In the quietude of the room, Mervyn dared to hope that the storm of the Alpha's anger had subsided, yearning for his forgiveness.
Yet, just as the flicker of a smile began to surface, buoyed by the joy that blossomed within him, it was abruptly stifled.
"Dad, are we going hunting with big birds tomorrow?" Morgan's eager inquiry filled the room. "If yes, I'll sleep early tonight!"
"Hunting with big birds?" Mervyn echoed, his lips parting slightly in surprise as his gaze darted toward Clyde, silently pleading for an explanation.
But rather than offering a response, the Alpha wiped his mouth with a napkin and smoothly stood from his seat.
"I still have some work to attend to," he stated, the words delivered with a gentle tone, as he affectionately tousled Morgan's hair. "Vincent will come to get you later. See you soon."
Mervyn's heart raced as he rose from his seat, an impulse driving him to halt Clyde's departure.
