Chapter 336

Chapter 336
Isabella's POV

William's expression grew serious, "Before I give a definitive answer, I need to consult some ancient texts. There are similar legends, but I must be certain."

"So you can't tell us now?" Gabriel pressed.

William shook his head. "I'd rather verify my suspicions than rashly provide you with incorrect information. This matter is too important to rely solely on my vague memories."

"I think that's wise." I nodded in agreement. I held Olivia in my arms, feeling the bone-deep fatigue that follows childbirth.

At that moment, Sarah stepped forward, her gaze softly falling on Olivia. "Could I hold her?" she asked, clasping her hands against her chest, biting her lower lip.

"Of course," I smiled, carefully transferring my daughter into her arms. "She should get to know her godmother."

Sarah took Olivia with incredibly gentle movements, tears immediately welling in her eyes. "Hello, sweet one. I've been so looking forward to meeting you."

She lightly stroked Olivia's cheek with her fingertips, then looked up, making sure no one was paying attention before whispering mysteriously: "You know, I'm definitely going to be your favorite aunt."

"Hey, I heard that!" Ryan protested, "She's definitely going to be daddy's little princess, so the 'favorite' title should belong to her closest uncle."

Watching them playfully argue about who would be Olivia's favorite, I couldn't help but smile. Seeing our daughter so quickly and naturally accepted by the family filled my heart with warmth.

After Sarah reluctantly returned the baby to me, it was William's turn to hold her. He carefully cradled Olivia in his arms, tears glistening in his eyes. "She's beautiful, you two are very fortunate."

"Indeed we are," Gabriel nodded, gently placing his hand on his father's shoulder. "Now we're a family of four." He paused, his expression becoming complex. I knew he was thinking about his childhood—when the family included his parents, himself, and Ryan, until tragedy struck.

Ryan broke the brief silence with a joke, "So in that family scene, Gabriel, were you playing the girl role?"

"What's wrong with that?" I immediately countered, "What's wrong with being a girl?"

Ryan realized he had misspoken, his cheeks flushing. "No, of course not. I just—" he laughed awkwardly, "Bad joke, sorry."

I looked at him seriously. "Don't make jokes like that anymore. Olivia, as a girl, already has enough challenges growing up with her brother. I won't tolerate any suggestions that she's limited because of her gender."

Gabriel sighed, turning to look out the window. "That's exactly what worries me. The world will expect her to always smile, wear pretty dresses, and wear crowns. From the moment of her birth, the outside world will try to define her."

"We'll all do our best to help her deal with these expectations," Sarah said, "Every one of us."

William cleared his throat, pointing toward the window. "Speaking of 'them,' the pack members have been waiting outside for several hours. They're all eager to see the new little princess."

"Absolutely not," Sarah immediately objected, "Isabella just gave birth, she needs rest, not to immediately appear before people."

I shook my head. "I want to go, just for a little while." Seeing that Sarah still wanted to object, I added: "They're good people, they just want to see the baby. And I have healing abilities now, remember? I can make a brief appearance on the balcony."

I turned to Sarah with a smile, "But I'll need your help to look presentable. I can't meet everyone in a hospital gown, can I?"

Sarah hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded. "I brought some spare clothes, just in case. There's a white robe that looks quite formal."

With Sarah's help, I changed into the soft, flowing white robe. She carefully arranged my hair, while Gabriel personally placed the Luna's crown on my head. At this moment, the crown not only symbolized honor but also cleverly concealed my slightly disheveled hair from childbirth.

Gabriel handed Olivia back to me, while he picked up Lucian. I noticed that both father and son were wearing their respective crowns.

"What about Olivia?" I suddenly felt concerned, "Shouldn't she have one too?"

Gabriel chuckled, "If she wants, she can have six. Though if she's a tomboy like you say, she might not like wearing these."

I smiled down at my daughter, "You can do whatever you want, baby," I promised softly, "You'll have your own crown, and mommy will have matching accessories."

"That's going to cost quite a bit." Gabriel teased.

"Don't be stingy with your girls." I countered, feeling lighter in spirit despite my fatigue.

As we approached the balcony doors, we could faintly hear the murmurs of the crowd outside. As we drew near, cheers suddenly erupted. Security personnel stood straight along the corridor, watching as we passed.

Gabriel stopped before the double doors, gently kissing me. "Ready?" he asked tenderly.

I stroked Lucian's cheek, who grinned back at me, clearly excited by all the commotion. "Ready."

Gabriel looked back at his father, Ryan, and Sarah, all gathered together, quietly supporting us. Then, taking a deep breath, he pushed open the double doors.