Life with the Ravenclaw Pack was not what I expected. At first, I kept my distance, too overwhelmed by everything that had happened.

Lucian’s words haunted me. The realization that I had nowhere to go weighed heavily on my mind. But as the days passed, Thalia’s warmth broke through my shell. She was persistent, always checking in on me, offering help or simply sitting with me while I cared for Brielle. It was hard to remain cold to someone so kind.

Soon, I found myself easing into a rhythm. I wasn’t used to the luxury around me—the Ravenclaw Pack lived in a grand estate, the likes of which I’d never seen. It was intimidating at first. But I didn’t want to be a burden.

Out of gratitude, I started helping out where I could, mostly with small chores while Brielle napped. Thalia didn’t seem to expect anything from me, but I couldn’t just sit around.

One day, I decided to bring snacks to Lucian. Despite living under the same roof, he had kept his distance since our tense encounter. I rarely saw him. And when I did, it was only in passing. His gaze was cool and indifferent. Still, I wanted to show my appreciation, even if he didn’t ask for it.

It was a strange feeling, being in a place that felt safe but not quite like home. Yet, slowly, I started to settle. Brielle thrived here. And for that, I was grateful. She smiled more, her tiny hands reaching out to explore everything around her. Watching her grow brought me a peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.

One evening, after a long day of caring for Brielle and helping Thalia, I decided to take a bath. The warm water was a welcome relief, soothing the tension from my body. I let my thoughts drift, trying to ignore the constant undercurrent of anxiety that had become my companion since my banishment. But that peace was shattered by the sound of Brielle’s cry, piercing through the silence.

My heart raced, and I jumped out of the bath, hastily rinsing the soap from my skin. I grabbed a towel. Panic surged through me. But then—nothing.

Silence.

I froze.

Had she fallen back asleep?

Or worse, what if something had happened to her?

Wrapping the towel tightly around me, I rushed out of the bathroom. But when I stepped into the room, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Lucian was there. He stood by the crib, cradling Brielle in his arms. The sight of him, holding my daughter with such care, sent a jolt through me. I didn’t know what shocked me more—the fact that he was here, or that I was nearly naked, dripping wet and standing frozen in place.

For a moment, neither of us moved. Lucian’s eyes flickered over me. And then, as if realizing the situation, he quickly turned his back. “I—sorry,” he muttered, his voice stiff. His usual calm demeanor faltered. And I felt my face flush with embarrassment.

I scrambled to grab my robe. The towel slipped from my grasp as I tried to cover myself. “I… didn’t expect anyone to be here,” I said. My voice turned shaky as I tied the robe tightly around me.

Lucian cleared his throat, still facing the wall. “I heard her crying,” he explained, his voice more composed now. “I couldn’t ignore it.”

My heart still raced. But not just from the surprise of seeing him. The image of him holding Brielle, his broad form somehow gentle with her in his arms, lingered in my mind. “Thank you,” I said softly, moving closer to take Brielle from him. “I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Lucian handed her to me carefully. His fingers brushed mine for the briefest moment. The contact sent a strange warmth through me. And I quickly looked away, focusing on Brielle. She had stopped crying and now peacefully asleep in my arms.

“It’s no trouble,” Lucian said, his voice low. He hesitated for a moment, then added, “You should no longer see yourself as a guest here, Elara.”

I blinked, surprised by his words. “What do you mean?”

He turned slightly, just enough to meet my eyes without looking at me fully. “You’re part of the Ravenclaw Pack now, whether you like it or not. You and Brielle belong here.”

One afternoon, I sat in the garden, watching Brielle toddle about. Her small feet were unsteady but determined as she explored the soft grass. The sun bathed the garden in a warm glow, making it a peaceful moment. One of the few I’d had since arriving at the Ravenclaw Pack. Brielle’s laughter rang out, light and carefree, a sound I cherished.

I leaned back on the bench, letting the tranquility of the scene wash over me. But the peace was soon interrupted by the unmistakable presence of Lucian.

I hadn’t seen him much since the night in my room, when he’d held Brielle, and things had been awkward between us ever since.

His sudden appearance now caught me off guard. I stiffened, unsure of how to react. He approached slowly. His gaze settled on Brielle. “She’s growing fast."

I nodded, keeping my focus on Brielle. “She is,” I replied cautiously, still unsure of where this conversation was heading.

Lucian lingered near the edge of the garden. His stance was less rigid than before.

The silence stretched on. And I found myself wanting to fill it. “Why are you and Thalia so invested in us?” I asked. I had wondered for days why they had taken us in so willingly.

Lucian didn’t respond immediately. He seemed to consider my question carefully. “Thalia… she has a soft heart. She couldn’t ignore your situation. But it’s more than that,” he admitted quietly. His eyes met mine. The honesty in them caught me off guard. “I believe in protecting those who need it. Your pack abandoned you and your daughter. That makes you my responsibility now.”

