Grace pov And if I refuse?" I asked quietly. The attacker moved with that disturbing silence, circling to face me directly for the first time. The featureless mask revealed nothing, but I could feel the intensity of the gaze behind those narrow slits. "Then we will demonstrate exactly what rea
Liam pov I hadn't slept. After Grace's emergency call, I moved with the focused intensity that marked me in crisis situations. Sophia had been transferred to the pack house under heavy protection—Elena created specialized wards while dad mobilized the most trusted enforcers. The child had sensed t
Grace pov Elena met us in the main hall, her healer's eyes quickly assessing me for injuries. "Sophia is in the garden with her grandpa and Lucas is in his class," she reported. "She insisted on being outside this morning, something about 'needing to see the real sky.'" Liam and I exchanged conce
"Map," she replied simply. "To show where the thin places are. Where shadows can get through." Her tiny fingers adjusted a small white stone with remarkable precision. "This is us. The strong place where patterns hold tight." I joined them, my initial panic now channeled into the focused determina
Grace pov With Liam and I en route to Norway, the Fireside and Paw pack house had transformed into an impenetrable fortress. The alphas had recalled every available pack member from outlying territories, positioning them in concentric rings of defense around the central buildings. Elena worked tir
Alex pov While Reid coordinated emergency protocols, Elena knelt beside Sophia, her healer's senses attuned to the child's wellbeing. "Are you tired, little one? This connection with the equilibrium must be demanding." I watched my granddaughter with worry she was too little to be plagued by this
Alex pov The Balance doesn't like that," she stated matter-of-factly. "Trees belong in our patterns." The shadow figures turned their attention to Sophia, their featureless forms somehow conveying increased interest. "The child perceives the fundamental structures," they observed. "Her developme
Sophia giggled from within her protected circle, the sound startlingly childlike amidst the cosmic confrontation. "Mommy and Daddy are helping the balance. The patterns are getting stronger." Indeed, with each passing moment, reality itself seemed to solidify around the pack house and its grounds.
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