<h4>Chapter 325: Beginning of a New Storm</h4>


    <strong>Evaline:</strong>


    The sh of Ria’s phone blinded me for the fifth time in less than ten minutes, and I forced a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes as she squealed, "Perfect! Another one for the memories!"


    I nodded, my cheeks aching from holding the same expression. It was Friday noon, our little group’s promised day to gather during the holidays, and this time we were in a quiet town nestled inside Kyros’ pack. The restaurant buzzed faintly around us - clinking sses, bursts ofughter from neighboring tables - but it all felt so far away.


    Everyone was sharing how their week had gone. Noah had been traveling, Selene had gone back home to her grandparents, and Ria had spent most of her days shopping and meeting cousins. Mallory was busy dating, Kyros was helping at his family cafe, and Rowan... he was still trying to adjust to his new life where he no longer needed to participate in underground fightings.


    Iughed at the right ces, answered when asked, and even teased Mallory when she admitted she overslept most mornings. From the outside, I was just as much a part of the fun as always.


    But inside? I was sinking.


    Ever since yesterday, ever since Draven and Oscar told Kieran everything, I hadn’t been able to shake off this gnawing dread sitting heavy in my chest. And when he left the mansion in the evening... my heart twisted so hard I could hardly breathe. He had smiled, spoken normally, and even gave a good enough reason for his sudden departure, but I couldn’t believe it. There had been something too carefully stitched about his calmness, a crack I could feel even if no one else seemed to have noticed. He hadn’t looked at me once. Not even once.


    And that hurt more than I wanted to admit.


    Because beneath the relief of finally being epted by the three brothers who were my mates... beneath the overwhelming joy of the life growing inside me... I couldn’t stop thinking of the one brother who had walked away with a shadow in his eyes.


    Lunch ended, though I could hardly remember eating much of it. As we stepped out of the restaurant, cool winter air brushed against my skin. Everyone said their goodbyes quickly, as if pulled back into their own busy lives. Selene hugged me tight before leaving with Noah and Ria, and that left me with Rowan, Kyros, and Mallory... the three who knew me far too well.


    I sighed even before they opened their mouths. "You don’t have to say it," I told them with a small smile.


    Kyros crossed his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing at me. Mallory raised a brow, her lips already parting. And Rowan just stayed quiet, watching me with that silent understanding he always carried.


    I beat them to it. "I’m fine. Just... a little tired, that’s all."


    Mallory arched both brows this time. She didn’t buy it. Not fully.


    I slipped my hand through her arm, tugging gently. "I promise. It’s nothing else. I’m just... not feeling too great inside, that’s all."


    It wasn’t a full lie. The heaviness in me wasn’t just emotional, my body was feeling it too. Off-bnce. Exhausted. But I didn’t dare say the real reason.


    For a moment, Mallory studied me with those sharp eyes of hers. Then, with a reluctant sigh, she let it go. "Fine. But you would better not be keeping something from me, Evaline."


    I smiled, and this time it was genuine. "I’ll tell you when it’s the right time."


    Before they could press further, the sleek familiar car across the street caught my eye. Draven’s car. He was already leaning against it, tall and brooding, his gaze fixed on me with that mix of protectiveness and quiet affection.


    The moment I approached him, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I melted into his chest without thought, inhaling his familiar scent. Safe. That’s what he felt like. Safe and grounding.


    "Eva’s been down since yesterday," he said suddenly to my friends, his deep voice breaking through the little bubble I had created.


    My head jerked up in surprise, my eyes flicking to him. He gave me a look - soft but knowing. I realized then what I had overlooked. The bond. Of course. He and Oscar must have felt the waves of distress I had been drowning in since Kieran left.


    "Maybe," Draven continued, looking at my group, "you could all spend the evening at the mansion with her? I think she would feel better with you around."


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    I swallowed hard, emotion clogging my throat, before nodding. "I would love that."


    Because maybe... maybe distractions were exactly what I needed right now. Something to stop me from spiraling into thoughts of Kieran. Something to give me courage to finally tell Mallory and Kyros the truth I had been hiding - the pregnancy.


    To my relief, all three of them agreed almost instantly, brightening at the idea. Mallory even pped her hands together, her suspicion momentarily reced with excitement.


    We climbed into Draven’s car, the four of us fittingfortably. The drive was filled with chatter, Kyros pointing out ces as they passed by, Mallory teasing Draven who, to my surprise, actually humored her. Rowan stayed quiet as usual, though I caught his eyes flicking to me more than once. He knew. He always did.


    When we arrived at the Thorne estate, the awe on their faces reminded me of my own first time. The sprawling mansion rose against the winter sky, elegant and intimidating. Even Mallory, who had been here twice before, still looked impressed.


    Draven excused himself, pressing a kiss against my temple before leaving us in the foyer. "Call me if you need anything," he murmured, his hand lingering on my waist a little longer.


    I nodded, watching him disappear down the hall. Then I turned to my friends with a smile. "Come on. I’ll show you my room."


    Rowan’s lips quirked faintly. "The infamous princess suite?"


    I rolled my eyes but led them upstairs anyway. The moment I opened the door, both Rowan and Kyros let out appreciative noises.


    "Okay," Kyros said, spinning slowly, "I have officially decided I’m moving in here. Hope you don’t mind."


    Iughed, taking a seat on the couch with Mallory while the boys took their time to look around the room.


    Not long after, Sera and a few servants arrived with trays of refreshments. Tea, juice, pastries, fresh fruit - everything neatly arranged. Once they left, silence settled in the room. The kind of silence where I could feel all three sets of eyes on me.


    Rowan gave me the smallest nod, as if telling me it was time.


    I took a deep breath, my fingers twisted together nervously. Then I lifted my gaze to Mallory and Kyros.


    "There’s something I need to tell you both," I said softly. "Something important."


    Mallory tilted her head, suspicious again. Kyros frowned, his arms crossing.


    I exhaled slowly, my pulse thundering in my ears. "I might not be able to attend the second term at Silver Moon."


    Their eyes widened.


    And in that moment, as their gazes pinned me down, I knew... this might be the beginning of a new storm.