Chapter 127 Blood Tiles

Chapter 127 Blood Tiles
I walked slowly back from the lake, the cool night air brushing against my skin like a gentle reminder that I was safe here in the Silver sanctuary. The lanterns along the garden path cast soft golden pools of light on the stone walkway, their flames flickering in the breeze. The distant sound of crickets and the rustle of leaves created a peaceful symphony that should have calmed me, but my heart was still racing from the conversation with Riven. His words echoed in my mind. My brother Lucas. The thought filled me with a joy so deep it almost hurt. I had known that I had a brother, from the orphanage records, but knowing that he is alive and has been confirmed by someone who had seen him made me so happy. Someone who shared my blood, someone who looked like my father. The idea felt both surreal and deeply right, like a missing piece of myself had suddenly clicked into place.

The path wound gently through the gardens, passing beds of night blooming jasmine whose sweet fragrance filled the air with every step. I could see the main house ahead, its windows glowing with warm light. As I got closer I noticed two figures standing on the porch waiting for me. Laila and Beatrice. My cousin and my aunt. Both of them had their arms crossed, their expressions a mixture of concern and protectiveness. They had clearly been waiting for me to return.

I stepped onto the porch and Laila spoke first, her voice soft but firm. "Maddie. Come inside. We need to know what he said to you."

I followed them into the living room. The fire in the fireplace was still burning low, casting dancing shadows on the cream colored walls. The room smelled of herbal tea and fresh baked bread from earlier. Beatrice gestured for me to sit on the comfortable sofa. She and Laila sat across from me. I took a deep breath and began to tell them everything, not leaving out a single detail.

"He looks so much like the pictures of my father that you showed me. The same strong jaw. The same warm brown eyes with hints of gold when the light hits them just right. The same quiet intensity in the way he stands. It was like seeing a ghost from the past standing in front of me. He said his name is Riven Silver. He confirmed he was exiled from the family years ago for a crime he claims he did not commit. He said Vincent pushed for his exile and never believed him. He has been trying to prove his innocence ever since."

Beatrice leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped in her lap. "Go on Maddie. Tell us everything he said."

"He told me he has been searching for my brother for years to prove himself," I continued. "His adopted name is Lucas. He was taken to a different orphanage than me. He was raised by a family in the northern countryside. He does not know who he is yet. He thinks the strange dreams and the strength he has are just part of him, he got to know this by disguising himself to meet him a couple of times. Riven said he looks like my father too. He is strong, and quiet. With the same golden eyes when he gets angry. He works as a mechanic now. He said he should be in his late twenties. Riven has been watching him from a distance trying to protect him the best way he can. He said Lucas has no idea about the wolf inside him."

Laila’s brow furrowed. "Did he tell you where Lucas is exactly? Did he give you any proof, picture or exact location?"

I shook my head. "He said it is not that simple. He said Lucas is being watched by Moonthorn. Moonthorn has people looking for him too. They know the Silver line does not end with me. He said If he takes me to him now it could put both of us in danger. He promised he would come back in a few days with more details. A location, a safe way to contact him. He said he would find a way for us to meet without putting anyone at risk."

Beatrice and Laila exchanged a long look. The fire crackled louder in the silence between us. Beatrice spoke first her voice gentle but firm.

"We do not know if any of this is true Maddie. Nobody knew the orphanage your brother was kept in or the family that adopted him. The records were destroyed during the old wars to protect him. We have searched for years and found nothing. It is possible Riven is telling the truth. But it is also possible he is using this to get close to you for a reason known to him alone. He was exiled for a reason. He might be working with Moonthorn, anything is possible, Vincent never trusted him completely because he has betrayed the Silver pack more than once, that's why he was exiled. It’s possible he might be trying to do so again, or he might be telling the truth.."

Laila nodded. "We doubt if the rival packs are looking for your brother because they assume he is dead. That is why they are putting all the effort in getting you and not searching for him. Plus you being pregnant gives them more reason to want you. A child with pure Silver blood and Blackwood blood would be even more valuable to them. Riven could be working for them. Or he could have his own agenda. He was exiled for a reason. We cannot ignore that."

I felt a wave of conflicting emotions. Hope for my brother to be alive. Fear that Riven might be lying. Gratitude for the family that was protecting me. "He seemed genuine. The way he talked about Lucas. The way he looked at me. It felt real. But I understand why you are cautious. I will be careful."

Beatrice reached over and took my hand. "We are not saying you cannot hope. We want you to have your brother back as much as you do. But until we know more we must be careful. Let us wait until he comes back with more information. Until then let us be hopeful and focus on protecting you and the baby."

Laila squeezed my other hand. "You are safe here. That is what matters right now. The war is still going on outside these borders but inside you are surrounded by family. We will not let anyone hurt you."

We sat together for a long time talking about everything and nothing. Beatrice told me more stories about my mother. How she had predicted I would be strong and other predictions my mother did. Laila shared memories of what she remembered of my mum. The laughter in the room helped ease the tension in my chest. For a while I let myself just be part of this family. Part of something bigger than the fear and the war.

When the conversation finally wound down I stood up and hugged both of them goodnight. I walked back to my room feeling a mix of hope and caution. Riven’s words about my brother still echoed in my mind. I wanted to believe him. I wanted to meet Lucas. But Laila and Beatrice’s warnings stayed with me. I would be careful. I would wait for more information. But I would not stop hoping.

I changed into my nightgown and climbed into bed. The sheets were soft and cool against my skin. I placed both hands on my stomach and felt the baby move gently. "We are going to be okay," I whispered. "Your father is fighting for us, our family is protecting us. And maybe one day we will meet your uncle Lucas."

The bond pulsed warmly in my chest. Alexander was thinking of me. I sent back all my love and closed my eyes. Tomorrow will bring new answers as always. Tomorrow I will talk to him again. For now I let sleep claim me surrounded by the safety of the Silver sanctuary and the hope of a brother I had never known.

The night deepened around the compound. I dreamed of a young man with golden eyes standing in a mechanic’s shop smiling at me as I stood across the road waving at him. I dreamed of Alexander holding our child. I dreamed of a future where we were all together. Safe, whole, and a full family.

When I woke the next morning the sun was streaming through the windows. I felt rested. Hopeful. Ready for whatever the day would bring. I dressed quickly and went downstairs for breakfast. The family was already gathered. Vincent nodded at me with a small smile.Beatrice served me a plate filled with nourishing food. Genevive teased me about how I was glowing and not looking pregnant, hope I didn't lie about being pregnant. I laughed and ate, feeling the warmth of their company.

Laila sat beside me. "Any more thoughts about Riven?"

I shook my head. "I will wait until he comes back with more information. But I cannot stop hoping. A brother. It feels like a dream."

She squeezed my hand. "We will be careful. But we will hope with you."

The day continued with light conversations and quiet moments. I felt stronger. More connected to my wolf. More connected to this family.