Judy learns from Gavin that the Moon Gem, believed to belong to Lila, was actually created to suppress Lila\u2019s overwhelming birth powers until she came of age. Gavin\u2019s father stole the gem years ago and hid it away, falsely claiming it was a family heirloom. Gavin also reveals that Levi hinted the gem hasn\u2019t found its true owner yet, casting doubt on Lila\u2019s status as the Blackwell heiress, though this conflicts with how everyone treats her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Judy wants to confront the Blackwells directly to understand her mysterious dreams and the situation better, but Gavin strongly warns against it, fearing the family\u2019s influence. He promises to meet with Zachary Blackwell to seek answers and insists Judy stay away from the manor until it\u2019s safe. Judy reluctantly agrees, feeling frustrated but resigned to wait for more information.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
During this tense conversation, Judy notices Erik struggling with his wolf\u2019s influence, his eyes flickering unnaturally between gold and black. Concerned, she tries to intervene despite Gavin\u2019s warnings that Erik\u2019s wolf is out of control and dangerous, especially with her unborn baby involved. Judy insists on talking to Erik, confident he won\u2019t harm her, and Gavin reluctantly lets her approach.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sitting beside Erik, Judy senses his inner turmoil as he admits his wolf is furious because he\u2019s resisting something\u2014specifically, claiming their mate. Erik\u2019s struggle reveals a deep conflict between his human side and his wolf, hinting at a significant and potentially dangerous shift about to occur. Judy\u2019s determination to understand and help Erik highlights her growing involvement in the complex supernatural dynamics surrounding her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did he say exactly?\u201d I asked, leaning forward with curiosity.<\/p>\n
Gavin sighed deeply before responding. \u201cHe implied that the Moon Gem isn\u2019t truly Lila\u2019s,\u201d he explained. \u201cApparently, the gem was created to suppress Lila\u2019s birth powers because they were too overwhelming for a newborn to control. The plan was for her to receive it when she came of age\u2014her own blood would activate the gem, restoring her abilities. But years ago, my father stole it and locked it away in a box that blocks all magic. He lied, saying it was a family heirloom passed down through generations and that one day it would be mine once I became Alpha. But he died before passing it on, and my mother has kept it hidden all this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
I nodded slowly, already familiar with that part of the story.<\/p>\n
Gavin\u2019s frown deepened as he continued. \u201cLevi also said the gem hasn\u2019t yet found its true owner, even though it\u2019s with Lila. That suggests she might not actually be the Blackwell heiress. But that doesn\u2019t add up\u2014everyone treats her like family.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid Levi say anything else?\u201d I pressed. \u201cDoes he think someone else might be the real heiress?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gavin shrugged, a hint of frustration in his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure. Getting that much out of him felt like pulling teeth,\u201d he muttered. \u201cHe\u2019s tight-lipped about everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course he is,\u201d I muttered under my breath. \u201cMaybe we should just go straight to the Blackwells and ask them ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Gavin said sharply, cutting me off. \u201cThat\u2019s the last thing we should do. I don\u2019t want you tangled up with that family, Judy. I don\u2019t trust them.\u201d<\/p>\n
I crossed my arms, feeling a stubborn edge rise within me. \u201cIf they\u2019re connected to these dreams I keep having, then I\u2019m already involved. I need to understand what\u2019s happening to me, Gavin. I need to fix it before I pass out again.\u201d<\/p>\n
He fell silent for a long moment, weighing my words carefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a meeting with Zachary Blackwell later this week,\u201d he finally said, his voice firm and resolute. \u201cI\u2019ll try to get some answers from him and let you know what I find out. But you\u2019re not going back to that manor until I say it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
I exhaled slowly, leaning back in my chair. That was as much as I was going to get for now, so I kept my mouth shut. Just then, a low growl from behind caught my attention. I glanced back a few rows and saw Erik struggling against his wolf\u2019s influence; his eyes flickered between gold and black, far from the usual warm brown I was used to seeing.<\/p>\n
My brow furrowed with concern. Matt was looking up at Erik anxiously. I knew Matt was capable of defending himself if things escalated, but I wasn\u2019t willing to let it get that far.<\/p>\n
\u201cMatt, come sit here,\u201d I said quickly, rising from my seat.<\/p>\n
Before I could move, Gavin grabbed my arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cStay here too. I\u2019ll handle him,\u201d he said, standing up.<\/p>\n
