hapter 184
The drive back to Silverblood territory was silent and tense, I stared out the window at the passing landscape, my mind replaying the confrontation with Maelor. The old man’s words about destiny and the incomplete hond kept echoing in my head, no matter how hard I tried to silence them.
Hours later, as we finally approached Moon Sanctuary, I noticed several cars parked in the driveway. My heart rate quickened. My children–my children—were here. The thought still felt foreign, almost unreal. After discovering their existence, I’d immediately ordered Gaelen to bring them to me, but now that the moment had arrived, an unexpected anxiety gripped me.
What would I say to them? How should I act? These children had grown up without me, likely hearing only Lysandra’s version of events. Would they hate me? The questions swirled in my mind as the car came to a stop.
“We’re here, Alpha, Varian announced unnecessarily, shooting me a concerned glance.
I nodded, taking a deep breath before stepping out of the car. The cool night air did little to calm my nerves. Delta Gaelen approached immediately, his usually composed face betraying his unease.
“Alpha,” he greeted with a slight bow. “According to your instructions, I brought them here.”
“Where were they?” I asked, my voice coming out harsher than intended.
In your penthouse apartment, sir,” Gaelen replied. “I thought it would be more comfortable for them there than at Moon Sanctuary.”
I nodded, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “Have they eaten anything?”
Gaelen hesitated. “No, sir. I tried to persuade them to eat something, but…” He shifted uncomfortably. “They both want to return to their
mother.”
Something twisted in my chest at his words. Of course they wanted Lysandra. She was the only parent they’d ever known.
“Are they…” My voice softened involuntarily. “Are they okay? Have they been crying?”
Gaelen’s expression softened slightly. “The boy has been protecting his sister, not letting anyone get too close. They haven’t cried, but they haven’t smiled either. They keep asking for their mother.”
I felt my mood darken at the mention of Lysandra again, but alongside the familiar anger was something else–a determination to win these children over. They were mine. They belonged with me, their father, not with the woman who had hidden them from me for five years.
“Varian, I called, “bring them out.“–
Varian nodded and walked toward one of the cars, where I could now see two small silhouettes in the backseat. He leaned down to the window.
‘Children, come out now. Your father is here,” he said, his voice gentler than I’d ever heard it.
“No, we won’t,‘ came a defiant young voice from inside the car.
I felt a flash of irritation at the boy’s stubbornness, but quickly suppressed it. Patience, I reminded myself.
Moving closer, I peered into the car. Lyra was asleep, her head resting against her brother’s shoulder. Orion held her hand protectively, his eyes wary and hostile as he watched me approach.
“Hi, Orion,” I said, forcing a friendly tone/I know this is difficult for you both, but I promise I’ll take good care of you.”
Orion stared straight ahead as if I hadn’t spoken, his jaw, set in a stubborn line that looked eerily familiar. It was like looking at a miniature version of myself.
1/3
Chapter 184
I reached for the sleeping girl–Lyra–intending to carry her inside, but Orion’s small hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with surprising strength.
“Don’t touch her,” he said, his young voice cold with hatred.
The disrespect in his tone made my temper flare, but I fought to control it. “She needs a comfortable bed,” I said through clenched teeth. ‘She’ll catch cold sleeping in the car.”
When Orion maintained his grip on my wrist, something in me snapped. “If you speak to me like that again,” I said, my voice hardening, “I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget about who your father is.”
The threat hung in the air between us. Orion’s eyes widened slightly, and after a moment, he released my wrist. I immediately regretted my outburst, but had no idea how to take it back.
I carefully lifted Lyra from the seat. She was light in my arms, her face peaceful in sleep. A strange protective instinct surged through me as I held my daughter.
“Get out of the car, I ordered Orion, my voice still cold. “Now.”
The boy glanced at his sister in my arms, then reluctantly slid out of the car. He kept his distance as we walked toward the entrance of Moon Sanctuary, his small face set in a scowl.
As we entered, my parents were waiting in the grand foyer. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to shock as they saw the children.
“Who are they?” my father asked, his eyes wide.
“They’re my children,” I replied simply.
My mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. My father’s face darkened with understanding.
“Lysandra’s?” he asked, though it wasn’t really a question.
I nodded, adjusting Lyra in my arms. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake.
“I can’t believe it,” my mother said, her voice tight with anger. “She kept your children hidden from us all this time? How could she do such a thing?”
“Don’t talk about my mom like that,” Orion suddenly spoke up, his voice surprisingly strong for a child his age. “He’s the one who doesn’t deserve to be a father.” He pointed directly at me, his eyes filled with disgust.
The room fell silent. I felt a surge of anger at his disrespect, but looking down at the sleeping Lyra in my arms forced me to remain calm.
“The children are tired,” I said, barely containing my irritation. “We should let them rest.”
The next morning, I personally prepared a breakfast tray for the children. The kitchen staff had offered to do it, but I’d insisted on doing it myself. It felt important somehow.
I carried the tray–laden with pancakes, fruit, and juice–to the guest room where they’d spent the night. After a moment’s hesitation, I knocked on the door.
“Orion, Lyra, I’ve brought you breakfast,” I called, keeping my voice gentle.
No response. I knocked again.
“I know you miss your mother,” I said softly through the door. “But please, at least eat something.”
2/3
Chapter 184
After what felt like an eternity, the door cracked open. Orion stood there, his small face unreadable. He reached out and took the tray without a word, then promptly shut the door in my face.
I stood there for a moment, feeling strangely wounded by the rejection. With a sigh, I turned away, reminding myself to be patient. They needed time to adjust.
Later that morning, I spotted Lyra alone in the garden. She was examining the roses, her small fingers hovering just above the vibrant petals. Orion was nowhere to be seen.
C
I approached carefully, not wanting to startle her. “Those are my mother’s favorite flowers,” I said softly.
Chapter Comments
∞1
POST COMMENT NOW POST COMMENT NOW
< SHARE
