Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 471

Natalia’s POV

+20 Banue

The excavation began the next morning. I woke to the sound of voices and commotion outside, and emerged from the tent to find that a stream of workers had already begun approaching the mountainside.

To my surprise, Luna Ellen was amongst them. She told me that she wanted to lead the expedition—and that she would be staying here. Permanently.

“Those people up there,” she said, gesturing toward the top of the mountain where the original palace still sat, they need guidance. I have nothing left for me in my home pack, with my cheating husband. I’m staying here.”

I nodded and shook her hand. “You’re a good woman, Ellen. Better than I would be.”

Ellen snorted. “That’s debatable.”

We left the mountain that afternoon. The journey back to Bloodmoon territory took three days; we had to move slowly because of our injuries and the baby. Andrei could barely travel for more than an hour at a time before the dizziness from the fumes returned. Damon had to stop frequently to rest as well. And I was so weak that I spent most of the journey in a wagon with Hope, nursing her and trying to regain my strength.

The twins rode in the wagon with me, taking turns keeping watch over Hope. Jane sang to her constantly, making up little songs about mountains and caves and brave princesses. Max was quieter, but he stayed close, his hand often reaching out to touch Hope’s tiny fingers through the blankets.

When we finally crossed into Bloodmoon territory, I felt something in my chest loosen.

The pack had been notified of our return, and a crowd had gathered at the wall to meet us. Warriors, families, elders–everyone wanted to see us. Wanted to hear that the King was truly dead.

I held Hope against my chest as we made our way toward the gates. The people who had gathered stared, whispering and pointing.

“Is it true?” someone called out. “Is the King really dead?”

“He’s dead,” Andrei confirmed, his arm wrapped securely around me. “Buried under a mountain of stone. He’ll never hurt anyone again.”

A cheer went up. People were crying, hugging each other, some even falling to their knees in relief. The King had terrorized the region for so long that his death felt almost impossible to believe.

But he was gone. I’d watched him fall into that poisoned water. I’d felt the mountain collapse on top of him. He wasn’t coming back.

That didn’t mean that the war was over yet, though. The King still had supporters out there, and the land was overrun with rogues. But it was the beginning of the end. A new hope had arisen, and I wasn’t referring to my daughter this time.

David pushed through the crowd, his face drawn and pale. When he saw me, relief flooded his expression. Natalia. Thank the Goddess.” He reached out and gripped my shoulder. “We heard what happened. We thought

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Chapter 41/1

+25 Bonus

“I’m fine,” I said quickly. “We’re all fine. David, this is Hope. Our daughter.”

David looked down at the baby in my arms, and for a moment, his expression softened. But then it tightened again, and I saw something in his eyes that made my blood run cold.

“David? What’s wrong?”

He glanced at Andrei, then back at me. “There’s something you need to know. About… Father.”

My stomach dropped. “What about him?”

“He’s dying, Natalia. The aging that Helena inflicted on him–it’s progressing rapidly now. The healers have tried everything, but there’s no way to reverse it.”

The words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. I’d expected this, of course. The King told me there was no way to reverse the ruby’s effects. And even if there was one, there was no time to find it now.

“How long?” I choked out.

David’s jaw tightened. “Days. Maybe less.”

I looked at Andrei. He was already moving toward me, taking Hope gently from my arms and passing her to Grace. “Go,” he said quietly. “I’ll take care of things here. Go see your father.”

I didn’t argue. I just turned and ran.

The healing chamber was quiet when I entered. Too quiet. I took the stone steps two at a time, my legs burning with the effort, and burst into the main chamber.

He was lying in a bed, propped up against pillows, surrounded by glowing crystals and healers in robes. He looked so much older than the last time I’d seen him. His hair was completely gone now, his face gaunt and lined with deep wrinkles.