Chapter 81 Missing Sister
Aelira’s POV
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As we begin to exit the Verdant Moon Herbalists, Daelor’s mobile phone begins to ring. The tense mood between him and Jastor is temporarily disrupted as he digs into his pocket.
“Pardon me,” Daelor says, his silver–gray eyes still locked onto Jastor with that intimidating Alpha
glare.
I observe Jastor take the unspoken cue, muttering a quick farewell before hastily leaving. Daelor’s
territorial demeanor evokes a mix of frustration and peculiar admiration.
“Nyven,” Daelor states as he answers his phone, his voice noticeably softening. “You’re back already?”
Though I cannot discern his words, I hear the excitement emanating from the other end.
“Dinner tonight?” Daelor glances my way, an inkling of hesitation crossing his striking features. “I
actually have other commitments.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the identity of his caller. Daelor has previously mentioned Dr. Nyve n Leyric, the very doctor attending to my mother–in–law, Esther.
“Hold on,” Daelor replies into the phone, quickly covering it with his hand. “It’s Nyven Leyric. He just
came back from a trip and wants to celebrate. Shall we postpone our lunch plans?”
Something about his expression makes me smile; he seems genuinely torn between his friend and me.
“Why don’t we all have lunch together?” I propose. “I’d love the opportunity to meet your friend
properly.”
A spark of approval lights up Daelor’s eyes. “Nyven? Let’s change our plans. Join us for lunch at Lake
Restaurant?” He pauses, listening intently. “Sounds great, see you there.”
While we drive to the restaurant, my curiosity about Daelor’s connection with Dr. Leyric grows.
“How long have you known Dr. Leyric?” I inquire.
Daelor’s lips pull into a fond smile. “We’ve been friends since we were pups. Our families have always
been close allies.”
“I recall you mentioning that he’s been assisting with my mother–in–law’s case,” I respond. “He seems like a good friend.”
ΤΗ
“One of my best,” Daelor confesses, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “He’s faced a challenging time, but he’s never lost his empathy.”
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< Chapter 81 Missing Sister
My curiosity intensifies. “Challenging time?”
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Daelor pauses for a moment. “It’s not my story to share. But I’m certain you’ll learn about it soon
enough.”
Lake Restaurant is a chic restaurant adorned with elegant moonstone decor and silver accents. The hostess recognizes Daelor immediately, bowing slightly as she guides us to a private booth in the
back.
“Dr. Leyric is already here,” she informs us with a respectful nod.
Indeed, a man awaits at the table. He rises as we approach, a warm smile breaking across his face. Dr. Nyven Leyric appears younger than I had anticipated for someone so accomplished, his kind brown eyes framed by prematurely silver hair that contrasts sharply with his youthful features.
“Daelor,” he greets, giving Daelor a friendly clap on the shoulder before turning to me with a respectful
nod. “And you must be Aelira Sunmere. We’ve met briefly at the hospital, though I doubt you
remember.”
I extend my hand for a shake. “Of course, I remember. You’ve been treating my mother–in–law, Esther
Riven.”
“Former mother–in–law soon,” he gently corrects, his eyes twinkling. “How are you feeling? Your scent has changed it’s healthier now.”
Heat floods my cheeks as I realize he is alluding to my pregnancy without directly stating it. As a
doctor, his wolf would effortlessly pick up on the subtle variations in my scent.
Daelor emits a low, teasing growl. “Keep your nose to yourself, Nyven.”
His silver–gray eyes glimmer with playful jealousy, yet the smile tugging at his lips reveals his
amusement.
Dr. Leyric chuckles, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Just making a medical observation, Alpha. No need to be territorial.”
այ
The camaraderie between them reflects years of friendship, and I find myself relaxing as we settle into the booth. The waiter arrives with menus, and Dr. Leyric promptly recommends the silver–seared
venison.
“It’s their signature dish,” he explains. “Ideal for a growing pup.”
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I nearly sputter on my water at his casual mention of my pregnancy, but he merely offers an innocent smile.
“So tell us about your trip,” Daelor suggests, smoothly redirecting the topic. “Any news?”
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< Chapter 81 Missing Sister
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Dr. Leyric’s face changes, a shadow sweeping across his expression. “Nothing significant. A few leads
that didn’t produce results.”