His words hung in the air between us, and something shifted inside me. For the first time, I saw him not as the cold, distant Alpha, but as someone driven by a deeper sense of duty. There was a vulnerability in his admission, one that made me reevaluate him in ways I hadn’t expected.

I looked down at Brielle, who was now sitting in the grass, plucking at the flowers. “Thank you." The gratitude I felt was mixed with a new sense of understanding. Perhaps Lucian wasn’t as indifferent as he seemed. Perhaps there was more to him than I’d initially thought.

The conversation was brief. But it left a mark.

Lucian excused himself not long after, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I watched him disappear back into the house.

The next morning, the house was unusually busy. I noticed the servants moving about more quickly. And there was an air of anticipation in the hallways. Curious, I approached one of the she-wolves I’d seen around the estate. “What’s going on?” I asked.

The she-wolf glanced at me. Her eyes were wide with excitement. “Thalia and Lucian’s brother are returning home today,” she explained. “And Lucian’s fiancée is arriving with them.”

My heart sank at the last part.

Fiancée?

Of course, he would be engaged. An Alpha like him wouldn’t stay single for long. But hearing it still sent a pang through me. I wasn’t sure why.

I thanked the she-wolf and walked back to my room. My thoughts swirled.

As I sat by the window, watching the activity unfold below, I found myself wondering what Lucian’s fiancée was like.

Would she be kind, like Thalia?

Or would she see Brielle and me as intruders?

The thought of meeting her filled me with unease. And for the first time since arriving here, I wasn’t sure what my place in the Ravenclaw Pack would be once she arrived.

The air was thick with anticipation as they prepared for the arrival of Zander and Elysia. I stood off to the side, observing the chaos from a distance. My curiosity about the newcomers tugged at me. But my instincts told me to avoid commotion. Quietly, I decided it was best to retreat to my room and check on Brielle instead.

As I made my way down the hallway, I wasn’t expecting to bump into Thalia. "Elara! Perfect timing. Come with me to meet Zander and Elysia."

I hesitated, not really wanting to be part of the gathering. “I need to check on Brielle,” I replied, hoping it would be a polite way to excuse myself.

“Don’t worry, someone’s watching over her. You should meet them. Trust me, it’ll be quick.”

Despite my reluctance, Thalia’s insistence was impossible to resist. With a light touch on my arm, she began leading me toward the grand hall. I sighed inwardly, knowing I had no other choice.

The grand hall was as extravagant as ever, with the Ravenclaw Pack members bustling about, preparing for the arrivals. Thalia beamed as she led me toward her brother. “This is Zander,” she said proudly.

Zander turned toward us. His easy smile and confident stance immediately put me somewhat at ease. He took my hand. His touch was firm but respectful. “It’s a pleasure,” he said, before planting a light kiss on the back of my hand.

I felt my cheeks warm at the gesture, surprised by his playful elegance.

As I pulled my hand back, I realized my heart was racing slightly.

Zander’s charm was undeniable, but it was Elysia I was more interested in meeting. Thalia’s tone shifted slightly when she introduced her—Lucian’s fiancée.

Elysia stepped forward. Her figure was tall and poised, exuding an air of confidence that felt cold rather than welcoming. She greeted Thalia warmly but turned her attention to me with a sharp, scrutinizing gaze.

When Thalia introduced me, Elysia barely acknowledged my presence. Her eyes briefly flicked over me before turning back to Thalia, dismissing me in an instant. I could feel the coolness in her demeanor, and it unsettled me.

"Where's Lucian?" Elysia asked abruptly. Her voice was laced with irritation.

Thalia explained that Lucian had gone for a stroll around the territory and would return shortly.

Elysia’s expression hardened. Her frustration was apparent. "He should have been here waiting for me," she muttered, her tone dripping with entitlement.

Thalia offered her a polite smile. But I could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface.

The doors to the hall opened suddenly. And all eyes turned as Lucian entered.

Elysia’s face immediately brightened. And before anyone could react, she rushed toward him, throwing her arms around his neck. Her embrace was possessive. Her fingers curled into his jacket as if staking a claim.

I stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold. There was no reason for me to feel the strange twist in my stomach, but I did.

Elysia’s clear sense of ownership over Lucian stirred something in me I wasn’t quite ready to confront.

Elysia leaned in closer to Lucian, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips as she moved to kiss him. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. My pulse quickened, and an unfamiliar tension built within me as I watched, waiting to see how Lucian would respond.

The sight of Elysia clinging to him, so openly, so possessively, made me feel as though I were witnessing something I shouldn’t. And yet, I couldn’t look away. It was as though some invisible force was holding me in place, compelling me to watch.

What I felt at that moment was confusing, unsettling. There was a flicker of jealousy and a wave of discomfort that I couldn’t push down. My mind scrambled to rationalize the feelings surging through me, but all I could do was stand there, frozen, as the scene played out before me.