C24 ADALINE POV

Adaline Point of View

You are the key.

What the?

I stare around my surroundings, suddenly hyper-aware, like I can hear miles away. And that’s when I hear it. A slow, muffled sound that feels distant, like an echo in my head.

Realization sets in, and I try not to gasp as I recognize the noise: sounds from the restaurant down the next street. I’m sure of it, I've been there before. The voices I'm hearing right now are definitely Caden and his wife's.

God, what is happening?

I stifle the scream bubbling in my chest. I’m so tired, so frustrated by all these changes and all this weirdness. I just want to be normal. To be the college professor I am, not this woman I can’t even recognize anymore.

I glance out the window and realize it’s already dark. I need to get something to eat, but first, I need to speak to my mother.

I miss her. She used to be my best friend. And now, looking back, I think I hurt her the most when I left home, no, when I left The Big Easy. I remember Blu’s words and feel even more guilty... and confused. Why aren't they here? Why haven’t they come to help me through whatever this is?

I know it’s just a transition. Just a phase. One I will get through, however long it takes, in whatever terrifying, annoying way it shows up. But first, I have to call my mom.

I get up from the couch, unplug my phone from the charger, and dial her number, holding my breath as it rings.

“Aurora,” she says as she picks up, and I smile so wide it hurts.

“Mom. How are you?” I say, sinking back onto the couch.

“I’m good. How are you? Should we FaceTime?”

My eyes widen, I'm completely naked, except for my panties. My hair’s a mess, and the house is a crime scene of food wrappers and coffee cups.

“No, Mom. This place is kind of messy,” I say sheepishly, cheeks burning.

“Everywhere is messy here too,” she says with a laugh, and I smile at the small mercy she’s granted me.

“How’s work? I always tell my friends that my daughter is in her late twenties and already has her PhD. You make us so proud.”

I gulp, the knot in my throat tightening. Shame hits me like a wave. I’m not making anyone proud, not like this. I’m a walking disappointment. But I don’t say that to Mom. She already knows.

I clear my throat and say, “I saw your friend, Blu. A very... remarkable girl.”

There’s a strained silence on the other end. When she speaks, her voice is laced with concern.

“She just wanted to help. I can’t come to you, and we know you’re not doing well. We just want the best for you.”

I snort. “Help? If her version of helping means calling me a failure, a fake, telling me I’m weak -”

She cuts me off, stunned. “She said that? What the actual fuck? I’ll speak to her. Never, never, should she talk to you like that. You might be far away, but you’re still my daughter. You could be in Antarctica and you’d still be a Volkov. Till forever ends. Never doubt that, Adaline. You are my daughter. Your father’s joy. You have both of us in you, always.”

I nod, unable to speak, feeling too many emotions at once. “Thank you, Mom. I needed that.”

“When push comes to shove, remember who you are,” she says, and I laugh softly. My mother is the most powerful woman I know.

“I’ve been having these dreams, Mom,” I say. She’s silent now, listening. My heart skips, but I keep going.

“Bad dreams. Like a warning... a prophecy. I’ve had them twice now. And I know it’s not over. It doesn’t feel like a dream, it’s like I’m seeing something. And every time, I see...”

Goosebumps break out across my skin.

“What do you see, Adaline?” she asks. Her voice has turned grave.

“This woman. It feels like I know her, like I’ve met her before. Her eyes... they’re always neon. She’s in pain, Mom. So much pain. And the people around her are drawing from her, like they’re feeding on her energy. I think she’s trying to talk to me.”

The words feel heavier once I say them out loud.

“Do you know her? Who does she remind you of?” Mom’s voice is thick with emotion.

“I don’t know,” I say, frustrated. “It’s like those people with her... they saw me. I think they know she’s trying to talk to me.”

Mom gasps, and I instantly wish I hadn’t said anything. But I had to.

“You have to be careful, Aurora. You’re my baby, and I want you to be safe.”

“Why can’t you come here? Stay with me for a few weeks?” I ask, trying not to sound desperate, but failing.

“Aurora...” Her voice cracks. “I want to. I want to help you work through this. But this is a road you must walk alone. I love you. Your father loves you. We all love you. And we’re praying for you. Come home to me, Addie. I’ll make that Gumbo you loved as a kid. Come home, baby.”

I wipe my tears and nod, even though she can’t see me. “I will, Mom. I promise.”

I will go home, to New Orleans. Just to see her. Her birthday is soon, so it works.

“She said I’m the key,” I blurt out suddenly.

“The key?” Mom exclaims, and again, I regret saying it.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be fine. And keep some of that Jambalaya for me,” I rush out, trying to change the subject.

Then I freeze.

“Aurora... how did you know I was making Jambalaya?” she says slowly.

“Can’t hear you, Mom. Network’s breaking,” I say, hanging up quickly.

What the hell is going on?

I glance at the wall clock, it’s almost ten. I get up, pull on the closest joggers and shirt, grab my phone, and leave the house.

I need some air.

__

I walk into Caden’s restaurant, desperate to forget the day.

“Aurora, I like this fashion statement,” his wife says with a grin, ushering me to my usual seat.

I smile faintly. “I’ll have whatever is tonight’s best.”

“Tonight’s best is lobster rolls and cornbread,” she says. I nod, hoping she can’t see how hollow I feel.

“You look like shit, Aurora,” Caden says, placing a plate of cookies in front of me. I roll my eyes and stuff one in my mouth.

They exchange a knowing look, and I wonder how long it took them to build that kind of intimacy, where they speak volumes without words. I crave that. And in that moment, I realize something: I need to break up with Cyprus. We’re wasting each other’s time.

My eyes sting. I stare at the table, hoping they don’t see the tears.

The food arrives, larger portions than everyone else. Perks of being a regular.

“Hi.”

I glance up and see a young man with piercing blue eyes standing at my table.

“Hi,” I say, scanning the restaurant, then returning my gaze to him.

“I’m Liam,” he says, smiling.

I nod politely, hoping he’ll go away.

“I’m a werewolf. Not for long, though,” he adds.

I choke, coughing violently. He has the nerve to offer me a glass of water.

“You’re the Aurora. I expected more. Not some weakling eating her feelings alone in a restaurant. You have been a prophesy all your life and you don’t even know it.” he smirks.

My insides go cold.

“Who are you?” I say, grateful my voice comes out steady.

“Liam. From the most powerful Pack. I should’ve waited, but you’ve been hyped for years. I wanted to see you before shit goes down. And I’m so disappointed.” He leans back casually.

I grit my teeth, praying my confidence doesn’t crack.

Because inside?

I’m terrified.