Chapter 248
Elle’s POV
“The collection you saw in our library before?” Martin’s voice carried a note of pride I’d never heard from him. “That was truly just a drop in the ocean of what the Blair family actually possesses. Our real collection is measured in the hundreds of millions of texts. Do you understand what that means?”
I stared at him, my mind struggling to process the magnitude of what he was saying.
“You could say that the Blair family has preserved the entirety of global ancient civilization’s progress over these past centuries, Martin continued, his eyes
gleaming with reverence.
My mouth went dry. “Hundreds of millions…‘
Martin leaned forward. “The so–called Blair family sanctuary is actually a research facility. This place houses the world’s truly top–tier potion analysis and
ancient formula applications.”
I thought about the mysterious substance that had nearly killed Susan, and suddenly everything clicked into place.
‘You see, our ancestors studied alchemy and ancient witchcraft, so we have access to the most comprehensive mystical materials. Lethal ones, healing ones, even substances that can affect werewolf transformation–the knowledge is all–encompassing. These secret formulas have been lost to the outside world. Even the oldest packs don’t know them, but they’re all preserved there.”
The baby shifted inside me, as if responding to my shock. “But how… where is this place?”
Martin’s expression grew more serious. “That brings me to an important point. This research facility is almost impossibly advanced. How could the werewolf council in Moonshade Bay allow humans to possess such a mysterious research center? The answer is simple–this Blair family sanctuary isn’t in North America at all. It’s located on a small island in Indonesia. That island is the Blair family’s final stronghold. We purchased it‘ independently long ago, and most of the manuscripts and alchemical base are located on this Indonesian island.”
The scope of what Martin was describing seemed impossible, yet the earnestness in his voice told me he was completely serious.
‘But if you have all this…” I gestured helplessly. “Why does the Blairs seem to struggle financially?*
Martin’s face fell slightly. “The Blair family’s other pillar industries has contracted repeatedly.”
He rubbed his temples. “Your aunt Harper later made her mark through jewelry, barely managing to support the Blair family’s massive expenses. Without your aunt, the Blair family would have long since depleted our resources. After all, maintaining an alchemical research facility is no small expense,”
I nodded slowly, finally understanding why a family with such incredible assets seemed to live so modestly compared to Brad, Raymond, Peter, or Roy. They weren’t truly poor–they were investing everything into preserving ancient knowledge.
Martin stood and moved to the window. “For you to visit the sanctuary, you’ll need to take a private jet from our estate to Indonesia. The round trip will require considerable time.”
He moved closer, his voice filled with paternal protectiveness. “Your mother and I will be with you”
I felt a warmth spread through my chest as I looked at this man–my biological father. A man who had been played by his mother, a poor father who had only learned his daughter was alive after twenty–three years.
Thank you, Dad,” I said softly.
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Chapter 248
His voice grew fierce with determination. “I’ve only had two daughters in my life–you and Dakota. I’ve already lost one daughter. If I can’t protect you… what meaning would there be left in this old man’s life?”
His words moved me deeply.
“Rest for a bit, Martin said as he walked toward the door, he added, “I’ll go prepare with your mother. We’ll leave immediately.”
The private jet was smaller than Brad’s but well–appointed. As I settled into my seat, I noticed Stella had arranged for four female attendants to accompany
- me.
Once we were airborne, Stella took the seat beside me and immediately grasped my hand, reluctant to let go. I understood her feelings. As someone who would soon be a mother herself, I could imagine the pain of believing your child was dead for over twenty years.
“Elle…” Stella’s voice was soft, filled with years of suppressed emotion. “after we retrieve the medicine for Susan’s treatment, you can leave the family. I’d
rather believe that the you’re gone than watch you suffer now.”
I reached over and wrapped my arms around Stella’s neck, leaning against her like a child seeking comfort.
The connecting flights passed in a blur. After switching planes twice, I finally stood on the small island that housed the research facility. The tropical air was warm against my skin, but Martin’s next words sent chills down my spine.
From a national sovereignty perspective, this island no longer exists,” Martin explained as we walked toward a series of buildings hidden among the tropical vegetation. “It was completely submerged during a tsunami several years ago.”
He smiled grimly. “Of course, that’s just the surface story. For security reasons, we artificially created a tsunami to cover this island’s signals. So to the outside world, this is just open ocean. In reality, the island very much exists.”
The scope of their deception was staggering. “You faked a natural disaster?”
“We had no choice, Martin said seriously. “What we have here is too important.”
“We’ll need to pass through a lengthy security corridor,” Martin explained as we approached what looked like a simple building entrance. ‘This will verify your identity and collect blood samples for analysis. Only those with direct Blair family bloodline can enter.”
The security process was extensive. I submitted to blood tests, fingerprint scans, and retinal analysis. After several hours of walking through various checkpoints, carrying my pregnant belly through this maze, I was exhausted by the time we finally reached the research facility proper.
Martin and Stella led me to a rest area first. As I entered the room, I gasped. The entire space was constructed of transparent glass, offering a view of countless alchemical laboratories below where figures moved busily about their work./
Stella handed me a glass of water. “All the water here is purified seawater.”
I took the glass.
As I settled onto the sofa, something in the corner caught my attention. I pointed toward a monitor displaying what appeared to be a surveillance feed.
“Wait… what is that?”
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After One Night with the Alpha
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
