The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Novel

Chapter 19: Let's Prepare the Final Surprise Lucian's POV Watching Evelyn's face light up, something twisted tight in my chest. She sat there under the string lights, that blue dress catching the glow, our earrings glinting at her ears. She looked... damn. "Quit staring," Orion muttered next to me. "You're doing it too," I shot back, catching his gaze locked on her. "At least I'm not being obvious about it," he said. 80 Magnus dropped into the chair beside us. "Could you two be any more pathetic?

Elliot's already giving us the death glare." Sure enough, Elliot had that whole protective brother thing going strong. But honestly? I didn't give a shit. Seeing Evie actually happy for once made it worth whatever attitude he wanted to throw around. "Lucian!" Evie's voice cut through my thoughts. "Your steak's burning!" I bolted to the grill. The meat was definitely getting crispy around the edges. "Smooth move, Romeo," Milo laughed. "Shut it." I flipped the steak, trying to save what I could. "For real though," Milo's voice got serious, "I've never seen her like this. She used to just...

disappear into corners.* "Yeah." The guilt hit hard when I thought about how we'd basically ignored her existence for years. "But things are different now," Milo clapped my shoulder, "We've got her back, right?" "Damn right we do." Evelyn's POV After dinner, everyone started up different games. Truth or dare got intense fast - Elliot had to admit he once ate an entire jar of honey as a kid and got chased by a swarm of bees. Milo tried showing off his "amazing" spoon-balancing skills and face-planted spectacularly.

"So what do you guys actually want to do with your lives?" Nadia asked, leaning into Milo. Those two were getting cozy tonight. "Take over Alpha duties," Magnus said without missing a beat. "Make the pack stronger." 1/4 11:35 Thu Jan B Kỹ Chapter 19 Let's Prepare the Final Surprise 1 want to change some of the bullisht rules we follow Orim said canching eve of quart Four tradem Like what? Delta Griffin looked interested Like this whole survival of the fittest crap we keep preaching Orim planted my way.

Strong wishes should pre ignore them when they're getting torn apart." Silence dropped over the group. I stared at him, shocked he'd actually said it out hovudi. "Well put," Alpha Adam nodded. Real leaders understand when to show "What about you, Evie?" Nadia turned to me. What's your dream?" The I hesitated. Should I tell them the truth? That I used to fantasize about running far away from here? "I want to be a warrior," I finally said. "Not to prove anything to anyone. Jast to protect the people I actually give a down about." "You already are one," Griffin said firmly.

The second you started looking out for those cubs, you became a rea His words hit something deep in my chest. I thought about the old me - that girl who desperately wanted to escape this place. But now Now I've got reasons to stay, I realized. People worth protecting. "Anything else?" Lucian pressed. "Besides the warrior thing." I thought about it. "I want to be able to run free someday. Without hiding or pretending to be someone I'm not." "You will," Orion's voice was quiet but certain. "I promise you that." The night deepened, stars popping out one by one.

The party buzz was still going strong, but exhaustion was starting to creep in today had been a marathon of emotions. "Getting tired?' Elliot asked. "A little, I admitted. "Perfect timing for the final surprise, Magnus stood up. Before I could react, Lucian scooped me up in his arms. "Lucian!" I yelped, automatically wrapping my arms around his neck. "Don't fight it, little one,' he grinned. "Just trust us.' 2/4 1196 Thu Jan 0 0 0 Chapter 19 Let's Prepare the Final Surprise 80 The others got to their feet, wearing identical mysterious smiles.

Under the knowing looks from the adults, the boys started carrying me toward the back of the yard. Nadia linked arms with Milo as they followed, moonlight making her look almost ethereal. We followed a stone path lined with silver pines swaying in the night breeze. The walkway was embedded with moonstones that gave off this soft silver-blue glow, like something out of a fairy tale. "Where are we going?" I demanded. "Patience," Orion said, leading the way. Soon I heard water running. When we rounded the last corner, my breath caught.

A circular marble fountain sat in the clearing, with this incredible wolf sculpture in the center. Water poured from its mouth, catching starlight like scattered diamonds. Night-blooming flowers surrounded the whole thing, their scent hanging sweet in the air. "Holy shit..." I whispered. Lucian set me down but kept his hands on my waist, steadying me. "This is Luna Isabella's secret fountain," Magnus explained. "Legend says birthday wishes made here actually come true." "Especially the important ones," Milo added.

I walked to the fountain's edge, staring at the clear water reflecting the stars above. It was shallow, maybe ankle-deep, with smooth white stones covering the bottom. "Make a wish," Orion held out a silver coin. I took it, closing my eyes. This time my wish was crystal clear - I wanted to keep these people, protect this happiness. The coin hit the water with a soft splash, sending ripples across the surface. "One more surprise," Magnus said cryptically. "Come on." We circled the fountain and followed another path.

Warm steam started hitting my face, and then I saw it a natural hot spring pool surrounded by moonflowers and silver pines. The water glowed pale blue in the moonlight, steam rising like ghostly veils. Smooth round stones lined the pool's edge, dotted with glowing moonstones that made everything look magical but cozy at the same time. "A hot spring?" I looked at them in surprise. 3/4 11:35 Thu, Jan 8 M... Chapter 19: Let's Prepare the Final Surprise "Birthday tradition, Lucian explained, already kicking off his shoes.

"You've got to spend midnight in the hot spring before the new day officially starts." 80 "We didn't bring swimsuits..." I pointed out. "Just go in with clothes on," Orion was already stepping into the water. "They'll dry." The boys got in first, the warm water immediately surrounding them. Nadia grabbed my hand. "Come on, trust me. This is going to be incredible." I carefully walked down the stone steps, warm spring water gradually covering my ankles, then my calves, then my knees. The heat chased away the night's chill instantly, and I couldn't help sighing with relief.

"Feels good, right?" Milo asked with a grin. I nodded, finding a spot to sit. The depth was perfect when sitting, the water came up to my chest. My dress floated around me, but somehow I didn't care. We formed a loose circle, everyone relaxing into the spring's warmth. Starlight scattered across the water's surface in tiny points of light. Elliot moved closer. "Evie, as your brother, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you before. All those years I should've had your back.

But I promise I'm going to make up for lost time - not just this year, but every year after." Comments 16 Write Comments SHARE 4/4 11:35 Thu, Jan 8 M... The Lightning Wolf Chronicles admin