Chapter 7 The Past, Resurfaced

• Yvonne's POV:
• Hayden cut off any chance I had to refuse. "Yvonne, " he said, his tone firm yet understanding, "I know returning isn't what you want, but I ask you to give it serious thought. "
• "You've spent years learning healing arts and potion-making from me. By now, you're aware that the resources and technology in your home country are unrivaled. Overseas, the lack of adequate supplies restricts your research. Back home, however, you'll have access to a wealth of ingredients. Additionally, there are secluded medical families and elders from the witch community with ancient healing techniques. Once you master these, you'll be able to counter any poison. "
• "You're passionate about this field, aren't you? That's why I suggest you go back. With your expertise, you'll surely make remarkable strides. Besides, you've undergone significant growth. Even if you face old challenges or familiar faces, you're well-equipped to handle them, wouldn't you agree? "
• For a moment, I was at a loss for words.
• His arguments were compelling.
• Over the years, I had rekindled my passions and forged a career that allowed me to showcase my talents fully.
• I was no longer the woman whose existence revolved around Bryan.
• In Latveria, I had tackled numerous obstacles with calm determination. Fear no longer dominated my life.
• And perhaps Bryan was now married to Whitney, the woman he idealized.
• There was nothing left to fear.
• I took a deep breath. "Professor, I understand now. I'll go back. "
• Hayden's face brightened with relief. "I'm glad you've come to this decision. Don't worry; Linda will accompany you, and I'll send a specialized team to assist. "
• "Thank you, Professor. "
• I nodded and then addressed my two little ones. "Dawn, Dusk, Mama is returning to our home country to advance her work. Do you want to come with me? If you don't … "
• "Yes, yes! We've been wanting to visit the country for ages! It's Mama's hometown, " they responded eagerly.
• I had expected my children, raised in Latveria, to be hesitant about a new environment.
• Their excitement about returning was a pleasant surprise.
• As long as they wanted to come with me, I was relieved. I didn't want to part from them.
• "Alright, let's head home and pack our things! "
• "Yay! "
• Dawn and Dusk rushed out of the research institute, clearly thrilled.
• ...
• Two days later, I found myself back on familiar soil, after six years away, with my two beloved sons.
• The moment we disembarked and stepped into the terminal, Dusk tugged at my skirt, his legs crossed. "Mama, I need to use the bathroom urgently. "
• I couldn't suppress a chuckle as I patted his head. "Alright, let's go … "
• "Mama, don't pat me! I'm going to wet my pants! "
• Trying to stifle my laughter, I quickly led Dusk and Dawn to the nearest restroom.
• Once inside, I asked Dawn to stay with his brother while I watched over our luggage and sent a brief message to Hayden, informing him of our safe arrival.
• In that instant, a vaguely familiar voice sliced through the commotion.
• "You incompetent fools! There are so many of you, and you can't even keep an eye on a child? What use are you to me, then? "
• The speaker's voice brimmed with irritation, yet it possessed a distinct chill and resonance that drew the ear.
• My fingers, gripping my phone, stiffened.
• After six years, the sound of that voice felt eerily ingrained in my memory, as if it were a part of me I could never forget.
• I raised my eyes and saw him—Bryan.
• He stood not far away, his tall frame encased in a black suit that accentuated his imposing presence. His long legs and dignified stance made him stand out starkly in the crowd.
• From my vantage point, his profile was perfectly visible.
• His features seemed sculpted with divine precision, so flawless that even the sun and moon seemed to fade in comparison.
• Bryan!
• A sharp pang gripped my heart.
• I had not anticipated encountering him on my first day back.
• The long-suppressed emotions stirred within me briefly before sinking back into their depths.
• The relationship between Bryan and me belonged to another era.
• Although I had once loved him profoundly, seeing him now, hearing his voice, I managed to maintain my composure.
• "Mama, we're finished! "
• The cheerful voices of my two little ones jolted me back to the present.
• My heart raced as I felt a surge of panic.
• The urgent thought struck me: We needed to leave. I couldn't let Dawn and Dusk come into contact with him.
• Before we returned home, I had used a concealment spell to obscure their presence, preparing for a potential encounter with Bryan.
• Werewolves have an inherent ability to detect their progeny, and Bryan, being the Alpha of the largest wolf pack, possessed heightened senses.
• Despite masking Dawn and Dusk's scent, their faces bore a strong resemblance to his.
• If Bryan saw them, he would undoubtedly recognize them as his own.
• I had no wish to rekindle any ties with that cold-hearted man.
• "Let's move quickly. We don't want to keep Mia waiting, " I urged, ushering the kids towards the exit.
• Bryan, though engrossed in a phone call, seemed to sense something amiss. He abruptly turned his gaze in our direction.