Chapter 0391

I keep rocking gently until Evrin’s tight grip begins to loosen.

He’s finally drifting off after being restless all night.

“So we just wait?” I whisper softly.

Alexander gives a single nod. “Yes. But I’d still rather you stay indoors. I won’t let Levi get near you again.”

I offer a faint smile. “I’ll kill him if he tries.”

“Not if he drugs you first.”

“Let me take him. You’re exhausted.” Alexander carefully lifts a crying Evrin from my arms.

It’s nearly three in the morning, and he hasn’t settled since sunset.

Nothing calmed him.

He’s clingy but rejects touch. He wouldn’t even stay near his twin.

Thankfully, Logan is still asleep in the nursery. We moved Evrin here so he wouldn’t wake.

“Is he sick?” My voice trembles. It’s agony when you can’t comfort your own child.

Worse, because I feel his pain. I just don’t know where it’s coming from.

Alexander shakes his head. “He ate. Diaper was full. No fever.” He paces slowly, cradling our son like a newborn. “I linked Theodore. He’s coming to check.”

“You do think something’s wrong?” I can’t hide the worry.

“No. But you’re worried, so he’ll reassure you.”

He keeps pacing, but Evrin’s cries don’t stop.

When the knock comes, relief washes over me.

Theodore examines Evrin thoroughly, then shakes his head at Alexander.

“There has to be something,” I insist, pulling Evrin close.

“Physically, he’s perfect,” Theodore sighs. “No fever. No joint issues. No swelling. I’m sorry, Athena. It’s not medical. How long has he been crying?”

“Almost six hours,” Alexander replies.

“And he hasn’t cried himself to sleep?” Theodore asks.

Alexander shakes his head, lips pressed thin. He’s worried too.

“What about Luc?” I ask impatiently. “Maybe he can sense something?”

“Find him,” Alexander orders Theodore.

“No need. I’m here.” Luc strolls in wearing only gray joggers. “I was training late. Heard the kid crying for h—”

He stops. Stares at my sobbing son. A frown forms. “He’s the younger twin, right?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. How old were you when you first shifted?”

“A few days old. But then I was bound.”

Alexander holds up a hand. “You think he’s trying to shift?”

“Exactly.” Luc steps closer. “His bones are trying to break. The crying masks the sound. You remember how painful shifting was after your binding broke? That’s what he feels. Constant pain as his Lycan fights to emerge.” His hazel eyes meet mine. “He’s scared.”

“Scared?” Theodore asks.

Luc nods. “Trying to hold it back.”

“You have to show him, Athena,” Alexander says as Evrin keeps crying. He turns to the others. “Leave us.”

Evrin squirms as I hand him back. I wait for Luc and Theodore to go and start undressing.

'Are we really doing this?' Nyx murmurs.

'I’ll do anything for our son.'

I close my eyes and let my Lycan rise.

Bones crack. Hair sprouts. Claws extend.

I open my eyes, fully transformed, to find Evrin silent. Staring.

Hours of crying finally ceased.

His blue eyes are wide. He leans against Alexander’s chest, propped by his arm.

I expect a scream. Instead, he reaches out. Beckoning.

I step closer. His bones crack.

A soft whimper. Tiny claws appear at his fingertips.

Minutes later, Alexander holds a small black Lycan pup instead of our little boy.