Chapter 16
ARIA’S POV
I blinked slowly, allowing my eyes to adjust to the soft light coming through the unfamiliar sumane
For a moment, I couldn’t remember where I was or how I had gotten there. Then as the logo se cleared, I realized I wasn’t alone
Gathered around my bed were familiar faces I hadn’t seen in years my father and the tiges sens elders of our wolf tribe. They all looked at me with a mixture of worry and reliver
“Aria,” my father’s deep voice rumbled, filled with emotion. “You’re finally sosie
I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy and slow. “Dad? What what’s going on?
He leaned forward and took my hand in his. His touches warm, familiar yen hange ster so long s You’ve been out for a while, sweetheart. We were starting to worry
Elder Marissa greeted with a warm smile. “It’s good to have you back, child. The partent seen the same without you.”
“Yeah,” Elder John chimed in, his usually hard voice softening it’s been downright soning enounc without your mischief.”
I
I couldn’t stop myself from smiling, even though I felt very confused. “I’m sure you all are aggerating The pack couldn’t
possibly miss me that much.”
My father’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “You would be surprised, Ane. These patie they’ve been difficult for all of us.”
The weight of those words hung in the air. Three years Had it really been that long once tard eff? Sinca I last laid eyes on my parents, my pack?
I scanned the faces around me, noticing one important absence. “Where’s Words
My father’s expression softened. “She just stepped out for a moment. She’ll be back soon. She tastic et your side since you arrived.”
At that moment, I felt guilty. I had indeed put them through so much worry, so much can. Bad LİT sorry. For leaving, for staying away so long. I never meant to-”
“Shh,” he hushed me gently. “We can talk about all that later. For now, were un glad you’re back tome
and safe.”
Just then, the door slowly opened. My heart leapt expecting to see my mother’s face. But una van Adam who stepped into the room.
Seeing him brought everything rushing back–the hurt the fear, and the baby
My hand flew to my stomach, a silent prayer on my lips As Adams eyes followed me movement, a ficier of something unreadable crossed his face.
He walked closer, his steps slow and careful. When he reached my bedside he took my hand in as m glad you’re awake,” he said softly, relief clear in his voice “For a moment there, I was scared we tat lost
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you.”
I managed a weak smile, trying to bring a bit of lightness into the heavy atmosphere. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
is…
Before he could reply, the question I had been afraid to ask burst from my lips. “Adam, is is my baby okay?”
The room grew quiet. I could feel the intensity of everyone’s gaze on us, but all I could see was Adam’s face. The way his eyes dropped, the slight tightening of his jaw- I knew the answer before he even spoke. “I’m so sorry, Aria,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You… you weren’t able to keep the child.” “What?” The word came out as a strangled cry, I shook my head, refusing to believe it. “No, no, you must be joking. Please, Adam, tell me this is a joke. Tell me it’s a lie. My baby… my baby is still here, growing. safe…
Adam’s hold on my hand tightened. “I really wish I could tell you a different answer. I’m so sorry, Aria. We did everything we could, but…
His words faded into the background as a wave of grief overwhelmed me. I felt my father’s arms wrap around me and hear his deep voice murmuring comforting words, but none of it penetrated the fog of my despair.
“My little one.” I sobbed, clutching at my now–empty stomach. “My poor baby…”
I don’t know how long I cried. Time seemed to stand still as the world narrowed down to the crushing weight of my loss. It took me a while, but I became aware of the others in the room–the elders shifting uncomfortably, exchanging worried glances.
Embarrassment cut through my grief, and I tried to pull myself together. I wiped my eyes and took deep. shuddering breaths.
My father, still holding me close, spoke up. “Aria, sweetheart, I know this is difficult. But we’re all here for you. And… well, I was thinking of something to cheer you up a bit. Your birthday is in two days, you know.”
I blinked, surprised by the sudden change of topic. “My… my birthday? Dad, that’s not important right now.” He shook his head firmly. “Nonsense. In order to welcome and celebrate your return to the pack, as well as your birthday, I am going to host a grand celebration. We will invite all the wolf packs to attend. It’s time to give my daughter the utmost respect and honour she deserves.”
I stared at him, confused. “Dad, I don’t think
But he was on a roll now, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “It will be great, Aria. A chance for you to reconnect with the pack, to remind everyone of your rightful place here. And who knows? It might be just what you need to lift your spirits.”
I looked around the room and saw the elders nodding in agreement. Even Adam seemed to approve of the idea. Was I the only one who thought this was crazy?
“But… but I just lost my baby,” I said, my voice small and confused. “How can I possibly celebrate anything?”
My father’s expression softened. He gently held my face in his hands, looking into my eyes with a mixture
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of love and determination. “My dear, sometimes in our darkest moments, we need light the most. This celebration isn’t about forgetting your loss. It’s about reminding you that you’re not alone, that you have a family and a pack who love you. It’s about looking towards the future, even when it seems impossible.” His words stirred something in me- a tiny flicker of hope amidst the overwhelming grief. Maybe… maybe he was right. Maybe this was what I needed.
Slowly, hesitantly, I nodded. “Alright, Dad. If you think it’s the best thing to do then no problem.”
A wide smile spread across his face. He stood up, his presence suddenly filling the room. With a voice that rang with authority, he declared, “Then let the preparations begin!”
