Chapter 25
Claire’s POV
I finally entered Night Mountain Pack Territory and walked faster towards the pack house. Emma saw me and welcomed me inside with a warm smile.
“How have you been Emma?” I smiled as I asked.
“Same as always Claire.” Emma answered with a small chuckle.
“Where is Nova?” I asked excitedly.
Before Emma could answer a small happy voice called to me. “Mommy!”
I see Nova rushing towards me happily, My throat closed as I dropped to my knees just in time for her to crash against me, hugging me with all the strength her small body could muster.
I buried my face in her hair, breathing in the sweetness I had missed far too much. “Nova, my darling… I missed you so much.”
She hugged my legs tightly as though I would disappear again.
She pouted “Didn’t you say you will come back as soon as possible?” she asked softly, my heart felt like it was being crushed by guilt.
I was about to answer but heard footsteps approaching us. I looked behind to see Alpha Prince Ivan, his gaze firmly on me. He had an unreadable expression on his face, I can tell he wanted to speak with me.
“Welcome back.” He said calmly, though I could see a storm in his eyes. I stood still and held Nova’s hand in mine.
“Yes. I promised I’d come.”
His eyes softened briefly as he glanced at Nova, who was still glued to my side, then sharpened again when they returned to me.
“You shouldn’t have stayed there.” The words were clipped, almost a growl. “Silver Crescent isn’t safe. Not for you, and not for her.”
I bristled. “I had my reasons.”
He stepped towards me and whispered so only I could hear his voice.
“Reasons? Claire, rogues are running loose, politics are shifting, and you’re planting yourself in the middle of it like a target. Do you even realize the risk?”
My fingers tightened around Nova’s.
“I realize,” I said quietly but firmly. “And I also know Leo needed me. He’s…”
I stopped myself before the word slipped out. My son. I couldn’t say it, not here. “…he’s fragile right now. I couldn’t abandon him.”
Prince Ivan looked at me with his dark gaze.
“You’ve always had a heart too big for your own good.” His tone held more frustration than insult. “But you can’t save everyone, Claire. You have Nova. She needs you whole. Safe.”
I felt Nova gently tugging my sleeve, as she sensed the tension. I forced a smile down at her. “It’s all right, sweetheart. Go on ahead—I’ll join you soon.”
She looked at me with a pout but nodded going back to her room with Emma. I watched her until she disappeared before turning back to Ivan.
“Prince Ivan, do you think I don't know that Nova needs me?” My voice cracked with restrained emotion. “Every moment I’m away from her feels like losing air. But if I turned my back on Leo now, what would that make me?”
Prince Ivan just stood there and stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. He rubbed his temples.
“You remind me too damn much of her,” he muttered.
“Her?” I asked frowning, but got silence instead of answer. He turned away from me as if he was pushing away his thoughts.
“You’ve always been stubborn,” he said, tone hardening again. “But this isn’t only about you. If something happens out there, Nova loses everything. Think about that before you run headfirst into danger again.”
The sting of his words lingered long after he turned and walked away.
I stood still in place, I was torn between two lives. Nova's sweet smile, Leo’s quiet need. They both are my flesh and blood but only one knew about the truth.
The longer I stretched the lie, the more fragile it became.
Ivan’s POV
I entered my room and my boots echoed softly on the floor. I shut the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment. My argument with Claire stayed in my head as it replayed over and over, her voice had conviction, her eyes held determination that same determination I have seen before.
I crossed to the desk where a small frame sat, worn around the edges.
I saw Lena’s face smiling back at me in the photograph-her eyes were full of kindness and warmth, she was the beauty that never left my mind.
I sighed as I sank into my chair.
“Lena..” I whispered that name softly. She looks at me with your eyes. She argues with your fire. She protects with that same foolish heart that never cared about the cost.”
The first time I met Claire, I just thought of her as another contributor to the pack. But the more I got to know about her, the more I found it impossible to ignore how much she resembles Lena– the woman I secretly loved and lost.
It wasn’t just about her face but even in fleeting glances from her i feel Lena’s presence. It was in the way she knelt for Nova, the way her whole world shifted around that little girl.
It was her soft voice, the way she spoke with the children, she carried her own grief and never shared it.
And there was something else.
Whenever I look at her I can see Lena’s reflection.
I traced the frame of the photograph with my thumb.
“If you were alive you would tell me to trust her.” I murmured softly. But I can’t—not yet. Not when her choices could tear everything apart.”
Claire’s decision to stay in Silver Crescent burned in my chest. This wasn’t just about the dangers, it was also about her true identity.
She hadn’t gone there as a guest. She’d gone there with purpose. And if she thought I would let it lie, she didn’t know me well enough. I gently set the photo back on the table and made a resolve.
I will find out who Claire really is, if she is really connected to Lena. To protect both Nova and Claire, I will find out the truth.
Shadows will vanish when light appears.
Claire’s POV
At night I gently put Nova into the bed and gently caressed her head. She was feeling very sleepy but she held my hand in her small ones as I tried to pull away.
“You’ll stay this time, won’t you, Mama?” she asked softly.
The words tore me in two. I leaned closer and softly kissed her forehead. “I am here now,” I said softly. “Sleep, my little princess.”
Her eyes became heavy as she fell asleep. I can hear her breathing slowed. I sat next to her, she looked peaceful. I felt a pang of guilt in my heart.
She deserved better than secrets. So did Leo.
“I am sorry.” I whispered softly knowing Nova was asleep.
But I knew in my mind, the truth is dangerous. If Gideon finds out, nothing will be the same.
All I can do is hold onto my children as much as I can and pray everything remains the same till I am ready.
