---- found me?" She nodded, then sighed.


    "During the time I spent recovering my magic, I asionally sent my crow emissaries to watch over you, to help when I could.


    I know how much you suffered, my princess, my beloved child we had hoped to raise in the palm of our hand, only for you to be humiliated like that." She covered her face with her hands, full of sorrow, and tried topose herself after a few moments.


    "When I recovered, I began nning your return.


    I disguised myself as a seer witch and told the Vampire King about you.


    I knew you could read the altars where he wasted your mothers blood trying to decipher them.


    I needed him to search for you in the Werewolf Realm and bring you back, guiding him to where we wanted him to go." "TI dont understand," I said.


    "Why didnt youe for me yourself? The crows have been helping me.


    Pve already started to.


    harness some of my power on my own.


    Why did you make me suffer even more?" I couldnt help but confront her.


    My head ached from all the information.


    How could my life have been so tormenting? This time, we''ll pay him back in kind, Valeria.


    I needed the Vampire King to believe he was the one who found you and brought you to the pce, without suspecting, thinking that you would lead him to the Lunar Gate under his threats, but thats not the case" "Oh, no?" "No, you''ll lead him exactly where he wants to go, because thats where he''ll meet his death.


    You cant destroy himneither can Ibut theres someone who can.


    Someone whos been waiting to repay his betrayal.


    We need to deceive him and lead him to her." "You had to return to the pce because it holds the passage to the path leading to the Lunar Gate." "Who exactly are you? You''ve told me so many thingswhy should I believe you? You''re a witch working for the Vampire King.


    What assures me this isnt one of his tricks to get into my mind?" The thought suddenly urred to me, but she simply smiled.


    "Pm no witch, Valeria.


    Im not even a real person, Iam the materialization of your mother Gabrielles magic," she said, leaving me in shock, astonished.


    "Every Selenia is part wolf, part vampire, and part magic.


    You were unable to fully develop yours, but I can connect with you because Im part of your mother and now part of you." Valeria, your mother feels she has failed you in so many ways.


    I, too, feel I didnt do enough.


    But its time to make things right.


    Trust me, little crowwe will give you the vengeance you deserve." "My mothershes alive? Then why doesnt shee to defend us?" ---- "Yes, she is alive, but itsplicated.


    She needs your help to rise again.


    We''ll lead him to her coffin to free her." Theres one more thing you must know, and you must hide it very well, little one.


    The Vampire King cannot find out.


    Valeria, you''re pregnant with the Lycan Kings child." See "Pll do it.


    Pll lead you to the Lunar Gate," I told that damned Vampire King the next day, agreeing to his request.


    "Excellent.


    It seems you''re smarter than I thought," he said, nodding in satisfaction.


    "T have one condition: my friends.


    Theye with us, always by my side, where I can see theyre safe," I demanded, and he immediately agreed.


    The euphoria in his eyes was unmistakable.


    He left quickly to make preparations while I lowered my hand to lovingly caress my belly.


    Please, Goddess, let this madness end well.


    peers ALDRIC I fell asleep again in her small room, where most of her things were still kept.


    Iclutched her nightgown in my hand, pressing it against my chest, which ached agonizingly.


    My wolf was desperate to break free and run after our mate.


    But I couldnt recklessly storm into the Dark Realm.


    I was already mobilizing troops from every pack.


    I''d barely slept, and by morning, we would head to the borders.


    Suddenly, I tensed.


    I felt a disturbance in the air.


    Someone had slipped in through the small window now pping in the wind.


    "Who''s there?! Show yourself now!" I shouted into the empty space, and before me, dark mist formed, taking the shape of a small elderly woman.


    Ibraced myself to fight.


    How had a witch managed to infiltrate my pce? "Dont be so quick to finish me off, Lycan King.


    Ivee to make you a propos way for you to see your mate, even apany her, but only under my terms," she said, leaving me stunned.


    I knew it was madness.


    How could I trust a creature of darkness? But in the end, love drives the greatest acts of madness.


    And of course, I said yes.