Chapter 38 Three black SUVs rolled out of the Velor family mansion gates , moving in tight formation . It hadn't taken Aliana long to prepare for departure . Now , she and Elena sat in the back seat of the lead vehicle . M 25 vouchers . Aliana wore a casual outfit - a long beige coat , a thin black shirt , and dark jeans . Her hair was half - loose , partially covering her right shoulder , which hadn't fully healed . In the front seats , the driver and a bodyguard sat upright . Both wore earpieces and had remained mostly silent since leaving the mansion . One of them was Elric . Aliana immediately recognized him as the man who had once attacked her alongside Andrian . Elric's expression was cold and stern - much like his superior , who never showed warmth . He kept glancing at the mat chewy mirror , observing Aliana's every move . Aliana knew this surveillance wasn't just for formality . Elric had been specifically assigned by Andrian to keep close watch . She was fully aware that every step she took would be monitored and reported back directly . But Aliana had anticipated all of this . She wouldn't do anything suspicious during the journey . She intended only to enjoy the ride . There was nothing left for her to arrange . Everything had already been prepared . Aliana had sent Rafe ahead to Ravenska to make all the necessary arrangements - especially regarding the meeting with her adoptive father . " How much longer until we reach the airport ? " Aliana asked calmly . Elric glanced back slightly . " Approximately twenty minutes , Miss . After that , we'll depart by private jet ." Aliana nodded softly . She had already expected as much . The 6,000 - kilometer journey from Zenith to Ravenska couldn't be completed by car . That's why , from the start , Andrian had arranged for a private jet to transport Aliana and her security team to their destination . The aircraft belonged to a private security company partnered with the Velor family - discreet , efficient , and unregistered in public records . The SUVs were only to take Aliana to the private airstrip on the outskirts of Zenith . From there , the guards would accompany her on the flight . Elena , seated beside Aliana , appeared anxious . Her hands clutched the edge of a small bag on her lap . She knew Aliana had another plan for this trip , but didn't dare ask . She understood well - once Aliana made a decision , nothing could stop her . Moments later , the motorcade turned onto a secured private road . In the distance , a white jet with a small , unidentifiable logo - clearly disguised - stood prepared on the runway . The vehicle stopped near the aircraft stairs . Elric exited first , exchanged a few words with the crew below , and then opened the door for Aliana . She stepped out wordlessly , her eyes quickly scanning the surroundings . Everything looked clean . Safe . Organized . Andrian was meticulous and responsible . He might distrust her , but as a husband , he didn't take her safety lightly . " Let's go , Elena ," Aliana said calmly . They ascended the aircraft steps under tight escort . Two more guards followed , carrying a small black suitcase with Aliana's 1/4 8:19 pm S Chapter 38 essentials - and another , special case containing communications equipment accessible only by Andrian's team . Once seated inside the cabin , Aliana fastened her seatbelt . She exhaled quietly , steadying herself . Vouchers This trip wasn't just a vacation - it was the beginning of something bigger . Once she identified Sable - 13 , Aliana intended to hunt them down immediately . The jet prepared for takeoff . As the engines roared to life , Aliana closed her eyes for a moment . Ravenska awaited - and so did unfinished business . The city of Ravenska was blanketed in morning fog as the Velor family's private jet landed smoothly on a secluded airstrip . Outside the window , rows of cedar trees swayed gently in the cold breeze , as if welcoming Aliana's return in tenses it me From her seat by the window , Aliana stared out with no expression . There was no nervousness on her face , but her eyes remained fixed on the silhouette of the distant forest - a place filled with memories . That forest wasn't just part of the landscape - it had been a witness to Aliana's life for the past 25 years. It was where she learned to survive , to endure pain , and where she became who she is now . Elric stood several meters behind her . Throughout the journey , he hadn't stopped observing her every move . At a glance , it looked like standard security . But Aliana knew better - Elric wasn't just a guard ; he was Andrian's eyes . Once the plane came to a complete stop , the ground crew opened the side door and lowered the stairs . The cold , damp air of Ravenska hit her face , and without realizing it , a small smile formed on Aliana's lips . She was genuinely glad to be back . " Come on , Elena , " Aliana said calmly , though her voice carried a quiet urgency . Elena simply nodded , clutching her small bag tightly , and followed Aliana off the plane . In the quiet airstrip parking area , several black SUVs were already waiting . A local driver - prearranged by Andrian's security team - stood beside one of the doors and opened it for Aliana without a word . Elric approached , scanned the surroundings , then inspected the vehicle . He exchanged brief words with the driver to confirm identity and the designated route . " Where are we headed ? " Aliana asked flatly . " Hotel Zyrast ," Elric replied promptly . Aliana nodded and stepped into the car . The rest of the security team followed , boarding the vehicles behind . As the main car pulled away , Aliana discreetly unlocked her hidden phone beneath her bag . One message had come through : " Meeting point A is secure . But … the gentleman insists on meeting you at the hotel ." Aliana paused , then quietly replied to Rafe : " I'm not sure they'll allow me to meet Father . But I'll be staying at Hotel Zyrast . " " Understood . " She closed the secure messaging app and returned the phone to her bag . Her heart ached to see her adoptive parents , but she knew patience was crucial . 2/4 Chapter 88 Though Aliana had claimed this trip to Ravenska was a vacation to visit her adoptive family , she knew things wouldn't be so simple . Under this level of surveillance , she doubted she could see them right away . First , there would be layers of security protocols -escort procedures , route inspections , possibly even communication tracking . She had to be cautious . One wrong move could ruin everything . Aliana leaned her head against the seat and looked out the window , waiting for them to arrive . At Hotel Zyrast , as Aliana stepped out of the vehicle , she froze at the sight that greeted her in front of the lobby . Behind the glass security barrier stood two very familiar figures - Gabriel and Marisse , her adoptive parents . They just arrived and were being approached by two uniformed security officers . " Father … Mother … " Aliana whispered , almost in disbelief at seeing them so soon . Reflexively , she stepped forward toward them - but before she could get close , Elric moved swiftly to block her path . " Apologies , Miss . Security protocols apply to all guests . You are not permitted to meet outsiders - including family - until clearance is granted ." Aliana stopped in her tracks , her expression tightening . " They're my parents . I just want to say hello ." " I don't have the authority to override procedures ," Elric replied flatly . " I suggest you wait inside while the verification is completed ." Aliana clenched her fists , heat rising in her chest . But before she could argue , a deep , familiar voice rang out from behind the glass . " ALIANA ! I'm here , sweetheart ! " Gabriel waved his large hand with a wide grin . His boisterous voice filled the air , unmistakably cheerful . Aliana turned , a smile slowly forming on her lips . " Father ! " She moved toward him again , but Elric stepped in once more . " Please stay where you are , Miss , " he said firmly . Gabriel stood there casually in an old brown jacket and wool cap . He looked like a simple man from the countryside- friendly , jolly , and with no ties to any dangerous world . Next to him , Marisse stood calmly , her face gentle and full of warmth . She waved too , offering a soothing smile . " We're okay , darling . Just wait inside , alright ? " Marisse said softly . Gabriel nodded enthusiastically . " Let them do their checks . Who knows , maybe I'm hiding a meat bomb ! " He laughed heartily , causing one of the guards to almost break a smile . Aliana finally nodded . " Alright … I'll wait inside ." 3/4 8:20 pm Chapter 38 " Good ! We'll be right in ! " Gabriel gave her a thumbs up . " Don't be sad . We brought food for you too ! " Aliana turned back , still smiling - though guilt tugged at her heart . Her parents didn't deserve to be treated like strangers . But for the sake of her plan , she had to stay composed . 4/4