Celine, do you really want to take on such a dangerous mission alone? I spoke through the bathroom door while she was getting ready to leave.
T know its important, but maybe they can track Beof through magic.
Brother, she suddenly stepped out, already dressed, with her dark hair pulled up in a high braid that fell down her back.
We've spent our whole lives fighting to fit in somewhereat least I haveand I dragged you along with me, making you feel like an outcast too.
Youve found your mate now, and I have to keep searching for my path.
She raised her hand and placed it on my shoulder, looking at me with that innate bravery in her bones.
No matter what I say, youre not going to back down, are you? I sighed, cupping her cheeks and pinching them.
When you were a baby, you were so cute and always followed me around like a little tail.
When did I lose my obedient Celine? She huffed, pretending to be annoyed, but the redness in her ears betrayed how poorly she hid it when being praised.
Stay here and take care of your mate.
Nothing will happen to me.
Its not the first time Ive traveled incognito through the Dark Realm.
Yes, but this time its different.
Everything is in turmoilthe internal war between sorcerers, hybrids, and vampires is about to explode, I warned, frowning.
---- Thats exactly why I need to warn Beof, so he doesnt get involved too.
Otherwise, itll be a disaster.
Besides, Im a Guardian now; I need to prove myself, she puffed out her chest proudly.
She always worked so hard to be recognized, and Aldric, with his foolish prejudices, had never given her the place she truly deserved.
Asudden knock on the door interrupted us.
Tts your stepdaughter.
When are you going to have the awkward conversation? she leaned in and whispered.
The word stepdaughter made me shudder in discomfort.
"Just because shes my mates daughter doesnt mean we have to call each other that.
Valeria and I are friends; it doesnt matter what my relationship with Gabrielle is," I told her mentally, walking over to open Celines door.
Oh, you re ready...
and Quinn, haha, you re here...
yeah, of course...
Valeria avoided my eyes unnaturally, clearly already in the loop.
T1l leave so you two can talk alone...
I made to leave.
No, no, stay.
I just came to say goodbye to Celine, she stepped forward and hugged her.
Isighed, at least relieved that my sister had found a friend with such a masculine personality.
Take care of the pup.
No reckless ghost hunting, okay? Celine scolded Valeria.
Yes, yes, maam, Valeria nodded with a smile, holding both of Celines hands.
Celine, Im worried about you leaving alone.
Here, I made this for you.
Just relax.
---- Suddenly, she pulled down Celines sleeve, exposing her bare shoulder.
Valeria placed her hand there, and that dark misty magic began to swirl around her as she chanted an incantation.
Aashsh, Celine whimpered in pain.
Tm sorry, the burning will pass quickly, Valeria withdrew her hand, leaving behind the shape of a raven between my sisters shoulder and collarbone, like a black ink tattoo.
T learned how to do this.
Its one of my messenger ravens.
We can communicate through it.
If you ever get into trouble, just do this...
and she explained how to activate the magic.
Tm sorry I cant offer you more protection.
Im not as great as my mother was.
This is amazing.
Thank you, Your Majesty, Your Highness...
Hey! Ihelp you with my magic, and you mock a pregnant woman! they started playfully arguing, making me smile, though the worry in my heart remained.
At least through Valeria, Id be able to keep track of Celine.
ll go get the Kings instructions before I leave.
Dont get too sentimental; itll only be a few days, Celine reassured us before heading off to see Aldric.
An awkward silence settled between Valeria and me as we were left alone again.
T know about you and my mother, she finally said, both of us standing in the middle of my sisters room, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the open window to the garden.
Does it bother you? Honestly, I was just a little surprised at how our relationship took such a turn, she looked at me, a bit embarrassed but not hostile.
As long as you make her happy and dont hurt her, I have nothing to say.
Its her life, and yoursyou two make your own decisions.
Valeria had always been a mature woman, though too reckless and compassionate.
She doesnt want me, I confessed, looking outside at the peonies swaying in the breeze.
The truth is, her rejection hurts more than Id like to admit, but my wolf and I are determined to win her over.
Then make her want you, Quinn.
Show her you re the best option for her the best mate.
I support you; I know youre a good man, she replied, and I looked at her gratefully.
Its strange to think I once believed I had feelings for Valeria.
Im so glad Aldric claimed and protected her, even from my false feelings.
Otherwise, this could have turned into a complete disaster.
Pll take care of her.
Let me handle Gabrielle in this situation.
Ill never abandon her.
And what if she stays like this forever, Quinn? Will you still stand by her, support her, even if she never regains her beauty and strength? she asked, stepping closer to me.
Tm willing, I answered without a second of hesitation.
Gabrielle is mine, and Ive already claimed her in my heart.
My wolf craves her.
I'll never leave her.
---- Then, as weird as it is, welcome to the family, stepdad.
Ill support you in your conquest.
She stretched out her hand, and I took it, shaking it as if sealing a deal.
We laughed at this bizarre joke.
Now that the last thing troubling me was settled, I could move forward with even more determination to win over my Selenia.
sek GABRIELLE How is the girl and the baby? I ask Brielle, unsure of what shes even doing in the room.
Shes fine.
Right now, shes in a meeting with the townspeople, waiting for news to decide whether to return to your palace or go back to the Lycan Realm.
No, she must claim her thronethe one that rightfully belongs to her in this Dark Realm.
I dont want her to continue being humiliated and marginalized.
She is my legitimate heir, I try to sit up, and although my wounds dont hurt as much thanks to the magical treatments, they still sting and itch a little.
Ahand mercilessly pushes me back against the pillows.
Stop trying to control everything.
Valeria knows what she wants and what shes doing.
For now, youd better focus your energy on whats coming next, her elderly voice tells me, and a shiver of fear runs through me.
The malice and mockery in her tone are evident.
What is this old witch up to? ---- ll leave you with your tormented love.
Who would have thought Id see you in this predicament someday, I feel her presence vanish, accompanied by her low, sarcastic laughter, just as the door opens, making me tense up.