The icy water of Silvermoon River engulfed me as I plunged from Moonstone Bridge. I made no attempt to fight the current, letting it pull me under without resistance.


    Cold wrapped around me like a merciful nket, numbing the pain that had consumed me for so long. My lungs burned, demanding air, but I ignored their plea.


    This was my choice. My release.


    The weight of grief that had crushed me since Lily''s death seemed to lighten as the water carried me deeper. No more fighting for justice that would nevere. No more watching Victoria triumph while I suffered.


    "Lily, Mommy ising," I thought as consciousness began to fade.


    My fingers tightened around Lily''s Ashes Crystal Pendant, the small container holding a


    portion of my daughter''s remains. It felt warm against my palm despite the freezing water


    surrounding me.


    In the murky darkness, I imagined I could see Lily reaching for me with her tiny hands, her


    sweet face smiling as she waited for me to join her.


    My emerald eyes closed as thest of my air escaped in a trail of bubbles. The roaring in my ears grew louder, then softer, then silent.


    Peace atst.


    (Lucas''s POV)


    Something wasn''t right. I''d watched Olivia at Matriarch Evelyn''s funeral from a distance,


    noting how the Stone family had isted her. The defeat in her posture had triggered an


    unfamiliar protective instinct in me.


    "Follow her car," I instructed Thomas Griffin, my driver. "Discreetly."


    Thomas nodded, keeping Olivia''s vehicle in sight as we trailed behind in my Armored SUV.


    When her car suddenly pulled over at Moonstone Bridge, rm bells rang in my mind.


    "Stop here," I ordered when her car remained stationary for several minutes.


    Thomas pulled over a short distance away. I stepped out into the night air, my


    senses


    < Chapter 111 Into the Dark W


    +15 Points


    immediately picking up Olivia''s scent-tinged with despair so profound it made my wolf bristle with concern.


    Her car door stood ajar, the interior light casting a weak glow on the empty seat. I followed her scent toward the bridge, my pace quickening with each step.


    "Olivia?" I called, my voice echoing across the empty bridge.


    No response.


    A faint ringing sound caught my attention. Near the riverbank, partially hidden in the grass,y Olivia''s Evidence Phone. The screen illuminated with an iing call from "Ethan Stone."


    Cold realization washed over me as I picked up the device. My eyes scanned the churning waters below, searching desperately for any sign of her.


    "Olivia!" I shouted, my voice carrying across the water.


    Nothing but the sound of rushing water answered me.


    Then I saw it-a cluster of bubbles breaking the surface downstream. Without hesitation, I shed my tailored jacket and dove into the frigid river.


    The cold hit me like a physical blow, but I ignored it, forcing my eyes open in the murky depths. The current was strong, pulling at my clothes and threatening to sweep me away.


    Then I spotted her-a pale figure drifting lifelessly with the current, chestnut hair fanning out


    around her face like a dark halo.