Chapter 171: Back To A Familiar Place

Words : 1029 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 171: Back To A Familiar PlaceEvaline: "Eva... sweetheart, wake up." Oscar’s voice drifted into my dreams, soft and low, pulling me gently back to consciousness. My lashes fluttered open, and the very first thing I saw was his face - still a little sleepy, his hair tousled adorably, and that warm, heart-stealing smile lighting up his features. And just like that, my day began wrapped in something I hadn’t felt in so long - safety. It wasn’t just his voice or his smile. It was waking up beside someone who made me feel wanted, cherished. Not like a burden. Not like a problem. But like I mattered. I hadn’t felt this way since I lost my mother almost a decade ago. Back then, mornings were warm hugs and her soft hands brushing my hair back. Since her death, mornings had always been cold. Lonely. But not today. Today, I had my mate by my side. One who pulled me into his arms without a second thought, one who held me through the night and protected me in silence. "Morning," I whispered, my voice still raspy from sleep. His smile widened, and he brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. "Good morning, my beautiful mate." The word mate still made my heart stutter. I wasn’t used to being someone’s anything. But I was his. And maybe... slowly, I was starting to believe I could be his, truly. Around midnight, the nurse had come in and removed my IV. I was feeling better than I had in days - lighter, stronger, even if just a little. Oscar helped me sit up and asked, "Still feeling okay?" "Better," I answered honestly. Minutes later, the doctor stepped in for a quick round of checkups. After examining me, asking a few basic questions, and going through the report from last night’s scan, he gave us the green flag. "You are good to go, Miss Evaline. But take it easy for the next few days, alright?" I nodded. "Thank you." Oscar squeezed my hand, then excused himself to complete the discharge papers. The moment he stepped out, I looked around the room and then toward the attached bathroom. It wasn’t fancy, but it had a shower, and the doctor had said I could clean up if I felt up for it. And I did. With permission granted and a towel in hand, I slipped into the bathroom, welcoming the soft warmth of the water. It was soothing, washing away the dull ache of exhaustion clinging to my skin. When I stepped out, I found my clothes from yesterday, neatly folded and fresh - clearly dry cleaned. It was undoubtedly Oscar’s doing. This man was going to ruin me with his thoughtfulness. By the time I stepped out of the ward dressed and ready, he was already waiting by the nurses’ desk. He signaled me to follow him and we headed out of the building with a comfortable distance between us. But the moment we stepped outside, I shivered. The morning sun was nowhere to be found. Instead, clouds were hovering low and gray, and the cold wind that brushed against my skin was sharp and biting. Without hesitation, he pulled off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. "You should have said something." "I’m alright, " I mumbled, sinking into the warmth of his jacket. "You are pregnant," he said as he opened the car door and helped me inside, "you are allowed to whine." I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. But even as he slid into the driver’s seat, I found myself looking around. The lot was... empty. Strangely so. There wasn’t a single patient. No visitors. Not even a wandering nurse or janitor. I turned to Oscar, narrowing my eyes. "It’s your doing, right?" He just smirked. "Let’s just say the cold scared everyone from stepping outside of the hospital." I just shook my head, mumbling, "You are impossible." "I’m protective," he corrected and started the car. "And I’m not ready to let people see what’s mine." Mine. Another word that made my chest flutter. As we drove away, he filled the silence with calm chatter about the Academy and his upcoming classes. "The third-years have their first round of trials today," he explained. "I’ll be on the training grounds most of the day." I glanced at him. "Don’t feel guilty. You are an Instructor first. You can’t be babysitting me all day." He gave me a sideways glance. "I don’t babysit you." I raised an eyebrow which made him laugh. "Okay, maybe I do. But only because you are terrible at asking for help." I bit back a smile. "Maybe." I was expecting him to drive straight to the Academy, but instead, the car began winding through roads I was finding familiar. Forest-lined paths replaced the smooth academy highway with tangled branches overhead. And then we stopped after venturing extremely deep in the mountains. We were at the base of a cliff, surrounded by trees and ivy. A thick wall of vines was clinging to a stone facade - one I had seen before. Oscar walked over and gently pushed some of it aside to reveal the door. Before I could ask, he turned to me with a soft smile. "Come on." He helped me out of the car and walked with me toward the door. When he knocked, it only took a few seconds for the door to creak open... and there he was. Draven. He was looking the same, and yet... not quite. His black hoodie was hanging loose, and his hair was slightly messy, but his tired eyes brightened ever so slightly when they met mine. I blinked in confusion. "What-?" "Oscar," Draven greeted simply, stepping aside. "I have trials to lead," Oscar said as he truned to me. "I would worry if I left you alone, so I’m leaving you with someone I trust." He looked at his brother with quiet meaning and Draven gave a small nod. Then, Oscar kissed me softly on the cheek. "I’ll see you after sunset." And just like that, I was left standing there... with Draven.

Chapter 171: Back To A Familiar Place

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