QT: I hijacked a harem system and now I'm ruining every plot(GL)

Chapter 431: Elara

I keep quiet and walk beside her.

It is strange—seeing someone from my dreams... real.

One day, when I found myself pregnant with Lyra, I started having these dreams. Dreams of a life. Dreams of her. I would see flashes of a face I did not recognize, hear a voice I could not place, feel a warmth I could not explain.

Sometimes I thought she was not real. A figment of my imagination. A comfort I created to survive the loneliness.

But Lyra is proof that she was real.

I have never thought of what would happen when I meet her again. So I do not know.

She walks beside me like she belongs here. Like she has always belonged here.

Lyra is in her arms, her head resting on her shoulder, her small fingers curled into her coat. She looks peaceful.

Lyra can barely tolerate my brother’s touch. She squirms away from him, hides behind me when he tries to ruffle her hair. But with this woman...I suppose her mother...she is calm.

My brother falls into step beside me.

"Elara," he murmurs, low enough that only I can hear. "Who is she?"

"She is who she said she is," I say back.

He looks even more confused.

"You mean she is the father..." He pauses. "Mother of your pup?"

I nod.

"But she is a she—"

"Brother-in-law," the woman interrupts smoothly, "I would like to have some time with my family, please."

Only then do I realize we are home. My home with Lyra—the small, old cottage I moved into when I fell pregnant. It is modest compared to my childhood home, but it is mine.

My brother looks between us. I give him a small nod.

He leaves and I walk in first, I hear the door click shut behind me.

She brings out her hand.

"I’m Daphne," she says.

I bring my hand to shake hers. It is like I was struggling to breathe, and I can finally breathe.

"Elara," I say with a small smile.

"Nice to meet you." She brings my knuckles to her lips and places a kiss on them.

"Nice to meet you... again," I say.

She looks surprised. Then a boyish, bright smile spreads across her face—one that makes her look so young and attractive and...

By the moon, I am in love with this woman.

I have always been in love with her. I know this with a certainty that surprises me.

It is a deep, bone-deep knowing—the kind that does not ask for proof, because it has always been there.

Because for the first time in seven years, I feel like I am home.

***

Seraphina

They are already healed, but the home is quiet. Probably due to the presence of that intruder.

Who is she?

What is she?

To easily overpower four Alpha wolves?

I place my son in bed and tuck the blankets around him. He is still upset about the fight earlier—his pride wounded more than his body. He mumbles something in his sleep and turns over.

I stroke his hair.

None of us say a word.

Marcus is standing by the window, his arms crossed, his jaw tight. Theron is pacing, his claws still half-extended. Rylan is seated at the table, his dark eyes fixed on nothing. Kai is in the corner, silent as always.

"She is not a wolf," I say.

"Yes, we could tell!" Rylan snaps.

I feel my eyes become blurry. I have never liked it when they yell at me.

Marcus growls at him and wraps me in his arms.

"I get that you are angry," Marcus says, his voice low and firm, "but do not take out your anger on Sera."

Rylan’s jaw tightens. He looks away.

Theron stops pacing. He runs a hand through his dark hair.

"I’m going to bed," I say.

I leave to the master bedroom.

I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. The tension from the meeting still clings to my skin like a second layer. I hear the muffled voices of the Alphas downstairs, but I do not try to make out the words.

After a few minutes, I hear the door open. From the scent, it is Rylan.

He just stands there.

I do not move.

He exhales.

"I am sorry for talking to you like that earlier, Mate," he says.

His voice is low. Quiet. He sounds tired.

I still do not move.

"It is not you I am angry at," he continues. "It is her. That woman. The way she walked in like she owned everything. The way she—" He stops.

I turn over to face him.

"It is okay," I say softly. "I understand."

He comes closer and kisses my lips—gentle, tentative, apologetic.

I give him a hug.

"Night," I say.

He lingers for a moment. His arms tighten around me, just slightly.

"Goodnight, Sera," he murmurs against my hair.

He pulls away.

He walks toward the door.

He pauses.

"I love you," he says.

He does not wait for a response. He leaves, closing the door softly behind him.

A few moments later, I feel someone slide into bed with me. Marcus.

His arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against his chest. His breath is warm against the back of my neck.

"Did Rylan apologize?" he asks.

"Yes."

"Good."

He is quiet for a moment. He probably drove into Rylan—I know how Marcus handles things. He does not raise his voice; he just makes his presence known. I like how Marcus takes charge. The others might hate it, but he is the most responsible and well-grounded of them.

I turn in his arms and burrow into his chest. His heartbeat is steady beneath my ear, slow and familiar.

He wraps his arms closer.

I soon fall asleep in his arms where I always feel warm, steady, safe. For a moment, the weight of the day lifts. I let myself rest. Tomorrow, I will face it again. But tonight, I sleep.

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