The soft glow of morning light streamed through the curtains of Ivy's room, painting golden lines across the floor. She stood quietly by the kitchen window, watching Xander finish his cereal while Jayden helped him tie his shoelaces. It was a rare kind of peace—one she hadn't known in years.
"Ready, little warrior?" Jayden asked, ruffling Xander's soft brown hair.
"Daddy! I told you not to call me little," Xander whined, puffing his cheeks.
Ivy chuckled as she grabbed his backpack. "You're still little to us. Now go brush your teeth."
Once Xander dashed out, Jayden slipped an arm around Ivy's waist. "Thank you," he murmured.
"For what?"
"Letting me in," he said softly. "Into both your worlds."
Her eyes, glowing faintly violet, met his. "You earned it."
They shared a gentle kiss before gathering Xander for school. Outside, the air was crisp and bright. Xander skipped ahead while Jayden carried his backpack.
As they neared the school gates, Xander suddenly stopped and turned. "Daddy... you won't go away again, right?"
Jayden crouched in front of him, eyes sincere. "Never, buddy. I promise. No matter what happens, I'm always here."
Xander hugged him tightly. "Okay... I love you."
"I love you too," Jayden whispered, holding him like he'd never let go.
After dropping Xander off, Ivy and Jayden drove to campus. The peace they'd felt earlier slowly faded as they neared the school grounds. Something buzzed in Ivy's chest—a warning, faint but persistent.
Students crowded the front lawn, laughter and chatter filling the air. Ivy adjusted her hoodie as they walked side by side, her senses tingling.
That's when she saw him.
A tall, broad-shouldered guy walking past the fountain, wearing a dark denim jacket and carrying a black leather satchel. His presence was calm yet unnervingly commanding. His dark hair ruffled in the breeze, and his eyes—deep blue with flecks of silver—briefly met hers.
Time froze.
Ivy's breath caught in her throat. Something about him felt familiar. She could sense power—ancient, controlled, dangerous. And... sadness.
But she shook it off.
Just another transfer student. She turned away.
From a distance, Jake watched her go.
He hadn't planned this. Seeing her so suddenly knocked the air from his lungs. Ivy. Older now. Stronger. But still her. His little sister.
He clenched his fists to keep from running after her. Not yet. Not until he was sure.
A voice in his earpiece crackled. "Alpha... should we move in?"
Jake answered coldly. "No. Maintain distance. Let me observe."
"Yes, Alpha."
He turned away and disappeared into the crowd, his jaw clenched. The girl he'd sworn to protect was right there... but her life, her safety, demanded patience.
Meanwhile, Ivy walked into her lecture hall, still unsettled.
Jayden noticed. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she replied, distracted. "Just... something feels off."
Elsewhere, in a darkened corner of the city, a cloaked figure received a message: "She's here. And so is he."
The pieces were finally falling into place.
And war was comings