Chapter 0361

Seraphina strides into the room with purpose. "They're real, and they're monsters." She bends to embrace Evelyn first, then me before settling into the chair opposite mine. Adrian takes the seat beside Evelyn while Victor and Sebastian flank me on either side.

The lunch menu offers multiple selections. I glance at Victor. "We should implement this in our packhouse," I mind-link.

"Absolutely," he responds, scanning the options.

Once orders are placed, Evelyn turns to me. "I don't want to overwhelm you, but Seraphina and I already share everything. You should have those memories now. My life was simple, but hers..." She trails off meaningfully.

I nod, the flood of their shared history vivid in my mind.

"We'd love to hear your story," Evelyn continues. "How did you come to bear Evander's Guardian spirit?"

I exchange a look with Victor before surveying the table. Though hesitant to revisit my past, the bond with Seraphina and Evelyn—and by extension, Adrian and Sebastian—feels instinctive. This space radiates safety and acceptance.

Victor's fingers intertwine with mine. "Only share what you're comfortable with, Isolde."

When our food arrives, I decide to proceed. If Seraphina survived her ordeal, so can I. "It's not a happy tale. Maybe better saved for after lunch?"

Agreement ripples around the table. The meal becomes unexpectedly lively. Watching pack members—especially omegas—interact freely with their Alpha and Luna fascinates me. Our pack's dynamics are so different, but Victor and I will change that.

I catch him observing the same interactions. Our shared glance confirms it: one day, our pack will mirror this warmth.

Post-lunch, we relax with full stomachs. Evelyn reaches for my hand. "Whenever you're ready."

So I begin at age ten, recounting my mother's slow decline, holding her as she took her last breath. I describe my solitary years before meeting Victor, our time fleeing danger. Lost in the narrative, I don't notice their reactions until I finish—both Seraphina and Evelyn now nestled in their mates' arms, tears glistening.

"I'm sorry," I murmur, regretting the distress.

"No, no," they chorus, then laugh in unison. "Pregnancy hormones." Their laughter proves contagious.

Sebastian leans forward. "Who's your father?"

"Edgar Winters." The name hangs heavily, familiar to any Alpha.

Adrian and Sebastian exchange a loaded glance.

"What?" Victor demands.

"When exactly did your mother pass?" Adrian asks carefully.

"Just over two years ago."

Their silent communication continues.

"Spit it out," Victor growls.

Sebastian meets my gaze. "You were right, Isolde. Your father took a new mate shortly after. They have a nearly two-year-old son."

The confirmation lands like a physical blow. I always suspected, but hearing it aloud—

My stomach plummets.