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Chapter 165
~Zara’s POV~
A sense of unease settled over —the weight of the dream, the explosion, and now this revelation pressing down like a heavy burden.
"What now?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Zade placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Now, we protect you. No matter what."
Snow’s expression darkened, a fierce determination blazing in his eyes. "And we find out who’s behind this. Whoever they are, they have just declared war."
As I absorbed his words, I felt like this was only the beginning—sothing darker and more dangerous was at play than we realized.
And sohow, I was at the center of it all.
Traditional charm filled the packhouse’s spacious hallways. Ancient tapestries and ornate wooden panels lined the walls. Yet, even amidst the grand decor, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tension was in the air—like the calm before a storm.
As we walked, Zade’s phone buzzed. He fished it from his pocket, his brows furrowing slightly as he read the ssage. "It’s the annual Alpha Ball," he said, glancing up. "The invitation just ca in."
Snow’s expression hardened. "I got mine, too," he muttered.
"What’s this Alpha Ball?" I asked, curiosity piqued. I knew it sounded a bit strange to them, given that my father, no matter how small our pack was, was still an alpha.
But I barely concerned myself with those things and focused on my life.
"It’s an annual gathering of all the pack leaders," Zade explained, his voice tinged with the seriousness of tradition. "Alphas discuss alliances, share news, and flaunt their power. It’s politics disguised as a celebration."
Snow turned to , his eyes narrowing. "You’re not going."
"Excuse ?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"It’s too dangerous," he said flatly. "With everything happening—the explosion, Marcus, the Thorned Crescent—it’s not safe for you to be there."
"Snow," I said firmly, eting his gaze. "I won’t let so ’dead man walking’, dictate my life. I’m going."
A flicker of surprise crossed his face before his jaw tightened. "It’s not just Marcus—"
"I know the risks," I interrupted, "but hiding isn’t going to solve anything. I refuse to live in fear."
Beside , Zade smiled, a glimr of pride in his eyes. "Well said, sis."
Snow looked between us frustratedly but he didn’t argue further. Instead, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But if you’re going, I’m staying by your side the entire ti."
"Deal," I said with a small smile.
As we continued down the hall, a new thought struck . "I want to visit my parents tomorrow," I said suddenly. "I need to confront them about the truth of my parentage."
Zade and Snow exchanged a glance.
"I’ll go with you," Snow said imdiately.
"You don’t have to," Zade said, raising a hand. "I’ll accompany her. I need to thank her family for protecting her all these years."
Snow’s eyes narrowed, clearly not liking the idea of not being with and protecting should anything happen.
I know he was aware of Zade’s potential. I could sense it in my very being. Whatever training he underwent over the years undoubtedly shaped him in this way.
Deep down, I couldn’t help but wonder, should he and Snow have a fallout, who would win?
"Snow," I said, placing a hand on his arm, "if you want to co, you should. After all, I haven’t officially introduced you to them as my husband."
His expression softened, and the corner of his mouth quirked upward in a small victorious smile. "In that case, I’m definitely coming."
Zade chuckled. "Look at the mighty Snow Zephyr, being pleased like a little kid. Now, no one could distinguish you from your nephew."
Snow pouted before shocking by placing a kiss on my lips. "If she says I am coming with her, that’s more than enough reason to be happy."
"Good. That settles it.
We arrived at the sitting room and each took our seats. Zade sat opposite , while Snow sat by my side. While we shared small talk.
I was already getting a bit tired. Whatever that Marcus fake did to , surely drained my energy. Thankfully, Astrid was already getting our strength back and healing us.
Just then, the sound of the door opening echoed through the house. A soft click of heels followed, and a woman stepped inside, her presence commanding the space effortlessly.
She was breathtaking, dressed in a chic ensemble that exuded sophistication. Her elegant features were unmarred by age, her vibrant energy making her appear no older than her late twenties.
The mont she entered, Snow and Zade imdiately straightened, their expressions shifting to one of deep respect.
"Welco, Mum," Zade said, his voice warm yet formal.
Mum?
My breath caught as realization dawned. This was our mother—the woman whose legacy I was sohow connected to.
Her sharp, assessing gaze swept over , pausing just long enough to make my pulse quicken. Then, a slow, enigmatic smile spread across her lips.
She wore sunglasses, further obscuring her eyes from but thanks to Astrid’s heightened senses, I could imdiately see it when I narrowed my eyes.
She was a striking image of .
"So," she said, her voice rich and lodic, "this is Zara."
I felt exposed under her scrutiny, yet there was a strange comfort in her presence—a familiarity that made no sense but felt undeniable.
"Yes," Snow said, stepping closer to my side, his voice steady. "Mum, this is Zara."
Her smile deepened as she glanced at Snow. "My prodigal boy. You don’t check up on this old lady anymore. Is that because you got yourself a wife or because Zade doesn’t visit much anymore?"
Snow scratched the back of his head, like a child caught in a bad act.
But her next action shocked . Chuckling softly, she waved him off and then extended a hand toward . "Zara," she said warmly, "it’s a pleasure to finally et you."
The weight of her words hung in the air, and for a mont, I felt like a piece of a puzzle being placed into its rightful spot.
Without further ado, I too rose to my feet and greeted her. "Likewise," I managed, taking her hand.
Her grip was firm but kind, her touch sending an odd sense of belonging.
Then she pulled her sunglasses down, giving the perfect view of her face. "Hi, Zara, I am Zaria, your mother."
"Hello."
Never in my life had I been so shy before, but today, I was. I didn’t know what to do or how to act as I stood there watching her but still not looking at her.
Zade glanced at , his expression softening as he gestured toward a nearby couch. "Let’s sit. There’s much to discuss."
Snow and my mother exchanged a look before she nodded gracefully and took a seat, her gaze never wavering from .
As I sat between Zade and Snow, the realization settled over like a heavy cloak. This wasn’t just another eting.
This was the beginning of sothing far bigger—a confrontation with the truths of my past and the challenges of a future that felt more uncertain than ever.
"So Snow, how does it feel to be married to my daughter?"
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