CHAPTER 218: SISTERS

[ Old World - Blackmoon colony - Once, it had been nothing more than a fragile camp hidden in the remnants of the great Skarthheim pack. But now, the Blackmoon Colony had become something else entirely...no longer a scattering of tents, but a living stronghold.

Barricades rose where there had once been flimsy boundaries. Pack houses stood in ordered rows.The Markets were livelier than ever. Regular ships came and went to the New World...it was a well connected and well maintained port now.

Electricity coursed through the veins of the colony, stringing light across the nightscape. They brought cars, and bikes...it opened pathways that had once been dirt and roots.

What had begun as a reluctant post had become a city in its own right. ]

Kieran stood all alone.

The smoke curled lazily into the dusky air as he leaned against the wooden rail of the balcony, eyes fixed on the endless stretch of the Great Woods.

He barely noticed how much he had taken to smoking lately...it had become less a habit and more a companion, something to keep his restless mind busy. His thoughts wandered, same as most days, to places that always ended in silence.

A soft sound cut through the haze...a sparking little giggle.

Then came the tug...small arms wrapping around his neck from the back.

Kieran blinked, turned his head, and there she was.

Lyla stood a few steps behind, holding his little girl who clutched him to her chest. They were both smiling at him, though the baby’s smile was brighter, toothy, and mischievous as she tried to wiggle free and leap onto his lap.

"Dada! Dada!" she chirped, her tiny fists pounding against his chest with excitement while Lyla held her tight. "Mamma lost!"

Kieran raised his brows in mock astonishment, lowering the cigar and flicking it away.

"Really? You beat Lyla again?"

Lyla made a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over her heart. "Ah! My shame! Losing to this tiny little bundle that can’t even sleep without me!" She bent her knees slightly, groaning theatrically. "Where do I hide my face in disgrace?"

The baby giggled wildly, squirming in Lyla’s arms, and she took the chance to wiggle her fingers into the baby’s ribs. The giggles doubled, bursting like little bells.

Kieran watched, his lips tugging upward despite himself. The sight of this little bundle of joy never failed to crack the shell he wore around his heart.

"Stop...stop!Time up..." the baby squealed between laughter as Lyla tickled her, sliding down from her hold.

Then she suddenly turned her gaze, too very focused.

Her little feet pattered against the balcony floor as she tugged insistently at Kieran’s trousers.

"Dada! Cerbs!"

Her small finger stretched outward, pointing towards the edge of the woods.

Kieran narrowed his eyes, following the direction she so urgently showed him. And there, between the trees, half hidden in shifting shadows, a familiar form moved. The black, hulking shadow hound prowled leisurely, almost like he was teasing them, glowing eyes watching from the underbrush.

Kieran sighed, lifting the little one into his arms. "Ah, so that’s it, hm? You spotted Cerbs."

The baby girl nodded furiously, grabbing at his collar. "Dada, go Cerbs! Go Cerbs!"

Her excitement was too pure to deny, too demanding to ignore. She tugged at his shirt again and again, little fists shaking with urgency.

"Ok, ok," Kieran chuckled, finally giving in. He shifted her onto his hip, glancing once at Lyla who shook her head with a knowing smile. "Let’s go catch Cerbs if you want to play with him so badly."

"Yaaaay!" the little girl squealed, throwing her tiny arms around his neck as if she had already won some great battle.

Lyla smirked softly, brushing back her hair as she leaned against the railing. "Just remember, Alpha, she runs you better than you run this entire place."

Kieran nodded his head with a proud smirk, but the little one’s laughter drowned out any reply. He shook his head and kissed the top of his daughter’s curls. "Come on, little troublemaker... let’s see if Cerbs will let himself be caught today."

Kieran’s footsteps echoed faintly as he disappeared down the stairs, the baby still tugging at his collar, giggling and chanting "Cerbs! Cerbs!" in excitement.

Lyla lingered at the balcony, watching his tall frame melt into the distance. A soft sigh escaped her lips, her shoulders dropping.

Then she turned, sinking gracefully onto the seat behind her. Spreading her arms open, she called out in a gentle sing song voice,

"Alright! I know you are there. Come on. Come out!"

For a long moment, there was silence. Only the rustling of leaves outside filled the air. Then, from the far corner near the curtains, a pair of wide, timid eyes peeked out.

A fragile little girl stepped into view, her tiny hands clutching the fabric as though it were her shield.

She was about the same age as the other...soft cheeks, tiny curls, but she was skinnier, her bones delicate beneath her pale skin. Her little dress hung loose, and she seemed almost too careful with each step.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Ma...Mamma... Dada... still here?"

Lyla softened instantly, shaking her head with a smile. "No, sweetheart. Dada’s gone to chase Cerbs. It’s just us now. You can come out. Come on!"

The little girl hesitated, her eyes darting to the balcony, scanning as if to make sure. She bit her lip, uncertain. Lyla tilted her head and wiggled her fingers encouragingly.

"See? My arms are wide open. And they are getting tired, you know. Should I close them?"

The child gasped softly, panicked, and let go of the curtain. She stumbled forward on wobbly legs, then broke into a run and flung herself into Lyla’s waiting arms.

"There we go!" Lyla laughed, hugging her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "That’s my brave girl."

The child buried her face into Lyla’s neck, breathing quick, shaky breaths, clinging as though afraid Lyla might vanish.

"See? Nothing to be scared of," Lyla whispered, rubbing her back. "You are safe here."

The timid girl finally let out a small, relieved giggle.