Morning light poured through the tall arched windows of the estate, soft and golden, but it did nothing to quiet the storm inside Adriana. She sat in the grand library, fingers wrapped around a porcelain mug of untouched tea, her mind replaying the rogue's final words over and over.
She's coming. The Witch Queen. She wants her heir back.
Her. The heir. Adriana Montgomery. It didn't even feel real.
Across the room, Adrian paced near the fireplace, jaw clenched, eyes dark with worry. He hadn't said much since last night. Not after the kiss. Not after the revelation.
Adriana finally broke the silence.
"If it's true. If I'm really her daughter… what does that make me?"
Adrian stopped pacing. "Powerful. Dangerous. And very much hunted."
"That's not an answer," she said, setting her tea down with a soft clink. "What does it mean for me? For us?"
He hesitated, then walked over and knelt in front of her, his hands cradling hers.
"It means we have to be ready for anything. The Witch Queen isn't just a legend. She ruled the hybrid realm with magic and blood. And if you're her heir… then she'll do anything to bring you to her side. Willingly or not."
Adriana swallowed hard. "But I don't want her crown. I never even asked for this."
"I know," he said softly. "But destiny rarely asks for permission."
The bond between them pulsed, a soft thrum in the air. Ever since she'd accepted the truth, it had grown stronger. When he touched her, she could feel not just his emotions, but glimpses of his thoughts. Flashes of battles fought, pain endured, love buried deep.
She closed her eyes.
"I don't want to lose myself in all this," she whispered. "I don't want to become someone else."
Adrian leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers. "Then don't. Let them come. Let the Queen rise. But you are still Adriana. You're mine. And I will protect you with everything I have."
Their moment was interrupted by the sharp ring of the estate's emergency bell. A single chime. A message from Tobias.
Adrian rose instantly, eyes hardening.
"What is it?" Adriana asked, already on her feet.
He didn't answer. He didn't have to. The look in his eyes said it all.
Something was happening.
They made their way to the strategy room where Tobias, Liana, and several pack lieutenants were gathered. A glowing map hovered in the center of the table, arcane symbols spinning in slow circles.
Tobias pointed at the screen. "Two hybrid emissaries just crossed into our territory. From the Queen's Court."
Adriana stiffened.
"She's not wasting time," Adrian muttered.
"They've asked to speak directly to Adriana," Liana added. "Said it's a matter of blood rights."
"What does that mean?" Adriana asked.
"It means they want to test your power. Confirm the heir's identity," Tobias said grimly.
Adriana looked at Adrian. "Then let them."
"No," he said, shaking his head. "You don't walk into a viper's den because you want answers. They could be luring you in."
She stepped forward. "Then we control the environment. Bring them here. Under our protection. If they want a test, I'll give them one."
The room fell silent. Liana gave a sharp nod. "I'll send the summons."
Later that evening, the emissaries arrived.
Two cloaked figures, tall and elegant, with eyes like polished glass. Their presence brought a strange chill to the room, and the air hummed with suppressed magic.
"You are Adriana," the taller one said, voice smooth as velvet.
"I am," she replied, standing with her head high.
"We come with a single purpose. To awaken what sleeps within you."
Adrian growled low in his throat, stepping closer to her. "Touch her without permission and I will rip out your hearts."
The emissary smiled thinly. "Of course. Consent is sacred in the Queen's Court."
Adriana looked at Adrian and nodded once.
"I want this," she said. "I need to know."
The emissaries took her hands and closed their eyes.
A pulse of energy surged through her, hot and sharp. Visions flooded her mind. A throne carved of obsidian. A woman cloaked in red, her eyes glowing like dying stars. A battlefield littered with broken sigils and white wolves. And at the center of it all, a baby wrapped in moonlight, cradled in magic and fire.
Adriana gasped and staggered back, tears in her eyes.
"It's true," she whispered. "She's my mother."
Adrian caught her before she could fall. "What did you see?"
"Her," Adriana said, breathless. "She gave me up… to protect me. From something darker than even her."
The emissaries bowed.
"We will report your awakening. The Queen will wish to meet you soon."
Adriana lifted her head.
"Tell her I'm not a pawn," she said. "Tell her if she wants to meet me, she comes on my terms."
The emissaries exchanged a look, then vanished in a shimmer of light.
Once they were gone, Adriana slumped into Adrian's arms, overwhelmed.
He held her tightly. "You were incredible."
"I'm terrified," she admitted.
"So am I. But we'll face this together."
Later that night, as the moon climbed higher, Adrian and Adriana stood on the balcony, wrapped in each other's arms.
The forest beyond was quiet now, but something had changed.
A line had been drawn.
The Witch Queen knew her heir had awakened.
And the world would never be the same.