Chapter 178: Unexpected Sisterhood

Chapter 179: Unexpected Sisterhood
Zephyra's POV

I woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a truck. My limbs felt like noodles, and my head was pounding with a dull ache. I groaned softly as I rolled over, reaching out for Noah, only to find his side of the bed cold. He must have gotten up already.

The memory of last night came flooding back—Fiora breaking through my mental barriers, her claws raking across Noah's chest, the blood seeping through his shirt. I sighed heavily, pressing my palms against my eyes. What if Noah looked at me differently in daylight? What if he decided I was too much trouble? The thought of him not wanting anything to do with me twisted my stomach into knots. I wasn't sure I could handle that kind of rejection.

After dragging myself to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and jumped in the shower, letting the hot water ease some of the tension from my muscles. I pulled on a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a loose t-shirt, not bothering with makeup. Comfort was all I cared about right now.

Before heading downstairs, I checked and reinforced my mental barriers. Fiora was quiet for now, but I couldn't risk another episode. Not with Ophelia in the house.

I trudged down the stairs, dragging my feet with each step. Every part of me wanted to crawl back into bed, but I knew I needed to face Noah first. I figured he was probably at the pack house, dealing with whatever alpha business required his attention this morning.

As I neared the kitchen, the sound of laughter caught my attention. I paused at the doorway, peering inside. Lily and Ophelia were at the counter, flour dusting their clothes and faces as they worked on what looked like cookie dough. Noah was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't know how to do this," Ophelia was saying, her small face scrunched in concentration as she measured flour. "The nanny never let me, even when I wanted to."

"Don't worry, Ophelia," Lily replied, her voice warm and encouraging. "I've got you... I'll help you."

Ophelia tilted her head, confusion crossing her features. "Why? Your dad is with my mom, and my mom is Zephyra, but Lucian told me you're his sister, but his parents are Elise and Dominic. How come?"

I saw Lily twitch slightly and had to suppress a smile, curious to see how she'd explain the complicated family dynamics.

"Well, it's all kind of complicated," Lily began, measuring her words carefully. "My mom is Elise, and my dad is Noah. Dominic is my stepdad. He married my mom and they had Lucian, and now Balthazar and Evangeline too. I also have a brother named Oliver, who I think you've met."

Lily paused, gathering her thoughts. "So my dad, like, married your mom, which makes you my little sister."

Ophelia's eyes widened. "So you have two moms and two dads?"

"Yep," Lily nodded. "And now three brothers and two sisters."

Tears welled in Ophelia's eyes, and my heart clenched at the sight. "You have so many family members... I was always alone, but now I have a mom, and Mr. Noah said I could call him dad. That means you're my sister, and I always wanted a sister."

I felt a surge of empathy for Ophelia, and anger toward the nanny who had kept her isolated. The poor child had been starved for connection and family.

Lily set down her mixing spoon and looked at Ophelia's teary face. "You'll never be alone again, Ophelia. You're family now. You have a mom and dad, a sister, and a family... we're all here for you."

Lily noticed the tears in Ophelia's eyes and stopped what she was doing. "Come here, Ophelia," she said, pulling Ophelia into a hug.

I watched from my hiding spot, my heart swelling with pride. Noah and Elise had raised Lily to be humble and loving, and it showed in moments like this. The way she embraced Ophelia, offering comfort and acceptance, made my heart feel like it might burst.

I stepped out from my hiding place and wrapped my arms around both girls, kissing the tops of their heads. "Good morning, Lily. Good morning, Ophelia."

"Morning," they replied in unison, their faces brightening.

"So what are you lovely ladies up to this beautiful morning?" I asked, glancing at their baking project.

"We're making cookies!" Ophelia exclaimed, her earlier tears forgotten in her excitement. "Lily is teaching me how!"

I smiled warmly at them. "Well, carry on then. I'm just going to grab some breakfast."

They nodded distractedly, already returning to their baking and conversation. I watched Lily guiding Ophelia's hands as she showed her how to use the cookie cutters, already taking on the role of big sister with natural ease. It warmed my heart to see Lily treating Ophelia like family already.

As I reached for a mug to pour myself some coffee, Lily's voice caught me off guard.

"So you and my dad, huh?" she asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp and observant.

I glanced over to see Ophelia busy pressing cookie cutters into the rolled dough, completely absorbed in her task.

"You're okay with that?" I asked cautiously, watching her reaction. "I know it must be a bit unexpected."

Lily laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "Are you kidding me, Aunt Zephyra? I saw you two getting together before either of you noticed each other. It was adorable watching you both try to hide it."

I let out a nervous chuckle. "I sometimes forget about your gift."

"I'm totally supportive," she continued, her voice softening. "After Dad's stupid choices cost him Mom and he lost her to Dad Dominic, I worried he'd be alone forever. I'm glad you came into our lives. You both need each other. You anchor each other, keep each other from drowning."

I studied Lily's face, marveling at the old soul behind those young eyes. "Has anyone ever told you that you're way too mature for your age?"

There was something unsettling about a child understanding relationships better than most adults. Her eyes held a wisdom that went far beyond her years, reminding me that she wasn't just any child—she was a seer, touched by the Moon Goddess herself.