The attic was neater than I had anticipated, with labeled boxes arranged in reasonably organized sections. Liam had clearly put thought into the storage system when moving our combined possessions from Silverlake and the original cabin configuration into this expanded space. "Holiday decorations,"
Grace pov I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond between us, sending a deliberate surge of distress through the connection. It wasn't like telepathy—I couldn't transmit thoughts or words—but strong emotions could sometimes break through, especially in emergency situations. Whether my attempt was
I nodded, the pain somewhat dulled by the medication they had administered upon my arrival. "When can I go home?" "After Dr. Sherwood examines you and decides whether surgery is needed," the doctor replied. "If no surgery is required, probably later today. You'll need to follow up with orthopedics
Grace pov Two weeks into my recovery, the challenges of navigating daily life with a broken ankle had become clearer. Simple tasks like showering, preparing meals, or keeping up with an increasingly mobile eight-month-old required careful planning and often assistance. Though I had mastered the ar
Liam pov Through our bond, I sensed her reaction, my own desire mingling with my genuine wish to care for her comfort. "Just a bath," I clarified with a gentle smile. "No expectations beyond getting you clean and relaxed. Though I certainly won't object if relaxation leads elsewhere..." At her blu
"Ready to get out?" I asked, setting the washcloth aside. "If getting out means continuing what you've started," Grace replied with a smile that conveyed her intentions clearly, "then absolutely." My eyes darkened at her words, my own desire evident in my expression and through their bond. With
Grace pov Six weeks after my accident, I sat in the orthopedic specialist's office, watching Dr. Sherwood examines the latest X-rays of my healing ankle. The walking boot that had replaced my cast two weeks earlier was a vast improvement in terms of mobility and independence, though I still moved
Grace pov Why, then, was panic rising in my chest, threatening to overwhelm the joy I knew I should be feeling? Why did tears sting my eyes as I stared unseeingly at the dashboard? I felt fear sneak in as I debated my next move. I need to go home and tell Liam, but I'm scared. The memory of my p
Grace pov Good birthday," she declared with satisfaction. "Everyone's patterns were happy." "Yes, they were," I agreed softly. "Did you enjoy your party?" Sophia nodded sleepily. "The Balance liked it too. And baby brother." Her small hand reached out to touch my belly with surprising gentlene
I accepted the cake gratefully. Pregnancy cravings had given me an unprecedented sweet tooth, much to Sophia's delight. "How's our birthday girl doing?" "Currently explaining to her friends how the presents create a 'harmony pattern' when arranged properly," Liam replied, his expression filled wit
Grace pov **Six Months Later** The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the meadow behind Fireside pack house. Children's laughter filled the air as a small gathering celebrated Sophia's second birthday. The toddler presided over the festivities with a serene dignity that occasionally ga
Sophia considered the question seriously before shaking her head. "Not worry. It's the right pattern. The balance is happy about it." She adjusted another stone slightly, the golden light flowing to illuminate the new configuration. "Five is better than four. Stronger shapes." As if confirming her
I began to protest, but another wave of dizziness—milder this time—reminded me that Elena's medical advice wasn't merely precautionary. My body was indeed adjusting to significant changes, and pushing beyond its limits would serve no one. "Two days," I conceded reluctantly. "But I want regular upd
Grace pov Liam nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Our children were never going to be ordinary, were they? Not with us as parents." I smiled as he looked into my eyes. Lucas was a strong werewolf with Alpha blood, and Sophia was a truth seer. Both were strong as hell.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. "You collapsed in the observation gallery," Liam explained, squeezing my hand. "Gave everyone quite a scare, especially the children. Tomas has been asking about you every fifteen minutes." I attempted to sit up, but Elena moved swiftly to prev
Grace pov Two weeks after the Children's Day revelation, the Balance Center hummed with renewed purpose. I had implemented a carefully structured program to continue engaging with the children who had shown connection to the Equilibrium, while the research division refined their understanding of h
Grace pov Liam, ever practical, focused on immediate implications. "How does this affect our response to reality-shapers? Does this expanded connection give the equilibrium greater range or power?" "Not exactly, power," I replied thoughtfully. "More like... expanded awareness. Greater understand