The Return- Book 2

A sharp sound broke from Rio’s throat, urgent and raw, cutting through the stillness of the night.

Lanterns hung softly from the ancient oaks, their warm light casting gentle, shifting shadows across the gathering at the Valentine plantation.

The usual music and chatter had faded away, replaced by a hush that settled over everyone.

All eyes turned toward a pale figure standing beneath the towering branches—Sophie.

Fragile as a breeze, yet her storm-gray eyes shone with steady strength, bright enough to catch every gaze.

The girl who had spoken first.

“Dad.”

Her voice trembled softly, delicate yet clear, carrying hope and a quiet longing.

Recognition surged in Rio’s chest. His breath caught, throat tightening as memories came rushing back—memories long kept hidden.

“Sophie…” he whispered, stepping forward, every part of him yearning to close the distance.

But the Pale Elder moved swiftly.

She approached with a calm, graceful step, her dark cloak flowing behind her like drifting shadows.

The earth seemed to hold its breath beneath her presence, and the air grew heavier, charged with quiet tension.

Her pale hand rested gently on Sophie’s shoulder.

“Enough,” she said, voice cool and steady.

“This isn’t your place.”

Sophie’s eyes shifted between the Elder’s calm hold and Rio’s pleading gaze.

A quiet struggle flickered behind those eyes—confusion, concern… but also a spark of quiet courage.

“Dad…” Sophie whispered again, trembling but steady.

Rio’s fists tightened at his sides, nails pressing into his palms, heartbeat echoing loudly in his ears.

Junie stepped forward, her heart beating steadily.

Her voice was calm but urgent.

“We should get her somewhere safe.”

Odessa’s dark, charcoal eyes narrowed as she looked toward the Pale Elder.

“She’s holding Sophie to protect herself,” Odessa said softly. “She knows we could stop this now. But the girl—she’s a safeguard.”

From the crowd’s edge, Lucien’s voice cut through the silence, calm but serious.

“It’s easy to say,” he murmured, stepping into the lantern light.

“But when it’s family, it’s never that simple.”

Adonis moved forward, steady and sure.

His golden aura glowed softly in the lantern light, a quiet warmth among the gathering shadows.

“We won’t give in to demands,” Adonis said firmly.

“But we also won’t lose someone dear.”

The Pale Elder’s eyes met theirs, a faint, knowing smile touching her lips.

“You are strong,” she said smoothly.

“Almost enough.”

Her hand tightened briefly on Sophie’s shoulder.

She leaned close and spoke something only the girl could hear.

Then she straightened, calm and clear.

“You have until the end of the cycle,” she said quietly.

“Time to bring the baby.”

Her smile deepened, shadows shading her pale face.

“Or…”

She raised her head, voice steady.

“We keep Sophie.”

“And take the baby.”

The words settled over the crowd like a weight.

A collective breath was held.

Sophie’s eyes found Rio’s one last time—uncertainty, concern, and sadness shining through.

Junie’s hand rested gently on Rio’s arm, steadying him.

“We must move,” Junie whispered, determination shining in her voice.

Odessa’s gaze swept the plantation’s edges, already considering paths and support.

Lucien stood ready, muscles relaxed but alert.

Nearby, Adonis held baby Jade gently, his golden glow soft and protective.

The baby’s calm breathing was a fragile hope.

Willa watched closely, eyes filled with care but steady.

Her fingers tightened on a small bouquet of wildflowers.

Adelaide stayed near, lips pressed softly, silently wishing well.

Simone lingered near the crowd’s edge, her dagger resting quietly in its sheath.

Her posture was calm, attentive.

Odessa’s eyes scanned the group, briefly resting on Celine, twin blades at her sides, fingers resting on the hilts.

Jonah leaned against a tree, arms crossed, observing thoughtfully.

Silas sat nearby, quietly swirling a glass of wine, fingers tapping lightly.

Thomas and Claude stood close, their usual chatter quiet.

Thomas’s jaw was set; Claude’s voice low and focused.

The Pale Elder’s hand eased from Sophie’s shoulder.

With a graceful turn, she stepped back into the shadows, Sophie following.

Sophie’s soft sound—a quiet sigh—was swallowed by the rustling leaves and retreating footsteps.

Gone.

The lantern light flickered against the empty space where Sophie had stood moments before.

The weight of the moment lingered, thick as the warm night air.

The time to act was near.

Rio stood still, a heaviness settling in his chest.

His thoughts spun.

Time was short.

He had to protect two lives.

To face someone who knew their strengths and vulnerabilities.

To meet a challenge without giving in.

Sophie was gone.

And something within him shifted.

Junie’s voice was steady and warm.

“We’ll bring her back.”

Odessa’s dark eyes shone with quiet resolve.

“This is a turning point.”

Lucien’s voice was calm and sure.

“It’s more than that—it’s about protecting what’s precious.”

Adonis’s gaze remained fixed where the Pale Elder disappeared.

“We will do what it takes.”

The swamp whispered softly beneath the ancient trees.

The night held its breath.

And moments passed quietly.

Rio’s hands tightened at his sides as the lanterns cast long shadows.

“Time,” he breathed.

“Just enough.”

Junie stepped closer, her hand brushing his arm.

“We need a plan,” she said softly.

“We can’t rush without thought.”

Lucien’s voice was low and focused.

“They want us unsettled. To make mistakes.”

“We won’t give them the chance,” Adonis said firmly.

Odessa circled the group, her gaze sharp.

“They think they hold the advantage.”

“But they don’t know who we are.”

Junie added softly.

Rio’s voice was steady and full of promise.

“I’m not letting go.”

The group gathered around a worn wooden table.

Lantern light flickered over maps and notes.

Lucien pointed to a thick patch of swamp across the bayou, marked with symbols.

“That’s their strongest hold,” he said.

“If Sophie’s there, that’s where.”

Adonis nodded.

“We move carefully and swiftly.”

Junie’s fingers traced the map’s edge.

“If the Pale Elder expects us, she’s set precautions.

We’ll watch every step.”

Odessa said, “Someone needs to scout first.”

Lucien met Adonis’s eyes.

“I’ll lead.”

Adonis shook his head.

“Not alone.”

Rio’s jaw tightened.

“I’m going.”

Silence fell.

“No,” Junie said quietly but firmly.

“You won’t go alone.”

Rio met her gaze, steady and determined.

“If I don’t go, Sophie might not be safe.”

Junie placed her hand gently on his cheek.

“Then we go together.”

Outside, the swamp seemed to hold its breath.

Fog curled softly among cypress knees.

Every small sound felt like a signal.

Rio and Junie prepared to leave, Lucien and Adonis close behind.

Odessa lingered, her dark eyes reflecting steady strength.

“This isn’t just a rescue,” she said softly.

“It’s a reckoning.”

Suddenly, a sharp sound came from the treeline.

The group paused.

From the shadows, a figure appeared, unseen until now.

Tall. Lean.

Moving with quiet confidence.

His smile was slow, measured.

“This isn’t over.”