The ride back to the mansion was quiet, the weight of the meeting with the Blackwoods still fresh in Alaric's mind. He stared out the window as the landscape passed by, his thoughts on the upcoming conflict with the Hargrove family. Though Gideon and Viktor had offered their support, Alaric knew that this would require precision and tact if they were to defeat the rogue werewolves gathering in the shadows.
Just as he was sinking deeper into his thoughts, his phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the silence in the car. He glanced at the screen, seeing Lucy's name flashing.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he answered the call. "Hey, Lucy."
"Big bro! You promised you'd come to my school play, remember? You didn't forget, did you?" Lucy's voice was full of excitement, but there was an edge of impatience that only a little sister could muster.
