Amber pov By the time I reached the outskirts of Riverview, the emotional complexity of my Fireside visit had settled into a more balanced perspective. The past remained the past—acknowledged, honored for what it had taught me, but no longer exerting undue influence on my present choices or future
Grace pov The first indication that something wasn't right came on an ordinary Tuesday morning in late autumn. I was loading Lucas into his car seat for our weekly library trip, chatting with my son about the storytime theme while Sophia dozed in her infant carrier. As I closed Lucas's door and mo
Grace pov Tell me exactly what happened," Liam requested, his voice low and controlled despite the tension evident in his posture. I described both incidents—the feeling of being watched at the house and the confirmed surveillance at the library, finishing with Miguel's recommendation to vary ou
Grace pov Stay inside with the children until security arrives," Elena instructed. "Keep your phone with you. I'll be there within the hour." By the time Liam's truck roared into the driveway fifteen minutes later, Miguel and Tessa were already establishing a defensive perimeter around the prope
"Temporary relocation would be safest," Elena suggested, though her tone indicated she anticipated resistance to this option. "Perhaps to Alexander Beth's property, which has more extensive security infrastructure from Alexander's overprotective days." Liam's arm tightened around Lucas, who had gr
Grace pov That's right," I confirmed, reaching to squeeze Lucas's small hand. "And we're going to have a special adventure, staying in different pack houses for a little while. Like a vacation, but we'll still do all our regular activities—preschool, library visits, everything that's important to
Grace pov The security rotation plan had been in effect for three weeks, the Matthews family moving between four different pack properties on an irregular schedule that made surveillance nearly impossible to maintain. I had adapted to the disruption with characteristic resilience, establishing por
Grace pov Elena's expression shifted to reveal more of her concern now that Lucas was engaged with Alex and unlikely to pick up on adult conversation. "Not directly," she replied, her voice low enough that even werewolf hearing wouldn't carry it to the living room. "But we've intercepted communica
Grace pov Good birthday," she declared with satisfaction. "Everyone's patterns were happy." "Yes, they were," I agreed softly. "Did you enjoy your party?" Sophia nodded sleepily. "The Balance liked it too. And baby brother." Her small hand reached out to touch my belly with surprising gentlene
I accepted the cake gratefully. Pregnancy cravings had given me an unprecedented sweet tooth, much to Sophia's delight. "How's our birthday girl doing?" "Currently explaining to her friends how the presents create a 'harmony pattern' when arranged properly," Liam replied, his expression filled wit
Grace pov **Six Months Later** The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the meadow behind Fireside pack house. Children's laughter filled the air as a small gathering celebrated Sophia's second birthday. The toddler presided over the festivities with a serene dignity that occasionally ga
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