Page 181 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

A New Home

*ARDEN*

Despite our best efforts, Aurelia had to go ahead and travel to Silverlake a week before me, due to visa reasons. We both agreed on it, knowing that Eric and Alpha Elden had bent the rules enough already, not only for us but also for Meg and Nox. Neither of us wanted them to face any additional problems.

It’s hard to be separated from her for even a day, and Cato is in the worst mood possible, but we hang in there. I spend the last couple of days in Paris with Eric, Val, Emilien, and Leila. I also help Gustave and Zoé with taking over all my tasks. Gustave actually shows up with a mark on his neck and a glow around him, and I’m happy that he and Coralie accepted each other.

He is happy, and that’s all that matters. Coralie doesn’t mind his rank or lack thereof; instead, I have heard she tries to helpout more too, and even contemplates going to university to study. Léna says she wants to make something out of her life instead of just being a pretty shell, as Coralie calls it.

Funny how people can change.

Léna is slowly doing better, too. I am relieved that she has so much support here and people who will watch out for her. She also has my phone number in case she needs something or just wants to chat or talk about Vander.

I had to hand in some additional documents for my transfer to another university. That one was easily accomplished, though, because it just took Eric making a few calls. Thanks to my IQ and financial resources, I can basically choose whatever program I want.

Eric and I decide not to make a big fuss out of me leaving. We both are bad with goodbyes, but he gives me a strong hug and reminds me of using my phone to text and call him. Meanwhile I try to reassure myself that this isn’t goodbye forever. I’m still going to work with and for Eric, just not in Paris.

It helps that Cato is projecting picture after picture in my mind the closer our airplane gets to our destination. It’s all pictures of Aurelia.

I got it,I chuckle.I am happy, too.

He projects an image of me pretending like I didn’t cry over saying goodbye to Eric and Val.

Well, I’m sad because Eric has always been like a brother to me. He has always cared for and protected me. He gave me a chance and made sure that I could take the opportunities presented to me. Even when he was annoyed with me, he was still nice and caring. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not looking forward to being united with our mate again and meeting her family.

He shows me an image of Silverlake. It’s one of the pictures Tori showed us.

I’m curious, too. Funny, the thought of having to co-lead a pack with her one day doesn’t scare me anymore.

I can see that Cato is happy about my words. I never believed I had in me to be a leader, and I still think being alpha is not my calling. It’s Aurelia’s. But I’m not scared of stepping up anymore and assisting in her leadership. I’m also not scared of working for the Council anymore, as opposed to a couple of months ago when I still thought I was beneath everyone there.

I think I’m finally finding my place.

Most of my stuff was already sent to Silverlake, so I only travel with small luggage, making it easy for me to get through both check-in and check-out. I’m one of the first to make it into the arrival lounge, the pull of my bond to Aurelia tugging me forward. I can feel her already.

“Arden!” she calls out, running towards me. I drop my luggage, and like we are staring in a cheesy movie, she jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around me and kissing me.

“Nice to see you again, Arden,” Nox greets me, stepping forward once Aurelia jumps down again.

I shake his hand. “Happy to be here, Nox. How is Meg doing?”

“She is much better than last time you saw her, but it’s still a long way to go,” he says with a gentle smile.

“And the others?” I ask curiously, while taking Aurelia’s hand. It feels so weird to be here now, different, weird, but also exciting.

“Well, Marilou is the only marked girl in school,” Aurelia says with a laugh. “Tori told me everyone is so envious of her. Tori and Lion are doing well, too, but they want to wait until Tori has graduated before they mark each other. However, they made it official now. Lion made sure everyone knows she is his mate.”

“Kind of funny how we all traveled to Paris without a mate but came home with one.” Nox chuckles.

“Felix said the same.” Aurelia grins. “He is already pestering Dad to send him and Dario to Paris when they are eighteen, claiming the romance there is contagious.”

“And what did your father say?” I ask, amused.

“Felix is still recovering from his injuries,” she explains. “In other words, he pretty much gets a free pass at everything. The little brat is taking advantage of it,” she adds, but her fond tone betrays her words.

“I hope you are prepared to meet everyone?” Nox asks with a chuckle.

“When you say everyone—”