Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235: Chapter 235 The Final Sacrifice

Freya’s POV

The morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, dappling the hiking trail ahead of us with golden light. Three weeks had passed since the confrontation with Aurora and the revelation about our daughter’s emerging abilities, and for the first time since then, we were having a proper family day—just the three of us, away from pack responsibilities and witch hunts.

"Mommy, look!" Isabella’s excited voice rang out as she pointed toward a small brook running alongside our path. "There are tiny fish dancing in the water!"

I squeezed Silvano’s hand before letting go to join our daughter at the water’s edge. My wolf, Selene, purred with contentment at the simple joy of seeing my family safe and together. The Alpha’s curse was broken, our bond stronger than ever, and for a few precious hours, we could pretend we were just an ordinary family enjoying nature.

"Those are brook trout, princess," Silvano explained, crouching beside Isabella. His powerful frame seemed softer here in the woods, away from the watchful eyes of the pack. "They’re special because they only live in the purest water."

Isabella’s eyes widened with wonder. "Like how I’m special because I only grew in Mommy’s tummy?"

Silvano chuckled, the rich sound warming my heart. "Exactly like that."

I watched as my mate helped our daughter slip off her hiking boots to dangle her feet in the cool stream. The sight of Silvano—the feared Alpha of Shadow Pack—patiently rolling up our five-year-old’s pant legs nearly brought tears to my eyes. How close we’d come to losing this, to losing him.

"The water feels like it’s singing to me," Isabella announced, wiggling her toes in the gentle current. "Do you feel it too, Daddy?"

A meaningful glance passed between Silvano and me. This was part of why we’d chosen this particular trail—to test Isabella’s sensitivity to natural energies in a safe environment, away from prying eyes and potentially dangerous situations.

"What kind of song is it singing, baby?" I asked casually, slipping off my own shoes to join her.

She tilted her head, considering. "It’s happy but... lonely too. Like it misses something."

Silvano nodded thoughtfully. "This stream used to be part of a larger river before the earthquake last year changed its course. The water remembers."

"That’s exactly it!" Isabella beamed, delighted to be understood. "The water remembers!"

I felt a mixture of pride and concern wash over me. Our daughter’s gift was beautiful, precious—and potentially dangerous in a world where witches like Morgana hunted for such talents.

"You’re very perceptive, sweetheart," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That’s a special gift."

Isabella looked up at me, suddenly serious in that disconcerting way children sometimes are. "Like how I knew Daddy was hurting even when he pretended he wasn’t?"

The question caught me off guard. Silvano stiffened beside me, then relaxed with a sigh.

"Yes, pup," he admitted, his voice low and gentle. "Like that. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth."

"It’s okay," Isabella said with a shrug. "I knew you were trying to protect us. But it made Mommy sad, and that made me sad too."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. Out of the mouths of babes.

"Sometimes grown-ups make mistakes when they’re scared," I explained. "Even strong ones like your daddy."

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