"You’re not losing me. You’re setting me free. And maybe... maybe you’re setting yourselves free, too."

Selene said.

Nora offered a small smile, her hand still on Noah’s arm.

"I understand. I don’t like it, but I understand."

Noah’s face twisted, a battle between his desire to keep her close and his need to respect her choice. Finally, he exhaled, a long, shuddering breath.

"If this is what you want..."

"It is."

Selene said.

He ran a hand through his hair, nodding slowly.

"Then... promise us one thing. If you’re ever in trouble, if you ever need help—you’ll call us. No matter what."

Selene’s lips quirked into a small smile.

"I promise."

"And you’ll always be our sister. No matter where you are or what you do. We won’t forget you."

Nora added.

Selene’s throat tightened, and for a moment, her stoic mask slipped. She stepped forward, and the three of them fell into a hug.

It was tentative at first, then fierce and desperate. Years of missed chances and swallowed words poured into that embrace.

When they finally pulled apart, Selene’s eyes shone, but no tears fell. She couldn’t afford them—not yet.

"Take care of each other." freewёbnoνel.com

She said, her voice hoarse.

"You too."

Noah whispered.

With a final nod, Selene turned away. She walked back toward the camp where Ethan, Zara, and Orion waited.

She could feel Noah and Nora’s gazes on her back, but she didn’t look over her shoulder. If she did, she might not have the strength to leave.

When she reached her team, Ethan immediately stepped up.

"Everything okay?"

Selene nodded.

"It will be."

Zara offered her a water bottle, and Orion gave a small, reassuring smile. They didn’t ask questions—they knew better. This was her story to tell when she was ready.

"Where to next?"

Orion asked.

Selene looked up at the sky, the sun dipping low on the horizon. The world felt wide and open, filled with paths yet to be taken.

"Anywhere we want,"

She said, but in her heart she knew where she wanted to go.

Her team fell into step behind her as they moved away from the ruins of the dungeon. With each step, the weight on her shoulders grew lighter.

Behind them, Noah and Nora stood together, framed by the dying light.

Although their paths diverged, Selene knew that the bond between them—however fractured—would never truly break.

"Let’s head home now. I miss the feeling of relaxing in a familiar space."

And as the shadows stretched out ahead of her, Selene finally felt at home.

Selene stepped through the doorway of their small, bustling base, the fading sunlight casting long shadows behind her.

Ethan closed the door gently, his eyes never leaving her.

Zara and Orion moved past them, giving Selene a quick nod before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone in the quiet hallway.

Ethan hesitated, then spoke.

"You okay?"

His voice was soft, filled with concern.

Selene offered him a small smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I am. For the first time in a long while, I feel... lighter."

She said.

Ethan’s expression softened, relief evident in his eyes.

"After everything with your family and how stressed you were about it, I thought you might—"

"I thought so too. But saying what needed to be said... it felt good. Necessary."

She exhaled slowly, as if shedding an invisible weight.

"I finally feel free"

She interrupted gently.

Ethan reached out, his fingers brushing against hers.

They stood there for a moment, the silence comfortable and safe. It felt calming, almost as if Selene could let go of anything and it won’t matter.

Then, the clatter of dishes and Orion’s muffled laughter from the kitchen broke the stillness.

Selene squeezed Ethan’s hand and let go, taking a step forward.

"Come on. I’m starving."

Ethan chuckled, his usual ease returning.

"I hope you’re ready for Zara’s cooking. She’s experimenting again."

Selene groaned playfully, but the lightness in her step was real. Surrounded by her new family, she truly felt at home.