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Nova's POV
Marian was silent for a moment before finally letting out a heavy sigh. “It’s not just about you disappearing,” she said quietly. “This morning, I heard reports from the guards on the east side. They said something was moving near Scarlet Ridge forest. A dark aura... not like usual. It’s not just an ordinary rogue.”

Diego and I exchanged glances. My heart sank. I knew exactly what the guards had seen...

“Is anyone hurt?” Diego asked, his voice turning more serious.

“No reports of casualties yet. But the aura is strong. And... lingering.” Marian looked at us intently. “Did you see anything out there? Or... anyone?”

I bit my lip, unsure of how to answer. Should I tell about the mysterious man? About his dangerous offer? But I wasn’t sure who he was and how great the threat was.

Doubt filled my heart. If I revealed everything, it might add to the burdens we already carried. But if I kept this information to myself, it could be dangerous for all of us.

“Nova?” Diego’s voice called me, bringing me back to reality.

“I... didn’t see anyone,” I finally said, trying to keep my tone calm. “But I felt something strange.”

Marian frowned. “What do you mean?”

“There’s something behind that aura,” I replied cautiously. “But I can’t quite describe it.”

Diego looked at me, as if trying to read my mind. I could feel the tension between us, but I knew I had to stay strong. We had to unite in facing whatever lay ahead.

“Alright,” Marian said, as if understanding my hesitation. “Stay alert. If anything seems suspicious, report it immediately. We can’t take any risks.”

We nodded, but I knew that uncertainty still loomed over us.

Diego stepped forward, standing in front of Marian. “If there’s a threat, I’ll handle it. Don’t worry, Grandma!”

Marian still regarded us with suspicion. “I hope so, Diego. Because if anything happens to Nova… or to the child she’s carrying... you know the consequences.”

Her tone was sharp, cold like a sword. But I sensed it wasn’t a threat, more a warning filled with hidden concern.

Diego nodded slowly, and Marian turned to leave us, her cloak billowing in the morning wind.

I took a deep breath. “Diego…”

He looked at me, his eyes calm yet questioning.

“I’m going to tell you everything. But not here,” I whispered.

Diego didn’t respond, but he extended his hand. I took it. And we walked back into the castle.

We walked side by side into the castle, my hand still in Diego’s grip. It felt… strange. Once, this touch had felt cold and distant, but now, even though we didn’t fully understand each other, a warm feeling was starting to grow between us.

Diego didn’t say anything all the way to our room. But his grip never loosened, as if to tell me that even though he didn’t know the whole truth, he was ready to hear it.

Once we were in the room, I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to find the right words. Meanwhile, Diego leaned against the table by the window, staring at me with unreadable eyes.

“I… met someone at Scarlet Ridge,” I finally spoke up.

Diego straightened immediately. “Someone?”

I nodded slowly. “He said he knew about my family. About my origins. But… he also wanted me to do something dangerous. To take revenge on this pack.”

Diego’s expression hardened. “You met him alone? Nova, you know that place is dangerous. What did he offer you?”

“I didn’t accept it,” I replied quickly. “I turned him down. But... I still don’t know what to do.”

Diego stepped closer, looking at me intently. “Why didn’t you tell me from the start?”

“I was afraid…” my voice trailed off. “I was afraid you would hate me even more. I know I’m part of your problems now. I know my presence... complicates things.”

Diego sighed and sat beside me. “You are complicated, Nova. But I haven’t made it easy for you either.”

My eyes widened in surprise. Diego rarely admitted something like that.

He continued, “I… don’t like feeling powerless. And you’ve made me feel that way since you arrived. You’ve made me question everything about fate, about what I thought was right.”

“So… you don’t hate me?” I asked softly.

Diego fell silent. Then he turned to me, and for the first time since our marriage, he smiled. Not a cynical or half-hearted smile, but a genuine one.

“I’m learning not to hate you,” he said. “And... maybe learning to start liking you.”

My heart fluttered slowly. This wasn’t the end of our issues. In fact, it might just be the beginning. But if Diego was starting to open his heart—then I was ready to walk by his side. Whatever was to come.

That smile… warmed me, breaking through all the doubts that had lingered in my heart. I didn’t know when it happened, but a part of me wanted to believe in Diego so much. Perhaps because of the baby in my womb. Perhaps because my heart was tired of being an enemy in a home that was supposed to be my refuge.

“I didn’t expect you to say that,” I whispered softly, my eyes still fixed on Diego’s face.

He raised an eyebrow slightly. “What? That I could like you?”

I nodded, lowering my gaze a bit shyly.

Diego chuckled softly, his voice low but enough to make my chest vibrate.

“I didn’t expect it either. But after everything we’ve been through… I think we can’t keep blaming each other.”

I turned to him, daring to take his hand.

“Diego… I know I’m not the perfect wife. I have a past, I have wounds, and my presence has brought more chaos than peace. But I want to learn with you. Not just as the mother of your child, but also as your partner. If you’ll allow it.”

Diego’s expression hardened for a moment. His eyes studied my face, as if weighing all my words. But then, slowly, he nodded.

“I will give you a chance, Nova. But you also have to be honest with me from now on. No more secrets.”

I nodded quickly. “I promise.”

Diego turned his body, gently pulling me into his embrace. This hug wasn’t like the previous ones, not out of obligation, but… out of sincerity. I rested my head on his chest and let myself enjoy the comfortable silence.

Suddenly, the sound of my stomach growling startled us. I quickly pulled away, trying not to look at him.

“I want to change clothes first, then I’ll have breakfast,” I said softly, glancing at Diego, who was still looking at me with a suppressed smile.

He nodded, his arms crossed over his chest, but his gaze was calmer than usual.

“I’ll wait downstairs.”

I nodded again and walked to the wardrobe. As I opened the wardrobe door and saw a row of neatly hung dresses, I took a deep breath. My life had changed so quickly from an ordinary woman to the wife of a future Alpha. It was still hard to believe sometimes, but I knew I couldn’t turn back now.

Once Diego left, I began to change my clothes. I chose a casual pastel dress, simple enough but comfortable for today. I loosely tied my hair back and looked at myself in the mirror for a moment.

“You can do this, Nova,” I whispered to my reflection.

Then I stepped out of the room, ready to face the day with my head held high.