I press my fingers against my stomach as I swallow down the lump in my throat. Sascha stands beside me, her eyes watery as she stares at the reports in her hands.

So many emotions play on her face, happiness and pure joy being the prominent ones. Her joy brings me a huge sense of relief.

She's happy, completely oblivious to my past demons but that doesn't matter. All that matters is that she's here with us and our family is complete. She's safe and happy; that's what matters the most.

"Nikita," she whispers, her voice wobbly with tears as she controls the urge to cry. Lifting my hand to squeeze her shoulder, I offer her a small smile as she stares at the reports in her hands and then looks at Elder Fridolf who stays silent, letting us digest this news.

"Thank you, elder," she whispers while clutching the reports to her chest and breathing a sigh of relief.

The elder shrugs and then lifts his lips up in a careless smile. "It's a fact, dear. No need to thank me. I didn't do anything," he says and then waves off at Sascha when she goes to argue. She smiles and then chuckles through her tears before nodding at the elder.

"You both should go and share this news with your brother. He will be happy to know that you and your wolf are both fine," suggest Elder Fridolf. We both agree and then walk out of the infirmary.

Closing my eyes, I search for my brother's aura and find that he's at his home with his mate. Not wanting to exert myself anymore, I pull at Sascha's hand. Sascha quickly holds onto me, understanding clear in her gaze.

My intelligent twin sister. How am I so lucky to have the best family?

Landing in front of the cottage, I take a deep breath and knock on the door, not sure of how I might be welcomed by our brother.

I recall how betrayed he had felt when Dominic revealed that I knew about Sascha's gift. I should have told him sooner but my insecurities and then with so many new revelations, it just slipped my mind.

But now that we have this issue done and dusted, I am left to deal with the other most prominent fact of my life.

The fact being – Dominic is my mate.

But before I can dwell on that thought, the door swings open, and we are greeted by Sierra and baby Selene.

The baby gasps, babbling something and then smiles cutely as she waves at me to pick her up. Her happiness at seeing me, is my undoing.

How I long to have my own little family!

Shaking away those thoughts, I stretch my arms for baby Selene to jump in. I put my walls just in time as Selene's powerful mind seeps around me. Selene is completely unaware of how her magic slips out of her mind and seeks others similar to hers.

She's very vulnerable to the black witches and that's the biggest reason why Fenris keeps his daughter hidden from the world. The entire Kingdom knows that Fenris has a daughter who's half-witch; most probably a full witch with no wolf but that is yet to be proved.

But Fenris has purposely kept his daughter hidden from the world. Only a few people have seen Selene. Everyone hears about the beautiful offspring of the King but no one can look at her without her father's permission, let alone touch her.

"She missed you," whispers Sierra while staring at her daughter who happily slaps me while trying to gauge my emotions. I thoroughly keep her out while also trying to build a wall inside Selene's mind. I just hope that Selene understands and remembers this wall because she will have to keep a wall like this, covering her mind from the intruders. It's a lesson for tomorrow but the preparation should begin today.

And I am just helping my niece to be strong enough. It gives me a little sense of peace to know that I am somehow being useful to my brother's family. It helps lessen the burden that I am completely dependent on them, for food and shelter.

However, Fenris and Sierra do not think that way. They have accepted me completely and Sierra is in the process of accepting Sascha as well. They are completely selfless when it comes to family. It's their weakness but their strength too.

I just hope they are strong enough to fight the battle that I have brought to their doorstep. By Sascha's arrival, I am sure that it won't be long before Wulfric finds out about me. When mine and Sascha's twin bond clicked into place, a huge burst of energy was released.

The same energy that triggered Sascha's wolf and the same energy that boosted my magic, making it shine for any psychic being to stop and take note of my power. And I am sure that Wulfric is psychic enough to have interpreted the shift in the wind.

Now the wind is saturated with my magic, with our sibling bond, with our mother's legacy shining true and bright. If Wulfric and Xavier thought that they could defeat us; then they were sadly mistaken. Xavier is no longer alive to face my wrath but I will make sure to exact my revenge when I dip my fingers in Wulfric's blood.

I need it to save my soul or I fear that I might succumb to this bone-deep tiredness. I fear nightmares and that is the only reason why I cannot sleep. Because of lack of sleep, my energy is dwindling. It's taking all of my willpower to stay standing when all I want to do is let go of the fear and go to sleep but the moment my brain relaxes, Wulfric's image rushes at me threatening to claw at my sanity.

"Are you going to stand on the threshold, all day?"

