Chapter 213 85 Caelan's POV The message on my phone was urgent. Another Rogue attack at the eastern border of Blackwood territory. Third one this month. I scrolled through the security report, jaw clenched tight. "Your Majesty, we've mapped the attack patterns, Edward said, passing me a tablet. "They're testing our defenses. Getting bolder. 1 studied the map. Willowbrook sat right between our strongest outposts. Perfect location for a command center. "How soon can we reach the border?" "Three hours if we push it. I've already alerted the packs in that region." I nodded. "Let's move." The weight of the King title never felt heavier. Seven years of searching for Sable and our child while trying to hold the kingdom together. The motorcade sped down road. Then it happened-a loud pop from the lead vehicle, followed by smoke billowing from under the hood. "Damn it, my driver muttered, pulling over. Edward approached my window. "Engine failure in the lead car. Needs immediate repair." "How long?" At least three hours. Maybe four." I checked the map. Willowbrook Center Park, 500 metres. "We'll wait in town. Keep me updated. I stepped out, stretching my legs. 'Ill walk around. Need some air." Edward frowned. The fine Just need an hour alone. I removed my tie, stuffing it in my pocket. "No one knows me here." Walking away before he could prutext, I followed the path toward the park. Something pulled me there an invisible thread I couldn't explain The weight ul kinghund fell away with each step For at wwww, could be anonymous. hust a man in a park on a sunny day Children played un caluctul equipment while parent welched over hanches. Chuck 4 seat on an empty bench at the far end, watching them laugh and run My daughter would be sexph no I closed my eyes, imagining her wild she be habrowie? by wys! Would he be brass like her mother of stubborn like me? I've never stopped looking for Sable Nut for alle dey ve bured the beat investigators, searched every hospital record, followed every lead. But she vanished without a trase, taking our child with b ... 4 < 1/3 12:15 Fri, 22 Aug Chapter 213 85% Three months ago, everything changed Gabriel contacted me-the patient Sable had saved at Moonridge Hospital, the one who nearly died from poisoning during surgery The one whose life I helped save with my blood. "I can't live with the guilt anymore, he'd said, voice breaking over the phone. "You deserve to know the truth." Gabriel had been one of the Rogues in that war. He'd seen everything. It was Marcus-my own father-who released the gas that made me hallucinate. Marcus who stabbed Isabella and placed the knife in my unconscious hand. Gabriel watched it all happen. Kept silent for years until his conscience finally broke him. The truth nearly destroyed me. I wasn't the monster who killed Isabella. My father was. I desperately needed to find Sable, to tell her the truth, to clear my name. But she remained a ghost. Sabi, if you knew the truth... would you still hate me? A sudden sensation jolted me from my thoughts. A presence. Familiar yet impossible. "Huh? That man over there is special..." The small voice came from somewhere nearby. I looked up, scanning the playground. A little girl stood at the edge of the sandbox, small hand shielding her eyes as she stared directly at me. Something about her stopped my breath. She took a tentative step forward. Then another. Her pace quickened until she was running straight toward me, pigtails bouncing with each step. Before I could react, she flung herself at my legs, tiny arms wrapping around them in a fierce hug. "Daddy! I found you!" Her face beamed with pure joy, eyes sparkling with excitement. I froze. Every muscle in my body turned to stone. "You... what did you call me?" I crouched down, bringing myself to her level. My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked into her eyes-deep blue eyes identical to mine. My pupils dilated in shock. Little one, why did you call me daddy? I reached out, gently touching her hair. Did you... mistake me for someone else?" My voice wavered, tears threatening to fall. I wanted this to be real while terrified it was just a cruel coincidence. Can you tell me your name? Where's your mother?" The girl released my legs and stepped back, hands proudly on her hips. I'm Caelyn! I'm seven years old! Mommy says I'm the smartest girl in the whole world! She tilted her head, studying my face. 'Don't you remember me? We never met before, but you're my daddy!" My heart stopped. Caelyn. Seven years old. It couldn't be coincidence. "Your mommy told you about... me?" O Q O 3 ୪ III O < 2/3 12:15 Fri, 22 Aug 0PM. Chapter 213 38531 Her head bobbed enthusiastically. "Mommy tells me lots about daddy!" She started counting on her fingers. Mommy says daddy is tall and handsome with blue eyes just like mine." She lowered her voice, mimicking an adult tone, "And daddy has a nice voice, deep like a cello!" Leaning closer, she whispered, "Mommy also says daddy is an alien on a very important mission on another planet. That's why he can't come see me." Chapter Comments LIKE Write Comments < SHARE 12:16 Fri, 22 Aug P M From Substitute To Queen