47
Mauve’s POV
I stood by the crib, gazing down at my daughters as they slept peacefully, their tiny chests rising and falling with each breath. We were back in Shadowfang, and though my body had healed, my mind was still in turmoil.
Elias had saved us. If he hadn’t come when he did… I shuddered at the thought. For that, I was grateful. But questions churned inside me, demanding answers. How did he know the girls were his? And now that he knew, what was he planning to do?
A soft sigh escaped me. I wouldn’t get my answers just standing here. Squaring my shoulders, I stepped out of the room and made my way downstairs. As I reached the lobby, I spotted Elias and Joshua talking. My breath
hitched. The last time they were in the same room, it nearly ended in bloodshed.
I prepared myself for another argument, my nerves on edge. But to my utter shock, they shook hands instead.
I hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. As soon as I did, both men turned to look at me.
Joshua smirked. “You should be resting in the room, Mau–Mau.”
I instinctively glanced at Elias, expecting irritation to flicker across his face at Joshua’s nickname for me. Before, he always seemed bothered by it. But now… nothing. His expression was unreadable, and that unsettled me m than outright anger
“I’ve already gained energy,” I told Joshua, then turned to Elias. “Thank you for your help, Your Majesty.”
Elias’s blue eyes met mine. “This pack is under my rule, and it is my duty to protect what is mine.” He paused, then added, “Beginning now, the pack law regarding twin girls will be rectified. If a Luna gives birth to twin daughters, they will remain in the pack with their family unless they find their mates outside. They will not be cast out. And if unmated, they will have the right to be Alpha”
Joshua chuckled “Now we’re in the same direction. Isn’t it nice that way? All are equal under the Moon
Goddess”
Elias gave a single nod. “Right. His voice was devoid of emotion, making it impossible to tell what he truly felt
about it
I hesitated before speaking again. “How did you know about the girls?”
Elias’s gaze lingered on me before he answered, “Magnolia told me. She promised to protect you, but she had a vision of the danger coming. That led her to confess.”
Magnolia Of course. She was a seer.
I swallowed hard before asking the question that had been burning inside me. “If the girls weren’t your daughters would you have still helped us?”
Elias didn’t hesitate. “Of course. Shadowfang is under my protection, regardless of my personal ties. The attack on you, on the Luna and her newborns, was a disgrace. It showed a weakness in our laws, and I do not tolerate weakness. No mother should have to fear for her child’s life the moment they are born. I would have fought for you,
Mauve, regardless of blood. That is my duty as King”
Something about the certainty in his voice sent warmth spreading through my chest. He wasn’t just saying that
to pacify me. He meant it.
Joshua clapped his hands together. “Well, now that that’s settled, how about a cup of coffee? That was a hell of a
fight, and it’s already dawn.”
Elias shook his head. “I will have my breakfast at the castle. I’ll leave you two to your privacy.”
With that, he turned and walked away. I watched him go, still puzzled. His sudden restraint, his measured words
-this wasn’t the Elias I was used to
But this was what I preferred, right?
