Chapter 0120

Adrian walks back to the car, leaving me alone with my mother's memorial. "I miss you, Mom," I whisper, tracing the engraved letters with my fingertips. "I wish you were here to guide me through all this. Dad tries his best, but he's not you."

Closing my eyes, I imagine her standing beside me. The wind brushes my cheek like a gentle caress.

Follow your heart, Evelyn. It never lies.

The words echo in my mind so clearly it sends shivers down my spine. For a fleeting moment, I swear I catch her lavender scent—the one she always wore. "Thank you," I murmur, blinking back tears. "I love you."

When I return to the car, Adrian presses a kiss to my temple before opening my door. The drive to Blackthorn's pack house is quiet, but my nerves are anything but. I've never dined there before. From what I've heard, meals are chaotic affairs with pack members cramming into the dining hall—some living on-site, others just visiting.

Adrian's fingers intertwine with mine as we step out. Though I haven't officially accepted being his girlfriend yet, I've already made my decision. After Monday's sparring match, I'll say yes. My mother's advice settles in my bones like an unshakable truth.

The moment we enter the dining hall, conversations stutter to a halt. Dozens of eyes lock onto me. My stomach twists.

"Evelyn!" Luna Seraphina's musical voice cuts through the silence as she strides toward us, her silver-streaked hair gleaming under the chandeliers.

"Luna Seraphina," I force a smile, though my palms are sweating. Adrian's thumb strokes the back of my hand, steadying me. His quiet confidence is an anchor.

She pulls me into a warm embrace. "Adrian mentioned you'd join us tonight, but I had to see it to believe it." Gesturing to the high table where Alpha Alistair, Donovan, Benedict, and other ranked wolves sit, she adds, "You'll dine with us, won't you?"

"Of course."

Luna Seraphina tugs me away from Adrian, who rolls his eyes. "Mother, you can't monopolize her all evening."

"Nonsense. If you want to sit beside her, make Donovan move."

Donovan freezes mid-bite, glaring at Adrian as if he'd lost his mind. With a grumble, he shifts down one seat, leaving me sandwiched between Adrian and Luna Seraphina.

An omega approaches, bowing slightly. "What would you like for dinner, Guardian?"

"Ah—what's available?"

"Anything you desire," the omega says with a proud smile. "Our chefs are exceptionally versatile."

I glance at Adrian, but he just grins, leaving the choice to me. Turning to Luna Seraphina, I ask, "What do you recommend, Luna?"

"Call me Seraphina, darling. Or Sera, like your mother did." She winks. "And between us? I'm hopelessly addicted to Italian."

The omega stifles a laugh behind her hand. Clearly, the Luna's pasta obsession is pack legend.