Episode 21

“Aunty Bella, when will Mother come here?” Kenneth walked sluggishly toward Bella, pouting Keenan beside him doing the same.

“Be patient, my darlings, Kenneth and Keenan. Mother will surely come. Just wait a little longer.” Bella gently cupped Kenneth’s chin. She wanted to reassure them that their mother would definitely return.

“I really miss Mother, aunty,” Keenan responded. Bella deeply understood the longing they both felt for their mother.

“Yes, aunty misses her too. But we also miss Zale we’re used to playing with him. We feel guilty for leaving him behind when we ran.” Kenneth and Keenan lowered their heads. Both of them were burdened with guilt for abandoning their little brother.

“That wasn’t your fault. Perhaps it was destiny. Your mother still has important work to do with your younger brother,” Bella explained, hiding the truth.

“We understand, aunty. Maybe Mother really is very busy there. But… is she okay? And why did she suddenly have urgent work over there?” Kenneth asked, worried. They both surely missed their mother especially boys, who are often said to be very close to their mothers.

“Kenneth, Keenan… you two are very mature. Aunty is truly amazed by you both. Your mother is fine. And the reason she has sudden work there is because she’s teaching something.”

“Oh! Like how she teaches us!” Kenneth and Keenan replied cheerfully, clapping their hands.

“Exactly, until you both become as smart as you are now.” Bella smiled warmly, though inside she felt uneasy. She had no idea where Ale was; Ale only ever said she was fine. And until now, Bella could no longer mindlink Ale, Ale had vanished without a trace.

“Who else would teach us besides Mother? We don’t have a father.” Bella froze at Keenan’s innocent words. Kenneth nudged Keenan’s arm.

“Hey, aunty’s still here to teach and protect you. Isn’t that enough…?”

“But aunty, do we really not have a father? Teacher said a child is born from a father and a mother.” Keenan felt sad and a little jealous when he saw other children with fathers. Especially during school events, where their fathers would come.

“That’s not it, sweetheart. You do have a father it’s just that he’s busy with his work.” Bella tried to make Kenneth and Keenan understand.

“Really, aunty? But if he loves us and wants us, shouldn’t he visit even once? When we asked Mother about him, she always stayed silent.”

“Hm… aunty understands your father has never come to see you. But you should follow your mother’s example she raised you both without a father and without a partner. Your mother doesn’t answer because your father is working for your needs.” Kenneth and Keenan paused to think. But the next words that came out of their mouths made Bella freeze, her expression turning blank.

“Like aunty, who doesn’t have a partner too?”

***

“Kath?” Ale was startled as someone suddenly bumped her shoulder hard while she was walking toward the garden.

“Is it really you, Kath?” The person froze when Ale shot him a sharp glare, especially after she accidentally grabbed his shoulder firmly.

“S-sorry…” he stuttered, terrified by Ale’s unfriendly expression.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know you,” Ale replied coldly when the person claimed to recognize her.

“What? How can you not recognize me?”

“I’m Fabio, Alpha Zach’s cousin. I used to beg you to teach me archery. Kath is Alpha Zach’s mate he misses you terribly.” Yes, he was Fabio. He had often asked Kath to teach him archery, admiring her skills and hoping to become like her.

“I’m Ale, not Kath,” Ale replied flatly, not even offering a smile.

“Tch. I know you you hate lying. But now you’re lying to me,” Fabio insisted stubbornly. He couldn’t shake the thought that Kath was simply disguising herself. He had been secretly observing Ale’s movements all identical to Kath’s.

“Oww idiot!” Fabio cursed when someone smacked the back of his head. He immediately turned around.

“She really is Ale, not Kath. Naughty child.” That voice made Fabio jump. His heart immediately pounded.

“L-Luna Amarylis? Oh my God, I’m sorry I didn’t know it was you.” Fabio scratched his head nervously. He never expected to curse in front of the Luna.

“Your habit since childhood,” Luna Amarylis grumbled in annoyance. Her nephew was unbelievably rude.

“Hehe…”

“Where are you both going?” Luna Amarylis asked as she walked alongside them.

“I’m going to the garden to relax,” Ale said.

“I’m going with Ale,” Fabio added, slinging an arm over Ale’s shoulder only for Ale to forcefully push it off.

“Where is Zale?” Luna Amarylis looked around. Usually, Ale would take Zale with her everywhere.

“He was sleepy, so I left him in my room,” Ale answered simply. Zale had been drowsy earlier, so she left him there; feeling bored, Ale stepped out to clear her mind for a moment.

“Be careful when leaving Zale alone. There are many demons wandering around here. Well then, I’m going to meet the witch.” Luna Amarylis walked ahead of them. Ale looked deep in thought. A witch? For what? And demons? What did she mean?

“Witch? Demons?” Ale muttered unconsciously.

“That’s a witch, yes. And you didn’t mishear. Luna usually goes to the witch to solve her problems. The ‘demon’ she mentioned is Keona,” Fabio whispered the last part. Ale raised an eyebrow, trying to dig deeper.

“Is Luna dealing with a problem?” Ale tried to get more information from Fabio. Maybe she could discover something.

“No idea.” Unfortunately, Fabio knew nothing.

“Maybe it has something to do with the Alpha.”

“Is he alright?” Ale frowned. The Alpha? Did something happen to him?

“Ever since the Alpha’s mate disappeared, he’s gone a bit crazy or, well… lost some of his sanity. That’s why Luna started seeking guidance from the witch,” Fabio explained with a long sigh.

Ale remembered the first time she reunited with Luna how gentle she was, especially when Keona harassed her. Luna Amarylis had even defended her, as if she understood Keona’s heart. Is this what it meant?

“I hope they find his mate soon. The Alpha regrets everything he’s done.”

“Fabio… can you help me?”

“Help you?”