The living room fell silent, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.

"Didn't Delta Julian tell me Adrian rarely visited the pack house? Then why is he here?" I thought.

After what felt like an eternity, Auntie Grace's voice broke the silence.

"Adrian."

Adrian approached the couches and sat.

I tried to ignore him, looking down at my lap during their conversation.

"Did you come to check on me? You don't usually come to the pack house. We only see you when there's a pack—"

"What do you mean? Must I have a reason to come to my pack house? Isn't it my residence?"

I almost scoffed, but I controlled myself. His arrogance infuriated me.

"Adrian, Natalia kindly agreed to help us with your father's illness. We asked her to stay for a week," his mother said carefully. "We appreciate her willingness—"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Stay here?"

I was certain he knew nothing about it. If he insulted me again, I decided, I'd return to the hotel.

"You didn't even ask my permission to let a member of another pack stay in this pack house?" Adrian asked his parents.

I stood and said to his parents, "Uncle, Auntie, please forgive me. I can't stay here. If the Alpha doesn't want me, how can I?"

I smiled, cursing Adrian inwardly.

"You're not going anywhere. You'll stay. It's not just his pack house," his father said, assuming Adrian's disagreement.

"We asked her to stay, Adrian. Your father is sick. Don't argue," his mother said coldly.

I glanced at her. She looked like the Luna I remembered five years ago.

Adrian shook his head. "Stop pretending I care about her staying. My question was about your decision-making process."

His parents seemed relieved.

"She's my guest, someone I trust. My pack faces no threat from her; that's why I didn't consult you about her stay," Uncle Lucas replied.

Auntie Grace stood and took my hand. "Don't mind my son's nonsense. He's always like this. Who knows him better than you?"

I glanced at Adrian. He sat like a king, eyes fixed on his father, yet listening.

"You're right, Auntie. I know him very well," I said bitterly.

He sneered, turning to me. "Yes, and I know her well. I wish I could tell you both, but one of you is on the verge of losing himself; he can't handle the heartbreak—"

Startled that he'd mention my children, I tried to escape.

"Uncle, Auntie, goodnight."

I went upstairs to my room, assuming they'd discuss it further. I sighed, shutting the door.

"Just one week," I told myself.

I sat on the bed and video-called my children. I waved. Seeing them after a long day was emotional.

"My babies, what are you doing?" I asked, worried by their silence. "What happened? Don't you want to talk to your mom?"

Noah and Aria sat on the bed, upset. They shook their heads.

"Why?"

"Mom, you lied. You said you'd return tomorrow, but Grandpa said you'll be back in a week," Noah said gloomily.

"Noah, my baby, don't be mad. I tried to come back, but something came up."

Aria clutched a doll, avoiding my gaze.

How could I tell them I was with their father's parents? Their grandfather was ill, and I was comforting him. I felt guilty, but I couldn't risk revealing their identity to their cruel father.

"Mom's sorry. Look at me." I tugged my earlobes, apologizing. They almost cried.

"Just a few days. I'll be back soon. I promise."

After talking to them for a while, I ended the call late at night. I yawned, sleepy but thirsty.

There was no water in my room, so I went to the hallway, where dim lights illuminated the passageway. I saw a maid and asked for water, which she promised to bring.

Turning back to my room, I heard footsteps in the darkness. I stopped, spun around, and gasped. A dark silhouette stood behind me, its red eyes wide.