The sarcastic question snaps me out of my hellish thoughts and I blink my aching eyes. I watch Sierra as she stares at me, silently waiting for me to enter her home. She invited me inside her home with that question. Fenris is nowhere to be seen but I know that he's here.

Rocking the baby in my arms, I walk inside and make way towards the rocking chair placed right in front of the fireplace. It's cosy and my favourite place to sit in when I have Selene in my arms. Selene is struggling in my arms, as if wanting to get hold of something. I know what she's looking for. Settling the baby in my lap, I pull my braid in the front and let Selene have a look at my white hair.

The baby's eyes widen in fascination and childish delight as she latches onto my braid and pulls it closer to her eyes, trying to inspect it. I do not know what her obsession is but I had seen her behaving in the same manner when Catrina held her. Selene had latched onto Catrina's red hair, inspecting it and then playing with it.

Knowing that Selene won't throw a tantrum in the middle of our conversation, I focus on my brother's mate and my sister as she sits in the armchair across Sierra. Sierra sits on the couch, her position relaxed but her gaze alert.

"I got my reports," begins Sascha and I watch as Sierra nods her head as if encouragingly. Sascha smiles a bit, her happiness pouring out of her as she whispers the next words. "I am a full wolf and according to elder Fridolf, my body structure is flexible enough to shift into a wolf. I am out of danger to continue shifting. He also encouraged me to start taking lessons in wolf form so that I can manage myself."

Sierra's face transforms right in front of my eyes, going from stoic and alert to relieved and happy. She smiles at Sascha, her joy evident as she nods at her and then I watch as Sierra gets out of her seat and embraces Sascha.

The easy acceptance with which Sierra hugs my twin sister, bring tears to my eyes. Sascha willingly hugs her back and I catch Sierra's whisper, "Welcome to the family, sestra."

We are all smiling when Fenris makes his way into the living room. He gazes around the room, his eyes spotting Selene after which he relaxes. Not really knowing the reason behind his over-protectiveness, I watch as Fenris makes his way towards Sascha and takes a seat across from her on the couch, besides Sierra.

"How are you, Sascha?" asks Fenris, his nervousness hidden from view but apparent from the tone of his voice. Sierra shifts beside Fenris while focusing on Sascha, her mind alert to gauge any shift in my twin's body language.

I sense both Sierra and Fenris are quite nervous today, however, I am not sure about the reason behind it.

Sascha is oblivious to the couple's emotions when she lifts a shoulder and then shrugs off as if not sure how to answer that question. "I feel fine, really but there is a presence in my mind, making me feel more alert about my surroundings."

Fenris nods at Sascha, seeming to be pleased with her answer while Sierra appears to be thinking about something for a minute before she also starts smiling at Sascha and then at me in reassurance.

"Now that Elder Fridolf has said, you can rest assured that your wolf is fine. You are definitely fine and healthy. All you need to do is maintain a healthy diet and be fit to help your wolf become stronger."

"Thanks, I think I can manage that," retorts Sascha, cheekily and I sense that Sascha's trying to rile Sierra. But Sierra quickly understands Sascha's motive and decides to remain silent.

"Nikita," begins Fenris, staring straight at me in the eyes. His powerful gaze scares me a bit. Refusing to be scared of my own brother, I wait for him to finish. "We have to discuss a few things."

"Sure. I want to clear a few misunderstandings too," I whisper while rocking Selene in my arms. The baby is sleepy, and almost on the verge of dozing off.

"Apologies for the interruption, but may I suggest that we talk about this matter without Selene's presence?" asks Sierra to which Fenris nods.

"Sascha, could you please keep Selene company while we discuss some matters with Nikita?" asks Sierra, uncertainty flowing through her in waves. She's nervous to ask Sascha a favour but I sit assured, knowing that Sascha wouldn't miss a chance to cuddle Selene to her.

However, Sascha's next words are like cold water being poured over my head.

"I am not a babysitter, Sierra. Perhaps you should have learnt to take care of your kid before deciding to conceive it."

Sascha's hurtful comment makes Sierra's eyes go wide in shock and then in anger. But the anger diminishes as quickly as it surfaced. Instead, I feel a deep sense of hurt before all her emotions vanish right from under my radar.

A second ago, I could sense tremendous emotions pouring out from Sierra's bruised heart but now, I can't sense anything. Her face is neutral but her eyes speak volumes and it's quite clear that Sascha's comment hurt Sierra more.

I watch Fenris frown at Sascha's words as he stares at her for a long moment before she turns his attention back to Sierra. He seems to have caught on to the lack of Sierra's emotions; which makes his own emotions go a little into panic mode. However, he doesn't fail to maintain his calm posture.

