The Bond that Awakened Hope

Ashlyn’s POV

My joy knew no bounds at what I had just heard. She was beautiful with porcelain skin, ginger curls that framed her face like fire, and fierce green eyes that glowed with defiance and fear all at once. Her sculpted body, the unease in her stance—it all reminded me of myself when Lucifer had first taken me as his mistress. I liked her immediately. Something in me just knew this girl would be Lightning’s redemption.

Everyone had left except Roselia.

“What’s your name, my dear?” I asked softly.

“Raven… Raven Conan,” she replied, her voice quiet, uncertain.

I held her trembling hands in mine. “Do not be afraid, Raven. Forget about his ferocious temper. No one will hurt you. Not even him.”

She didn’t seem convinced, and I couldn’t blame her. I had seen what transpired earlier. There was no doubt in my mind that Lightning might hurt her—emotionally, perhaps even physically. But I also knew something she didn’t. Beneath all that fury and cruelty, he wasn’t the brutal barbarian he appeared to be. Somewhere deep within him, there was still my boy.

I turned to Roselia. “Please, take care of her the same way you once cared for me. We have a long and bumpy road ahead of us.”

Roselia nodded with a warm smile. “You don’t need to worry, my lady. As long as she’s the alpha’s mate, she’s in my good hands.”

I trusted Roselia with my heart. She had always been loyal.

I turned to Raven again. “I must return to my pack now. I’ve already overstayed, but I’ll be back soon.”

She nodded weakly, managing a faint smile.

“Before I go, I should tell you… I’m Ashlyn Sauron. You can call me Mother.”

Her eyes widened a little, and she nodded again. I smiled and kissed her forehead.

“Roselia, I shall take my leave.”

“Farewell, my lady. Extend my greetings to the alpha.”

“I will,” I said, hugging her gently.

“Take care, Mother. I hope to see you soon,” Raven said, her shy smile melting my heart.

“Roselia,” I beamed, my voice trembling with emotion. “She called me mother.”

Roselia chuckled softly, and I cupped Raven’s cheek. “I can’t wait to see you again, love. Take care of yourself.”

I bid them farewell and walked out of the pack house. My two escorts were already waiting beside the car.

Earlier, I had pondered what excuse to give Lucifer for returning home today, but with this news, I was eager to tell him everything. I was grateful for this modern age. It wouldn’t take me days to get home as it did when we traveled by carriage.

Nine Hours Later

It was exactly nine in the evening when I arrived at the Nightwing Pack. I hadn’t even stepped out when I saw Lucifer already at the driveway, arms stretched wide, a smile lighting up his face. It was as though he had sensed my arrival from the gate.

I stepped out and ran toward him. He caught me in his arms effortlessly, lifting me as his lips met mine in a deep, tender kiss. Thirty years. Thirty years together, and he still made me feel butterflies.

“I’ve missed you, love,” he murmured against my lips.

“Me too,” I whispered with a smile.

He held my hand and led me into the house. The familiar warmth enveloped me, and I noticed at once that he had changed the flowers in the vases. Fresh blooms filled every corner.

“Aw, love,” I breathed, walking toward them and inhaling their scent.

“I thought you’d like it,” he said with that small, smug smile I adored.

“I love it,” I replied, turning back to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I whispered, “I have good news.”

He grinned and slid his hands around my waist. “I have good news too,” he teased, brushing his lips against mine.

“You go first,” I chuckled.

“No, you go first.”

Knowing Lucifer, he wouldn’t say anything until I did. “Fine,” I sighed with a smile. “Lightning has a mate.”

His eyes twinkled in surprise and delight. “Is this real?”

“Yes,” I grinned.

“Is she from the debutantes?” he asked curiously.

I shook my head. “No. He conquered her pack and took her. Their meeting story is just like ours.”

I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to tell him that Ace had also been her mate. But if I did, he might worry she wouldn’t choose Lightning.

“Did he acknowledge it?” he asked.

“For some reason, he can’t feel the mate bond. He doesn’t believe she’s his mate.”

Lucifer sighed, his hands falling from my waist. “At least I knew you were mine. His is different. What if the curse has advanced, Ashlyn, and a mate is no longer what he needs to break it?”

His agitation was clear.

“We can’t give up,” I said firmly. “We’ll try this first. If it doesn’t work, we’ll find another way.”

He began to pace. “And that crazy boy won’t come home or even speak to me. This is where he belongs, love. This is his pack to rule.”

“Lucifer…” I said softly, recognizing the ache behind his words.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he sighed. “I’m proud of him. Proud that he built his own pack from nothing, that his name alone commands fear across the lands.” His eyes glistened with admiration. “But he’s worse than I ever was, love. His chaos could ruin him. His brute force, his contempt for women…”

I placed a finger on his lips. “We both know that’s not the boy we raised. He’s under the curse’s influence.”

He let out a long breath. “I know. But he’s surrounded by enemies. Who’s there to guide him?”

“There was no one to guide you either,” I reminded him gently. “Let him learn his lessons, love.”

“Fine,” he muttered, though his tone softened. “But it doesn’t mean I’ll stop worrying.”

I laughed softly. “So, tell me, what’s your good news?”

He grinned, eyes lighting up. “I finally found a witch who knows about the curse.”

My heart leapt. “Truly?”

“Yes. She’s coming in a few days. We’ll finally understand this curse.”

“And our son will be free,” I said, my heart swelling with hope.

“Yes,” he smiled. “Least I forget, Amber has returned to her husband’s pack. All my children have deserted me,” he groaned dramatically.

I slapped his chest playfully. “I should be the one whining about that. Besides, North is still here.”

North, our youngest. Seventeen and full of life.

“Soon, she’ll get a mate and leave too,” he grumbled.

“I have a feeling her mate might be Rage’s son,” I teased.

“Good. Then at least one of my children will remain here,” he said, before dipping his head to the crook of my neck. “Did I mention I missed you?”

I giggled. “Yes, you did.”

“Then let me show you how much,” he whispered devilishly, brushing his lips along my skin.

He lifted me effortlessly into his arms, and I gasped in playful protest. “Lucifer!”

“You love me,” he said with a grin, already heading for the stairs.