Draven.
There weren’t many in Stormveil who knew about Xamira. Not even some of my pack’s higher-ranking warriors. Only my family and the few who needed to know, did.
It wasn’t because I feared judgment. I had stood before far worse than whispered questions and wrinkled noses. But I’ve always drawn a line between what was mine and what the world was allowed to see.
Xamira... she was mine. She wasn’t a political pawn or a topic for council debate.
And above all, she was safer here—in Duskmoor.
The Elders would never understand. An unmarried Alpha adopting a human child? It would set off another cycle of lectures and unsolicited advice. I didn’t have the energy to entertain their noise.
Xamira’s small fingers curled around my larger ones as I led her toward the house. I had to slow my pace, shortening my usual long strides to match her little steps.
Xamira chattered beside me, talking about her drawing pad and the "princess castle" she’d built with couch cushions. Her excitement was infectious.
Then, I heard a voice—soft and formal—from behind.
"My lady, let’s head inside. The warriors will bring your bags in."
It took me a full second to remember who that ’lady’ was.
Meredith.
Somehow, I had nearly forgotten she was even here.
I didn’t turn to look. I focused on Xamira until we reached the grand living room.
"Stay with your nanny for a bit, pumpkin," I said, crouching down to brush her hair behind her ear. "I will be back with your gift."
She nodded, her face lit with joy. "Okay, Daddy."
I stood and turned to Wanda and Jeffery, who were standing nearby. A silent signal was enough to get them moving.
Once out of earshot, I said to Wanda, "Give Meredith her room. Make sure she is settled."
"What about dinner?" She asked.
"I will eat with everyone tonight," I replied.
Wanda gave a shallow bow and turned away. I didn’t miss the way her smile lingered as she exited the hallway.
Jeffery remained by my side, quiet but expectant.
We walked further down the corridor, the soft lights casting long shadows along the smooth floor. I could already feel the weight of Duskmoor returning to my shoulders—the politics, the city’s tensions, the rising death toll.
"I want you to schedule a meeting with the mayor," I said.
Jeffery looked up slightly, his brows raising. "Tomorrow?"
"Yes. Preferably before noon."
"That might be difficult on such short notice."
"I know," I replied. "But mention the killings. Two of ours. The mayor will make time."
Jeffery nodded, already pulling out his phone from his inner coat pocket. "Understood. I will press the urgency."
We reached the end of the hallway, where a sleek black door stood. I placed my index finger on the scanner and heard the soft click as the lock disengaged.
My Duskmoor office was different from my Stormveil study—sleeker, modern. Clean lines. Glass and chrome instead of oak and stone. It matched the city. Cold, efficient, unrelenting.
As the door closed behind us, I stood still for a moment, letting the silence settle.
---
Meredith.
I was still reeling. Still trying to make sense of what I had just witnessed.
Draven. With a child. A daughter.
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