Taking a deep breath, Sierra gets up from her seat while sending Sascha a small smile as she makes her way toward me. "Not a problem Sascha," whispers Sierra while bending to reach for Selene. Sierra delicately picks up her daughter and then makes way upstairs while Fenris nods at Sierra's mentally spoken words.

A minute passes by before Fenris moves. He sits back on the couch while spreading his right arm behind, on the headrest of the couch while looking at Sascha with clouded eyes.

Another minute passes by and I think that Fenris might chastise Sascha for her rude words but that never happened. A few more minutes pass by and then Sierra makes her way toward us, taking a seat beside Fenris.

"Now, can you please enlighten us about the Sacred Wall?" asks Fenris, the moment Sierra's butt touches the couch. I stare at my brother shocked that he is acting so callously toward his mate. I agree that Sascha is his newfound sister but no one should speak rudely to anyone.

"What wall?" asks Sascha, clearly confused about this discussion and completely casual about her words to Sierra.

"Nikita, please be honest with all of us. You know we are your family. Whatever you say will stay in these four walls only," promises Sierra as she looks at me with understanding in her gaze.

Swallowing hard at the lump in my throat, I nod at her and then look at Fenris who's staring at Sierra's head as she faces me. Something like pride flickers in his gaze and I let out a sigh of relief, assured that the couple is doing good.

"You already know. I will show the sacred wall to Sascha as well but other than what Dominic said that day in the infirmary, I have no other revelation to make," I whisper softly, refusing to tremble in fear of being judged harshly.

They are trying hard to accommodate me but it's my insecurities that aren't letting me put my guard down. I have been scarred too many times to put my guard down. Maybe it's too late for me.

"So, should we assume that you aren't hiding anything from us?" he asks, his gaze shrewd enough to make me cower but I hold my ground and nod at him. I still hide my trauma from them but it's not something that will harm them. It's better to not open old wounds.

Fenris sighs and then shakes his head, palming his face in a frustrated gesture.

"Fine then, I am going to sleep. May I know if I'll be living here or in a separate home?" asks Sascha, effectively diffusing the tension in the room. Before Sierra can speak, Fenris gets up from his seat and then gestures toward Sascha.

"What would you prefer? We have a separate dormitory for single females but if you want, I can arrange the neighbouring cottage for you, or you can stay here," offers Fenris while letting Sascha decide.

"I think I'll stay in the dormitory for a little while. However, I do wish to work. I can't sit by idly doing nothing like a housewife," she mutters and then glances at Sierra for a brief moment before focusing back on Fenris.

Did she imply that Sierra's a housewife?

"Let me show you toward the dormitory then," whispers Fenris while leading Sascha out of his home. I breathe a sigh of relief when Sascha walks out. I don't know what's her problem with Sierra but it looks like she's trying to rile up the Queen of Wolves.

I just hope that Fenris doesn't interfere if Sierra ever takes Sascha's bullying seriously. I can't believe my twin sister is a spoilt Princess. Or perhaps she is normal and I am the one judging her because she treated the woman who took me into her family without any hesitation, so badly.

Sierra's sigh is audible in the room as I shift uncomfortably in my seat. Sierra holds my gaze and then taps on the couch, gesturing me to sit beside her. Not able to refuse her offer, I get up from my chair and take a seat in front of Sierra on an armchair instead.

"How are you?"

Out of all the questions that are bubbling in her mind, she comes out with that question and it startles me. I am surprised that she is asking me this question. She's the one who got hit in the head and she's asking me if I am fine.

"I am fine, Sierra. Thank you for asking," I reply politely, unable to find any other answer to her question.

"That's good, sestra. How is Sascha feeling about our world? Is she adapting better or should I ask Christine to meet Sascha?" asks Sierra, the honest curiosity in her gaze calms me a bit.

"She's fine. She's better at adapting to change, or so she shows. She's very closed off, emotionally," I whisper, giving my honest opinion about Sascha. Sierra nods her head indulgently before shrugging off her tense shoulders.

"So, are you ready to talk about Dominic?" asks Sierra casually but her words fall on me like live bombs. They explode inside me. One in my heart and the other in my head. Swallowing, I try to come up with an answer all the while Sierra stares me patiently.

She's calm, too patient for my liking. She's no longer the lovely hostess in her home, no she's in her boss-mode. Completely in control of her emotions and her words.

"I... uh... Dominic is my friend."

The words sound like a question even to my own ears, making me cringe at my answer. Sierra raises a brow in question while sighing a bit.

