Chapter 0359

The day dragged on, leaving me utterly drained by the time I finally made it back to our room. Leopold had tracked down the carpenter, who’d been so thrilled about building a crib that he’d offered to craft a bassinet too. At dinner, I’d watched with quiet satisfaction as Leopold grew more affectionate with Lillian, while Isolde introduced her to Seraphina, arranging for her to tour the gardens while we were gone.

When I stepped into our room, I spotted the packed bag waiting for me. My backpack sat on the bed, already stuffed with essentials. "Did you pack for me too?" I asked, raising a brow.

Isolde glanced up from the closet, pulling out a few more items. "I did. You looked exhausted at dinner, and I wanted you to relax. You’re still recovering from yesterday. Go shower—I’ll finish up here."

I moved behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "Or you could join me. Then we can just curl up and sleep."

She smirked, tilting her head. "Alpha, are you trying to get me wet and naked?"

A low growl rumbled in my chest as I pressed against her. "Absolutely." I tugged her toward the bathroom. "We did talk about experimenting. Wouldn’t want to miss out on shower sex."

Later, we lay tangled together, her warmth seeping into me. "We’re doing that again soon, Alpha," she murmured sleepily.

"Isolde," I warned. She knew exactly what that title did to me.

She laughed, the sound vibrating through her body. "Goodnight, Victor." A pause. Then, softer, "I love you."

"I love you too, my little Alpha."

Morning came too quickly. We grabbed breakfast before heading out, and I called Adrian to let him know we’d be leaving soon. Running was faster than driving—especially through the canyon—and neither of us owned a car anyway.

At breakfast, we met up with Sebastian and Beatrice. She’d have to return for her things later, but Sebastian would drive her. Once ready, we all headed into the forest, stripping and shifting before grabbing our bags.

The run took nearly two hours. But as we entered the canyon, Aurora suddenly halted, her golden eyes scanning the area.

Magnus turned back, and Sebastian’s wolf stopped beside her. I shifted, kneeling beside Aurora. "What’s wrong?"

Sebastian shifted too, his expression grim. "This is where Gregory died."

I ran my hands through Aurora’s fur as she sniffed the ground. "Baby, talk to me."

She lifted her head and let out a heart-wrenching howl. The sound echoed through the canyon, answered by distant wolves from both packs.

I cupped her face, pressing my forehead to hers. "I’m right here. Take your time."

"She remembers the fight," Isolde linked me. "She remembers Gregory and Evander dying here. The vampire. The pain."

As Aurora processed the memories, heavy paws approached. I stood, spotting Dorian—Sebastian’s wolf—carrying Seraphina.

When they reached us, Seraphina slid off Dorian’s back, her eyes shifting from gray to olive as her wolf surfaced. "Sister," she said, embracing Aurora. "I’ve waited so long to meet you. Valeria would love to greet you in wolf form, but I can’t shift right now."

Aurora began shifting, and I yanked a shirt from my bag, pulling it over her the second she was human again.

Isolde stepped forward, eyes locked on Seraphina. "Valeria?"

Seraphina’s smile was radiant. "You remember me?" She took Isolde’s hands.

"Yes," Isolde whispered, tears streaming. "I remember everything."

They embraced just as Theron—Adrian’s wolf—arrived, carrying Evelyn. He shifted instantly, scooping her back into his arms. "Told you I’d bring out the big guns if you couldn’t convince her," Adrian said dryly.

But when Isolde turned, Aurora’s golden glow overtook her eyes, her voice deepening. "Selene."

Evelyn’s emerald eyes flickered with gold. "I’d call you father, but that’s not quite right. You’re still my parent, aren’t you?"

Isolde moved to Evelyn, hugging her tightly despite Adrian’s hold.

"Yes," Aurora answered. "You are mine."

When Isolde pulled back, she swayed. I caught her instantly. "Baby?"

"I remember. All of it."

Adrian nodded toward his pack. "Let’s walk. This is too much for Isolde, and Evelyn shouldn’t overexert herself either."

He carried Evelyn ahead while I lifted Isolde into my arms.

"Victor, put me down," she protested weakly.

I kissed her nose. "Not a chance."

Sebastian and Seraphina fell into step beside us, each holding one of Isolde’s hands.

"We’re so glad you’re back," Evelyn said softly.