Chapter 225

Ava’s POV

Forgiveness wasn’t the goal; survival was. I wanted to be rid of Grayson, to erase him, but the truth was brutal. To end this nightmare, to survive, I needed him. At least for now. Damien had hurt us all. Though Grayson’s distrust stung, stopping Damien overshadowed everything. That single, relentless thought drowned out every other emotion. So I left the hospital, forcing myself not to look back. He’d be fine. Always fine. And if not? Not my problem. His bedside manner was officially revoked.

I repeated that mantra on the way to Ricardo’s, but it was a lie. Isabella’s reaction confirmed it. "Crystal? That Crystal? Your sister?!" she shrieked, the words a chaotic jumble. Crystal? The woman I'd wanted to strangle repeatedly? My sister?

"This is insane," I breathed, sinking onto the bed. "She showed up in Dylan's pack weeks after I mated with him. Just another pack member. Then I found out she was sleeping with Dylan. And now… my sister? It makes no sense."

Isabella's eyes narrowed. "You think Dylan knew?"

"No," I shook my head. "I think Crystal did it on her own. Damien just disapproves."

"Unbelievable," Isabella groaned, rubbing her temples. "She knew, and still…"

"Exactly!" I threw up my hands. "Grayson kicks me out, I'm pregnant, I have a twin, ancient powers I don't understand, Grayson's kidnapped, Damien's the mastermind, and Crystal's my sister?! I can't breathe, let alone process this. And then Grayson's back, and I want to be done with him, but how?!"

My chest ached with exhaustion. "I'm so tired, Bels. I haven't slept."

Isabella hugged me, her warmth a small comfort.

"Couldn't you have been my long-lost sister?" I mumbled.

She snorted. "So much more convenient."

"Right?! We finish each other's sentences, share food, and I don't want to strangle you daily. That's a major upgrade from Crystal."

"And I don't sleep with your exes," she grinned.

"Huge bonus," I sighed. "This is a nightmare."

"We passed 'nightmare' five plot twists ago. We're in Greek tragedy territory."

"If this were Greek, I'd be dramatically dead."

"Give it time."

I groaned. "No thanks. Opting out of further trauma."

"Good luck." Isabella stretched out beside me. "Plan?"

I rubbed my eyes. "I need a moment. Just one minute without this insane mess."

She rolled onto her side. "Stupid joke?"

"No."

"Why don't werewolves make good comedians?"

"Oh god."

"Because their jokes are always a little 'ruff.'"

I groaned. "That was awful."

"You smiled."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

I buried my face in a pillow. "I hate you."

She patted my arm. "No, you don't. We'll survive this, Lilian. No matter how crazy."

I sighed. Crazy, yes. Surviving? I wasn't so sure. Crystal was my sister. Damien was our enemy. And Grayson… Grayson was still in my head, and I had no idea what to do.

We lay there, side-by-side, finding fleeting comfort in silence. I watched Isabella sleep, her face finally relaxed. A tired smile touched my lips. Of all people… why couldn't she have been my sister? It didn't matter. Blood or not, she was family. I tucked her in, slipped from the room, needing clear air.

2:07 AM. Another sleepless night. My feet carried me to the garden. The house was silent. Ricardo had been humming earlier, smugly grinning. I wondered what went on in his head… all the time. Rickon was flying in tomorrow with my unconscious father. Maria was coming, too. Monica declined. Everyone was banding together. We were all on Damien's list. Elaine had arrived earlier, too. Safety in numbers.

My thoughts spiraled until I reached the garden. Then Elsine’s voice stopped me cold. I hadn’t expected anyone awake. But her words froze me. "You're still communicating with Liam? And you know where he is?"