Beyond death

Reconnected

Enzo's POV

Gently untangling myself from Alba’s proximity, I marvelled at the sight of her peaceful slumber. It was evident she had been out until dawn, and I didn’t want to disturb her much-needed rest. Her soft breathing was a comforting rhythm, and I hesitated for a moment before slipping out of bed, reluctant to leave her warmth.

I selected a pair of dark breeches and a crisp linen shirt from the wardrobe. Entering the adjoining washroom, I splashed cold water on my face, feeling the weariness of the previous day dissipate. The lavender soap, a small luxury provided by the pack, left a faintly floral scent as I finished dressing.

The clock on the mantelpiece read half past nine. Alba needed her rest, so I decided to seek out breakfast and leave her a note in case she woke before I returned. Taking a sheet of parchment and a pen, I scribbled a quick message: *Alba, rest well. I’ve gone to find breakfast but will be back soon.* Folding the note neatly, I placed it on the nightstand and quietly exited the room.

The grand corridors of the pack house were bathed in soft morning light filtering through high windows. The architectural details—the intricate mouldings, hand-carved banisters, and polished floors—spoke of the Silva Luporum pack’s long history. My footsteps echoed softly as I wandered in search of someone who could direct me to the dining hall.

“Enzo!” a cheerful voice called from behind. I turned to see Claudia approaching, her golden hair catching the morning light. She seemed more radiant than I remembered, her youthful energy a stark contrast to the weight of the memories we shared.

“Claudia,” I greeted with a smile. “Good morning. Heading for breakfast?”

She grinned. “I am. Shall we go together? I can show you the way.”

“That would be perfect,” I replied, falling into step beside her.

As we walked, the realisation of having a sibling—a sister—washed over me once again. It was a connection I’d never expected but one that filled a part of me I hadn’t realised was empty. “How old are you now, Claudia?”

“I’m fifteen,” she said with a playful tilt of her head. “Almost sixteen.”

“Fifteen,” I mused. “Do you attend lessons here? What’s it like being a witch among wolves?”

Claudia’s expression turned thoughtful. “It’s interesting, to say the least. The pack is welcoming, but it’s clear I’m different. Still, they respect Mamma, and that respect extends to me. I’ve learnt to embrace my place between two worlds.”

“And your abilities?” I pressed gently. “What kind of witch are you?”

Her eyes lit with pride. “I have triple affinities—Earth, Animals, and Water. But my strongest gift is divination. I’ve inherited Mamma’s sight.”

I paused, taken aback by her confidence and talent. “Claudia, that’s remarkable. You’ve achieved so much. I’m proud of you.”

Her smile widened. “Thank you, Enzo. That means a lot.”

The dining hall was a lively hub of activity. Long wooden tables stretched across the room, their surfaces polished to a soft gleam. The space was filled with the hum of conversation and the occasional clink of cutlery against porcelain. A raised dais at the end of the hall bore a table reserved for the Alpha, Luna, and their family, though it was currently empty.

A buffet stretched along one side of the room, laden with an array of dishes. Platters of freshly baked bread and pastries sat beside bowls of sliced fruits and cheeses. Trays of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and sausages filled the air with a savoury aroma. A steaming pot of porridge was accompanied by bowls of nuts, dried fruits, and honey.

Claudia and I helped ourselves to the offerings, my plate soon becoming a mix of scrambled eggs, bacon, slices of melon, and a flaky croissant. I poured a cup of tea, its warmth and aroma a welcome comfort, and followed her to a quiet corner table.

As we ate, the conversation flowed easily. Claudia spoke of her lessons and the challenges of balancing her witchcraft with life among the wolves. I listened intently, marvelling at her resilience.

After a pause, she set down her fork and offered, “Would you like to visit our quarters later? I could show you where Mamma and I work on our spells.”

“Quarters?” I asked, intrigued.

She nodded. “We’ve a small suite in the pack house. There’s a parlour, a bedroom, and a room dedicated to our craft. It’s filled with books, herbs, and crystals—you’d love it.”

I smiled. “I’d like that. But where is Mamma now?”

“She’s in the Luna’s secret garden,” Claudia replied. “It’s her favourite place to gather herbs and meditate.”

“The secret garden?” I repeated, puzzled.

Claudia leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “It’s a sacred place, hidden behind the pack house. Only the Alpha, Luna, and their families know of it. And us, of course.”

Her words piqued my curiosity. “Could I see it?”

Claudia grinned. “Of course. Now that you’re part of the family, it’s only fitting. Finish your tea, and I’ll take you there.”

The path to the secret garden was lined with tall oaks whose branches formed a natural arch overhead. The air grew cooler as we ventured deeper into the forest, the sunlight dimming as it filtered through the dense canopy. Finally, we arrived at a thicket of trees so tightly intertwined that they seemed impenetrable.

Claudia stepped forward, her hand brushing the bark. A soft glow emanated from her touch, and the branches began to shift, creaking and groaning as they rearranged themselves into an archway. Beyond lay a tunnel of light and shadow, beckoning us.

“This way,” Claudia said, her voice tinged with reverence.

The tunnel opened into a garden unlike any I’d ever seen. Exotic plants of every colour and shape thrived in harmonious chaos. Tropical blooms grew beside delicate alpine flowers, their fragrances mingling in the air. A small stream wound through the garden, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the vibrant greenery.

In the centre of it all stood Giorgia, tending to a cluster of herbs. She turned at our approach, her face lighting up with joy.

“Enzo,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She enveloped me in a tight embrace, her warmth a balm to the years of separation. “It’s so good to see you.”

I held her close, savouring the moment. “Mamma,” I whispered. “I’ve missed you.”

She pulled back, her hands cupping my face. “Come, let me show you the garden.”

As we walked, Giorgia handed me a small vial of shimmering liquid. “This is for Alba,” she explained. “It will strengthen her after her first shift.”

I accepted the vial, a question forming on my lips. Before I could speak, Claudia interjected with a grin. “You’ll need it soon enough, big brother. Alba will have more than herself to look after.”

Her words caught me off guard. “What do you mean?”

Giorgia’s smile held a knowing warmth. “Claudia’s visions are rarely wrong. It seems you’ll be a father soon.”

The revelation hit me like a wave. Alba, pregnant? A rush of emotions coursed through me—joy, disbelief, and a flicker of worry. “How is that possible? So soon?”

“Werewolf pregnancies are different,” Giorgia explained gently. “They’re shorter—five to six months—and the magic within the mother and child sustains them both. Alba will be strong enough, especially with the support of the pack.”

“But the curse?” I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

Giorgia’s gaze softened. “The strength of your bond will protect her. This child is a beacon of hope, a bridge between past and future.”

Claudia added with a teasing smile, “You’d best prepare yourself, big brother. Parenthood isn’t easy.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, despite the weight of the moment. “I’ll do my best.”

As I held the vial in my hand, the significance of this new chapter settled over me. Life was changing rapidly, but for the first time, I felt ready to embrace it.