Lily’s POV
18 Years Later
Eighteen years. I couldn’t believe it. It felt like only yesterday I was rocking them in my arms, singing lullabies and staying up all night to soothe their tiny cries. And now… they were standing right in front of me, side by side, smiling as everyone cheered for them.
The birthday cake was huge—white and gold with sparkly decorations, and shaped like a wolf howling at the moon. On top of it was a golden number “18,” lit with tiny sparkling candles that flickered softly in the warm afternoon breeze. The scent of sweet frosting and vanilla filled the air. Friends and family clapped and cheered as Varian and Miriella held hands and leaned in to blow out the candles together.
I stood with Kai, my arm linked tightly through his. My chest was heavy with emotion. Tears pricked my eyes and no matter how much I blinked, they wouldn’t go away.
“They’re so grown up,” I whispered, my voice shaking a little.
Kai gave my hand a soft, comforting squeeze. “They’ll always be