My interest is sparked. “Leads?”
Daelor looks at me. “Nyven has been searching for his sister for years.”
“She was taken by rogue hunters when she was just a pup,” Dr. Leyric clarifies, his voice tense with
lingering hurt. “She was about two or three years old at the time.”
My heart tightens at the thought, my wolf whimpering within me. “That’s awful. I’m so sorry.”
Dr. Leyric nods, absentmindedly pushing his food around on his plate. “It occurred during a territory dispute. Hunters exploited the chaos to raid our pack lands. Several wolves were killed, and my sister
-Sandra–was abducted.”
“How long ago did this happen?” I inquire, my appetite suddenly fading.
“Twenty–five years ago,” he replies, his gaze clouded with memories. “I was ten when it took place–old enough to remember, yet too young to intervene.”
The image of a young Nyven, helplessly watching his baby sister being taken, ignites my maternal instincts. My hand instinctively rests on my belly, thinking of my own unborn pup.
“You’ve been searching for all this time?” I can’t hide the admiration in my voice..
“On and off,” he admits, a forced optimism brightening his expression. “More seriously, in recent years, as I’ve built connections across territories through my medical work.”
“His latest trip was to the Eastern Valleys,” Daelor adds gently as he observes his friend. “There were rumors of a she–wolf that resembled Sandra.”
“But it wasn’t her,” Dr. Leyric replies, his smile falling short of reaching his eyes. “Just another dead
end.”
“You’re not giving up, though,” I state more than ask.
“Never,” Dr. Leyric asserts, determination sparkling in his gaze. “Next year, I’m broadening my search to the Southern Territories. There are rogue wolf packs in that region that might have critical
information.”
“Some hunters sell captured wolves to packs looking to enhance their bloodlines,” Daelor explains, his
jaw tightening with anger. “Especially young females.”
The thought is disturbing–werewolf pups snatched from their families and traded like items. Yet, it’s a better possibility than the alternative we all silently acknowledge: many captured wolves don’t survive.
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“I hope she has found a good pack,” I say softly, emotion tightening my throat. “One that will treat her
well.”
My wolf stirs restlessly within me, distressed at the idea of a lost pup separated from her family. I
can’t help but imagine how frightened the little girl must have been.
Dr. Leyric offers a grateful smile. “That’s my hope as well. That she’s alive and safe, even if we never
find her.”
“When we find her,” Daelor corrects him, his tone resolute with certainty. “We will not give up.”
The moment brings to mind something Alarion once remarked about Daelor – that his fidelity to friends is steadfast. It appears he didn’t exaggerate.
“Have I ever mentioned Daelor’s promise from childhood?” Dr. Leyric inquires, his demeanor brightening unexpectedly.
Daelor rolls his eyes, his silver–gray gaze flashing with embarrassment. “Nyven…”
“When we were twelve,” Dr. Leyric continues, disregarding Daelor’s warning, “this future Alpha made a
serious vow that if we ever located my sister, he would take her as his mate.”
I can’t suppress a laugh at Daelor’s unease. “Is that true?”
“We were just pups,” Daelor responds, casually waving his hand as if to brush off the tale. His Alpha scent subtly shifts, revealing his embarrassment.
“A very romantic pup indeed,” Dr. Leyric jests, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “He even gifted me a silver claw charm to be given to her when we found her a customary courting gift in the Nightshade. Pack.”
–
Daelor clears his throat, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. “The food’s taking a while. I should check on the waiter.”
His clear attempt to divert the conversation elicits laughter from both Dr. Leyric and me. It’s refreshing to see the usually composed Alpha unsettled.
“Don’t worry,” Dr. Leyric whispers to me conspiratorially. “His choice of mate seems to have significantly improved since then.”
My cheeks burn at the implication, my wolf stirring with unexpected delight at his words. Before I can. correct him, our food arrives – just in time to spare me from what would have been an awkward clarification.
As we relish the delicious meal, I find myself observing Daelor interact with his friend. The camaraderie between them conveys a deep brotherhood, a connection strengthened by years of
shared experiences. It reveals a side of Daelor I hadn’t fully appreciated before – more laid–back, less
defensive.
“How is the territory security project progressing?” Dr. Leyric queries, expertly slicing his venison. “I heard the bidding process for the contract is about to start.”
