CHAPTER TWENTY - TWO

~Aiden~

Time moved differently when peace returned.

Just as the seasons slipped quietly through the years, almost two had passed since we defeated the Nightfangs.

The chaos that once ruled our days had been replaced by meetings, reports, and endless decisions about land, alliances, and rebuilding. Father had commanded Beta Marcus to oversee the northern region, while Jayden had firmly refused the title and returned to being exempted.

And me? I governed the central domain.

Father had become increasingly consumed with his marriage. Siarah had lost two pregnancies during this time, and while the pack mourned with her, I couldn’t help but think the goddess was simply returning balance for her sins.

Siarah’s desperation had grown; she’d begun visiting healers from distant clans, trying one ancient potion after another, combining them with medical treatments from doctors. Father accompanied her on some visits, but mostly, he buried himself in politics, appearances, and pride.

Still, he appeared unannounced now and then, walking into my office like he owned the place, which, technically, he did.

“Aiden, my boy,” Father’s voice sounded loud and clear, full of that familiar authority. “You do this politics thing very well.”

I rose, smiling. “Well, I only took after you, the great Alpha of Darkmoon.”

“Ah, flattery. I see you’ve learned the tricks of leadership too.”

He clasped me into a brief, firm hug. “How’s everything around here? I can see milk and honey flowing.”

“Oh, Father,” I chuckled, shaking my head. “There’s no milk or honey, only work and sweat.”

“Well, well, my boy. I’m glad you’ve put your heart into it.” He sighed contentedly. “You know, one day, I’ll want to retire this pack into your hands. When I die, that is…”

“Please don’t speak about death,” I said, forcing a small laugh.

He smirked. “Ah, well, speaking of death…” His tone dipped suddenly, like a shadow crossing the room. “Words came from Dorian’s place today.”

I straightened. “Dorian? It’s been a long time. What about him?”

“Well… not good news.” His expression hardened, the Alpha mask slipping into something human. “His restaurant caught fire. He was badly burnt. They say he’s in the hospital. Knowing him, his wolf is strong; he’ll pull through.”

My stomach twisted. “And Riya?”

He hesitated. “That one… she’s still unconscious. They don’t know if she’ll make it.”

“What?” My voice cracked, and I sank into my chair.

“I hope she does,” Father muttered. “She was a good one. But life, my boy, it throws so many stones.”

He moved on quickly, switching topics back to politics, but I barely heard him. My mind stayed with her, Riya.

When Father finally left, I sat alone for several minutes, staring blankly at the ledger on my desk. Her almost forgotten name echoed in my head like a heartbeat.

By the time dusk rolled in, I was back at the castle. The halls glowed gold under chandeliers, servants whispering past with trays of fruit and wine. I found Jayden at the dining table, lounging like a king who’d never known war, one leg draped over the other, scrolling through his phone.

“Bro,” I said, loosening my tie. “You look too relaxed for someone who hasn’t done any work all day.”

Jayden grinned, tossing a grape into his mouth. “Art is work. You just don’t appreciate the suffering that goes into color selection.”

“Right,” I muttered, dropping into the chair beside him.

He slid the fruit bowl toward me. “Care for some?”

I took one absentmindedly. The sweetness didn’t reach my tongue.

“Long day?” he asked, glancing at me.

“Yeah.” I leaned back, exhaling. “Father stopped by.”

“Oh?” His eyebrows rose. “What did the old man want this time? Another lecture on how to act like an Alpha?”

“Not exactly,” I said quietly. “He brought news. Dorian’s place caught fire.”

Jayden’s smirk vanished. “What? When?”

“Earlier today. He’s alive… barely. They say he’s burned badly.”

Jayden’s hand froze midway to his mouth. “And Riya?”

“She’s unconscious.”

The silence that followed stretched long and heavy. Even Jayden, who always had something witty to say, said nothing.

Finally, he sighed. “She was always too gentle for this cruel world.”

“She’s strong,” I replied, though my voice lacked conviction.

Jayden studied me for a long moment. “You want to do something for her, don’t you?”

I didn’t answer.

“Come on,” he urged. “I know that look. You can’t visit her without attracting attention, but… maybe we can send something. Something personal.”

I looked up at him. “Like what?”

He leaned forward, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “A pendant. One with her and her father’s picture inside. Something she can hold onto when she wakes up. It might keep her going.”

My chest ached at the thought. “That’s… actually not a bad idea.”

Jayden smirked. “Of course it’s not. I’m a genius.”

He reached for a napkin and began sketching. “We’ll send it anonymously, in Siarah’s name,” he said. “If anyone asks, it’s just the Queen expressing sympathy to her daughter.”

I found myself smiling despite the heaviness in my chest. “Alright. Do it. Make sure it’s beautiful.”

“Everything I touch is,” he said, dramatically flipping the napkin toward me.

I rolled my eyes but pocketed the drawing anyway. “You really think it’ll help?”

He shrugged. “Maybe not. But it’ll remind her someone still cares. Sometimes, that’s enough.”

The door creaked open before I could reply.

Siarah stepped in, her gown trailing behind her. Her eyes landed on me first, then on Jayden. “I see both of you have found time to do something before dinner. Miracles do happen.”

I rose from my seat. “Good evening, Luna.”

She smiled faintly. “Evening, son. I heard about Dorian’s place.”

So she already knew. Of course she did; nothing escaped her network.

“Yes,” I said. “Father told me. It’s terrible news.”

Her expression softened, and for a moment, she looked… human. “I know. But I also know the kind of woman Riya is. I raised her well. She’s a fighter. She’ll survive this.”

The certainty in her tone made my chest tighten. It wasn’t arrogance; it was belief.

She turned toward the hall. “Nora!”

A few seconds later, Nora appeared, wiping her hands on her apron.

“Set the things in place,” Siarah said. “We’ll begin preparing dinner soon.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Nora bowed and disappeared again.

Siarah gave me one last smile before gliding out of the room.

I stood frozen for a moment, her words replaying in my head: I raised her well.

Did she not even care?

Jayden’s laughter broke through my thoughts. “You should see your face right now.”

“What?” I asked, frowning.

“You’re sitting there like someone just confessed to murder.”

I shot him a look. “This isn’t funny.”

He leaned back, grinning wider. “You like her, don’t you?”

“What?”

“Riya.” His grin turned knowing. “Don’t bother denying it. The mighty Aiden Steele, Alpha-in-training, composed and unshakable, sitting there, looking like his heart’s been torn out.”

“Jayden…”

He raised a hand. “Relax. I won’t tell Father. But you might want to start being honest with yourself.”

I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple. “It’s not like that.”

“Sure,” he said, drawing the word out. “Keep telling yourself that.”

His teasing grin lingered as he stood, stretching lazily. “I’ll handle the pendant. You just… handle your feeli

ngs.”

He walked out, leaving me alone with the echo of his laughter.

For a long moment, I stared at the empty doorway before deciding to head to my bedroom.