---- Chapter 22 No.22 Kaelen POV: Mistaken. The word was a physical blow. My senses weren't mistaken. My soul wasn't mistaken. The scent, the eyes, the way my entire being sang with a recognition so profound it shook me to my core-it was her. It was Elara. But the woman who stood before me was a queen, regal and powerful, her gaze so cold it froze the blood in my veins. | watched her dance with the northern merchant, her movements fluid and graceful, her limp barely noticeable. She had a confidence, a self-possession, that the broken girl | had known had never been allowed to have. She was magnificent. And she was a complete stranger. All night, | watched her. She never once glanced in my direction. It was as if | didn't exist. The pain of it was a familiar companion, but seeing her, so close and yet so impossibly far, sharpened it to an unbearable edge. After the feast, | found my Beta, Marcus. "Send word to Elena and Lyra," | ordered, my voice hoarse. "Tell them... Elara has returned. She calls herself Nyx now." Lyra POV: ---- The news hit our household like a lightning strike. My mother and | were in the sitting room when Marcus arrived. When he told us, my mother let out a choked sob and collapsed into a chair. "Is she... is she well?" she whispered, her hands trembling. "She is more than well, my lady," Marcus said, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic awe. "She is the emissary of the Northern Sanctuary. They say she is a white wolf. A warrior of great renown." A warrior. The word seemed to hang in the air. My mother looked up, a new light in her tear-filled eyes. She rose from her chair and hurried upstairs. She returned a moment later, clutching a small, worn leather pouch. "When | was pregnant with her," she began, her voice thick with unshed tears, "| wove these. One for each month." She opened the pouch and poured its contents into her hand. Nine small, intricately woven charms, meant to protect a warrior child. "The prophecy said she was an Omega, so | put them away. | was so foolish. | was so cruel." She looked up at Marcus, her face a mess of regret and desperate hope. "Please," she begged, pushing the pouch into his hands. "Give these to her. | don't expect her to forgive me. | don't deserve it. | just... | want her to know. | want her to know that once, long ago, | loved her." She broke down completely then, her body wracked with sobs. ---- "Just tell me she is healthy and happy, Marcus. That is all | need to know." "| will tell her, my lady," he promised gently. After he left, | put my arms around my mother, my own tears falling freely. We both knew the truth. The charms were a beautiful gesture, a testament to a love that had been buried under years of guilt and neglect. But we both knew it was too late. Elara might have returned to the Blackmoon Pack's lands, but she would never, ever come home. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.