(Olivia''s POV)


    I hurried back to Matriarch Evelyn''s vi, my mind racing with thoughts of Ethan. The memory of his possessive grip on my wrist still burned on my skin. I knew him well enough to anticipate his next move.


    Last time, he had simply bypassed my locked door. I needed a different strategy tonight.


    The vi was quiet as I made my way to Matriarch Evelyn''s sitting room. She was in her favorite armchair,


    reading a book under the warm glow of a tablemp


    "Grandmother," I said softly, using the term of endearment she preferred.


    She looked up, her wise eyes crinkling with affection. "Wanwan,e sit with me."


    I settled beside her chair, resting my head against her knee like I used to do years ago. Her frail hand stroked


    my hair gently.


    "Is something troubling you, child?" she asked, her voice carrying the weight of years but still strong with


    authority.


    I hesitated, not wanting to worry her with the truth about Ethan''s behavior. I don''t want to be alone tonight," I admitted finally.


    Her hand paused in my hair. "Did something happen with Ethan?"


    I shook my head, forcing a smile. “No, I just... I miss Lily tonight." It wasn''t entirely


    a lie. I missed my daughter


    every moment of every day.


    Matriarch Evelyn''s eyes softened with understanding. "Of course you do, my dear."


    I gathered my courage and looked up at her, "Grandmother, can I sleep with you tonight?"


    Her face lit up with such genuine pleasure that I felt a pang of guilt for my ulterior motive. "Nothing would


    make me happier, Wanwan."


    Later that night, Iy beside Matriarch Evelyn in herrge bed. Her breathing had settled into the rhythmic pattern of sleep, but I remained awake, staring at the ceiling.


    The room was filled with her familiar scent –vender and moonlight herb tea. It reminded me of happier


    times, when I was first weed into the Stone family.


    I turned my head slightly, studying her profile in the dim light filtering through the curtains. Even in sleep, she


    maintained a certain dignity, a remnant of her years as Luna of the Silvercrest Pack


    Her eyes fluttered open suddenly, catching me watching her. "Can''t sleep, dear?" she whispered.


    "I''m sorry if I woke you," I replied softly.


    She shook her head slightly. "Old wolves don''t need much sleep." Her hand found


    mine under the covers. "I''ve missed having you close, Wanwan."


    My throat tightened with emotion. "I''ve missed you too, Grandmother."


    Chapter 6 Midnight Eas


    dat


    She squeezed my hand gently. "You were always more of a granddaughter to me than Isabelle ever was."


    The confession surprised me. Isabelle was her blood rtive, while I was merely the mate her grandson had


    chosen.


    "Isabelle loves you," I said, feeling obligated to defend the absent woman despite our mutual dislike.


    Matriarch Evelyn made a dismissive sound. "She loves what I represent - power, status, wealth. You, my dear,


    have always loved me for myself."


    I couldn''t argue with that. From the moment she had weed me into the Stone family, I had adored her for


    her kindness and wisdom.


    "Sleep now," she murmured, her eyes drifting closed again. "You''re safe here."


    I closed


    d my eyes,forted by her presence. For the first time in years, I felt truly protected.


    Unbeknownst to me, Matriarch Evelyn remained partially awake throughout the night. Her light sleep.


    She watched as I finally rxed into genuine sleep, my face peaceful in a way it rarely was these days. Her thoughts drifted to the past, to the day Ethan had first brought me home a shy, frightened girl who had


    nheless shown her genuine respect and affection.


    Unlike Isabelle, who performed the role of dutiful granddaughter with calcted precision, I had loved Matriarch Evelyn with an open heart. She had not forgotten that.