"Mom… why did someone suddenly come into the house and hurt you?" Sawyer crouched fearfully under the table, hugging Asher.
I couldn't help but smile at their closeness, like glue and a stamp.
"There, there, kids. Everything will be alright. Come on, go back to eating your dinner. I'll go check outside." I reached out my hand to comb through Sawyer's messy hair and gave them an encouraging smile.
"But have they left?" Asher asked, "I'm afraid they still intend to attack mom." I sighed, trying to give a careful and not frightening answer to them.
"No, dear. They've gone. Continue with your dinner; I'll go check outside." Asher and Sawyer looked at each other with fearful faces, but eventually, they nodded. I then left the dining room, heading towards the mansion's foyer.
When I arrived in the foyer, my eyes immediately fell on Dave, who was still there. He looked pale and it was clear he was injured. His body was swaying, leaning against the walls of our large house. I quickly sped up, worried about his condition.
"Dave, are you okay?" I rushed to support him, feeling a bit of panic as I noticed his lower abdomen was torn open.
"I'll be fine," he forced a weak smile, "I just need to rest."
"Come on, let's get you to the infirmary. I'll call for help." I helped him up and supported his weight as we made our way towards the infirmary, which was located at the other end of the mansion.
As we walked, Dave explained to me what had happened. He was out patrolling the perimeter when he saw a group of intruders trying to break in through the gates. He tried to stop them but was outnumbered and ended up getting injured.
My heart raced with fear and anger as I heard his story. How dare someone try to attack our home, our family? But I pushed those thoughts aside for now, focusing on getting Dave the help he needed.
Once we reached the infirmary, I quickly called for Healer Cruz again to come and tend to Dave's wounds. While we waited, I made sure Dave was comfortable and tried to ease his pain as much as possible.
As we waited, my mind couldn't help but wander back to my children.
"Wait here for a moment; I'll check on Sawyer and Asher."
Dave nodded, and I quickly went to see Sawyer and Asher, who were still enjoying their dinner. I reassured them that everything was fine.
"Darlings, are you finished?" I asked, noticing their plates were empty.
"Yes, Mommy. What happened? Did you find someone?" Sawyer's eyes were wide with curiosity. I smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Yes, we did. But everything is under control now. It's time for bed; you two have school tomorrow." I ushered them to their rooms, tucking them in and giving them a goodnight kiss before heading back to the infirmary.
"Barby, where do you want to go?" asked Timothee, who had just entered the foyer.
"Follow me to the infirmary, Tim. Dave is hurt and needs help," I replied while giving instructions to some guards to strengthen the security around the house. The two of us hurried to the infirmary and joined Dave. We waited anxiously, and finally, Healer Cruz arrived and began treating Dave's wounds.
Timothee followed me anxiously, realizing that something had happened.
"Who is that?" Timothee asked immediately.
"No one knows, Timmy. They were wearing a headcover." I explained, cupping my own chin while recalling which part of the intruder's body I had attacked.
"Guards!" Timothee yelled loudly, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up instantly.
Several groups of guards soon arrived, panting, and then knelt before Timothee simultaneously.
"Explain how you could be so negligent?" Timothee said with a raised voice, a sign of his deep frustration. "I've said it before when I left the mansion. You must not be careless and allow an intruder inside!"
"But Lycan, I completely did not see any intruders entering. Since earlier, we have been on guard and no one has come in or out," one of the guards bowed and explained.
"Nonsense! Look at Dave! He is hurt because an intruder sneaked in," his words were full of panic and worry.
"Forgive us, Lycan. We are not lying about it at all."
The other guard nodded in agreement, "Yes, we have been vigilant and have not let anyone pass through our watch."
Timothee's brow furrowed in frustration, "Then how do you explain Dave's injuries? He couldn't have hurt himself."
The guards exchanged worried glances before one of them spoke up, "Perhaps the intruder is still hiding within the premises. We will search every corner to ensure the safety of the castle."
Timothee nodded, his expression tense, "Do it quickly. We cannot risk any harm coming to the others. I will inform the rest of the guards to be on high alert."
Suddenly, Dave spoke haltingly. "Lycan, I saw the intruder using a cloak made of sheep's wool."
"A sheep's wool cloak?" Timothee muttered angrily, his rage evidently peaking. "What kind of intruder is that?"
"I'm not sure, Lycan, it ran from inside the mansion and immediately attacked me when I tried to stop it." Dave whispered.
"Where did it run off to, Dave?" Timothee approached Dave for a more detailed explanation. Dave hesitated before answering, "It ran towards the east wing of the mansion, Lycan. I tried to follow it, but it hurt me and then disappeared into the shadows."
Timothee's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "We need to find this intruder before it causes any more trouble. Let's split up and search the east wing, Dave. Take a rest and if you remember something tell me."
Dave nodded. "Sure, Lycan."
"Listen closely, Guards! It's wearing a wolf in sheep's clothing. Search every nook and cranny without exception!" Timothee commanded firmly.
"Lycan, I apologize for interrupting your command, but the only person who has a sheepskin cloak in Silver Armor is Prily." Healer Cruz interjected politely.
"Prily?"