Aria's POV
That evening, I took Elona to Walter. This was the only place I knew her safety would be guaranteed when I was away. My daughter jogged excitedly as we walked through the hallway to meet her great-grandfather in his study.
The thought of leaving her made something inside my chest ache.
Lydia whimpered. Don't think about it.
I closed my eyes. I have to. What if we don't come back?
Lydia went silent. She didn't have an answer. Neither did I.
I took Elona into Walter's study. The former Alpha was sitting near the fireplace. His eyes immediately softened when he saw her.
"Come here, little one."
Elona ran into his arms. Walter chuckled as he lifted her. I watched them, memorizing the sight. The way she smiled. The way Walter held her. The way the firelight reflected in her e
