Chapter 295

Chapter 295
Nathan's POV

Seated at the oak desk in Derek's office with him and Cole, we discussed our plans for dealing with Linda. Exhaustion followed me like a shadow, and I could feel the heavy responsibility weighing on my shoulders.

"So what do we do now?" Cole asked anxiously, fidgeting with a pen in his hand. "Just wait passively for her to make a move?"

"That might be too late," I said, rubbing my temples to ease my throbbing headache. If Linda gathers all the crystals, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Derek crossed his hands on the desk, his weathered face etched with gravity. "A war is coming. I can feel it. We're mobilizing our forces, but..."

"If the curse breaks," I voiced what we all feared, "I'm not sure any army would be enough to protect Lira."

"How is Lira's magical training progressing?" Derek asked, concern flashing in his eyes.

"She's making progress, but time is too tight," I answered, picturing her focused expression during practice. "Stella says she has talent, but needs more time..."

"And time is precisely what we lack," Cole said quietly.

My thoughts drifted involuntarily to Lira and our unborn child. I must protect them, whatever the cost. "My primary mission is ensuring Lira and our baby remain safe."

When I returned home after finishing my call with Cole, I heard the front door open. Lira had returned, her cheeks flushed from magic practice, her eyes gleaming with exhaustion but satisfaction.

"How was training?" I asked, stepping forward to kiss her forehead, inhaling the fresh forest scent in her hair.

"Finally making some progress," she smiled in response, though I could feel the tension in her shoulders. "At least I managed to make the wind move."

We cuddled on the couch, my hand naturally resting on her abdomen. Though there was no visible change yet, I knew our child was growing there. I swore I would protect them both.

"Do you think we can defeat Linda?" she suddenly asked, her voice laced with uncertainty and fear.

I tightened my arms around her, answering firmly. "Yes." I leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Baby, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you or our child."

She leaned against my chest, her voice trembling. "It might not be that simple."

I could feel her worry pressing on her like a physical weight. I kissed the top of her head, my fingers gently stroking her back.

"We'll take it one step at a time," I reassured her. "First, we make sure Linda doesn't get that crystal, then we go from there."

She nodded silently, her body relaxing slightly in my embrace.

"As long as we're together," I said softly, pulling her closer, "anything is possible."



Lira's POV

As Nathan and I entered Harrington Hall, I couldn't help feeling out of place. Crystal chandeliers cast flickering light on marble floors, surrounded by well-dressed members of high society chatting gracefully with effortless elegance.

"Don't be nervous," Nathan whispered, his hand lightly brushing my back. "You look beautiful."

I took a deep breath, adjusting the folds of my deep purple gown once more. "Easy for you to say," I murmured, my eyes scanning the surroundings. "You look like you were born for these occasions."

"Born for it?" He tilted his head, lips curving into a playful smile. "I only belong with you, baby."

I gave him a bashful glare, about to respond when a familiar voice interrupted our conversation.

"Wow, you actually dressed up nicely for once." Abby approached, wearing a contrived smile. "Honestly, I thought you didn't own anything decent beyond those old jeans."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "I didn't think Sarah would invite her receptionist. Looks like we're both surprised tonight."

"Assistant," she corrected immediately, her smile becoming rigid. "I'm her executive assistant."

"Of course, whatever you say," I placated, eager to end this unpleasant exchange. "If you'll excuse me."

I turned toward the beverage area, needing a moment to breathe. Why does that self-important woman irritate me every time? A waiter offered champagne, but I shook my head and requested water, one hand unconsciously brushing my still-flat stomach.

Looking around, I spotted Nathan surrounded by a group of classical music enthusiasts eagerly complimenting him. He maintained a polite smile, but I could tell he wasn't enjoying the attention.

Nathan finally extricated himself from the crowd and returned to my side, quietly taking my hand. "Could you not leave me again, hmm? How about staying by my side?"

I pulled my hand away, lowering my voice. "Hey, keep it low-key. We can't let others know about us yet."

He sighed dramatically, feigning hurt. "When can I finally announce you're my wife?"

"Wife? I'm not your wife yet—we haven't even had the wedding!" I glared at him accusingly. Quickly glancing around, I changed the subject. "Seriously though, have you seen Linda or Victoria?"

He shook his head, concern flashing across his face. "Not yet. But stay alert, they could appear anytime."

The lights gradually dimmed, and on stage, Sarah appeared wearing an exquisite black evening gown that sparkled under the lights. She warmly welcomed all guests before introducing the string quartet about to perform.

As the first notes sounded, I whispered to Nathan, "We should split up. It'll be safer if we're not seen together." Though I hated leaving his side, this caution was necessary.

Nathan's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded in understanding. His hand touched mine one last time before we separated—he headed toward the back of the hall while I moved along the edges, trying to blend into the crowd while searching for any sign of Linda or Victoria.

I was scanning the room when suddenly I spotted a familiar figure standing beside Sarah. My heart nearly stopped.

"Lira, this is Evelyn Brown," Sarah introduced enthusiastically. "Evelyn, this is one of my newest and most talented violinists, Lira Anderson."

Linda! She was right there in front of me.