“I don’t think I can stay in Canavar forever.”
Oswald’s head turned toward Vivianne.
He was surprised, of course.
But for a moment, he said nothing.
They were sitting outside his den, watching the last few villagers finish for the evening.
The rebuilding had been going well.
Several homes already had new walls, and the playground had started taking shape in the communal grounds.
But Vivianne knew she couldn’t stay.
“Where are you going?”
“Haven’t figured it out yet.”
He shifted against the wooden wall and took Vivianne’s hand.
“Is this about finding out where you came from?”
“Kinda.” Vivianne turned toward the forest beyond the village.
“Can’t explain it, but I feel like I have to keep moving. There’s still too much I don’t know about myself, the Phoenix clan, or what happened to it. I need to travel around this whole Beast World. Maybe I’ll find some answers out there.”
Oswald was quiet for a moment.
“Then we’ll look into it. Let’s go together.”
Vivianne turned toward him.
“We?”
“Yeah.”
His fingers tightened around hers before he pulled Vivianne closer, drawing her against his side.
His arm settled around her waist, warm and secure.
“You’re coming with me?”
“Did you think I’d let you wander around alone?”
Vivianne’s heart gave a little flutter.
She nudged his side, trying to hide her smile.
“You’re annoying.”
“So I’ve been told.”
She laughed quietly before her expression became more serious.
“There’s another reason.” Vivianne hesitated, then continued.
“I think I need to find other husbands.”
“The other what?”
Vivianne cleared her throat.
“Husbands. More husbands.”
Oswald frowned as if Vivianne had just grown another head.
“Yeah, I’m well aware Julian mentioned Phoenixes and their fondness for having multiple husbands. But… how many?”
“Four.”
“That makes five, including me.” Oswald dragged a hand down his face.
Any sane person would be upset if they found his wife asked for their help to look for more husbands.
Understandable.
Vivianne bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.
Oswald was still upset with her, but honestly, what else could he do?
She had just asked her husband to help her find four more husbands.
The whole thing was ridiculous.
Even Oswald couldn’t keep a straight face.
“I think finding them might help me remember my past.”
The laughter died immediately.
“You think they’re connected to your memories?”
“I don’t know for sure.” Vivianne shook her head.
“But I know enough to believe they’re important. Phoenixes had their own traditions and history. If those people are connected to that part of my life, maybe they’ll know something about me that I don’t.” Read this novel at novelping(.)com for the best experience.
Oswald considered that.
She had a point there.
“So this isn’t just about finding four men?”
“Exactly.”
She glanced down at their joined hands.
“I want to know where I came from. Why I’m the last Phoenix. What happened to my people. And if finding them helps me understand any of that, then I want to try.”
Oswald fell silent as his thumb brushed slowly over the back of her hand.
Finally, he sighed.
“I don’t like the idea.”
Vivianne gave him a small smile.
“I know.”
“But,” he gave her a resigned look and sighed.
“If they’re truly part of your past, I’ll help you find them.”
Her eyes widened.
“You’re really kind, Oswald!”
“I’m still not thrilled about the four-husband idea, though.”
Vivianne snorted.
“I’ll help you find them,” Oswald repeated.
“But don’t expect me to be happy about it.”
“Fair enough.”
She smiled and leaned against his shoulder.
“Thank you.”
Oswald shook his head.
“Don’t thank me yet. I still have questions.”
“Such as?”
“Where do we start?” Vivianne’s smile vanished.
“I have no idea.”
Oswald stared at her.
“Not even a clue?”
“Nope.”
Oswald let out a long sigh.
“So we’re looking for four people somewhere in the entire Beast World, and you have absolutely no idea where to begin.”
“When you say it like that, it sounds difficult.”
“It is.”
Vivianne frowned.
“Don’t ruin my optimism.”He chuckled.
“Fine. We’ll figure it out.” Oswald began counting on his fingers, already planning their journey.
They would first learn everything they could about the territories where Phoenixes once lived.
Vivianne nodded along as Oswald continued listing what they would need.
Supplies, maps, food, medicine, and clothes.
Then his expression turned thoughtful.
If they were going to leave Canavar for an extended journey, someone would also need to oversee the pack in his absence.
Julian was the obvious choice, especially since he was his sister’s fated mate.
Oswald would ask him to help manage Canavar while they were gone.
Vivianne looked at him with growing amusement.
“You’re really planning this.”
“Of course I am.” He squeezed her hand.
Vivianne smiled.
“Even though there are four other husbands?”
Oswald’s expression darkened.
“Don’t remind me.”
She burst out laughing.
“You’re jealous.”
“I’m an Alpha. I’m allowed.”
“That’s not how it works.”
Vivianne leaned against his shoulder, still smiling.
The journey ahead was going to be complicated.
She had no names, no destinations, and no idea what waited beyond Canavar.
But at least she finally had somewhere to start—and someone willing to go with her.
●●●
Several days later, Miles sat alone in the study of one of the Segrave family’s smaller residences.
His main den had already been confiscated after his removal as Elder due to his actions.
His authority was gone, his official retainers had been dismissed, and even the Segrave crest had been removed from the walls.
For now, this smaller residence was the only place he had left to call home.
The household that had once carried political weight now felt painfully ordinary.
Samantha sat across from him.
“Father, please. You’ve lost your position. Alpha Oswald spared your life because I begged him. Please don’t make things worse.”
Samantha’s fingers tightened.
“You should be grateful you’re still alive. It’s over.”
Miles’s expression remained cold.
“Then stop interfering.”
“Father, what are you thinking? Please don’t make things worse.”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Go back to your room. Now.”
Samantha hesitated and kept glancing at him for another moment before finally turning away.
She reached the door just as three unfamiliar wolf Beastmen entered the study.
She didn’t recognize any of them.
Their rough appearance and rowdy manner immediately stood out.
They were unlike the wolves she was used to seeing around Canavar.
There was something wild and lawless about them that made Samantha feel uneasy.
Samantha quickly stepped aside.
The moment she was out of the study, she hurried down the corridor, her steps growing faster until she practically bolted toward her room.
Miles waited until her footsteps faded.
Then he reached beneath the desk and pulled out a small leather pouch.
He placed it on the table and pushed the pouch toward them.
The largest wolf opened it and smirked when gold coins spilled into his palm with a heavy metallic clink.
“Quite a payment for an easy target.”
Miles leaned back in his chair.
“Then make sure you earn it.”
The wolf’s mouth curved into a grin.
“We will.”
The three wolves took the pouch and left.
Miles remained alone in the quiet study.
His expression remained unreadable.
But he knew the game was far from over.