Chapter 129

Richard's POV

She was sleeping. Finally.

I stood in the darkness, watching Elena's chest rise and fall in the rhythmic pattern of deep slumber. The moonlight streaming through the window cast shadows across her face, highlighting the pallor that hadn't been there hours before.

"This stubborn woman," I muttered under my breath, moving closer to the bed.

My eyes, adapted perfectly to the darkness, took in every detail of her face. Six years hadn't changed her as much as I'd initially thought. The same delicate features, the same vulnerability in sleep that she never showed while awake.

"Does it still hurt?" I asked softly, not expecting an answer.

To my surprise, her lips parted slightly. "...doesn't hurt anymore," she mumbled, still deep in her dreams.

Something twisted inside my chest. How many times had she said those words to our children over the years? How many times had she lied about her own pain to comfort them?

Elena shifted in her sleep, her face suddenly contorting as the movement pulled at her wound. A small whimper escaped her lips.

Without thinking, I carefully pulled her into my arms, steadying her.

"It's okay," I whispered, gently patting her back. "You'll be fine..."

She settled against me, her breathing evening out once more. I was reluctant to move, fearing I might wake her. The wolf inside me, always restless, grew strangely calm.

Max's POV

The Blackwood Manor was nothing like I'd imagined. It was huge—like, mega-huge—with over a dozen acres of private forest surrounding several mansions. And apparently, all of them belonged to our family.

"Max, look! More chocolate!" Lily squealed, her attention completely captivated by the treats everyone kept offering her.

I scanned the room carefully. At least a dozen adults had gathered in the main hall, all staring at us like we were some kind of rare exhibition. The air felt heavy with their intense focus, their scents mingling into an overwhelming cloud of curiosity and excitement.

"Would you kids like to see the west wing gardens? I have a most beautiful koi pond," a woman with perfectly styled blonde hair suggested.

"No, no," a tall man interrupted, "the children should visit the game room first. I've just had a new entertainment system installed."

Before I could process these invitations, three more adults approached with their own suggestions.

Kathy, who'd been silent beside us, suddenly spoke up. "Everyone, please don't rush," she said, her voice surprisingly mature for such a small girl. "We need to ask Grandpa first."

I glanced at her, perfect response. Her eyes were constantly moving, watching everyone with the same wariness I felt. Meanwhile, Lily just kept munching on chocolate, completely oblivious to the atmosphere.

The crowd parted as Grandpa and Grandma approached.

"Since everyone's so eager," Gerald announced with a slight smile, "the children will visit Howard's area first."

A middle-aged man with thinning hair and eager eyes stepped forward, looking pleased.

"Lily, Kathy!" Howard called out cheerfully.

I felt Kathy tense beside me. Her small face hardened instantly, her eyes filled with distrust.

"Kathy, what's wrong?" I whispered, keeping my voice low enough that only she could hear.

She didn't answer, but her posture remained rigid as Howard approached us.

"Lily, come here, let me give you a hug," Howard said, reaching for my sister.

Something in his tone set off alarm bells in my head. I quickly stepped between them.

"Sorry, Uncle Howard," I said with my most innocent smile. "My sister doesn't like being hugged by people she doesn't know well."

Howard's smile faltered slightly. "Is that so?"

"Maybe you could just lead the way instead?" I suggested politely. "We'll follow you."

"Very well," he recovered smoothly. "Follow me. Aunt Leila has prepared some amazing desserts."

At the mention of food, Lily's face lit up. But I noticed Kathy remained alert, her eyes never leaving Howard's back as we walked.

As Howard led us away, I overheard whispers behind us.

"Howard's always currying favor. First with Kathy, now with Lily..."

"He's probably trying to secure a place for that weak son of his in the future pack hierarchy."

"If he doesn't suck up to Gerald now, his branch will get nothing when territory is divided..."

I found their conversation strange, wondering why they always had to compete with each other.

---

We followed Howard along a winding path through the forest. The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Soon we arrived at Howard's mansion.

Inside Howard's house, his wife Leila greeted us with a tray of elaborately decorated desserts.

"Look at these beautiful children!" she exclaimed, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Here, Lily, Kathy, try these chocolate brownies."

I watched as she deliberately tilted the tray toward the girls, completely ignoring me. My stomach tightened with disappointment, but I tried not to show it.

Kathy noticed immediately. She sat next to me, placing it directly in front of me.

"Aunt Leila," Lily said with unexpected seriousness, "if my brother doesn't get food, I won't eat either."

Howard's face darkened. "Leila, what are you doing?" he hissed. "He's Richard's son too!"

Leila's smile strained further as Howard personally served me a large helping of maple-glazed pancakes.

"Here, Max," he said warmly. "These were made especially for you."

We stayed for another hour before a staff member came to escort us back to Gerald's mansion for the night.

---

Kathy's POV

I couldn't sleep. Something felt wrong.

Around midnight, Lily started whimpering in her bed across the room. I sat up, watching as she tossed and turned, her forehead glistening with sweat.

"Max," I pushed my brother in the next bed. "Something's wrong with Lily."

Max jumped up immediately, rushing to our sister's side. "She's burning up!"

I ran to get Grandpa Gerald, my heart pounding. Within minutes, the bedroom was filled with adults—Grandpa, Grandma Riley, and several staff members.

"What happened?" Grandpa demanded, his face etched with worry as he placed a hand on Lily's forehead. "Why is she suddenly feverish?"

Brad speculated, "Perhaps she caught a chill while playing at Howard's place this afternoon?"

The pack doctor arrived quickly, examining Lily with practiced efficiency.

"It appears to be a simple cold," he announced reassuringly. "I'll give her an injection, and she should recover quickly."

As the adults discussed treatment options, a cold fury was building inside me. I felt this wasn't a coincidence.

"It was them," I stated suddenly, my voice cutting through the room's chatter.

Everyone turned to look at me.

"What did you say, Kathy?" Grandpa asked, surprise evident in his tone.

My hands balled into fists as I spoke the accusation that had been forming in my mind all evening. "It must have been Howard who did this."

The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on me.

Grandma Riley rushed to my side, her face filled with shock. "Darling, what are you saying? Who's hurting your sister?"

I looked straight at Grandma Riley, not backing down. "Howard! He made Lily sick."

Grandpa Gerald interjected, clearly not believing me. "Kathy, I know you don't like Howard, but you can't make accusations like this. Lily just has a common cold."

"No!" I stamped my foot, feeling the frustration build inside me. "It's not just a cold! Whenever I went to his place, I would get sick too!"

I saw Brad, the butler, making a subtle gesture toward Grandpa.

Grandpa Gerald seemed to notice it too. He exchanged a quick glance with Brad before turning back to me with a different expression.

"Alright, Kathy," he said, his voice softer now. "I believe you. From now on, none of you children will visit Howard's home."

I let out a cold "Hmph!" and gave him one last skeptical look before Grandma Riley led us away.