Chapter 149
Chapter 149
Cassian didn’t push, but his eyes said he didn’t believe me. “Come on, Alaric’s inside. He’s been waiting to see the boys all week p>
The twins immediately became the center of attention once we stepped into the main hall. A few of the pack’s attendants paused to coo over them, and Alaric appeared at the top of the stairs, smiling faintly as his gaze softened.
“Ellie,” he greeted, the warmth in his tone catching me off guard. “You’ve been scarce p>
I managed a small smile. “We’ve been settling in p>
He came closer, his presence calm and commanding without ever feeling heavy. I’d come to realize that was what set Alaric apart from other alphas. He didn’t fill a room with dominance-he filled it with steadiness.
It worked for him. He was tall, slim, soft voiced. Not what you pictures when you thought of an alpha. With the silver streaking his hair, he came across as more of a gentle presence than a commanding one. Yet he was one of the most well respected alphas in the kingdom.
Cassian looked very different, he was broad shouldered, tall and deep voiced with scars scattered across his forearms, but he had that same calm, quiet demeanor. Control without intimidation. It was refreshing.
But when Alaric’s gaze settled on me, that steadiness shifted into concern. “You look drained p>
The words were gentle, but they landed like a stone in my stomach.
“I’m fine,” I said automatically, but then sighed when he didn’t look convinced. “Just… not sleeping well p>
“Nightmares p>
“Something like that p>
He motioned for me to follow him down a quieter corridor while Cassian stayed behind to fuss over the twins. I hesitated, then pushed the stroller toward Cassian. “You’ve got them p>
“Go,” he said with a reassuring grin. “I’ll keep them entertained p>
The corridor was lined with tall windows, the kind that let in thin ribbons of light that danced over the floor. I walked beside Alaric, folding my arms as if I could hold myself together that way.
“I keep having dreams,” I said finally, staring straight ahead. “They’re… strange. I see a woman. Sometimes I think she’s trying to speak to me, but it’s like hearing words underwater. I wake up exhausted, like I’ve been walking in circles all night p>
Alaric didn’t interrupt. He simply listened, nodding once as if confirming something to himself.
“It’s not just dreams,” I added quietly. “Last night, I woke up and the room smelled like rain. It was dry outside, but I could hear thunder. And the air felt-different. Charged p>
We stopped near a window, the light spilling across his face. I expected disbelief, or at least confusion. Instead, there was understanding.
“That doesn’t surprise me,” he said.
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I blinked at him. “You… you believe me p>
“I do,” he replied, his tone steady, “The Moonstone line has always been close to the goddess. Some hear her only in prayer. Others-“He paused, studying my face carefully. “Others are chosen to feel her presence more directly p>
I frowned. “Chosen for what p>
“That depends on the message p>
His words lingered, vague but heavy. I wanted to press for more, but the way he said it-like it was both a comfort and a warning-kept me quiet.
He glanced down at my trembling hands and smiled softly. “Don’t let it frighten you. The goddess doesn’t reach out without purpose. Perhaps she’s preparing you for something important p>
I laughed weakly. “I’ve had enough ‘important’ things for one lifetime p>
That earned the faintest glimmer of a smile from him. “Even so, you are not alone, Ellie. Whatever she’s showing you, whatever you feel-it belongs here. With us. Don’t carry it by yourself p>
Something in his tone broke through the tightness in my chest. For the first time since leaving Silver Fang, I felt safe enough to breathe.
When we returned to the main hall, Cassian was sitting cross-legged on the floor with both boys in his lap, telling them an animated story that involved a lot of growling and exaggerated hand gestures. Ian was giggling so hard he had hiccups.
The sight made something warm bloom in my chest, and something else ache right beside it.
For all the peace Moonstone offered, guilt still followed me like a shadow. I could build a new home, a new life, but the knowledge that Nolan was out there, alone and probably furious, kept me tethered to the past.
As I bent to pick up August, Alaric’s voice drifted to me again, low and certain. “Rest while you can, Ellie. The goddess never whispers for long p>
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