"Nikita, we can discuss this in front of Fenris but I am not sure if it'll be helpful. Considering your hesitance to share your past with us, Fenris will most likely misunderstand things and either end up going to war with Dominic or lose his own life in the process," explains Sierra, her expression resigned and suddenly she looks tired.

I gasp at her words but otherwise remain silent, not really knowing what to say.

"I saw the way he looks at you and I also say the way you look at him. What is troubling you? Are you confused about your attraction toward him? What is it, sister?"

Her soft questions do nothing to ease my mind. Instead they scare me. Why am I attracted to Dominic?

"I... I..."

"Don't panic. Take a deep breath," whispers Sierra while moving her hand up and breathing in, making me mimic her actions. She slowly lowers her hand, simultaneously releasing her breath. We do that a few times and I find myself breathing normally again.

"Catrina is Dominic's goddaughter," I whisper instead. I am shocked at my own words but Sierra only smiles at me and then shakes her head.

"Yes, he's her godfather. Also, Christine is like a sister to Dominic. Fenris and Dominic are friends, have been since a decade. Dominic had a mate. She's dead and Dominic is set on avenging her death."

I sit there with my mouth hanging open as I try to digest her words.

"What?"

"You knew most of it, didn't you?" asks Sierra while smirking at me a bit. I nod at her mutely unable to form a coherent thought. "Now will you tell me why Dominic looks at you as if you are his mate?"

"Because he is my true mate," I whisper, and brace myself to hear her tell me that it's a mistake.

"I had suspected it," she mutters instead, completely shocking me. I stare at her wide-eyed as she stares at me in return.

"Dominic told me a few days ago about his first mate. He also told me that he is attracted toward you, a mate like attraction but isn't sure what to make of it."

"And you didn't tell me before?" I ask, suddenly feeling betrayed by her. She should've told me before.

"When did you want me to tell you this?" mutters Sierra, anger flaring in her eyes for a second before it vanishes. "Dominic told me the night when Fenris insulted me in front of you. The very next day you found Sascha. Then you were occupied in dealing with your spoilt brat of a sister. Tell me Nikita, when should I have told you?"

Sierra's blunt statement shocks me. I cower away from her, not really knowing what to do in this situation. Sierra seems to notice my change in behaviour because her eyes go soft and then gets up from her seat. Walking towards me, she sits on the arm of my chair and puts her arms around my shoulder, pulling me in her arms.

I go willingly, not having the courage to shrug off her maternal hold on me. She might be my age but she's the one who has understood and adapted to me and my frequent mood shift. I was broken when I came here and she was the one who glued all my pieces together, giving me this opportunity to live and not just survive.

She didn't just give me a place to live, she gave away her first place in her mate's list of priorities. She gladly took all the blame when it was my overthinking and insecurity that caused a misunderstanding. I haven't seen a more understanding person than her in my life. Sierra might not be perfect but she has been there for me and I accept her scolding gladly.

I would prefer that instead of the cool attitude that she gave Sascha. After the hateful comments from Sascha, Sierra is still here, lending her emotional support to me, making me feel really blessed for having this woman in my life.

"I am sorry," she whispers while dropping a soft kiss on my head and squeezing me into her middle. I willingly go, resting my head against her stomach, letting myself absorb her peaceful aura.

"I am sorry for not telling you," I whisper back and close my eyes when my voice trembles with unshed tears.

"Shhh, it's okay, dear. Take all the time you want. No one will force you into anything. And certainly not Dominic. That male is already troubled with enough unfulfilled promises," she whispers, making me frown but I do not ask about it.

Our moment of peace is broken when someone clears their throat behind us. Sierra moves away from me and we both turn to look at Fenris standing just inside the house. He looks at us, confused but we both remain silent.

Fenris raises a brow at Sierra, clearly demanding an answer but Sierra's loyalty clearly lies with me because she doesn't give into her urge to tell Fenris about our discussion. For that, I am grateful.

"Fine," huffs Fenris and then shrugs his shoulders as if it's not bothering him but I know that he's very curious to know about that discussion.

"Is Sascha all settled?" I ask, trying to change the topic and quickly glance at Sierra to see her sighing in relief. Fenris's attention is on me so she is spared with the shrewd gaze that Fenris throws at me.

"Yes, she has. She behaves like a human" he mutters and I realize that she must have said something to him during their walk towards the dormitory.

"She's been raised by a human," whispers Sierra, making Fenris look at her.

"Yes, but I don't like being told that I need to renovate an entire building just because she doesn't get the feel of it," he mutters while running his fingers through his hair. Sierra chuckles and then shakes her head. Fenris smiles too and I sigh in relief.

Thank God that they aren't offended by Sascha's rather snobbish behaviour.

~~~~

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