Chapter 340

Chapter 340
Isabella's POV

William shifted slightly in his wheelchair, "The texts mention an extremely rare form of connection, very similar to what we're seeing between Lucian and Olivia."

I couldn't help but lean forward, asking eagerly: "What kind of connection?"

"It's a triangular bond." William said while gesturing with his fingers in the air, "Three individuals naturally forming bonds with each other, each person closely connected to the other two. This phenomenon is extraordinarily rare—in fact, I couldn't find any records of it occurring naturally."

Ryan raised an eyebrow and said: "Then how do you know about this bond? If there are no natural examples?"

William nodded, acknowledging the validity of this question. "Because there are records of people artificially creating this connection."

The room suddenly fell quiet. I instinctively held Olivia tighter, a sense of unease rising within me.

"In the northern territories," William continued, "certain religious rituals would, under artificial conditions, create a special magical bond between two already-connected individuals and a third person."

Sarah frowned slightly, "Why would they do that?"

"These communities practiced asceticism," William explained, "Through these triangular bonds, they sought to obtain what was said to be... a unique power."

I hesitated, trying to find the right words, "That sounds..."

"Mysterious, right?" William nodded, "The northern magical systems are full of enigmas. Those who practice it are tight-lipped about the specific effects of these bonds."

His expression became more grave. "I suspect this power has some connection to what those emissaries we encountered last year were trying to utilize."

Gabriel's hand tightened slightly on my shoulder. "If the connection between our children formed naturally, perhaps the power it brings will be more harmonious and easier to control."

William sighed, his eyes reflecting a hint of resignation. "I wish I could give you more definitive answers. But according to records, artificial bonds often come with some kind of price."

I gazed down at the sleeping Olivia in my arms, countless possibilities flooding my mind. For Lucian and her, what exactly did this triangular bond mean? Would it become their protection, or a potential danger?

Gabriel seemed to sense my concern, gently squeezing my shoulder. "We'll figure this out together," he said softly, though I could hear the subtle worry beneath his words.

"I'm sorry I can't give you clearer answers." William said, his tone tinged with frustration.

Ryan stepped forward, patting his father's shoulder reassuringly, "Dad, this is already more than we knew before. Besides, the children will ultimately need to explore these abilities on their own."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "The Moon Goddess will guide them. Some things can only be discovered by those who possess the gifts."

I noticed Sarah and Ryan beginning to gather their things, apparently preparing to leave. "Are you leaving?" I asked, involuntarily yawning as soon as I finished speaking, only then realizing how tired I still was.

Sarah smiled gently: "You need rest, Izzy. Don't forget, you just had a baby not long ago."

Looking down, I discovered Olivia had already fallen peacefully asleep in my arms. "I was planning to feed her once more..."

"She's fine now," Sarah reassured me, "Call me anytime if you need anything."

Ryan nodded, following Sarah's lead: "We'll come see you again tomorrow."

As they were saying goodbye, Lucian toddled over to William, opening his arms wide and calling out: "Up! Grandpa, up!"

William's face lit up with a smile as he lifted Lucian onto his knee. "You really are just like your father when he was little."

A warmth spread through me, and through my bond with Gabriel, I could feel the emotional fluctuations in his heart. William's gaze at Olivia revealed such tenderness and longing that my heart tightened slightly.

I asked softly, "She's very special to you, isn't she?"

William nodded, his expression gentle yet tinged with reflection. "Girls are both unfamiliar and precious to me." He paused, adding, "Gabriel's mother and I never had a daughter."

"We tried," William said frankly, "But the Moon Goddess believed that two boys were enough for us."

His gaze lingered on Olivia's face, his voice low, "She looks just like the little girl we once hoped to have."

Gabriel was stunned by what he heard. "Dad, I never knew this."

I bit my lip, fighting to hold back tears, not wanting William to think I was pitying him.

Suddenly, William laughed lightly, breaking the heaviness of the atmosphere. "I didn't expect her to be blonde, though."

Gabriel and I both laughed, grateful for his humor easing the emotional tension.

"Her hair might darken as she grows." I smiled.

William shook his head. "She clearly takes after you, Isabella. She'll have your beauty and coloring. She is your continuation."

"Hey!" Gabriel pretended to protest, "Shouldn't she have some of my traits too?"

William gave him a knowing look. "Time will tell. Being a grandfather brings me immense happiness. I only hope to watch them grow healthy under the Moon Goddess's protection."

As he finished speaking, a shadow passed over his face. "I just wish I could run and play with them."

Only then did I suddenly realize something, my gaze moving back and forth between William and his wheelchair. Why hadn't I thought of this before?

I carefully handed Olivia to Gabriel, then took William's hands, saying earnestly: "William, why didn't I think of this earlier? My healing ability—"

William looked at me somewhat puzzled. "What do you mean, dear?"

"Maybe I can heal you," I said excitedly, "Your legs, your spine—"

William smiled gently. "Isabella, your gift is amazing, but I think my condition may not be suitable."

"But—"

He patiently explained: "Your ability can heal wounds and illnesses, but my injuries have already healed, just leaving irreversible aftereffects."

I understood what he meant, but still stubbornly asked, "At least let me try, okay?"

"Of course." he kindly agreed.

I closed my eyes, concentrating all my attention, slowly channeling healing power into William's body. After several minutes, I regretfully discovered he was right, there was no part of his injury I could repair.

"Thank you for trying," William squeezed my hand, his gaze warm. "Actually, I've already adapted well to life in a wheelchair."

"But—"

"Besides, I'm old now—"

"You're not old at all!" I couldn't help interrupting him, my tone carrying a hint of stubbornness.

William laughed softly. "Well, at least I can still 'roll around' with the children. That should be fun too."

My throat tightened slightly as I fought back emotion. "You'll be the best grandfather. These children are truly lucky to have you."

"And having them is my greatest fortune," William said with a smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening with happiness. He turned to Lucian, "Shall we go to the kitchen and find some snacks?"

At the word "snacks," Lucian's eyes immediately lit up.

"Go ahead." Gabriel nodded with a smile, and Lucian happily followed his grandfather out of the room.