Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Among father's files, I found information on portals that he set up, but I doubted that's a comprehensive list. Aldus always practiced the 'trust no one' approach, and I'm confident that applies to his notes as well. Of course, details on how to activate portals were omitted, but several portals I'm familiar with give me a good idea of how Aldus's portals work, so after some trial and error, I should be able to figure out how to activate others as well.

There was detailed information related to Duke and awakening his wolf. I couldn't anticipate if Duke will want to go through this risky process after he wakes up, but if he wants to, I can make it happen.

As much as I want him to stay safe, I know that none of us is safe if we are weak, or reckless.

By end of the day, it became painfully obvious that I can't do this on my own. I had no idea how Aldus managed to get all these done, but I will need more hands on deck, advisors or assistants, and I started contemplating my options while Aldus's words, 'trust no one' rang in my mind.

After a short knock, the door of the study opened, and Maria peeked in. "Can I come in?"

"Is Mr. Orsini awake?", I asked as I bolted out of the chair.

"No, Miss…", Maria said, and my excitement dwindled in an instant. "His condition is unchanged. I'm here because it's evening and you didn't eat anything. Should I prepare dinner for you?"

I glanced through the window and realized that it's dark.

A full day passed since I woke up, and I was dejected that Duke still didn't wake up.

For the first time in the last three years, I was truly on my own and I didn't like it.

I needed Duke's comfort and support, but at the same time, I feared how he will take the news that my father ended in an eternal coma while saving him.

Actually, I was not sure if I should tell that to Duke. Maybe I should tell him a lie I prepared for everyone else, how my father is busy with his research, and I will take over experiments related to awakening Duke's wolf.

I didn't want to lie to Duke, but I didn't want him to be burdened by the truth either. Can I even lie to him? Duke is one more person who can see right through me.

All this is such a mess!

I wished that I can go a few days into the past and tell Duke to wait for me in the apartment and not in the garage. And then none of this would happen.

Yeah, maybe that's the way to go. Instead of trying to figure out the cure for eternal sleep, I should invent the time machine. The odds are probably higher that I can become a time traveler compared to someone who can resurrect nearly-dead vampires.

"Miss?"

Maria's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I realized that I didn't respond to her question about dinner.

"Yes, please prepare something."

I should eat.

I was not feeling fully recharged after passing out for three days, and no matter how much work is ahead of me, I need to take care of my health, otherwise, everything will collapse together with me.

Before leaving the study, I made a phone call to Fynn.

I wanted Fynn to know that I will be visiting Luca and Zoe in a few days because they put importance on schedules and when I show unannounced, it's disturbing their routine. At least that's what Fynn says, but I suspect that he just wants a heads-up so that he can make preparations for my visit.

Fynn is always trying to portray himself as a good host for Zoe, Luca, and Ash, and he wants to leave a positive impression on me. I don't blame him for acting in such a way, but I would expect that after so much time, he should loosen up a bit. It's making me feel awkward.

Zoe told me that before I arrive, they do an additional round of cleaning in common areas, and there are extra desserts available for the duration of my stay. Zoe is not fond of cleaning but loves desserts, so she asked me to visit them more often. Silly girl.

As for the reason of my visit at this time, I need assistants and I wanted to check if Zoe's and Luca's resolve to follow me is still unshaken, because I will need something more solid than a verbal promise how they will do a good job.

If they decide to work with me in the capacity I need them to, they are bound to see many things and find out some of my secrets. I need to ensure their loyalty.

I will keep Ash out of this because he seems engrossed in working at the Eclipse. If he changes his mind, I will talk to him as well.

I believe they are good kids with pure intentions; however, everyone has a price. As much as Luca is willing to follow me, I'm not sure what his choice would be if someone is using Zoe to threaten him in order to extract information about me. And of course, there are other ways to make him talk no matter how firm his resolve is, I can think of a few truth-telling potions right away.

That's why Aldus said: trust no one.

I didn't want to leave Duke's side for longer than necessary, but after going through Aldus's files, I saw that there is a portal from the mansion to the underground lab at Notte Pharmaceuticals that is next to Fynn's packhouse. That will shorten travel time to no more than a few seconds, and it can also allow me to return quickly if Duke's condition changes.

Aldus told me that he has other portals set, but I didn't know it's that many. I remember him telling me that he prefers old-fashioned travel (unless it's an emergency) because if someone sees him in London, Paris, and Prague, on the same day, and he didn't approach any airport, people will get a hint that he has a number of portals set and that will be another reason for them to target him. Who doesn't want access to instant travel?

My father is a man of many secrets, secrets that are on me now to keep safe.

For centuries, he traveled while accumulating skills and knowledge. Many know him as Aldus Mezzanotte, the owner of Notte Pharmaceuticals. Some know him as an alchemist. But there are so many other layers of him that are hidden, and I feel extremely honored that he shared them with me. At least some of them.

I understand that secrecy means safety, especially now when I don't have my father to protect me.

One might be innocent, but the treasures make him guilty, and portals definitely fall into the category of treasures.

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