Chapter 3

When I got up in the morning, Silas had already returned home. He sat at the dining table, drinking coffee and flipping through the documents in his hands.

"Good morning, Vera." Silas got up, came over, and kissed my cheek.

"Did you manage to settle yesterday's matter?" I asked calmly.

"Yeah." He looked down, not daring to meet my eyes, his voice quiet.

"Oh, by the way, since we won the battle with the Moonshadow Pack, I plan to have a party tonight. You'll come with me, okay?"

He glanced at me, waiting for me to agree.

Traditionally, the Luna had to attend any victory celebration. If I didn't show up, it would only fuel gossip throughout the pack and make Silas suspicious.

Besides, this was also my last chance to confirm my escape route.

"Sure," I replied.

"Great." Silas smiled.

That afternoon, when I arrived at the party with Remus in my arms, Eva was sitting at the dining table, looking around anxiously.

The moment she saw Silas walking over with me, she shot to her feet. "Silas…" Her voice was light. She instinctively shrank upon seeing me. "Luna, you're here too. Did I take your spot?"

Eva was sitting in the spot usually reserved for me.

"It's okay. You can sit here." Silas said gently. "I don't want you off by yourself in the corner."

He made it sound so casual, as if my spot was something he could give away at will. I didn't object, though. I just sat across from them with Remus in my arms.

"Oh, my dearest Remus, you're so adorable today. Give me a hug, okay?" Eva stretched out her arms carefully, looking eager to please.

Remus didn't like strangers touching him, so he immediately turned his head to the side and buried his face in my chest, grabbing my collar.

"Mommy, I don't want her. No."

Eva's hand froze mid-air as her smile stiffened.

"Remus is afraid of strangers. Don't force him." Silas spoke in a calm voice, but that was all he said.

Eva's eyes gradually reddened. She lowered her head and mumbled, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault." Then she swiftly stood up, turned around, and ran out.

Silas immediately put down his cutlery. His eyes were locked in the direction Eva had left, his brows furrowed. His worry was plain on his face.

"Vera." His voice was tight. "Her emotions are all over the place. I'm worried something will happen to her. I'll go take a look, and I'll be back soon."

I watched him stride away without saying a word.

Not long after, Remus began squirming restlessly in my arms, his little face scrunched up. "Mommy, it's so noisy here. I'm dizzy."

I felt his forehead. He didn't have a fever, so I gently reassured him, "Let's go outside and get some fresh air."

A pleasant breeze blew against our faces in the forest. Remus lay on my shoulder, slowly quieting down.

Just then, familiar voices came from a distance.

"Don't cry. Remus is still young. He wasn't targeting you."

"But everyone was looking at me. They said I'm a burden who won't leave you alone." Eva choked with sobs. "Silas, maybe I shouldn't have come. Did I cause you trouble?"

"No, you didn't." Silas' voice turned serious. "Your father entrusted you to me, so I won't turn my back on you. I'll deal with whoever dares to talk badly about you."

"Then… Will Vera hate me?"

"No," he replied without hesitation. "She's always been understanding and considerate. She won't mind."

Holding Remus in my arms, I suddenly felt like laughing.

"But don't let her find out about what happened today or last night." Silas paused, his voice tender. "She's already had it hard enough. I don't want her to overthink these trivial matters."

Just then, Remus woke up and squirmed in my arms. He whispered, "Mommy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." I gently patted his back. "Let's go back."

I turned around and left without making any noise.

Half an hour later, Silas came back, and soon after, Eva did as well.

Silas said apologetically, "Vera, I have something to handle later. You and Remus should go back and rest first."

Remus happened to look up then and glance at Silas. "Mommy, let's go home."

"Remus, I'll spend some time with you tomorrow, okay?" Silas reached out, wanting to caress his hair.

But Remus had heard this promise too many times before.

He just turned his head to the side and ignored him.

"Okay." I nodded.

When I passed Eva, she looked at me timidly. It seemed she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just lowered her head.

I ignored her and kept walking.

After all, I'd be leaving soon.

It no longer mattered to me who Silas spent tonight with or who he chose to protect.