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She was plump, wrapped in a thick knitted cardigan, her silver-streaked hair tied up in a neat bun. Rosy-cheeked, round-faced, with soft wrinkles and warm eyes that missed nothing.

The tightness in Seren's chest seemed to unfurl.

Something about her felt familiar, comforting—like an old story she had forgotten until now.

The Oracle's gaze landed on her first.

"I've been expecting you," she said simply, her voice soft but knowing.

Then her sharp gaze flicked to Hagan.

"Young wolf," she greeted, but there was no warmth in her voice.

Hagan's shoulders stiffened slightly, but he said nothing.

Draken exhaled sharply. "We've come for your guidance."

The Oracle gave him a long, unreadable look, then finally sighed. "Come in, then."

Seren hesitated only for a moment before stepping inside.

The inside of the cottage was small but filled with life.

Jars lined the wooden shelves, filled with dried herbs, powders, and strange substances she didn't recognize. A fireplace crackled in the far corner, its warmth settling deep into the bones of the room. The scent of cedarwood and chamomile drifted through the air.

"Welcome to my home, Seren."

The Oracle had prepared a meal that was both comforting and surprising. The centrepiece was a Dutch stamppot—a hearty mash of potatoes blended seamlessly with wilted kale. Instead of the customary smoked sausage accompaniment, she had thoughtfully replaced it with savoury, pan-fried mushrooms, their earthy flavour complementing the dish perfectly.

Alongside the stamppot, there was a platter of vegetarian kibbeling. Usually made with battered and fried cod, this version utilized cauliflower florets, lightly coated and fried to a golden crisp, served with a dipping sauce.

To accompany the meal, the Oracle offered slices of dense, dark Frisian rye bread, paired with a selection of local cheeses.

For dessert, there were thin waffles filled with a sweet, sticky syrup.

The Alpha family exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and curiosity evident in their expressions. Accustomed to meat-centric meals, this spread was unfamiliar territory. Hagan's nose wrinkled in barely concealed distaste; the absence of meat was, to him, both confusing and unappealing.

Seren, however, felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. The Oracle had not only acknowledged her dietary preferences but had also crafted a meal that bridged her world with theirs. It was a small gesture, but in this unfamiliar place, it felt profoundly significant.

"Please, sit and eat," the Oracle invited, her tone warm yet leaving little room for refusal.

As they settled around the table, the contrast in their reactions was palpable. Seren took a tentative bite, the flavours offering comfort. The Alpha family approached the meal with a mix of hesitation and politeness, their palates unaccustomed to such fare. Hagan's fork prodded at the food, his displeasure evident, but under the Oracle's watchful eye, he remained silent.

The meal progressed with subdued conversation, the unusual circumstances casting a quiet over the group. Yet, amidst the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of the forest outside Seren finally felt her first flicker of welcome in a foreign land.

After the meal, the alpha family were getting ready to take their leave. The oracle cast a thoughtful glance at Seren.

"I want you to consider this your home," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Come anytime."

Seren's breath hitched.

She hadn't realized how much she had needed to hear those words.

Her eyes burned, and before she could stop it, the weight of everything settled over her shoulders.

A single, silent tear slipped down her cheek.

The Oracle's expression softened. Without hesitation, she reached forward and pulled Seren into a hug—warm, steady, grounding.