His eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly stood, crossing the room in a few swift strides. “How…?”
I shoved the letter into his hands, the words spilling out of me as fast as my emotions could keep up. “She’s alive. She’s getting married, and she invited me—us—she wants us to come! After all this time, Edwin! Can you believe it?”
He glanced at the letter before dropping it onto the desk, wrapping his arms around me tightly. “Alicia… I’m so happy for you.” His voice was gentle, his grip comforting. That was all it took to break the dam. I sobbed into his chest, my heart finally releasing the years of worry, guilt, and sorrow that had built up inside me.
Edwin rubbed my back soothingly as I cried, whispering words of comfort. “It’s okay. You found her. She’s alive.”
When I finally pulled away, I wiped my tears and sniffled, the joy bubbling back to the surface. “I have to go. I need to see her.”
Edwin’s smile faltered just slightly. “But, Alicia, you’re four weeks pregnant. I’m worried…”
“I’ll be fine. I have to do this.” I knew what he was thinking—how could I not? We had only just found out about the pregnancy, and he was already protective. But this was my sister. My twin. My other half. I couldn’t let this chance slip away.
“I’ll ask the King for leave,” he said, though his hesitation was clear.
I shook my head. “You’re needed here. The rogue attacks are getting worse. The King needs you by his side.”
Edwin frowned, checking the address on the invitation. “Night Creek pack,” he murmured. “If it’s Night Creek, I suppose it’ll be alright. They’re an honorable pack.”
I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine.”
Three days later, I arrived at the Night Creek packhouse. It was even grander than I had imagined, a huge mansion with sweeping columns and carefully manicured gardens. As I parked the car and got out, my nerves started to bubble up. What if she was different? What if she didn’t remember me like I remembered her?
But then I reminded myself—this was Liana. My sister. And no matter how much time had passed, our bond was unbreakable.
I walked toward the entrance, spotting a maid nearby. “Excuse me,” I started, but she looked at me with an odd expression—disgust and horror, before scurrying away without a word.
I frowned. Was there something wrong with how I was dressed? Social events were never my strong suit, and maybe I looked out of place.