Adah’s reply was instant and fierce. “No. You could go into labor any second. How can I leave you to chase after a man? I’m not going.”

Elliana’s voice softened, her eyes pleading. “Adah, he’s the man I love—the father of my children. I can’t rest not knowing if he’s safe. Please, I’m begging you.”

Adah’s lips curved into a stubborn pout. “Still no. I’d die for you, Elliana, but I won’t risk your safety for his.”

Elliana sighed, frustration and desperation mixing. She threw back the covers and struggled to rise, her swollen belly making it hard to move. “Fine. If you won’t go, I will.”

Panic flashed across Adah’s face. She hurried to Elliana’s side, gently pushing her back onto the bed. “Are you trying to kill me from stress?” she groaned, half angry, half scared. “Seriously, I can’t leave you, not like this.”

Elliana met her gaze and took her hand. “Please, Adah. Just check on him. I’ll be fine. Jason’s here, and I’ll have Matthew send more people from the Star Society to stand guard. You don’t have to worry about me.”

The sincerity in Elliana’s eyes broke through Adah’s defenses. After a long pause, she sighed in defeat. “Fine. I’ll go.”

Adah called Clifton and the others into the room, her tone turning deadly serious. “While I’m gone, you stay on full alert. Nothing—and I mean nothing—must happen to Elliana or the babies. Do you understand?” Her eyes locked on Clifton. “You’re in charge till I get back. Don’t fail me.”

At Adah’s words, Clifton struck his chest with his fist. “You have my word,” he vowed firmly. “As long as I’m here, no one will touch Elliana. They’ll have to go through me first.”

“Same here!” Kieran, Damian, and Heather said together, their voices filled with conviction.

Adah didn’t doubt their loyalty or skill, but her repeated cautions came from a place of deep unease. Enemies like Maxine—the ruthless head of the Serpent Society—and the elusive Miguel were not to be taken lightly. Even with Adah’s presence, safety was never absolute. Without her, the risk only grew.

After giving her last instructions, Adah met with Matthew. They discussed every possible scenario, sealed their plans, and then she finally boarded her flight to Delta.

M d? g.?

Her departure left a hollow tension in the air. The team felt the weight of her absence immediately. Every sound made them jump, and vigilance became their second nature.

Clifton, Kieran, Damian, and Heather took turns guarding Elliana’s door, their eyes sharp and their senses on edge.

But shortly after Adah’s plane took off, Elliana summoned them into her room. “Clifton,” she began softly, leaning back against the headboard, “it’s been three days since my father and brother left for Skythread Gorge, and there’s been no word. I want you to take Kieran, Damian, and Heather to find out what’s going on.”

Her words left them speechless.

Heather broke the silence first. “Adah made us promise to keep you safe! She’s barely gone, and now you want us to leave you alone? What if something happens? How could we face her?”

Elliana’s calm gaze met hers. “You’ll be following my orders. She can’t hold that against you.” Read full story at find·novel·net

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