《Unexpected Mate: The Cruel Alpha’s Little Wolf》全部章節：第 111 章 - 第 120 章

The estate came into view a few minutes later. As the car turned through the familiar gates, my eyes instinctively searched the courtyard. Several vehicles stood where they usually did. Servants moved about their afternoon duties. A pair of gardeners were trimming the hedges near the fountain. Everything appeared perfectly ordinary. Everything... Except Kael's car. It wasn't there. The quiet hope I'd carried throughout the drive faded a little. Perhaps he hadn't returned yet. Or perhaps he'd already gone back out again. Neither explanation was particularly comforting. The vehicle rolled to a stop before the front steps. One of the footmen hurried forward to open the door. Miss Agatha climbed out first before turning to help Aurelia. Normally, she would have bounded up the steps before either of us had even reached the entrance. Today... She waited quietly beside Miss Agatha. I pretended not to notice. "Would you like something to eat before chan

For a brief moment, no one spoke. Kael held Elder Rowan's gaze before giving a single nod. "I'll be there shortly." "As you wish, my Alpha." He turned to leave, then paused. "My Luna." I looked up. "There are several reports from the eastern villages awaiting your review." "I've left them in your office." "Thank you." With that, he quietly departed. The room fell silent once more. The dining room fell silent once more. Kael reached for the jacket hanging over the back of his chair. As he slipped it on, I noticed his movements were slower than usual. It was not so obvious, but I noticed. "You didn't get much sleep." He adjusted one of his cuffs. "No." "Neither did you." It wasn't a question. I smiled faintly. "I suppose not." For a moment, it almost felt as though one of us should say something more. Instead... He simply gave a small nod. "I'll see you later." Before I could reply, he had already crossed the room. The door closed

Dinner continued quietly after that. Every now and then, I caught Aurelia stealing a glance towards her father. Kael noticed. Though he said nothing more. He simply allowed the meal to continue at its own unhurried pace. When the last of the dishes had been cleared away, he folded his napkin neatly and set it beside his plate. He looked towards Aurelia. "Are you ready?" She hesitated only a moment before slipping down from her chair. "I am." He rose and walked around the table. For a brief second, I thought he might reach for her hand. Instead, he rested a gentle hand against the middle of her back. A quiet gesture. "Shall we?" She nodded. Together, they left the dining room. The doors closed softly behind them. I remained seated for another moment, my eyes lingering on the now-empty doorway. It struck me that, for the first time since I'd come to Blackwood... There was nothing I could do. Yesterday, I had comforted Aurelia as best I could.

The thought lingered with me long after the archivist had left. Even as I gathered the records into neat piles and retied the ribbons around them... My mind returned to the missing years. One day... They were simply gone. I rested my hand lightly against the topmost volume before pushing the thought aside. There would be time to return to it. Today... Blackwood needed its Luna. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in." Elder Rowan stepped inside, carrying a leather folder beneath one arm. "My Luna." "Elder Rowan." "I hope I'm not disturbing you." "Not at all." His eyes briefly settled on the stack of historical records before returning to me. "I've come with a matter requiring your attention." I gestured towards the chair opposite my desk. "Please." Rather than sitting, he placed the folder before me. I opened it. Inside were several neatly organised reports. At first glance, they appeared unrelated. One concerned repairs to a grain store.

The following morning began earlier than usual. By the time I reached the dining room, breakfast had already been laid out. Miss Agatha was helping Aurelia butter a slice of bread. "Not so much." "But I like butter." "I know you do." "Then why not?" "Because we'd like to taste the bread as well." I laughed quietly as I took my seat. "Good morning." Both of them looked up. "Good morning, Aria," Aurelia said brightly. Miss Agatha inclined her head. "My Luna." Aurelia immediately pushed a basket towards me. "I saved the warm ones." I smiled. "Thank you." "They're the best." "I'll trust your judgment." She nodded with complete confidence. "You should." I had just reached for my tea when footsteps sounded outside the dining room. A moment later... Kael entered. "Good morning." "Good morning," I replied. Aurelia beamed. "You're early today!" "I am." He took his usual seat. "I have fewer meetings this morning." "That's good."