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    Chapter 0794


    Nina


    The portal shimmered and swirled in front of us, waiting for us to enter. We had found our way to a nearby forest clearing, where the veil was thin enough for Luke and I to open the portal. Kai stood beside us, leaning on his walking stick, and cast me a somewhat somber look as I approached.


    "Thank you," he said, "for all you''ve done for us. You''ll be missed."


    I felt my cheeks tinge a slight shade of red at his kind words. "There''s no need to thank me. This was all my fault, anyway-"


    Before I could finish, Kai held up a hand and narrowed his eyes. "It''s not your fault. You did your best."


    "But-"


    "Enough," Kai cut me off again. "I won''t hear any more of it."


    There was a brief silence, during which Kai and I simply stared at each other. Then, suddenly, he broke out into a gravellyugh and pulled me in for an unceremonious-and rather out of character-hug.


    "We hope to see you soon, wolf girl," he said softly. "You''re always wee here."


    I couldn''t help but smile a bit as I pulled away. "I''ll try to visit. And Kai-my father-"


    He nodded. "I''ve sent four of my bird shifters, one in each direction, to search for him. If we find anything, we''ll be sure to let you know."


    "Thank you."


    After saying our goodbyes, it was finally time. One by one, we all stepped through the shimmering portal, emerging on the other side in the familiar surroundings of the Enzo''s and my living room. The transition was jarring, the stark contrast between the two realms rendering me momentarily disoriented.


    But as my senses adjusted, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Home, atst. Untouched, safe, and still smelling faintly of my vani candles.


    Once we were all through the portal, everyone dropped their bags and made their way over to the sofa and armchairs to rx-after all, we had just spent what felt like an eternity living in the forest. Theforts of home were a necessity.


    Tyler, however, stayed nted where he stood. I turned to him, and felt my heart sink a little.


    "It''s time for you to go home," I said softly.


    He nodded, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "Thanks for letting mee along, Nina. I''m sorry I wasn''t more help."


    "Don''t say that." I crossed over to him and pulled him in for a hug. "You were a huge help. If it weren''t for your quick thinking and charm in the pce, we might not have seeded in the uprising. And besides, the vigers loved you."


    Tyler''s cheeks flushed red, and he took a step back once we parted. Behind him, Luke began opening another portal -this time destined for my father''s mansion.


    "Take care of Mom," I said, giving Tyler''s arm a squeeze. "Don''t let her spiral."


    Tyler''s expression softened, and he nodded. "We''ll do our best to find Aldric as well," he said. "Just like Kai did. Don''t worry, Nina; we''ll bring him home. Alive, and, hopefully, in one piece."


    A lump formed in my throat as his words sank in. I hated the thought of my father being injured, or even dead; especially after all of the fighting we had done in recent history. Now, more than ever, I just wanted to hug him andugh at his stupid jokes.


    "You''re the man of the house with him gone, you know," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "So... don''t do anything stupid."


    Tyler let out a soft chuckle. "I''ll do my best," he retorted, his lips quirking into a lopsided grin. "Although, you know, maybe I can use my new story about fighting a dragon to impress some werewolf girls while I''m at it."


    I couldn''t help but let out a snort ofughter, shaking my head in exasperation. Leave it to Tyler to find a way to turn even the most dire of situations into an opportunity for flirtation.


    "You''re an idiot," I chuckled, giving him a yful punch on the arm. "But I''ll miss you, you big dork."


    Tyler''s grin widened, and he pulled me in for onest hug. "I''ll miss you, too," he murmured into my hair.


    With a final squeeze, he released me and turned towards the portal that would take him back to the werewolf realm. For a moment, he paused, turning onest time to look at me.


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