Chapter 73

**ARIA**

An illustration, hand-painted and hauntingly vivid, of a woman who looked startlingly familiar. Her long, dark hair fell in waves, and her eyes—brown like mine—were alight with an ethereal glow. She stood in the center of a battlefield, her arms outstretched. Around her were figures, some kneeling, others snarling, all caught mid-transformation between human and beast. The sky above was a swirl of crimson and gold, with two figures—one a massive wolf, the other a winged shadow—circling her.

I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat. “She looks… like me.”

“She does,” Adam said, his voice tense. He flipped the page, and the looping script returned, but this time, it was accompanied by another drawing—a small, glowing orb cradled by two hands, one clawed and one pale and human.

“What does it mean?” I asked, my voice cracking.

Adam exhaled slowly, tracing his finger under the text. “This… this is the prophecy. It says the hybrid child isn’t just a coincidence—it’s part of a cycle that’s happened before. Hybrids are… were… meant to unite wolves and vampires. They’re the only ones who can.”

The weight of his words pressed against my chest, stealing my breath. I stared at the image, at the glowing orb that now felt like a knot of fire in my stomach.

“But then why…” I hesitated, my hands trembling as I gestured to the pages. “Why would they want to kill them? Why kill the children?”

Adam’s jaw tightened, and I could feel the fury radiating off him. “Because some see it as a threat. A hybrid represents change, something they can’t control. They’d rather destroy it than face what it means for their power.”

I sank into the chair beside him, my legs unable to hold me up anymore. My mind raced, connecting the dots—my child, my family, the deaths of Adam’s kind. It wasn’t random. It wasn’t coincidence.

It was war.

I looked up at Adam, who was already staring at me, his eyes blazing with a determination that made my breath catch.

“This changes everything,” I said, my voice shaking but resolute.
He nodded, leaning closer, his hand brushing mine. “And we’re going to make sure no one buries the truth again.”

We flip through the old book together, but there's nothing left after that. Only completely blank pages. I don't understand, the book is relatively thick, yet only completely empty pages make up the book. What's the point? I look at Adam, frowning, and he looks puzzled too. 

“That can't be all there is in the book... it can't be.” He says, taking the book from my hands. He flips through them in turn as if I could have missed pages with ink. I stop myself from rolling my eyes. 

“I've already looked. You saw there was nothing there.” I tell him, taking the book from his hands and placing it back on the table.

I'm really disappointed that I didn't find anything, even though the illustration seemed to be a good start. Adam, frustrated, runs his hands through his hair, blowing. I sigh as I approach him and rub my hand over his bicep. “It's disappointing... I know. But... I feel like there's something else. We should stop here for today and I'll come back tomorrow. What do you think?”

“I think you're right.” He responds by kissing the top of my head. I feel his smile against my hair. “I love you babe.”

“I love you too tesoro mio.” I tell him before I even realize I've said the words. He pulls me to him and places his arm on my shoulders. Before I leave the room I grab the book from the table. 

"Do you think it's suddenly going to tell us a whole bunch of secrets?" He asks me amused, raising an eyebrow. 

“Who knows?” 

**AUSTIN**

I arrived in front of our room at the same time as Adam and Aria. They explained that they hadn't found anything, and I have to admit that the three of us were disappointed. 

After we'd all showered one after the other... much to my disappointment. I take advantage of the fact that we're alone to talk to them. 

“I got a call from Garrett, I need to get back to the pack.” 

“Already?” Aria decides me with a pout, “Did something happen?”

“David's days are numbered. He's been placed in solitary confinement and his condition has deteriorated considerably. His father has asked to take him to a specialized institution on the West Coast. I'd like to see him before I make a decision.”

“I understand.” Adam tells me as he dries his hair with a towel. “Aria...”

“Rosalie also told me she'd be joining you here. This prophecy thing has piqued her curiosity and she wants to give you a hand. We both thought she'd be more useful here with you and Adam.” I say softly to Aria. 

Fuck, I hate having to leave her here, especially with the shenanigans going on at the community gates. But you can't say I really have a choice. If we're going to find answers, the research has to be done here. 

“I know this situation is complicated for you...it is for all three of us. Feeling the sadness and lack in the bond with Aria every time one of us has to leave isn't pleasant.” Adam tells us as he sits down on the other side of Aria. “As soon as Leila and Cassius are back, I'll hold a vote for my succession. As soon as the new leader is installed we could build our house... together.” 

“I hate that you have to make sacrifices for me.” Aria said, lowering her eyes to her hands resting on her thighs. 

“Hey.” Adam said softly, holding her chin to force her to look at him. “It's not a sacrifice for me. I belong with you. I know I'll be able to be useful to the pack and I'll always be there if my successor needs me.” 

She nods, but knowing her, she's probably still feeling guilty. 

“When are you leaving?” She asks, turning to me.

“Tomorrow morning. If David's really bad, I need to make a decision quickly.”

“Okay.” She says softly. 

I stand up and take her hand. “Let's have dinner, the three of us, and a nice evening.”