Chapter 126 Raven

Chapter 126 Raven
I stood on the balcony of my room in the Silver estate, the cool evening breeze carrying the sweet scent of night blooming jasmine from the gardens below. The compound was quiet now, the distant sound of crickets and the gentle rustle of leaves the only music in the air. Stars dotted the dark sky like scattered diamonds, and the full moon hung low casting a silvery glow over everything. It felt peaceful. Safe. But my mind was anything but calm. The bond with Alexander pulsed steadily in my chest, a constant reminder that he was out there fighting for us. I sent a wave of love through it hoping it reached him clearly. I missed him more than words could say.

A soft knock sounded on the door behind me. I turned to see Laila stepping inside, her expression serious but warm. She closed the door gently and walked over to join me on the balcony.

"There is someone here to see you," she said quietly. "His name is Riven Silver. He is our cousin. He was exiled from the family years ago for a crime he claims he did not commit. Vincent is wary of him but allows him entry because he says he has information about your brother."

My heart skipped a beat. My brother. The one Alexander had mentioned but could not find. The one I had only just learned existed. I felt a rush of emotions. Hope. Curiosity. A deep longing for family I had never known.

"Where is he?" I asked.

Laila hesitated. "He is waiting by the lake. I told him to stay there. Vincent does not want him inside the main house yet. Be careful Maddie. I have not seen him since he was convicted. He was always... intense. I do not trust him fully."

I nodded but the pull was too strong. "I will be careful. But I need to hear what he has to say."

Laila sighed but did not stop me. I walked down the stairs and through the gardens, my heart racing with every step. The path to the lake was lit by soft lanterns, their warm light dancing on the water as I approached. A man stood near the edge of the lake, his back to me. He was tall with broad shoulders and dark hair that fell slightly over his forehead. When he turned I froze.

He looked so much like the pictures of my father that had been shown to me. The same strong jaw. The same warm brown eyes with hints of gold. The same quiet intensity in his posture. It was like seeing a ghost from the past standing in front of me.

"Riven?" I said softly.

He smiled, a small crooked smile that made my chest ache. "Olivia. Or Maddie. Whichever you prefer. It is good to finally meet you."

We stood there for a moment just looking at each other. The night air felt charged. The water lapped gently against the shore. I felt drawn to him in a way I could not explain. He looked like family. Like the father I had never known.

"You said you said you have information about my brother," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Riven nodded and gestured for me to sit on the wooden bench by the lake. I sat down and he joined me, keeping a respectful distance.

"I have been searching for him for years," he said quietly. "His name is Lucas. He was taken to a different orphanage than you. He was raised by a family in the northern countryside. He does not know who he is. But I found him. He is alive, he is strong. And he has the rare Silver blood in him just like you."

My heart pounded. A brother who is alive. The thought filled me with a joy I had not expected. "Where is he? Can I see him?"

Riven looked out over the lake, his expression darkening. "It is not that simple. He is being watched. Moonthorn has people looking for him too. They know he also has the rare silver blood, they want him as much as they want you. If I take you to him now it could put both of you in danger."

I felt a wave of frustration and hope mixed together. "Then tell me more. What is he like? Does he look like us? Does he know anything about his past?"

Riven smiled again but it did not reach his eyes. "He looks like your mother. He is strong, quiet. He has the same golden eyes when he gets angry. He is in his late twenties now, I think 27 or 28 years. He works as a mechanic. He has no idea about the wolf inside him. He thinks the strange dreams and the strength he has are just normal... him. I have been watching him from a distance, and disguising myself to meet him a couple of times. Protecting him the best way I can."

I hung on every word. The idea of a brother I had never met felt both surreal and deeply right. "Why were you exiled? Laila said it was for a crime."

Riven’s expression hardened. "I was accused of betraying the family during the old wars. I was blamed for a leak that cost us lives. But I did not do it. Vincent was the one who pushed for my exile. He never believed me. I have been trying to prove my innocence ever since. Finding Lucas is part of that. If I can bring the lost heir back it might clear my name."

I felt a pang of sympathy for him. He looked so much like my father from the picture I saw. I wanted to believe him. But Laila’s warning echoed in my mind. I could not ignore it completely.

"Will you take me to him when it is safe?" I asked.

Riven nodded. "I will. I promise. But we have to be careful. Moonthorn is desperate. They will do anything to get their hands on both of you. I will come back in a few days with more details. A location and a safe way to contact him safely. Until then stay here where you are protected."

He stood up and looked at me one last time. "You look so much like a true Silver. It is good to see the Silver line continuing. I will see you again soon, cousin."

He disappeared into the trees leaving me sitting by the lake with my heart full of questions and hope. I stayed there for a long time staring at the water. My brother is alive. The thought filled me with a joy I had not expected. But Riven’s words about Vincent and the exile left me uneasy. I wanted to trust him. He looked like family. But Laila’s warning would not leave my mind.