I hesitated, worried about what Gavin\u2019s \u2018handling\u2019 might involve. Shaking my head, I stood my ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, let me talk to him. I can tell something\u2019s wrong. He won\u2019t hurt me,\u201d I insisted.<\/p>\n
Gavin\u2019s expression darkened. \u201cHis wolf is out of control\u2014or about to be. I don\u2019t trust him near you or our unborn baby.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s controlling himself,\u201d I countered firmly. \u201cTrust me, he won\u2019t hurt me. Let me find out what\u2019s wrong, and if it\u2019s too much or he tries anything, you\u2019ll be right here to step in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though reluctant, Gavin finally released his grip on my arm, clearly knowing I wouldn\u2019t back down.<\/p>\n
Matt slid into the seat beside Gavin, and I moved toward Erik, who was gripping the chair\u2019s armrests so tightly his knuckles turned white.<\/p>\n
I sat down next to him, hoping my presence might soothe his turmoil.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d I said gently, touching his arm. He flinched as if my touch hurt him. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Erik?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should leave,\u201d he whispered, voice strained. \u201cI\u2019m having trouble controlling him. He wants to shift.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d I asked softly. \u201cWhat\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/p>\n
I glanced out the window and could just make out the faint outline of the Silver Crescent pack\u2019s territory. Thankfully, we\u2019d be landing soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust go away, Judy,\u201d he said, his tone harsh and unlike himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot until you tell me what\u2019s wrong,\u201d I replied stubbornly, refusing to budge.<\/p>\n
He clenched his jaw tightly, grinding his teeth so hard I feared they might crack. Then, for a brief moment, his eyes returned to their usual brown before flashing gold again.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wolf is furious because I won\u2019t do what he wants,\u201d Erik muttered. \u201cHe\u2019s tired of me delaying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDelaying what?\u201d I pressed, raising my eyebrows.<\/p>\n
A long silence followed, and I thought he might not answer.<\/p>\n
But finally, he spoke, and I wasn\u2019t prepared for his words.<\/p>\n
\u201cClaiming our mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter closes on a note of tension and uncertainty, with secrets about the Moon Gem and Lila\u2019s true heritage casting shadows over the characters\u2019 lives. Gavin\u2019s protective instincts clash with Judy\u2019s determination to uncover the truth, highlighting the delicate balance between trust and fear that defines their relationships. Meanwhile, Erik\u2019s internal struggle with his wolf and the revelation of his mate claim adds a layer of emotional complexity, underscoring themes of control, identity, and the powerful bonds that connect them all.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the unanswered questions and looming threats, there is a quiet strength in the characters\u2019 resolve to face these challenges together. Judy\u2019s courage to confront Erik\u2019s turmoil and Gavin\u2019s commitment to protect his family suggest that, even amid uncertainty and danger, love and loyalty remain the foundation on which they will build their future. The chapter leaves us with a sense of anticipation, as the characters prepare to navigate the fragile line between destiny and choice.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of secrets surrounding the Moon Gem and Lila\u2019s true heritage, raising questions about identity and loyalty that may shake the foundation of everything Judy thought she knew. As Gavin prepares for a tense meeting with Zachary Blackwell, the shadows of the Blackwell family loom larger, hinting at hidden motives and unspoken dangers that could change the course of their fragile alliances. Judy\u2019s determination to uncover the truth despite Gavin\u2019s warnings sets the stage for confrontations that may test trust and courage in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the unsettling shift in Erik\u2019s behavior introduces a new emotional turmoil that threatens to disrupt the fragile peace among them. His wolf\u2019s growing fury and the ominous mention of \u201cclaiming our mate\u201d suggest a conflict that is both deeply personal and potentially explosive. Judy\u2019s resolve to stand by Erik, even as Gavin\u2019s protective instincts clash with her own, creates a charged atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. Readers will be left wondering how these intertwined struggles\u2014between duty, desire, and destiny\u2014will unfold as loyalties are tested and secrets come to light.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost 790 We Built a Kingdom From Ashes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shadow-slave-by-author-novelnozi-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21859"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21859\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}