Chapter 10 News About Charles

Seraphina's Perspective:

Charles's disappearance really messed me up, and I was constantly worried someone might snatch my other two kids. Lucas was super independent and always sneaked out without a word, no matter how many times I told him not to. Today, he even took Saki to some place we didn't know. That kid's got guts.

When Lucas saw I was mad, he got scared. He quickly put down his pizza and curled up at the head of the bed. I was a bit surprised; usually, he'd be all whiny and begging for forgiveness.

"Mom, stop yelling at him!" Saki spread her little arms in front of Lucas, looking at me with those big, pleading eyes. "I was the one who kept saying I was hungry, so Lucas took me out. If you need to scold someone, scold me."

Seeing the two of them sticking up for each other, my anger just melted away.

"This is partly my fault, too," I said, squatting down to ruffle Saki's hair. "I should have come back earlier."
It was all that crazy werewolf's fault, blocking me for no reason and doing those things to me! Just thinking about it made my cheeks flush. I muttered under my breath, "Horny jerk! I better not see him again!"

Then I turned to the kids and said, "Alright, it's time to rest. Let's get you both bathed and then off to bed. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the amusement park, okay?"

"Yay!" Saki cheered, grabbing Lucas and dragging him to the bathroom.

After getting them both washed up and settled in their rooms, I took a long, hot shower myself. By the time I was done, it was already late at night. As usual, I checked on Saki and Lucas before going to bed.

Saki was already asleep, hugging her bunny doll, but Lucas was curled up at the edge of his bed, hugging his knees.

Alex's Perspective:

I was really tired, but I didn't dare to sleep. The room was so dark, just like the little dark room, Cecilia would lock me in when Dad wasn't home. I've been away from home for so long now. I wonder if Dad is looking for me. This family seems kind, and they might have mistaken me for a boy called Lucas, but they're still strangers. Should I call Dad to get me?
Just as I was thinking this, I felt the bed dip beside me, and I was pulled into a warm embrace.

"Sorry, sweetheart," Seraphina said, gently stroking my back.

It was strange. Her hand wasn't as big as Dad's, but it made me feel safe. I closed my eyes, instinctively leaning into her.

"Are you upset because I scolded you earlier?" Seraphina's voice was soft and apologetic.

"I was too impulsive. I know you took Saki out because she was hungry. I should have praised you for being a little hero who can protect Saki. But promise me, okay? Don't run off like that again. If I ever lost you, I'd be heartbroken."

Hearing this, I lowered my head, feeling a mix of emotions. I wasn't her son. Maybe she mistook me because we look alike. If her real son were missing, she'd be devastated.

She's so kind and gentle. I don't want to make her sad. Just as I was about to say something, she kissed my cheek.

The unexpected touch made my eyes widen. Then she turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into deeper darkness. Fearful memories surged back, making me feel like I was drowning.
I wanted to escape this dark, scary place, but she held me close, lying down with me in the soft bed.

I stiffened. She seemed to notice and chuckled softly. "Sweetheart, I already apologized. Holding a grudge isn't polite. I'll sleep with you tonight, okay? Will you forgive me?"

Her voice was soothing, making me forget my fear. I nodded, "Okay."

She smiled and said, "That's my good boy."

She kissed my forehead again. I liked the feeling and couldn't help but smile, closing my eyes in contentment. For some reason, her embrace calmed my anxious heart. I drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and happy, and had a good dream.

Seraphina's Perspective:

After getting Lucas to sleep, I quietly left the room and went to my computer. I intended to look up information about that crazy werewolf from earlier, but a long-lost contact sent me a message, catching me off guard.

[Seraphina, I've found some information about the hospital where you gave birth four years ago.]