50
50
Nova's POV
The smell of old wood and the soft aroma of lavender enveloped the room as I stepped inside. This was a small storage room located on the east side of the castle, a place that had always been locked. But today, as I passed by, the door was slightly ajar. I knew I shouldn’t go in, but curiosity led me deeper.
As I entered, dim light illuminated piles of forgotten items. Old books, dusty wooden boxes, and various small objects were scattered around me. Every corner of the room held stories that seemed eager to be told.
I approached a small table covered with linen. As I lifted the cloth, I found an old book with a worn leather cover. Carefully, I opened its pages and discovered beautiful handwriting, filled with notes and sketches.
My curiosity intensified. Who had used this space? What secrets were stored here? It was as if the air around me grew heavier, as if this room held memories longing to be revealed.
As I explored further, I came across a small locked box. Without thinking twice, I searched around for something to open it. After a bit of effort, I finally found a key hidden among the other items.
Inside, I discovered an old medal that shimmered, surrounded by black-and-white photographs. My heart raced as I recognized the familiar faces. They were family members long gone, and I knew that every item in this room held deep meaning.
The shelves were filled with old books, dusty chests, and paintings that had yet to be hung. I navigated the room carefully, my fingers tracing the cold, rough surfaces of the boxes. When I opened a small box in the corner, my gaze fell upon something that took my breath away.
A small leather-bound book, with the name “Liora” faintly etched in the corner.
I recognized that name. Liora was Diego's mother. She had passed away before I joined this pack, and from the whispers I had heard, she was not only the Alpha's wife but also a gentle and loving woman, even though her life had not always been easy. My curiosity burned, and I felt as if this book held many untold stories.
Gently, I lifted the book, feeling its weight filled with memories. The pages looked ancient, and when I opened it, the scent of wood and old paper enveloped me. Neat and beautiful handwriting filled the pages—notes, poetry, and perhaps the hopes Liora once had.
Every word felt alive, as if she were speaking directly to me. I read about her dreams and struggles, about the love she gave to her family even in difficult times. There were parts describing the pain of loss and hope for a better future.
Tears welled in my eyes as I realized how strong this woman was. She had left not only a blood legacy but also a legacy of love and strength that now flowed through Diego.
I knew this book was more than just a memory, it was a window into the past that could help me understand more about Diego and what shaped him.
With deep respect, I closed the book and placed it back in its spot, determined to share this discovery with Diego.
I grasped the book tightly and sat on the floor, opening it with trembling hands.
“Today, I surrender my life to a man who turns out to be an Alpha. Everyone says I will end tragically. Should I run?”
Just that first sentence made my chest tighten. Liora wrote honestly, with no embellishments, only sincere and painful feelings. Each letter seemed to capture her doubts and fears, but also a faint hope.
I continued reading, feeling each emotion as if it were my own. She spoke about the love that changed her life, about decisions that had to be made despite the great risks ahead.
In her writings, I could feel how deeply she loved her husband—a burdened Alpha who had to carry heavy responsibilities.
She wrote about the loneliness that sometimes accompanied her life, about her struggles to find a place in a world full of expectations and traditions. Despite the sadness, there were also beautiful moments she shared—precious memories that gave her strength to keep going.
“I will not run. I will fight for this love,” she wrote on another page, and I felt as if she were speaking directly to me.
I kept reading. About how Liora felt alienated and cast aside by the Alpha, about how difficult it was to raise a child who was her only small light in life, Diego.
“My son, Diego… if you read this someday, know that you are my reason for surviving. I want you to grow into a man who knows that loving doesn’t mean having power over someone. Love… is about the courage to stay, even when the world tells you to leave.”
My hands trembled as I turned the pages. Tears began to fall down my cheeks. A small photograph slipped from the last page. It was a picture of Liora holding a small black-haired baby, smiling warmly at the camera. Diego.
Seeing that baby’s face made my heart flutter. In his smile, I could feel a love and hope so profound. He was a symbol of everything Liora fought for—a mother loving her son unconditionally, even though the world around her was full of challenges.
I remembered Diego, all that he faced, and how the burden of being an Alpha had shaped him. Liora had laid a strong foundation for Diego, even in her absence. The words and love she left behind were an invaluable legacy.
I looked closely at the photo, feeling a deep connection with these two souls. Liora, with all her strength, and Diego, who was now struggling to find his own path. I wanted to be part of this journey, to help Diego fulfill his mother’s hopes—to love with courage and sincerity.
Someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned around immediately.
Diego.
His face was dark, his jaw clenched as he saw me holding the journal. He quickly walked toward me, snatching the book from my hands. “What are you doing here?” His voice was deep and sharp.
“I… I found it by accident. I didn’t know this was your private space…”
“And you think you have the right to touch my mother’s belongings?” He gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing red for a moment. But I wasn’t afraid. I just looked at him, holding the small photo that I hadn’t yet put back in the book.
“I… I was just reading a little. And I…” I swallowed hard. “Diego, she loved you very much.”