The Dominio pack has experienced peace like none other since the rest of the packs that survived the war moved back and continued their lives on their own. “Do I look presentable for the night?” Zera asked, turning away from the mirror to face Aaron.
He glanced at her from head to toe, and there was satisfaction on his face. “You know, you always look presentable.”
She rolled her eyes, giving her silver sweetheart dress one last glance before stepping away from the mirror. “I think you might be talking about yourself, Mr.”
He smiled cockily. “I will take it as a compliment,” he said as he brushed over his grey suit. “Shall we go?” he asked, extending an arm to her.
“Yes, we shall.” She accepted his hand, and together they stepped out of the room.
The opening of Hart’s lab was a small ceremony, but many dignitaries from all over the world welcomed it. After the war, Damor began his work of testing the lab and going through the final reviews. It took him three months, and though he had a life back home, he saw this to an end before even embarking on that.
In total, it took two years and seven months to reach completion, and Aaron sent out notice, inviting partners and notable figures in the areas of science for the grand opening. Since science was Zera’s field of study, she also invited a few gurus in the field and received assurance of their presence.
Though tonight was the grand opening, it had been opened to critics and experts in the previous week. After thorough scrutiny, they were left impressed not only with the designs and structure but also with the thought behind them. The thought to give back. Experts said this was another wonderful move in the advancement of science around the world.
Davine was one of those invited; being a physicist, he would appreciate the progress, so he accepted the invitation to be here.
“I still see no reason why I should be here.” Ivan hissed from the back, “and also why I’m in a suit.”
Damor growled, “Oh, yes, the always complaining Ivan.”
He cast a glare at Damor but said nothing else.
Ivan, unlike Manon, had survived the war despite his terrible injury, as Davine stepped in at the last minute and healed him. Ivan saw his death, accepted it, and was ready to move on to the life beyond, but the rest of the Hart siblings were not ready to let him go just yet.
“Do not worry, this will be a good one,” Sesi assured him from the back.
He turned to her and found her holding a glass of wine and walking elegantly. It was the first cheerful look she has had since the passing of her mate, and it was a delightful sight. “You could meet your future partner here.”
“Oh, yes,” he faked excitement. “What could be better than a wise one and a scientist together?”
Sesi frowned at him, but Damor chuckled. Seeing the humour in his words, she smiled as well.
“I’m so glad to be here. I’ve already met geniuses in the world of science, and the night is just beginning.” Davine said as he came up to meet Aaron and Zera. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Zera smiled at him and nodded. “Thank you for coming.”
After the war, Lionel left with Daniel because, in his words, there was still so much they had to do. Daniel gave Sesi his condolences for the lists of Manon, but he couldn’t stay.
Daniel told him they needed to find potential mates so they could both start a family. Lionel seemed reluctant but didn’t argue. They needed to continue their bloodline, and they could never do that while with the pack.
Zera cried not because she was afraid for Lionel, but because the man he had become had taken him away from her. It was the painful truth she had to live with. She took consolation by telling herself that the next time she would see him, he would be much better. She thought about him and Sesi, but told herself it was too early to push for anything.
Zera noticed Diya had come alone, and she walked up to her. “Thanks for coming.” She said that and pulled her into a long embrace. “I know this isn’t your field or what you are conversant with, but I truly appreciated your presence.”
“Well, I’m glad I’m here,” Diya said with a smile.
Zera turned to leave, but Diya held her hand and pulled her back. “I know the truth about you and Aaron and his family.” She said, and Zera knew immediately what she meant. It’s been over three months since she saw the attack in Aaron’s office, and Ivan had to wipe her memory of the things she saw. Her words now meant she didn’t forget, as Ivan told her she would. Either he didn’t wipe her memory, his spell failed, or it didn’t work. Either way, Diya knew the truth.
Zera’s eyes grew wide in surprise, and she knew she had to say something. “Diya,” she started, but Diya shook her head.
“Don’t say anything; I understand. I understand why you did the things you did and why you didn’t tell me. You are my friend; you always have and always will be.”
Zera pulled her into a tight hug; knowing Diya knew and knowing she understood gave her a feeling of peace.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“What was it about?” Aaron, who had seen them, asked.
“She knows the truth about us, and she understands. She doesn’t judge,” she replied.
“Oh,” was what he said before returning his focus to the front, where Damor stood giving a speech.
Zera reached out and took his hand into hers, and as if anticipating it, he tightened his hold on her. He brought it up to his lips and placed a long kiss on the back of it.
“It took a few years and so much dedication, but it is over, ladies and gentlemen. I present the Hart Lab.” Damor said, and thunderous applause filled the room at his words.
This was the beginning of good things, and they could only wait for more.