When they finally got home, Celine was completely exhausted. She barely made it inside before collapsing onto the sofa, one hand resting on her stomach. "I'm… so tired," she whispered, closing her eyes for a moment. Aric slept quietly beside her.
Isabella moved quietly around the house, tidying up and putting things in order.
Adrian set the car keys down and knelt beside Celine. "Rest for a bit," he said softly. "I'll get you some warm water."
He prepared a small basin and heated some water, careful not to disturb her. His golden eyes flicked to Aric, watching over him protectively. Even though the house was quiet, Adrian stayed alert.
Celine let out a slow breath and gave Adrian's hand a weak squeeze. "Thank you… for everything," she murmured.
"Always," Adrian replied, holding her hand gently. "Just rest. I've got you—and him."
After finishing her tasks, Isabella smiled softly at Celine. "I'll come back tomorrow to see you both," she said warmly. "Take care of him… and yourself."
Celine managed a tired smile. "Thank you… I'll see you tomorrow."
Adrian stood nearby, arms crossed, eyes watching Isabella. "Safe trip home," he said quietly.
Isabella waved and left, the soft click of the door leaving the house quiet.
Celine leaned back on the sofa. "It's so peaceful… for now," she whispered, looking down at Aric.
Adrian put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll keep him safe. Nothing will touch him," he said, though his eyes carefully scanned the house.
He prepared a warm basin of water, testing it with his hand to make sure it was the right temperature. "Celine," he said softly, kneeling beside her, "let's get you cleaned up. You need to relax."
Celine gave a small, tired smile. "I don't even have the strength to move," she admitted.
Adrian helped her to the bathroom, supporting her so she wouldn't slip. He poured warm water over her arms and shoulders, helping her relax.
"Just breathe," he whispered. "I've got you."
Celine leaned on him, feeling comfort she hadn't felt in weeks. When she was done, he wrapped her in a soft towel. "Better?" he asked.
"Much better… thank you, Adrian," she whispered.
"Always," he said, squeezing her hand.
He helped her to the bedroom and tucked her into bed. "Just rest," he said. He even called for food delivery, ordering something light and nourishing.
Celine smiled weakly. "Thank you… I don't know what I would do without you."
Adrian stayed close, keeping watch over both her and Aric. "You don't have to worry. Just rest," he said softly.
A short while later, there was a knock at the door. Adrian opened it, got the food, and placed it carefully on the bedside table.
"You're spoiling me," Celine said, amused despite her tiredness.
"Just eat," Adrian replied. "You need your strength."
They ate quietly, letting the comfort of home fill the room. Aric cooed softly in Celine's arms, and she smiled, feeling peace for the first time in weeks.
After the meal, they leaned back, enjoying the calm. Moonlight spilled through the curtains, the house quiet and safe.
Suddenly, a low growl came from outside. Adrian's eyes snapped toward the window. Celine clutched Aric, who shivered slightly.
A shadow moved across the walls—a huge wolf-like figure with faintly glowing eyes. Scratches and thuds shook the house.
Celine noticed a soft shimmer on Aric's shoulder, where a crescent moon and a claw mark glowed faintly. Her heart raced.
Adrian moved in front of them. "Stay close," he whispered, eyes locked on the shadow.
The wolf growled again, sensing something special. Aric stirred, his tiny fists curling, and the shimmer on his shoulder grew slightly brighter.
"What… what is happening?" Celine whispered, holding him tight.
Adrian's jaw tightened. "He's special," he said quietly. "And whatever is out there… it knows it."
The growling stopped, leaving an eerie silence. The shimmer faded, and Aric slept peacefully again. The danger had passed—for now—but Adrian knew the night was a warning.
Celine hugged Aric close. "I… I don't understand," she murmured.
Adrian rested a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to yet. Soon… he'll show us why he was chosen."