Chapter 75

Alaria

The drive home felt longer than usual, though I knew it wasn’t.

My chest ached with the weight of everything, Claire’s return, Liam’s silence, the way my heart twisted despite all my attempts to steel it.

I parked the car and didn't say a word for a few seconds. Anastasia looked at me through the rear mirror, her eyes studying my expression, and I knew that she was well aware that it was not okay. However, I also knew that regardless of how many times she would ask me, I would not tell her that I was not alright.

“When we go inside, Nasia, I want you to take a shower and then we can proceed with lunch. You had a very long day and you are very sweaty.” I said, looking at my daughter, wanting to change the subject.

“But I'm not very hungry, Mama. I already ate my cookies at school.”

“Cookies are not a main meal, little wolf. You're going to need to eat if you want to grow.” I said, forcing myself to remember that if I wa