Chapter 34

Sydney’s POV Doris and I walked out of the living room under Rose and Alexander's watchful gaze, feeling their scrutinizing eyes boring into us as the door closed behind us. Aria, my wolf, huffed in my mind." Finally. Fresh air without his scent choking us." We wandered through the garden, where silver moonlight bathed the vibrant blooms. The rustle of leaves and distant howls of Nightscar warriors on patrol were the only sounds disrupting the peaceful night. Butterflies—rare this late—danced between flowers, their delicate wings catching the light like stained glass. I admired the flowers and butterflies. I sighed quietly, if only my life could be as effortless as their beauty. Aria whined in agreement, longing for a simpler existence. Elder Doris, her scent a comforting mix of lavender and vanilla, had her hands clasped behind her back as we walked along the pathway between the garden. The weight of what I had to say settled in my chest like a stone. It would pain me to say no to Dor