<h4>Chapter 671: New Year Eve</h4>
<strong>Evaline:</strong>
By the time we reached the mansion, the sky had already begun to soften into evening gold.
The snow that had fallen through the morning still nketed everything in white, but now it shimmered under the fading sunlight, untouched and peaceful. The air felt lighter, cleaner, like the world itself had decided to breathe easier as the year came to an end.
Oscar slowed the car right in front of the porch. And that’s when I noticed someone else had arrived seconds earlier than us.
Rowan and Kyros.
They noticed our car too as they climbed down Rowan’s bike.
Before the car had even fully stopped, I was already reaching for the door.
"Eva, be careful!" Oscar reminded, but I was already out.
The cold air rushed against my skin as my boots hit the ground, but I barely felt it. All I could see was Kyros.
He looked up just in time to see me practically rushing toward him.
"Hey-" he started, but I didn’t let him finish.
I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly, immediately feeling relieved to confirm all over again that he’s safe now.
He let out a small huff of surprise before his arms came around me in return.
"I’m fine," he said, a hint ofughter in his voice.
I pulled back just enough to look at him, my hands still gripping his arms as my eyes scanned his face, his posture... anything that would tell me if something was wrong.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Eva," he said, softer this time. "I’m okay."
I studied him for another second. Then finally, I nodded.
"Okay."
Rowan smirked from the side. "You going to hug me too, or should I be jealous?"
I shook my head but stepped over, giving him a big, tight hug.
"You wish," I muttered, earning a chuckle from him.
Behind me, I felt Oscar approach, his presence warm and steady. There was a quiet calm in him now which was a stark contrast to yesterday.
"Come on," he said, jerking his head toward the house. "Everyone’s inside."
I didn’t need to be told twice. Despite the sun, it was freezing outside and I was craving the warmth of my home.
The moment we stepped inside, the familiar giggles of my son reached us. And as I made my way into the living room, I found Kieran and River there with Lioren who was trying to stand up with the support of the couch, his little legs wobbling slightly as he tried to bnce.
My heart melted at the sight.
"Mamma is here," I said softly, hurrying toward him.
He made a happy sound, reaching toward me immediately.
I scooped him into my arms, pressing a kiss to his soft cheek as he giggled.
"I missed you," I murmured.
Oscar stepped closer and pecked Lio’s cheek, earning a bright smile from our son.
Unfortunately, he was immediately stolen from my arms by Rowan and Kyros.
My attention then shifted again andnded on my other mates. I walked straight toward them and hugged both of them together since they stood shoulder to shoulder.
"Missed you both."
"We missed you too," Kieran said quietly, pressing a kiss to my temple.
River’s arm came around me in a firm, grounding embrace, his hand briefly resting at the back of my head.
For a moment, I just stood there. Surrounded by their warmth.
And then the front door opened again and voices filled the hallway - Noah’sugh, Selene’s familiar tone, Ria’s excitement, and Mallory’s calm greeting to Madam Elira.
I turned just in time to see them enter. Jasper and Lily were among them too.
"Finally!" Noah said dramatically. "The party can officially start now."
I smiled.
"Drama king," Selene muttered, nudging him.
With everyone gathered, the huge mansion became alive.
We moved upstairs to therger lounge, the space easily amodating all of us. The staff followed soon after with trays of drinks and snacks, setting everything up while we settled in.
Time passed quickly after that.
We started with games - something simple at first, but it quickly turned chaotic with Noah refusing to follow rules, Ria teaming up with him just to make things worse, and Selene threatening to throw both of them out the window.
Laughter echoed through the room, loud and unrestrained.
Lily was busy ying with Lioren. The two got so much attention from everyone and they were enjoying every minute of it.
"Look at him," Ria said, pping softly as Lioren tried to bnce again.
"He’s getting stronger," I said, unable to keep the pride out of my voice.
Oscar sat beside me, one arm resting casually behind me on the couch as he watched Lioren with a softness that made my chest tighten.
And then it was dinner time and the chefs had done superb job preparing it.
We all gathered around the dining table, talking over each other, sharing stories, teasing,ughing... like nothing had ever gone wrong, like we hadn’t almost lost someone just a day ago.
And maybe, that was the point.
After dinner, the games resumed. More chaotic this time, morepetitive, and moreughter.
By the time the clock neared midnight, we all moved outside. The cold hit instantly, but no one cared.
The sky was clear and filled with stars. Perfect for celebrating the new year.
Fireworks were already set up.
Noah took charge of lighting them, despite multiple warnings from everyone else.
"Rx," he said. "I know what I’m doing."
"That’s exactly what worries us," Selene replied.
The first firework shot into the sky.
Then another.
And another.
Colors exploded overhead, bright and vivid against the darkness.
Everyone cheered andughed before the count down began.
"Ten!"
"Nine!"
"Eight!"
I felt warm and familiar arms of my mates wrapping around me.
"Seven!"
"Six!"
"Five!"
"Four!"
Lioren made a happy sound in my arms, his tiny hands reaching toward the sky.
"Three!"
"Two!"
I smiled.
"One!"
"Happy New Year!"
The sky lit up in a burst of color and cheers echoed.
And in that moment, surrounded by everyone I loved, I felt something settle deep within me.
Hope.
For the year ahead. And for everything waiting for us.