Alaric stood in the grand hall of the mansion, his gaze sweeping over the elegantly furnished space. The shadows cast by the chandeliers danced softly across the marble floors as the sun dipped below the horizon. Despite the looming tension outside, there was an undeniable sense of comfort and security within these walls.
The recent information about the werewolf gathering weighed heavily on his mind, yet he had no intention of sharing these details with his adoptive family. Maria, Lucy, and everyone else were blissfully unaware of the supernatural undercurrents threatening to disturb their peaceful lives. Alaric preferred it that way. After all, they were human, and there was no need for them to be burdened by matters they couldn't understand or defend themselves against.
"Are you sure it's alright for us to take a break like this?" Maria asked, her tone light but laced with a hint of concern. "You've been looking a bit tense lately, Alaric."
