A Little Chaos and a Lot of Wisdom

Eila's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts colliding like a storm inside her head. And to make matters worse, Sera would not stop talking.

"He held us all night! Do you realize how significant that is? He was practically staking his claim!"

"Sera, please," Eila groaned, rubbing her temples. "I have enough on my plate without you making a big deal out of everything."

"It is a big deal!" Sera huffed indignantly. "You should go find him right now. Make him hold you again. Maybe even nuzzle his neck a little—"

"Enough!" Eila nearly shouted aloud, making the maid serving breakfast startle.

She quickly composed herself and focused on the food. It was still strange seeing her mother bringing her a meal, but Celena's radiant joy over Eila's acceptance into Leonard's life made it impossible to protest.

"You should eat properly," Celena chided gently, setting the tray in front of her. "You need your strength."

Eila rolled her eyes with a fond smile. "I'm not fragile, Mom."

"No, but you're a mate now," Celena said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "And mates need to be well-fed, well-rested, and glowing with happiness."

Eila nearly choked on her tea. "Mother!"

Celena only chuckled, giving her a knowing look before sitting beside her. They chatted about small things—the latest gossip among the pack, what Alpha Magnus was up to, and how the Beta Manor's staff had been sneaking glances at her all morning, whispering about Leonard's unprecedented decision to bring her into his world.

After finishing breakfast, Eila bid her mother farewell and made her way back home. She had barely stepped inside before she was greeted by absolute mayhem.

Complete and utter chaos.

The triplets were wrestling in the middle of the living room, limbs flailing, shouts echoing through the house.

Daria, despite being the smallest, had somehow pinned both Drew and Drake to the ground, grinning victoriously. "I told you! Strength isn't just about size, you fools!"

"You cheated!" Drew groaned, struggling beneath her.

"Did not!" Daria grinned, tightening her grip.

"Get off me, demon!" Drake wailed dramatically.

Meanwhile, Meera was peeling potatoes, Emma and Erik assisting her, while Jake and Jean watched the triplets' battle with great amusement.

Eila exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Alright, enough!" she called out.

The triplets froze mid-wrestle.

Daria looked proud. Drew and Drake looked defeated.

Eila raised an eyebrow. "If you have that much energy, maybe it's time for some proper training."

Daria beamed. "See? I told you two."

Drew and Drake groaned but didn't argue further.

Eila shook her head and turned to Meera. "Where's Michael?"

"Out training with the warriors," Meera replied. "He wants to get strong enough to join the pack guards."

Eila nodded, a swell of pride warming her chest. Michael had always been determined. With their mother's Alpha blood running through his veins, he had a real chance of developing an exceptionally strong wolf.

With the house finally settling, Eila rolled up her sleeves and joined Meera in preparing lunch. They made clear soup with rye bread and mashed potatoes, and for dinner, chicken soup with cornbread. Preparing meals in advance ensured their mother wouldn't have to worry about cooking after a long day's work.

By the time everything was ready, Eila gathered her siblings around the table.

For the first time in a while, they ate together peacefully, laughter filling the air.

That peace, however, did not last long.

As soon as they finished eating, Eila turned to the triplets.

"Alright," she said, crossing her arms. "You three owe me."

Drew and Drake groaned in unison.

Daria raised an eyebrow. "Owe you what?"

"Cleaning duty," Eila said smugly. "Since you have so much energy to fight, you definitely have enough energy to wash dishes."

The triplets groaned even louder.

"But—"

"No buts," Eila cut them off. "Get to work."

Muttering under their breaths, they reluctantly got up and started gathering dishes.

Meera and Emma moved to help, but Eila stopped them with a gentle smile. "You two have already done enough today. Go rest."

Meera hesitated before finally nodding, dragging Emma away to enjoy their well-earned free time.

As the triplets clanked around the kitchen—arguing about who was washing and who was drying—Daria suddenly spoke up.

"You know, Eila, I heard something interesting today."

Eila, sipping her rosemary tea, raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Moonshine University has opened admissions."

Eila blinked.

Daria continued, her voice firm. "You should apply. You've read every book in the library. You're probably smarter than half the professors there. And now that Luna's law allows girls to enroll, there's nothing stopping you."

Drew, washing a plate, nodded. "She's right."

Drake, wiping a dish, added, "It'll also impress your mate."

Eila almost dropped her cup. "Excuse me?"

Daria smirked. "Well, right now, Leonard sees you as a simple girl from a poor family."

"That's not—"

"If you get into university, he'll see you differently," Daria interrupted. "You won't just be his mate. You'll be someone important in your own right."

Eila was stunned.

When did her little sister become so… wise?

Drew and Drake nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, she's onto something."

Eila glanced between them, speechless.

Daria crossed her arms. "You don't have to decide now, but think about it."

Eila exhaled slowly.

Moonshine University.

Higher education.

The idea thrilled her.

For so long, she had devoured books, learning everything she could from the limited resources available to her. She had dreamed of opportunities like this, but she had never thought it was possible.

But now…

Maybe it was.

Maybe she was meant for more than just existing in the shadows of others.

As she sat there, her rosemary tea warm in her hands, she let herself imagine a future where she wasn't just Eila, the girl from a poor household.

She could be Eila, scholar of Moonshine University.

Eila, the intelligent mate of the Beta.

Eila, someone who mattered.

A slow smile spread across her lips.

For the first time in a long while, she felt something she hadn't let herself feel before.

Hope.