DANE'S POV
Pushing open the doors slowly, a smile settled on my lips as I took in the sight of Astrid still peacefully asleep. Finally, she was getting the rest she desperately needed.
It pained me to see her stressed out over the past few weeks, constantly in and out of the hospital, her worries visibly etched on her face.
I was more determined than ever to keep her safe and shield her from harm. This time, I wanted her to be relaxed, free from the burdens that had weighed her down.
With that thought in mind, I made my way into the bathroom to take a shower, allowing the warm water to wash away the remnants of the troubles that had consumed my life.
As I stood under the cascading water, Han’s last words echoed in my mind, his desperate pleas for mercy ringing hollow.
After everything he had done, the thought of him begging for his life filled me with a sense of disgust.
He had chosen his path, and I had simply followed through on my own.
With each droplet cascading down my body, I let the water cleanse not just my skin but also my spirit. I scrubbed thoroughly, washing off every trace of blood from my skin.
I knew Astrid wouldn’t take the news well when she learned what I had done to Camilla's father.
But deep down, I believed she would never be the same after everything she had been through. This ordeal had changed her, just as it had changed me.
He had watched his daughter attempt to harm her, and if I hadn’t intervened, Astrid would be dead. She had been so close to losing everything.
I hoped she would understand that what I had done was necessary; that they deserved every ounce of suffering that was coming their way. I had made a choice, one that was driven by a fierce protectiveness that surged through me like wildfire.
As I dabbed slowly against my skin, drying myself off, I felt the weight of my decisions pressing down on me.
I walked out of the bathroom, and my heart swelled at the sight of her. Astrid lay in bed, snoring softly, unaware to the chaos that surrounded her.
She looked so peaceful, her expression relaxed and serene. I couldn't help but admire how beautiful she was in this moment, untroubled and free from the pain of the world.
She could sleep for as long as she wanted; she deserved that. I would make sure she had nothing to worry about ever again. I would handle everything from here on out.
No more burdens on her shoulders; I would carry the weight of our world alone. I would protect her fiercely, ensuring she could finally enjoy a life free of fear and anxiety. That was my vow to her, and I intended to keep it.
I took my time to slip into dry clothes, feeling the fabric brush against my skin. Once I was dressed, I walked slowly toward the bed, ready to lie down beside her.
Just then, I heard a soft knock on the door, which made me freeze for a moment. I turned to look over at Astrid, who was mumbling in her sleep. She stirred a bit, and I felt a frown forming on my face.
Worry crept in as I approached the door, opening it slowly. I was concerned that something might be wrong with her.
But as soon as I saw Ivar standing there, looking both worried and apologetic, my frown faded away.
"I need to get some rest. What's wrong? Can it wait? I don't want her to feel uncomfortable," I said, my voice straightforward as I fixed my gaze on Ivar.
"It’s really important; it can’t wait… I’m sorry," Ivar replied, his expression serious.
Beta Ivar usually didn’t bother me unless it was really important, so his visit made me feel anxious.
What could he want? It seemed like I could never have a moment of peace; there was always something happening.
I glanced back over my shoulder. Astrid was still lying in bed, her face relaxed in sleep as she snored softly. She looked so peaceful, which made me reluctant to leave her.
“Fine,” I whispered, deciding it was best to find out what Ivar needed. I stepped out beside him and quietly shut the door behind me, trying not to wake Astrid.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my voice low. Ivar just shook his head, which made me feel even more uneasy.
“Maybe we should go somewhere a little more private to talk?” Ivar suggested, leaning in closer to me, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze flickered around the room, checking for any signs of unwanted ears.
I nodded in agreement, understanding that he wanted to keep our conversation away from Astrid and anyone else who might overhear us. The weight of the topic ahead felt heavy in the air, and I wanted to ensure we could speak freely.
We both walked briskly down the hallway toward my study, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the walls. As we reached the door, Ivar turned the handle and shut it firmly behind him, sealing us off from the outside world.
“First of all, there’s going to be a council meeting in just a few minutes,” Ivar began, his expression serious and focused.
“We also have some important news about the people who killed your father. We’re getting closer to finding them, Alpha Dane.”
His words caught me off guard, sending a jolt of surprise through me. I had been preparing for a discussion about the council meeting, not the possibility of finally uncovering the truth behind my father’s death. I could feel my heart race as I processed what he had just said.
“Then tell me what you found!” I urged, my voice rising slightly as my heart raced in anticipation.
The urgency in my tone reflected the deep desire I had to uncover the truth about my father’s murder.
It felt like I had been waiting forever for answers, with every passing day adding to the burden of uncertainty and pain. Just when I was about to lose hope, Ivar finally brought me news that could change everything.
Yet, I couldn’t understand why he was hesitating to share this important information. My frustration simmered beneath the surface, especially since I had longed for this moment for so long.
Ivar took a deep breath, clearly weighing his words carefully. “The lead we found somehow seems intertwined with our previous investigations,” he began, his expression grave.
“After connecting the dots, we’ve come to a shocking conclusion: the person responsible for your father’s death is from the Bluestone Pack; specifically, from Luna Astrid's pack!”
As he delivered this truth, it felt like another heavy blow to my already aching heart. My mind raced with confusion and anger, struggling to process the consequences of his words.
“What?”