Chapter 68

Chapter 68
Isolde

"Excellent!" Elissa clapped her hands together. "I can't wait to raid your library. I've heard the Hawkes have first editions of the Lunar Chronicles!"

As we made our way to the parking lot, I felt a strange mixture of relief and apprehension. On one hand, I was grateful for the buffer Elissa and Aiden would provide between Dorian and me as we navigated our return. On the other, I knew we would eventually need time alone to address everything that had happened during our separation.

The drive to Hawke Manor was shorter than I remembered, perhaps because this time I wasn't being taken there as a stranger. The massive wrought-iron gates swung open as we approached, recognizing Dorian's vehicle. The winding driveway through ancient trees felt familiar now, almost welcoming.

As the manor came into view, I heard Elissa's sharp intake of breath.

"Wow," she whispered. "It's even more impressive than people say."

The gothic structure loomed against the afternoon sky, its stone walls weathered by centuries yet still imposing. Gargoyles watched from the corners, and ivy climbed portions of the facade, giving it an otherworldly quality that suited its inhabitants.

Marcus, the butler, and Margot, the head housekeeper, were already standing at the entrance as we pulled up.

"Welcome home, Master Dorian," Marcus greeted with a formal bow. "Lady Isolde," he added with a surprisingly warm smile. "It's good to have you back."

"Thank you, Marcus," I replied, touched by his genuine welcome.

"Our guests will be staying in the east wing," Dorian instructed as staff members began unloading our luggage. "Please prepare the Blue and Green suites."

"Already done, sir," Margot responded efficiently. "Lady Evelyn anticipated you might bring companions."

As if summoned by her name, Evelyn Hawke appeared in the doorway. She wore a simple yet elegant burgundy dress that complemented her auburn hair, and her amber eyes—so like Dorian's—sparkled as she descended the steps to meet us.

"Isolde, my dear," she greeted me, enveloping me in a gentle embrace that surprised me with its warmth. "Welcome home. We've missed you."

"Thank you," I murmured, unsure how to respond to this unexpected affection.

Evelyn turned to Aiden and Elissa, her expression shifting to one of polite welcome. "Stone heirs, you honor our home with your presence. Please consider Hawke Manor yours for the duration of your stay."

"Thank you, Lady Hawke," Aiden replied with formal courtesy, though I noticed he maintained a careful distance.

Elissa was less reserved. "Your home is beautiful! I've always wanted to see the famous Hawke library. Is it true you have books that date back to the First Council?"

Evelyn's lips curved into a smile. "Indeed we do. Perhaps Dorian can show you our collection after dinner."

As we entered the grand foyer, I noticed subtle changes in the manor since my departure. Fresh flowers adorned the entryway, and some of the heavier drapes had been replaced with lighter fabrics, allowing more natural light to filter through. It felt less oppressive, more welcoming.

Yet I couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in the staff's posture as Aiden passed, or the way certain Hawke family members who had gathered in the great hall kept a wary distance from our Stone guests. The rivalry between the families clearly ran deep, despite the recent collaboration.

"Dinner will be served at seven," Evelyn announced. "I thought you might like to rest and refresh yourselves before then. Isolde," she added with a meaningful glance, "your things have been moved to the master suite, as is proper for the Alpha's wife."

I felt my cheeks warm slightly at her implication, but nodded my thanks. As Margot led Elissa and Aiden toward their rooms in the east wing, Dorian placed his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me toward the grand staircase.

"Welcome home," he murmured against my ear, his breath sending a shiver down my spine. "I've missed having you here."

And despite all my reservations, all the complications still unresolved between us, I realized with startling clarity that I had missed this place too—had missed him, more than I'd allowed myself to acknowledge.

---

Dinner at Hawke Manor was an elaborate affair, with family members and key pack members seated according to a hierarchy I was still learning to navigate. Dorian, as Alpha heir, sat at the head of the massive oak table, with me placed at his right—a position of honor that drew curious glances from several family members who had not seen me since the wedding.

Evelyn sat at the opposite end, with Aiden and Elissa positioned midway down the table. I noticed that while Aiden was treated with formal respect, the atmosphere subtly shifted whenever he spoke, conversations hushing as pack members assessed his words with careful attention.

Elissa, by contrast, seemed oblivious to the underlying tension. She chatted animatedly about the architecture of the manor, the quality of the wine, and asked enthusiastic questions about Hawke family history.

"This venison is amazing," she declared, taking another generous bite. "Much better than what our chef prepares. Don't tell him I said that, though."

"Your secret is safe with us," Evelyn replied with amusement. "Isolde, dear, how did you find your time in Stone territory? I understand you made quite an impression."

All eyes turned to me, and I carefully set down my fork. "It was... educational," I answered diplomatically. "The Stone pack approaches medicine differently than we do here, but we found common ground."

"She's being modest," Elissa chimed in. "She literally saved lives. Her blood has special properties that neutralize silver toxicity. You should have seen how quickly the patients improved!"

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. I noticed several exchanged glances among the elder Hawke members.