Chapter 78

Claire’s POV

The laughter of Daphne echoed from downstairs. It made me feel very uneasy, I knew I had to talk with someone about this.

I stood just beyond the corridor’s shadow, the children clutching at my hands, their curious eyes flicking toward the grand foyer where Gideon and Justin had been moments ago.

Daphne was gone now, her triumphant voice lingering like poison in the air. Even from a distance, I could feel her smugness—it clung to the walls like a heavy scent, impossible to shake.

“Miss Warrior?,” Leo whispered softly, tugging at my hand. “Are you alright? You look pale?” I forced a small smile, brushing a hand over his hair. “I am alright little cub, just a bit tired.”

Nova tilted her head. “Mommy don't worry Miss Daphne is gone for good, we don't have to worry about her anymore.”

I looked at the children with a small smile and gently patted their head knowing I can't make the children worry “Yes, she is gone now, but now it's time for both of you to go to bed.”

The children nodded obediently and yawned sleepily. Their trust in me was absolute—a warmth that both comforted and terrified me.

I held their hands gently and guided them to their rooms. “You two go inside and rest, alright? Don’t open the door for anyone until I say so.”

They both obeyed without protest, slipping into their shared room as I closed the door behind them.

I entered my room and sighed then my hands trembled slightly as I reached for my phone. The events of Justin's arrival, Daphne's fake story to manipulate Justin, the way Gideon’s eyes had darkened when Daphne smiled—thinking about everything was giving me headache and the thoughts in my head were not stopping, so I decided to call a person who can tell me what I should do next.

I took a deep breath and dialled a familiar number which can help me focus. The line rang one time then Twice.

Then finally he picked up— “Hello,Claire?”

After I heard Ivan’s steady and deep voice I sighed with relief as I felt a soothing sensation in my brain. For a moment, I closed my eyes and let that calm tone anchor me.

“Yes Alpha Ivan,” I whispered tiredly. “It’s me.”

“You sound tired, what happened?” he asked in a serious tone his voice was sharp. “You sound like something big happened there.”

“It’s about Daphne,” I spoke tiredly as I paced around the room. “She found her mate—Alpha Justin Royce of the Moonstone pack. But that is just the beginning. She also told him lies about Gideon and I, and since she is his mate he completely believes her, Gideon tried his best to warn him, but it didn't work at all.”

Ivan let out some incoherent words under his breath. “Of course it didn’t. Daphne's manipulation turns out to be stronger, especially on her own mate.”

I nodded to myself and whispered, “I witnessed everything with my very own eyes. She is up to something.. something big. I can feel it.”

“Claire, listen,” He spoke with pure worry in his tone, “That pack is not safe anymore. You know that, don’t you?”

I bit my lip, glancing toward the children’s room door. “I know. But Leo…He doesn't even know I am his mother and Nova is his sister. He's already attached to all three of us. Especially to his father.”

Ivan became quiet for a moment. I can tell he was thinking of what to do in this situation. Ivan let out a shaky breath. “You need to think of Leo first. If Gideon finds out that you are Claire, if anyone gets the air of it, it won't really end well for you. I know he has changed for good but this truth, I don't think he can forgive.”

I gulped nervously. I hated how true it sounded.

“I know you are right,” I whispered softly. “But taking Leo away from him… it’ll break him, Ivan. He is the only heir of this pack.”

“And staying there can also end up in disaster,” Ivan spoke calmly. “You can’t protect Leo from inside the wolf’s den, Claire. Not anymore.”

I sank onto the edge of the bed, the phone pressed tightly to my ear. My mind flashed back to the hospital how I struggled to see Leo and how he was taken away from me ruthlessly and I knew I don't want to lose him like that again.

“I will try to think of a way,” I said softly with determination. “Something that will make him come with me willingly.”

Ivan sighed softly. “I trust you. But you have to be very careful. Daphne might be gone for now, but she’s never really gone. She will keep her eyes on this pack. Wait for my signal, and when it comes, take Leo and come to me. My pack's borders are safe for all three of you.”

I held onto my phone firmly and answered. “Alright thank you, Alpha Ivan.”

“I meant every word I said, Claire,” Ivan spoke with determination. “Don’t take unnecessary risks. Just focus on getting Leo to come with you. Protect him at all costs.”

“I definitely will,” I whispered.

We spoke a few more words—mostly assurances, mostly lies to keep each other calm—and then I hung up.

The moment I ended the call I laid on my bed exhausted but my heart was beating fast with worry and anxiety.

But before I could place my phone on the night stand I heard a faint creak. My instinct quickly alerted me and I got up to look at my door.

I turned to look at the door. There was nothing.

The hallway beyond looked empty, the candlelight flickering gently against the walls. But I could feel something. A presence—light, almost imperceptible—hovering just beyond sight.

I called out. “Tell me who is there?” But no one answered.

I rose and walked to the door, opening it just a crack.

The hall was empty, but a faint scent hung in the air—something floral and expensive, cloying, unmistakably Daphne.

My stomach felt very uncomfortable. “Goddess, no…” I whispered.

In shock I stepped back as I kept holding onto my phone to my chest as realization struck me like lightning. I hope she didn't hear.

But I knew she had to have heard.

Daphne’s POV

From her hiding spot in the shadowed alcove near the staircase, Daphne covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Oh, what a delicious little secret she’d stumbled upon.

She’d followed the sound of Claire’s voice out of petty curiosity—perhaps to taunt her, perhaps to gloat—but this? This was beyond her wildest expectations.

Raven. So Raven doesn't exist at all. It was Claire. Claire.

The ghost that haunted Gideon’s heart. The woman Gideon thought was dead but was living in this pack with a different Identity.

“Oh, you clever little liar,” Daphne whispered to herself, her grin stretching wide. “You thought you could hide under another name? Pretend to be some humble caretaker? How poetic.”

Her pulse quickened, the thrill of discovery sparking in her veins. Every word she had overheard was pure gold—Gideon’s supposed dead mate alive, hiding in his own house, secretly conspiring with some man named Ivan.

And this Ivan guy…

I crossed my arms and thought. “Now who might he be?”

Whoever he was, he clearly knew about Gideon’s pack, and more importantly—he was helping Claire.

Her eyes gleamed. “Oh, darling Claire, you just handed me your noose.”

For a brief moment, Daphne almost stormed into the room then and there—ready to throw open the door and watch Claire crumble under the truth. But no.

No, that would be too easy. Too fast. Where was the fun in that?

She pressed her fingers to her lips, thinking, then smiled.

If she told Gideon right now, he might react violently. He might even kill Claire on the spot. But where was the satisfaction in that? No, no—she wanted to see her suffer, to watch her perfect little lie unravel thread by thread until everyone she cared for turned against her.

Especially Gideon. Especially Leo.

“Not yet,” she whispered to herself, retreating into the deeper shadows. “Not yet, my dear. Secrets are only valuable when revealed at the perfect moment.”

She straightened her cloak and began walking back toward her room, her mind whirling with possibilities.

Her reflection caught in a mirror as she passed, and for the first time in days, she smiled—truly smiled.

“You’re not the only one who can play pretend, Claire,” she murmured to the empty corridor. “Let’s see how long you can keep up your sweet little act when your truth comes crashing down.”