Daryl awoke with the sunlight streaming through the window, illuminating the room in a warm glow.
He turned to his side, his heart swelling with joy as he caught sight of Aria sleeping peacefully beside him.
Leo was nowhere to be found. Maybe he was in the bathroom.
The way her hair cascaded over the pillow and how her lips curled ever so slightly in a soft smile made him want to cherish every moment with her.
An idea struck him. He wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, a small gesture to show just how much she meant to him.
He slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her and made his way to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, he gathered ingredients-eggs, bacon, and fresh fruits. The sizzling sound of bacon filled the air, and the aroma made his mouth water.
Daryl couldn’t help but smile, picturing Aria’s face when she saw what he had prepared for her.
After plating the food with care, he added a small vase with a single flower he had picked from the garden, wanting to make it special.
Carrying the tray back to their room, he felt a sense of excitement bubble inside him.
As he opened the door, he was met with an unexpected sight. Mara burst into the room, her eyes wide with determination.
“I’m coming in!” she declared, ignoring Daryl’s surprised expression.
“What are you doing, Mara?” he asked, laughing as he entered, balancing the tray precariously.
“I’m here to join Aria for breakfast!” she insisted, plopping down on the edge of the bed.
Daryl shook his head, trying to suppress his laughter.
“You’re just jealous that I’m treating her like a queen,” he teased, setting the tray down on the bedside table.
“Little Mara is jealous?” Leo chimed in from the doorway of the bathroom, arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
“I can never be jealous of your jerks!” Mara roared back, her cheeks flushed with indignation.
Aria stirred awake, blinking sleepily as she took in the scene. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice soft and melodic.
“Mara just barged in to steal your breakfast,” Daryl replied, winking at his sister.
“I’m not stealing anything! I just want to eat with my best friend!” Mara pouted, crossing her arms defiantly.
Daryl chuckled and gestured to the tray. “Then let’s eat together. But don’t complain if I made it extra special just for her.”
As the three of them settled into a comfortable breakfast, laughter and light-hearted banter filled the room.
Yet, in the back of Daryl’s mind, a shadow loomed. The threat from the Star Crust pack was growing, and he could feel the tension in the air.
After breakfast, as the siblings left the room, Daryl’s thoughts turned to the gathering storm.
They had dealt with the aftermath of Alpha Razam’s death, but whispers of retaliation from the Star Crust pack were growing louder.
It seemed they had someone backing them, a larger group that made their threats feel heavier than usual. As Alpha Liam gathered his Pack leaders, Daryl sensed the unease amongst them.
“It seems Star Crust has a bigger group or someone backing them up for their mouths to be this strong in this case,” Liam’s voice echoed in Daryl’s mind.
The boys exchanged glances, understanding the danger that loomed over them.
Daryl was determined not to let Aria worry about their safety or feel responsible for the turmoil surrounding them.
He knew how easily she could slip into self-blame, and he wouldn’t allow that.
She deserved to enjoy her newfound happiness without the weight of their troubles on her shoulders.
Later that afternoon, Elaine approached Daryl with a somber expression. “I need to take you somewhere,” she said, her tone serious.
“Where?” Daryl asked, sensing the gravity in her voice.
“To your father’s grave. We need to pay our respects,” she replied gently, leading him outside.
At age thirteen, Elaine eventually told Daryl the truth and who his real Father was, he was dumbfounded to realize Liam was not his biological Father but his Uncle.
The walk to the cemetery felt heavy with unspoken words. As they arrived, Daryl felt a swell of emotions-sadness, pride, and an overwhelming sense of loss.
“Your father, Derick, was a fearless man, son,” Elaine said, her voice filled with warmth as they stood before the gravestone.
“He sacrificed everything for this pack, for you and your siblings.”
Daryl placed a hand on the cold stone. “He died saving Leo and Mara. He is the true hero of that story,” Daryl replied, his voice thick with emotion.
Elaine nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. “He would be proud of you, Daryl. You carry his spirit with you.”
—
The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays through the trees surrounding the Waterfall pack house.
Mara was in the living room, rearranging cushions on the couch when she spotted a familiar figure approaching from the driveway. Dressed in a flowing emerald gown that shimmered with every movement, Serai, the white witch, looked like a vision out of a fairytale.
“Mama! Serai is here!” Mara called, her voice bubbling with excitement. The witch had been gone for too long this time.
Elaine rushed into the room, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of her old friend.
“Serai! It’s been too long!”
Serai entered, her presence commanding yet warm, her silver hair cascading around her shoulders. She embraced Elaine tightly, and the two women exchanged fond smiles, reminiscing about old times.
“Mara, you’ve grown even more beautiful,” Serai complimented, ruffling the girl’s hair playfully.
Mara giggled, her cheeks flushing. “You look amazing as always, Serai! We missed you!”
As the two women caught up, the news of Serai’s arrival spread quickly throughout the house. Liam, Daryl and Leo, who had been in the kitchen preparing snacks, exchanged curious glances and made their way to the living room, drawn by the laughter and warmth.
“Looks like a party without us,” Leo remarked, leaning against the doorframe with a teasing grin.
Daryl followed closely behind, and as they stepped into the living room, they were met with the sight of Serai and their mother, both radiant and glowing with happiness.
“Serai!” Liam exclaimed, offering a welcoming smile. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Alpha Liam, nice to see you. Daryl, Leo!” Serai greeted the boys, her voice melodic, but there was an underlying tension in her eyes that Daryl couldn’t quite place.
“Did you come to make mischief again?” Leo joked, but his playful tone was met with a more serious atmosphere.
“Actually, I have something important to discuss with you all,” Serai said, her demeanor shifting. The room fell silent, and everyone could feel the weight of her words hanging in the air.
Elaine’s expression turned somber, and Liam felt a knot form in his stomach. “What is it?” he asked, his heart racing.
Serai motioned for everyone to sit, and as they settled into their seats, the mood shifted from light-heartedness to dread.
“I come with news that is dire and urgent,” she began, her voice steady but filled with gravity. “News concerning the Lycan King, Vercus Gunther.”
Liam’s heart skipped a bit, he knew sooner or later the old hag would rise up again.
“He has awakened,” Serai revealed, her eyes locking onto Daryl’s. “And he seeks to reclaim his throne-by eliminating…you know who.”
The children observed their parents flinch at Serai’s words,
“Who the fuck is Vercus Gunther? And who does he seek to eliminate? Daryl’s voice was laced with uncertainty .
Leo and Mara also had a look of perplexity on their face.
“The time for you to know the truth has come my son,” Elaine spoke,
“What truth?”
“The truth behind your birth into this world, the time has come for you to fulfill your destiny.”