Chapter 41: Life’s Fragility

Allegra, having come to terms with her feelings, felt it was time to face Declan. She was a bit nervous, but she knew it was something she had to do. Donovan, ever supportive, held her hand as they teleported to the Beaumont estate.

Outside, Dante and Theodora were enjoying the afternoon with their newborn daughter, Nora, who was just a few months old. Dante's smile widened as he saw Donovan and Allegra approaching.

"Brother!" Dante greeted Donovan with a warm embrace, but Donovan's gaze was fixated on Little Nora. There was no emotion in his eyes, yet his stare carried a certain intensity that sent a shiver down Dante's spine.

Turning to Allegra, Dante hugged her as well. Donovan's growl interrupted the moment, stunning Dante momentarily. He glanced at his brother, realizing that something significant had changed between Donovan and Allegra.

Noticing the intricate tattoo on both Allegra's and Donovan's necks, Dante's expression shifted to a mix of curiosity and concern. "Where's Declan?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension, knowing of Declan's feelings for Allegra.

"In his manor," Donovan replied simply, his demeanor guarded. Theodora observed Allegra and Donovan closely, sensing the tension and unspoken emotions between them.

"Allegra can I speak with you for a moment?" Dante asked, earning another growl from Donovan. Allegra looked at Donovan pleadingly and then nodded at Dante.

Donovan held his breath, watching them go somewhere else. Theodora walked up to Donovan with Nora in her arms.

"You didn't come for her dedication," Theodora remarked.

"I was busy," Donovan replied, finally turning to look at Nora.

"You keep hiding things. I'm not going to force you to say anything, but please don't hurt Allegra," Theodora said with concern.

Donovan raised a brow, staring at his elder sister-in-law. "I would never hurt her. And why would you say that?" he asked.

"You and I both know what you've been up to. I am aware of all the sacrifices you've made and will make just to protect everyone. I wish I could just tell everyone what you have been up to, but we made a deal. I care for you, Don. That's why I'm telling you to stop fighting and let us fight for you," Theodora said. Donovan's gaze lingered on Nora's sleeping face.

"She's dead." Donovan remarks and tears streamed down Theodora's eyes.

"I know," she voiced out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I… Dante will be so sad," she said, and Donovan wiped her tears gently.

"Allegra will be fine with me… she made a promise. If I don't survive, she will live," Donovan said, his voice filled with emotion as tears brimmed in his eyes. He held Theodora's hands firmly, conveying his sincerity. "Tell her… when the time comes, tell her what I just said. Don't let her waste away in sorrows."

Theodora cried harder, feeling the weight of Donovan's words and the depth of his emotions. "You could've reject her and break the bond. She will go through too much," she choked out.

"I wanted to do so desperately. I thought she would be fine with Declan, but she chose me. Please, Theo," he pleaded with a hint of desperation in his voice.

Theodora hugged him tightly as she cried, feeling the turmoil within Donovan. He pulled away gently and cast a spell to wipe away the redness from his eyes and tears before Dante would arrive.

"When did all this happen?" Dante asked Allegra, his tone a mix of concern and confusion.

Allegra looked down, feeling a bit of shame. "Since the day I first came-" she began, but Dante cut her off.

"Since that time and you kept leading Declan on?!" He asked, his voice filled with disbelief and a tinge of anger. "Declan was in love with you, Allegra. He really loved you. You could have told him-"

"I know, I know," she interjected quickly, her words tinged with regret. "I was trying hard to stay away. I knew he had feelings for me, I just didn't realize how deeply in love he was. I didn't intentionally hurt him-"

"But yet you did," Dante stated firmly. "I'm happy for you, finding your mate, but if you were aware that it was Donovan, why lead him on?"

"I didn't know. I didn't know Donovan was my mate," she explained, her voice filled with genuine surprise and realization. "The bond wasn't strong on my side until… I marked him by mistake."

"Have you faced Declan yet?" Dante asked, shifting the focus of the conversation.

"No," she admitted after a long pause, her expression reflecting a mix of apprehension and resolve.

"Well, you have to. There's a family meeting, and he might come. Talk to him," Dante advised, his tone gentle yet firm, emphasizing the importance of addressing the situation.

They walked back towards Theodora and Donovan, greeted by the sight of Theodora crying with her baby in her arms, and Donovan gently patting her back. Dante's concern heightened as he rushed towards them frantically.

"What's wrong?" Dante asked, his voice laced with worry as he approached the distressed scene.

"She's dead." Theodora wailed. Dante fell to his knees.

Dante's heart shattered into a million pieces as he fell to his knees, his hands trembling as he cradled Nora in his arms. Allegra gasped, her eyes filling with tears as she too sank to her knees, overwhelmed by the sudden grief that engulfed them all. Donovan rushed to her side, wrapping his strong arm around her in a protective embrace.

The air was heavy with sorrow as they gathered, each person grappling with their own emotions. The weight of loss hung heavily over them, a stark reminder of life's fragility.

The planned family meeting was swiftly canceled, the urgent need to plan Nora's unexpected burial taking precedence over any other matters. In the midst of their grief, they found solace in coming together as a family, supporting each other through this difficult time.

The somber atmosphere enveloped everyone as they gathered for Nora's funeral the next day. Every member of the Beaumont family, along with their cousins, paid their respects, their hearts heavy with sorrow.

Theodora appeared incredibly sad and hollow, her usual vibrant spirit dimmed by the weight of loss. Dante stood beside her, his eyes reflecting the profound sadness he felt at the loss of his beloved daughter. Declan, visibly affected by the loss as well, sat close to Theodora, offering what comfort he could.

Allegra found herself overcome with grief, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung tightly to Donovan's comforting embrace. Witnessing Theodora's profound sadness and the collective mourning of their family tore at her heart, deepening her own sense of loss and sorrow.