Chapter 2

The following day, there was a rare torrential downpour accompanied by deafening thunder.

A sudden, shrill scream came from downstairs.

The moment Ryan heard it, he ran out without even putting on his shoes. "Don't be afraid! It's just a thunderstorm!"

Lightning flashed across the night sky.

Sophia threw herself into his arms while trembling uncontrollably. "I can't help it. Every time I hear thunder, I recall the days when I was wandering alone–"

Ryan lowered his head sympathetically and cradled the back of hers with his large palm.

Luke glanced at the master bedroom before suddenly speaking up. "Dad, let Sophia sleep in your room! It's the most soundproof room in the house. She won't be scared there!"

Sophia clutched the hem of Ryan's shirt and shook her head frantically. Her face was awfully pale. "N-No, I can't. That's the Alpha and Luna's room. How could I possibly–"

A flicker of hesitation appeared in Ryan's eyes. His lips parted as if he wanted to refuse Luke.

But when he saw Sophia trembling, he couldn't bring himself to say no.

After a moment's hesitation, he looked up at me, who was standing at the foot of the stairs.

Both Ryan and Luke were waiting for me to give in.

"Go ahead. I'll sleep in the attic tonight." With that, I turned around and walked into the master bedroom right before their eyes.

Instead of throwing a tantrum as I might have done in the past, I pulled out a large wooden trunk.

I began packing all my clothes and personal belongings into it.

Ryan's brows furrowed deeply. He grabbed my wrist and spoke with barely concealed anxiety. "The attic is drafty and damp. Your old injury always acts up during thunderstorms. You won't be able to stand it. Don't say things you don't mean just because you're angry–"

Before I could respond, Sophia suddenly convulsed and collapsed.

"Sophia!" Ryan's expression changed dramatically. The tenderness that had just surfaced in his eyes was instantly replaced by panic.

He released my wrist without hesitation, scooped Sophia into his arms, and carried her to the master bedroom.

Luke followed behind him. As he passed me, he shoved me hard while glaring at me furiously. "This is all your fault! You knew she was scared, yet you took so long to pack! You're deliberately making Sophia suffer!"

I stumbled backward, and my lower back slammed into the doorframe.

A searing pain surged through my body.

It was the life-threatening injury I'd sustained years ago when a pack of rogues attacked our territory. I'd been torn apart by their claws and fangs while protecting Luke, who was still a little pup.

Back then, five-year-old Luke had touched the horrific scars on my lower back and cried uncontrollably. "Mom, you're hurting so much because you saved me. When I grow up, I'll become the strongest warrior and protect you for the rest of my life!"

Now, sweat broke out across my forehead as I slid down the wall. I was barely able to endure the pain.

Hearing the noise, Ryan turned around.

The moment he saw my pale face and the hand pressed against my lower back, his eyes went wide.

Instinctively, he loosened one arm around Sophia and prepared to walk toward me.

"Elena." His voice carried a trace of panic.

Right then, Sophia let out a weak whimper.

Ryan's feet stopped moving.

Without a second thought, he turned back to her. With an urgency that seemed entirely justified in his mind, he ordered me around. "I can't sense any life-threatening injury in you. Stop your own pain for now.

"Sophia has lost consciousness, and her condition is more critical. We can't wait. Go to the basement and get some calming herbs. Brew them into medicine for her!"

The basement was extremely cold, and being down there would be torture, especially with my old injury.

He knew exactly how much pain it would cause me, yet he still believed that the stronger person should always be the one to yield.

The last trace of warmth in my heart vanished.

Using the wall for support, I forced myself to stand and nodded obediently. "Okay."

Ryan's heart skipped a beat without reason.

He seemed to want to explain himself, but when he heard Sophia's faint cries for help, he merely shut the master bedroom door behind him in irritation.

Through the door, I heard him soothe her in the same gentle voice that he once used exclusively with me. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

I dragged my nearly numb body to the basement and prepared the medicine.

After handing it to Luke, who was waiting outside the door, I turned around and made my way to the attic.

I retrieved a document from my pocket.

My fingertips brushed over the words indicating my departure date.

There were two days left.