Chapter 159

Ava’s POV

I practically leaped from my seat, forgetting everything else. “Wait, WHAT?” I exclaimed, my drink forgotten as I gaped at her.

Isabella flinched at my volume, but I was already grabbing her shoulders, shaking her lightly as she used to do to me when I had big news. “Why would you start with Elaine?” I demanded. “Who cares about Elaine? This is huge!”

She burst into laughter, clutching my wrists to stop me. “Stop shaking me! My drink might come back up!”

“Tell me everything!” I insisted, ignoring her protests. My voice was a mix of excitement and disbelief. “Last I remember, you said you were ‘extremely foolish.’ And now you’re marked? What happened? What changed?”

Still laughing, she pushed me back into my seat and took a deep breath. Her cheeks were flushed, her smile wide and genuine. “Okay, okay. Let me explain.”

I wasn’t letting her off that easily. Reaching out, I gently brushed her hair aside, leaning closer to examine the mark. It was intricate and beautiful, its edges shimmering faintly, almost as if alive.

“It’s beautiful,” I said sincerely, leaning back and sighing as I ran a hand through my hair. “Okay, start talking. I want every detail.”

Isabella bit her lip, her blush deepening as she glanced down at her hands. “Honestly, there’s not much to tell,” she said, though her tone betrayed her. She was clearly holding back.

“Don’t you dare try to downplay this,” I warned her with a grin.

She sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Okay, fine. He was just… there. When you disappeared, I was so worried, Lilian. I didn’t know what to think, where to look, or what to do. Rickon was the one who kept me sane. He stayed by my side, helping me, listening to me… And he was serious. For the first time, I saw how serious he could be.”

I tilted my head, intrigued. “Serious? Rickon? Are we talking about the same guy?”

Isabella laughed softly, her gaze growing distant. “He pulled every resource he had to help search for you and Grayson. He didn’t stop—he wouldn’t stop. And seeing him like that… it changed something for me. I guess I realized that beneath all his jokes and carefree attitude, he really cares. He’s… he’s amazing, Lilian.”

Her voice grew softer, and her cheeks flushed an even deeper red as she looked away. “And… one night, it just happened. We were talking, and he said something—something about how he’d protect me no matter what—and I don’t know. It was like something clicked. The next thing I knew…” She trailed off, smiling as she gestured vaguely toward her mark.

I stared at her, my chest swelling with happiness and disbelief. “Wow,” I said finally. “I mean… wow. I never thought I’d see the day.”

She laughed again, covering her face with her hands. “Me neither.”

Reaching across the table, I squeezed her hand. “I’m so happy for you, Bels. Really. You deserve this.”

Her eyes glistened as she looked at me, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence was comfortable, filled with understanding that didn’t need words.

After a moment, I leaned back, exhaling slowly. “Okay,” I said, breaking the quiet. “So, Rickon marked you. Elaine and Liam mated. What else did I miss?”

Isabella’s expression sobered, and I immediately regretted my question.

“A lot,” she admitted, her tone heavy. “The realm has been in chaos since you disappeared. There were rumors of an attack on the throne, but nothing was confirmed. Rickon and Ricardo have been doing their best to hold things together, but it hasn’t been easy. Everyone’s been on edge, Lilian. We’ve all been holding our breath.”

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “And Crystal?” I asked hesitantly. I wanted to confirm she was doing well. I couldn’t stand her, and deep down I knew what happened was an accident. I didn’t know I had that much power, and Crystal had made the first move because of Dylan.

Dylan. His name rang out in my head, contrary to what Grayson said about what happened to him in my subconscious state. I could care less.

Isabella spoke, breaking me from my thoughts. “Last I heard, she’s still being Crystal. The baby survived, but it’s still touch and go; it’s too soon to tell if there’ll be any long-term effects.”

I closed my eyes, the weight of her words settling over me like a blanket. “This is all my fault,” I whispered.

“No, it’s not,” Isabella said firmly, reaching across the table to grab my hand. “Lilian, listen to me. None of this is your fault. You didn’t ask for any of this to happen. You didn’t ask to disappear. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

Her words were kind, but they did little to ease the guilt gnawing at my conscience.

“I just… I need to make this right,” I said finally, “Somehow.”

“You will,” Isabella said softly. “But first, you need to take care of yourself. You can’t help anyone if you’re running on empty.”

I nodded, knowing she was right but still feeling the restless need to do something.

“Come on,” Isabella smiled, standing and holding out her hand. “Let’s get another drink. We’ve earned it.”

“I thought you were going home because you had work tomorrow?” a smooth, commanding voice interrupted.

I turned toward the source, and for the first time in my life, I saw Isabella light up like a child on Christmas morning. Rickon stepped into the room with an air of casual confidence, but it was the man beside him who made my wolf growl, low and threatening.

Ricardo… the bastard who kidnapped me.