The police arrived for formal procedures. Questions were asked; Alaric answered calmly, his voice steady despite the storm inside. Afterward, one officer handed over a small bag.
“These are the belongings found at the scene. Please ensure they reach the owner.”
Alaric took them.
Walking through the hall, he passed Zaylee, still by her brother’s bedside. She leaned forward, staring at Zayden with desperate hope, whispering for him to wake. The doctor stopped her gently.
“He needs rest, miss.”
Her phone rang. Father.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS33OLUCC93
She clenched her fists, answered.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAL4du9hnK
“Is he alive?” Mr. Whitmore’s voice was cold.
“Yes, Father.”
“Take care of him.” The line went dead.
She sighed and lowered her head. Alaric approached and handed her Zayden’s things. She opened the bag. Among the items, a brooch slipped into her palm.
Alaric froze.
The same brooch. The exact one from his package. His throat went dry, his chest tight. If Zayden carried the other half… then—
No. Impossible.
His hands trembled, but he forced a smile, hiding everything.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUinOyFA649
“Ayle… I’ll… I’ll buy something for you, okay? I’ll be back.”
He walked out quickly, almost running, and called his doctor friend.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS4TFiDITq
“Dude, I need you.”
“Anything, Master,” the man replied instantly.
“I’m sending samples. Run the tests—DNA, sibling confirmation. Twins. No mistakes.”
“Yes, Master.”
Alaric returned, carrying light food.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQi3kGiyCB
“Eat something, Ayle.”
She smiled faintly, and his heart broke all over again. He loved her so much, but if the truth was what he feared—it would destroy them both.
Later that night, while Zaylee finally rested on the chair, Alaric quietly clipped strands of Zayden’s hair, then his own. Nails. Blood samples. Packed them all. He called Lucas.
“Deliver these immediately. Priority. I want results.”
“Yes, Master.”
Zayden stirred awake. His first word, hoarse but sharp:24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePBKWvj9Fj
“…Bastard.”
Alaric sat outside, pretending to eat peacefully. Inside, he was burning alive.
“You prick,” Alaric shot back without even looking. “Shouldn’t you know your capacity before drinking?”
Zayden’s lip curled.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2hR9sNbrs
“Says the one who drank twice as much.”
“At least I know when to stop.”
“Both of you, shut up!” Zaylee snapped suddenly, sitting up. She pointed at each. “Ally, you eat. Brother, you rest.”
Both men fell silent like scolded boys.
The night stretched on. Alaric never left their side, though his mind was far from that room.
By morning, Zaylee woke to find Alaric gently shaking her shoulder.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEHZig6wfX
“Your helper brought your things—clothes, toiletries, books. Go freshen up, Ayle. I’ll drop you.”
She shook her head.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT20i54UST
“No. I’ll stay with my brother.”
Alaric glanced around.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe5GYkMU1Y
“There are ten people guarding this floor. Nothing will touch him. Trust me, Ayle.”
Finally, she agreed.
They drove through the morning streets, music playing softly. Alaric stole glances at her—hair loose, face tired but glowing. Zaylee leaned back, eyes closed, a small smile forming as the breeze touched her face.
He had seen beauty, he had touched countless women. But this moment—her quiet joy, her freedom—was something sacred.
No kiss. No touch. Only love blooming in silence.
He smiled helplessly, a man trapped between heaven and hell.
The car stopped at HMS. As Zaylee stepped out, another car pulled up—Alana. She spotted them together, rage burning behind her smile. She wanted nothing more than to end Zaylee right there.
Alaric ignored his sister’s glare. He leaned toward Zaylee.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem7abCIwXd
“I’ll pick you up later. Zayden will probably stay in the hospital for a while.”
Zaylee nodded softly.24Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sHHke9ozT
“Bye, Ally.”
Her words lit his entire soul.
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and then Add to home screen.