The cobbled street glinted under the morning sun, leading Gonzalo towards the bakery the man he'd encountered, had mentioned. He also knew of the bakery since it was the biggest one in the pack. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air was a welcome change from the stale air of the packhouse. The bakery itself was a quaint, two-story building with a wooden arched window that offered a glimpse inside where light danced upon mountains of golden brown bread and glistening cakes. The aroma of caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and rising dough, filled Gonzalo's senses– provoking his hunger even more. Leafy flower boxes overflowing with crimson petunias lined the windowsills, adding a touch of life to the street. Two young boys— barely teenagers, leaned against the bakery's entrance, tossing a ball back and forth with an air of boredom. Gonzalo approached them with a kind smile. "Excuse me, boys," he began, hoping his tone sounded more confident than it felt. "Could you point m

“Alright, alright," Gonzalo nodded to the young apprentices with a wry smile on his lips. He jotted down the final order and tucked the list into his pocket and gave them a pet pat on the shoulders each. Stepping outside, he breathed in the fresh air, feeling a new light settle upon him. Perhaps, not being in Echo’s packhouse would make his grieving easier. Nah, it was making his grieving easier. This new job wasn't so bad after all. Just then, Nicholas emerged from the back with a flour-dusted hand wiping sweat from his brow. "Gonzalo, my friend," he boomed, his voice filled with light frustration. "Just when I thought I might have a moment of peace, the orders come flooding in like a hungry horde!" Concern formed deep lines on Gonzalo's face. "Is everything alright, Nicholas? Do you need extra help?" Nicholas chuckled. "Actually, that's a good question. We've got a rush today – seems the recent influx of refugees has everyone stocking up on comfort food. How would you feel a

River stared out the window, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The revelation of her heritage, her hidden power, and the significance of destiny that Annemarie had placed upon her shoulders was overwhelming. Finally, she found her voice and whispered."But why me, Annemarie?" she asked with confusion. "Why are you telling me all this now? Why is your family helping me?"Annemarie's gaze softened with compassion. "Because, dear River," she said, her voice filled with sincerity, "I see myself in you. Ever since I arrived in this pack, mated to the simple stablehand, I witnessed the love story of your parents and the tragedy that unfolded. The struggles they faced, and the heartbreaking choices they were forced to make."Surprise split River’s face into two. "You knew my parents?"Annemarie nodded. "Yes. I saw their unwavering love for each other, the ostracization your mother faced, and the desperate lengths they went to in order to protect their family. Don't forget my husb

Relief washed over River as Finn, muttering under his breath, went out of the kitchen. The sizzle of sausages filled the air. Her mind raced with questions about Gonzalo's appearance, his intentions, and the unsettling feeling that everything was about to unravel.She fretted that her daughter might be taken away from her but she also knew she’d do anything to keep Rain. No one— not Gonzalo or Lord Draven had a right to Rain but her.Finn lumbered towards the back door, barking orders at Rain and Leo to come inside. They obeyed reluctantly, Rain's infectious energy dampened by the seriousness inscribed on River's face. As Finn ushered them in, River hovered near the kitchen entrance, stealing glances out the window, searching for any sign of Gonzalo.He was gone. Thankfully. What did he want anyway? How could he have found them that easily? Did someone give her away already?W–Was this family working for Echo? What if everything they had told her were lies orchestrated by Echo to lead

River almost couldn't believe her eyes. Why were all of her nightmares hell-bent on coming to pass? Why couldn't she just catch a break for once? A jolt of terror shot through her. Her breath welled up in her throat, threatening to choke her. All thoughts of distrust towards Annemarie and Finn earlier vanished and were replaced by fear for Rain's safety. For seven years, she'd lived in fear of this very moment, the moment Gonzalo would find them. Her feet moved on autopilot, carrying her towards Rain and Gonzalo. As she drew closer, she noticed the way Rain seemed livened up, gesturing with her small hands as she spoke to him with giggles flying around. Gonzalo, for his part, listened intently with a gentle smile on his lips. For a fleeting moment, a ridiculous, traitorous part of River felt a flicker of warmth at the sight. Seeing her daughter and her father being so cordial, smiling and giggling was probably what every mother would want. It would have been a picture-perfect f