Liam pov The autumn had arrived in Fireside a spectacular display of color, transforming the forest surrounding Grace's and my cabin into a tapestry of red, gold, and orange. At eight months old, Lucas was crawling with remarkable speed, exploring every corner of our newly renovated home with rele
The attic was neater than I had anticipated, with labeled boxes arranged in reasonably organized sections. Liam had clearly put thought into the storage system when moving our combined possessions from Silverlake and the original cabin configuration into this expanded space. "Holiday decorations,"
Grace pov I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond between us, sending a deliberate surge of distress through the connection. It wasn't like telepathy—I couldn't transmit thoughts or words—but strong emotions could sometimes break through, especially in emergency situations. Whether my attempt was
I nodded, the pain somewhat dulled by the medication they had administered upon my arrival. "When can I go home?" "After Dr. Sherwood examines you and decides whether surgery is needed," the doctor replied. "If no surgery is required, probably later today. You'll need to follow up with orthopedics
Grace pov Two weeks into my recovery, the challenges of navigating daily life with a broken ankle had become clearer. Simple tasks like showering, preparing meals, or keeping up with an increasingly mobile eight-month-old required careful planning and often assistance. Though I had mastered the ar
Liam pov Through our bond, I sensed her reaction, my own desire mingling with my genuine wish to care for her comfort. "Just a bath," I clarified with a gentle smile. "No expectations beyond getting you clean and relaxed. Though I certainly won't object if relaxation leads elsewhere..." At her blu
"Ready to get out?" I asked, setting the washcloth aside. "If getting out means continuing what you've started," Grace replied with a smile that conveyed her intentions clearly, "then absolutely." My eyes darkened at her words, my own desire evident in my expression and through their bond. With
Grace pov Six weeks after my accident, I sat in the orthopedic specialist's office, watching Dr. Sherwood examines the latest X-rays of my healing ankle. The walking boot that had replaced my cast two weeks earlier was a vast improvement in terms of mobility and independence, though I still moved
Sophia considered the question seriously before shaking her head. "Not worry. It's the right pattern. The balance is happy about it." She adjusted another stone slightly, the golden light flowing to illuminate the new configuration. "Five is better than four. Stronger shapes." As if confirming her
I began to protest, but another wave of dizziness—milder this time—reminded me that Elena's medical advice wasn't merely precautionary. My body was indeed adjusting to significant changes, and pushing beyond its limits would serve no one. "Two days," I conceded reluctantly. "But I want regular upd
Grace pov Liam nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Our children were never going to be ordinary, were they? Not with us as parents." I smiled as he looked into my eyes. Lucas was a strong werewolf with Alpha blood, and Sophia was a truth seer. Both were strong as hell.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. "You collapsed in the observation gallery," Liam explained, squeezing my hand. "Gave everyone quite a scare, especially the children. Tomas has been asking about you every fifteen minutes." I attempted to sit up, but Elena moved swiftly to prev
Grace pov Two weeks after the Children's Day revelation, the Balance Center hummed with renewed purpose. I had implemented a carefully structured program to continue engaging with the children who had shown connection to the Equilibrium, while the research division refined their understanding of h
Grace pov Liam, ever practical, focused on immediate implications. "How does this affect our response to reality-shapers? Does this expanded connection give the equilibrium greater range or power?" "Not exactly, power," I replied thoughtfully. "More like... expanded awareness. Greater understand
As we discussed these implications, Sophia's block construction had grown increasingly complex. Children placed pieces with surprising precision under her guidance, creating what appeared to be a three-dimensional representation of reality patterns around the Balance Center itself. The golden light
Grace pov Latent gifts," Elena suggested, joining me as I completed my circuit of the courtyard. The Alpha and healer had attended as a representative of the supernatural communities allied with the Balance Center. "Not strong enough to manifest as active abilities, but sufficient to create resona
Grace pov Three days after the shadow attack on the pack house, the Balance Center was hosting its first-ever Children's Day. What had begun as a small educational initiative had expanded rapidly as families associated with the Center brought not just their gifted children but siblings, cousins, a