Chapter 29 · Zaia's Conditions

Three months passed like a held breath.

Sebastian showed up. Every Saturday became every Wednesday and Saturday. Every Wednesday became most weekdays. He learned Leo's favorite books. He learned Milo's triggers. He learned to cook pasta without burning it. He learned to be quiet when Zaia needed space and present when she didn't.

He learned her.

Z Design thrived. The trust grew. Leo and Milo started preschool—wolves among humans, careful, protected. The attack faded to memory. The bond strengthened.

Zaia watched him earn it. Day by day. Moment by moment.

Solstice eve arrived.

Zaia stood in her bedroom—Millbrook, not the penthouse—and looked at the dress she'd chosen. Silver. Not white. Not a wedding gown. A woman returning on her terms.

Leo and Milo were with Priya for the night. Sebastian had arranged the ceremony—pack tradition, moonlit, on Blackwood territory—and Zaia had approved every detail.

Her conditions, met:

Public truth. Shared custody became shared life. Z Design independent. Her home in Millbrook until she chose otherwise. No Luna title until she accepted it. No announcement without consent.

He'd met every one.

The car arrived at dusk. Sebastian in the front seat—not driving, giving her space. Marcus drove.