Eva’s POV Sunlight spills across the room, warming the sheets as I wake beside Theo. His arm drapes over me, fingers brushing my shoulder, and for a moment, the world is still, quiet, perfect. I stir, letting him nuzzle my neck, breathing in his warmth. “Morning,” he murmurs, voice thick with sleep. “Morning,” I whisper back, pressing closer, savoring the simple intimacy. Then laughter—sharp, bright, irresistible—drifts from the garden. My eyes snap open. I frown, curiosity pulling me toward the balcony. Below, chaos unfolds like a scene from a painting I can’t stop staring at. Lenny is sprawled on the grass, Paris crouched atop him, roaring with laughter as he tackles him again and again. My young son—my heart wrapped in small human form—is gleefully squealing, delighted by every second. His name, my tribute to a man who once became like a father to me, feels weighty and full of meaning as I watch him. His tiny fists slap at Lenny’s shoulders as he giggles uncontrollably. Sonia
Eva’s POV The castle is buzzing, brighter than it has in decades. Every hallway smells of fresh flowers, incense, and a hint of warm honey from the kitchens. Theo has spared no detail. The coronation party is not just a celebration—it’s a declaration: I am his queen, and my place is beside him. I pace the corridor outside the grand hall, taking a deep breath, letting the energy of anticipation fill me. Sonia adjusts my veil, her fingers gentle but firm. “You look radiant,” she says, her smile soft but proud. I glance at her, at Trixie smoothing her own gown, at Samantha fussing slightly over the folds of her dress. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a dream,” I admit. Trixie grins. “Then let’s make it a perfect one. No fainting, no crying too early, just pure queen energy.” Samantha laughs, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “You are already perfect, Eva. No coronation could add more.” Just then, the doors swing open, and my heart skips. Mary enters, cradling her tiny
Eva’s POV The castle towers rise above the trees like a memory I once tried to bury. For so long, I thought I would never return here. And yet, here I am, and I am not alone. Our convoy rolls slowly into the courtyard, Theo at the forefront with Sonia and Michael hand in hand, Parker with Trixie, Lenny with Elias, all of us riding together, a united front. The engines cut off, and immediately, the castle’s inhabitants bow low in respect—warriors, servants, even children kneeling, heads lowered. The sight steals the air from my lungs. I glance around, taking in the familiar faces of my friends and mate, and the weight of home hits me full force. Sonia gives me a reassuring squeeze of her hand, Michael grins, Parker winks at Trixie, and Lenny leans slightly into Elias. I swallow hard, overwhelmed by how right it feels to be surrounded by them all. “Eva!” Samantha’s voice cuts through the quiet awe. “Carl!” My mother and father burst through the castle doors, running across the cour
Nathaniel’s POV The garden is quiet this afternoon. The sun filters through branches heavy with blossoms, and the air carries the faint perfume of lavender and rosemary. I follow the path between the hedges until I see them. Isabella sits on a stone bench, her hair loose over her shoulders, her fingers idly weaving a crown of daisies. Beside her, Simone kneels on the grass, laughing softly as a butterfly lands on her hand. For a moment, I stop walking. They look like a painting—mother and daughter, bound by blood and love, healing together. I clear my throat gently. “May I join you?” Isabella looks up, her smile blooming like the flowers around her. “Nathaniel. Of course.” Simone waves, her eyes bright. “Uncle!” She still says the word with wonder, as if tasting it on her tongue. I sit opposite them, folding my hands. “I’ve come with news. Good news, this time.” Isabella arches a brow. “Good news is rare from your lips. Tell us quickly before it changes.” I chuckle. “Your cove
Nathaniel’s POV The camp feels alive again. Children run between the cabins, sparring partners laugh as they drop their wooden swords, and the summer breeze carries the smell of pine and fresh bread from the kitchens. For once, there is no darkness pressing down on us—only anticipation. I stand in the training hall, sunlight slanting through the tall windows. Before me, chairs are set in a loose circle. Slowly, they fill. Samantha and Carl enter first, side by side, though Carl keeps glancing at her as if making sure she isn’t about to vanish. Selene and Zach follow, Zach’s hand resting protectively on her back. They sit across from each other, exchanging polite nods but also that nervous, shared curiosity that binds all parents when they wait for news. When the room settles into silence, I take a breath. “Thank you all for coming. I know you’ve been waiting, and today I can finally give you answers.” Samantha leans forward, her hands trembling in her lap. “It’s about Eva, isn’t i
Paris’s POV The engines rumble like restless beasts as four jeeps wait at the gate. The courtyard is quieter than usual, the laughter from yesterday’s feast already feeling like a distant echo. Today, my home will feel emptier. “Ready?” I ask, though my voice doesn’t quite hold steady. Michael throws his bag into the back of a jeep, rolling his eyes. “As ready as we’ll ever be. Beds, here I come.” Lenny groans. “Finally.” They try to lighten the air, but even their banter can’t cut through the heaviness pressing down on us all. Kostas stands stiff beside me, jaw tight, eyes burning holes into the ground. Lily hovers near him, her hand brushing his, steadying him in ways words can’t. Eva hugs Katerina first, then Nikos, then Kristina. When she turns to me, her eyes shine, though she blinks quickly as if to hide it. “Thank you,” she whispers. “For welcoming me. For making me feel… like I belong.” I place a hand on her shoulder, forcing myself to smile. “Family is not alw