Chapter 338

Chapter 338
Isabella's Perspective

I took a deep breath, gently adjusting Olivia as she nursed in my arms. "It happened during labor. One moment I was with all of you, enduring intense pain, and the next second... everything froze. The room suddenly grew dark, as if shadows were pouring in from all directions."

Gabriel's jaw tightened, but he just listened quietly without interrupting me.

"Then he appeared. He said he had created a space where time was suspended, and in our reality only a minute had passed." I unconsciously stroked Olivia's soft hair. "He told me he was the Moon Goddess's mate, and that if she hadn't chosen a mortal to bear me, I would have been his daughter."

"He also said he found me 'interesting' and regretted missing the births of Sarah and me. He specifically mentioned wanting to witness Olivia's arrival, saying that daughters are 'true children of the moon' and that they 'find their own power in darkness.'"

I tried hard to recall the Dark God's exact words. "He said that the Moon Goddess only taught her followers to fear darkness, but never taught them that there is beauty and power in darkness too."

Gabriel's brow furrowed, his voice carrying a hint of urgency, "What happened next?"

"He said he wanted to give Olivia a gift from the realm of darkness. This gift would coexist with the Moon Goddess's blessing, bringing her 'unprecedented protection and power.'" I bit my lip. "Then he disappeared, and I returned to the delivery room, just in time for Olivia's birth."

I looked down at my daughter in my arms, my heart full of doubt. "I don't know if what he said about the beauty of darkness was just to make me accept his 'gift.' What if it's not a gift at all, but some kind of curse?"

Gabriel remained silent for a long time. Finally, he spoke, "We can't judge what this means yet."

I looked at him anxiously, "Is that all? For a mysterious 'gift' left by a deity for our daughter, is that all you have to say?"

Gabriel moved to the edge of the bed, sitting beside me as the mattress dipped slightly. "Of course I hope it's just an ordinary blessing, but I can't be careless. We can't act rashly before we understand the truth."

"But what can we do?" I asked helplessly. "Whatever it is, Olivia already has it."

Gabriel stretched slightly, "We're not without options. My father can consult werewolf history to see if there are similar precedents, and Sarah might be able to ask the Moon Goddess directly. We'll find answers together."

His words helped calm my mind a little. Gabriel seemed to sense my exhaustion and began making that low, soothing rumble in his chest.

"We'll face this together, Isabella," he took my hand, our fingers intertwining, "just as we always have."

"I know." I responded softly, caressing Olivia's cheek. "Strangely, I don't feel this 'gift' is entirely evil. My intuition tells me it's much more complex than simply good or bad."

Gabriel nodded, his expression serious. "Your intuition has always been accurate. I trust you. But we still need to learn as much as possible."

When Olivia finished feeding, I felt my eyelids growing increasingly heavy. Everything that happened today had drained all my energy. I struggled to stay awake, wanting to at least finish feeding her before falling asleep.

"You're about to fall asleep sitting up," Gabriel gently reminded me. "Even a Luna needs rest, especially after giving birth."

"I'm fine." I smiled.

Gabriel placed a plate of sandwiches and a glass of water on the bedside table. "Eat something before sleeping. I'll put Lucian to bed."

I nodded gratefully and took a bite of the sandwich. Though I could barely taste it, I knew my body needed energy. My body had been through so much.

About fifteen minutes later, Gabriel returned. He carefully took Olivia from my arms. I instinctively wanted to protest, but was soothed by his deep voice.

"Shh, you both need rest. I'll watch over her."

I watched my daughter sleeping peacefully as Gabriel's warm palm gently covered my forehead. He whispered, "Rest well, my brave Luna."

The next day passed in a blur of feeding, diaper changes, and brief moments of rest. I spent most of my time in the master bedroom at the council headquarters, taking advantage of every opportunity to sleep. Despite my exhaustion, I tried my best to spend time with my son and mate, admiring my daughter during her brief waking moments.

Gabriel was exceptional, handling almost all of Lucian's care that first night. Whenever Olivia didn't need me, he would stay by her side, his Alpha protective instincts in full force. I could see he was tired too, but his werewolf physiology allowed him to recover much faster than I could.

By the evening of the second day, I was sitting in bed nursing Olivia again when the door suddenly opened. Sarah walked in first, followed by Ryan and William in his wheelchair. I looked up in surprise.

"Why are you all here?" I asked while adjusting the blanket.

Gabriel smiled apologetically, "I forgot to tell you in advance. Sorry about that."

"Even the perfect Alpha makes mistakes!" Ryan sighed dramatically, flashing his usual mischievous grin.

William wheeled forward and embraced Gabriel. Sarah came to my side, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. Lucian toddled over, tightly hugging Sarah's legs.

"What's this group visit about?" I asked curiously. "Did I miss something?"

Ryan leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, a smile playing at his lips. "We're here to discuss your strange experience with the Dark God and the connection between your children. Since you joined the pack, our lives have certainly become more exciting."

"Have you found anything?" I pressed, my gaze moving between them.

William nodded, "We've indeed made some discoveries. Perhaps we should go to the sitting room to discuss in detail." He smiled at me reassuringly, "Don't worry, there's no bad news."

The anxiety in my heart eased slightly as I felt Gabriel's comfort through our connection. He whispered in my ear, "My father never exaggerates. If he says it's not bad news, then it definitely isn't."

We all headed to the sitting room. Gabriel picked up Lucian, making him giggle. I held Olivia tightly as I followed everyone into the elegantly decorated room.

I sat in my favorite corner of the sofa, with Gabriel standing protectively behind me. William looked somewhat tired, obviously having been up all night, probably researching ancient werewolf texts. Now, he was finally ready to tell us what he had discovered.