MasukThey walked to the library and sat down on the couch. There was so much to say, so much to explain. But first, they just looked at each other, trying to process that they'd finally found each other again after eight years of searching."I never stopped looking for you," Zephyr said finally. "I need you to know that. Even when I was in hiding, even when it was dangerous, I had people searching for Elena Valdris.""And I never stopped looking for Zephyr," Elena replied. "Even when my investigators said it was impossible. Even when everyone told me to give up. I kept searching because our sons deserved to know their father."Zephyr reached out and took Elena's hand. "Thank you. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for raising them alone. Thank you for making them into these incredible little humans.""They're pretty special," Elena agreed, squeezing his hand. "And they get a lot of that from you, even though you weren't there. They have your intelligence, your intensity, your eyes.""T
Zephyr laughed, but tears were streaming down his face. "Yes, I'm very good at math.""That's good," Adrian said seriously. "We'll need help with our advanced calculus homework soon.""You're seven and doing advanced calculus?" Zephyr asked, looking at Elena in amazement."They're exceptionally gifted," Elena said with a mixture of pride and tears. "They read at a high school level. They speak four languages. They're presenting at a science conference next week."Zephyr looked back at his sons. "Can I hug you? Is that okay?"Alexander and Adrian looked at each other again, having one of their silent twin conversations. Then they both nodded and walked into Zephyr's arms.Zephyr wrapped his arms around both boys and broke down crying. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I'm so sorry I missed seven years of your lives.""It's okay, daddy," Alexander said, patting Zephyr's shoulder. "You're here now. That's what matters.""And we have lots of time to catch up," Adrian added optim
"The Ravenclaw family is one of the most prominent in Lysandria," Margaret explained. "Zephyr's family owns Ravenclaw Industries, one of our largest conglomerates."Elena felt like the room was spinning. "Ravenclaw Industries. That's why my investigators couldn't find you. I named my company Ravenwood Industries. The names are so similar, but I never made the connection.""You named your company after your family," Zephyr said with a slight smile. "I named mine after my family. We were both honoring our heritage without knowing it.""How did you figure out Elena was here?" Margaret asked."I've been searching for Elena Valdris for eight years," Zephyr explained. "A few days ago, my investigators finally found a lead. They discovered that Elena Valdris had come to Lysandria eight years ago and then disappeared from all public records."He looked at Elena. "I knew something significant must have happened. So I started researching major life events in Lysandria eight years ago. And I fou
"Good," Aurora said firmly. "You deserve to close that chapter and move on.""Speaking of moving on," Margaret interjected. "What's the status with finding Zephyr?"Elena's expression fell. "My investigators think he might have a classified identity. Someone important enough that his information is protected by national security protocols."Margaret looked thoughtful. "That's interesting. There are very few people in Lysandria whose identities are classified at that level.""Do you know any of them?" Elena asked hopefully."A few," Margaret admitted. "Military leaders, intelligence officers, certain members of very powerful families who have security concerns. But Elena, I can't just give you access to classified information without proper authorization.""I know," Elena said. "I'm just so frustrated. The twins ask about their father constantly. I don't know what to tell them anymore.""Tell them the truth," Aurora suggested. "That you're looking for him. That you haven't given up. Th
Elena stepped off the royal jet at Lysandria International Airport Tuesday afternoon, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. She was home. Finally, truly home. Margaret was waiting at the private hangar, leaning on her cane but smiling warmly. "Welcome back, darling." Elena hugged her grandmother carefully. "It's so good to be home. Where are the boys?" "At the palace with Aurora," Margaret replied. "They wanted to come to the airport, but Aurora convinced them to prepare a surprise welcome home party for you instead." Elena laughed. "Oh no. The last time they planned a surprise party, they covered the entire dining room in homemade decorations and nearly set the curtains on fire." "I'm sure this time will be different," Margaret said, though she didn't sound convinced. The drive from the airport to the palace took twenty minutes. Elena watched the familiar streets of Lysandria pass by and felt herself truly relaxing for the first time in days. "How do you feel?" Margaret asked
Victoria laughed, but it came out as a sob. This was karma, this was justice and this was what happened when you built your life on lies.Her phone rang. It was Richard."What do you want?" Victoria answered."I want to apologize," Richard said, though he didn't sound sorry. "I shouldn't have told them everything. But Victoria, you left me no choice, I was angry. You used me for years.""And you used me," Victoria shot back. "You wanted my connections and my money. Don't pretend this was about love.""Maybe it was about both," Richard said. "But it doesn't matter now. We're both finished in this town. The Kaelthorns will make sure everyone knows what we did.""I know," Victoria said tiredly."So what are you going to do?" Richard asked."I don't know," Victoria admitted. "Find somewhere cheap to live. Maybe get a job as a waitress or something. Pray that Jack doesn't fight me too hard for custody of James.""He'll get custody," Richard said bluntly. "You lied and manipulated. No judge







