Chapter 110: Chapter 110

Adelie

I found myself alone in the dining room. The table was bare, devoid of life. Helen had left, leaving me without anyone to cook or clean. I ran my finger along the table, lifting it to reveal a layer of dust.

The evening was creeping in. I was waiting for Magdalena. I moved to the kitchen, brewed some tea, and fetched candles. I didn’t want the harshness of full lighting.

I looked worn out, defeated. I needed to hide my vulnerability as best as I could.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. It was Fala. “Hey,” she greeted, and I mustered a smile in return.

“I thought I could help out, since most of the pack is gone.”

I lit three white candles and took my place at the table’s end. “Just stay safe. That’s all you need to do. The pack is at Archibald’s if you feel safer there,” I offered.

I wasn’t sure if it was best for her to stay here. “You might want to go there. It’s less gloomy, and if anything happens, there are people who can protect you. They’ve sworn to protect our pack.”

Fala stared at me, her expression blank. “Did you have something else in mind?” I asked.

“I don’t plan on staying here,” she admitted.

“Oh,” I stammered. “Not in the pack?”

She shook her head.

“Where will you go?” I asked.

“Back,” she replied. “I’m a rogue now. I met with the others who left. The children and the elderly.”

“None of you are coming back?” I asked, hoping it was just a temporary situation.

“I don’t think so. I don’t live with them, but they seemed safe. They’re taking good care of the children.”

“Where are they staying?” I asked.

She hesitated before answering. “They joined another pack,” she said, her voice shaky.

It made sense to keep the children safe, but there was a closer pack. The next nearest pack wasn’t even within walking distance. If they ~were~ there. They could be even further.

“Are you there too, just afraid to say it? I’d feel better knowing you’re in a pack,” I told her.

“I’m not coming back to the pack. I’m leaving to live in the human world,” she declared.

“A rogue in the human world? Who’s there for you?”

She seemed puzzled by my question. “A simpler life. I feel more comfortable there.”

“Fala. It’s not safe for you there.” ~But then again, it wasn’t safe here either.~

“I’ll be okay. I grew up alone. I can take care of myself. But know this isn’t about you or Kairos or what’s happening.

“I think you’re a great Luna and will do great things.”

I smiled at her. “Not for much longer.” She tilted her head and sat beside me.

“Your brother told me he doesn’t want me to be Luna anymore. So if you want to return to your old life, you have nothing to worry about. Once this is over, I’ll be gone.”

“He can’t mean that. You can’t take anyone seriously right now. Everyone’s struggling,” she said, trying to lift my spirits.

“I failed, Fala. I failed many times. He stood by me through it all and I still failed. He can’t keep seeing me fail and not think it’s a mistake for me to be Luna.”

She took my hands in hers. “This is hard on everyone, but don’t let things said in the heat of the moment get to you. I’m sure it’s just a rough patch.

“They say the first year of marriage is the toughest, in the human world at least.” She laughed, but I didn’t share her amusement.

“It’s not just about that,” I countered. “How do you help someone who doesn’t want to be helped?”

“He’s exhausted. And frightened,” she replied.

“I don’t think he knows fear. Not once. That’s how I know he’s done. That’s how I know he’s giving up. Because he’s ~never~ afraid.”

Just as I finished speaking, Maeve entered with a group of older women. “Luna Adelie. Magdalena has arrived.” I wanted to ask Maeve to stay, but she left before I had the chance.

“Hello, Magdalena.” I rose to greet her. “I’ve been expecting you. I’m glad you could make it,” I said.

She looked surprisingly youthful. Older than me, but still vibrant. I had pictured an elderly woman when I thought of young Kairos. “I was informed. But I haven’t been introduced to the new Luna of this pack yet.”

“Oh, yes, I apologize. I’m Adelie Garcia.” I couldn’t shake off what Kairos had said. Just uttering his last name made me question whether I should say it or not. “I’m Luna of this pack.”

“It’s much quieter here than I remember,” she commented as I motioned for her to sit. “But I was told about the tragic history of the pack. It must be devastating for all the pack members.”

“I’ve heard it was a nightmare.” I poured her a cup of tea and slid it across the table to her. “So, did you live here or…?”

She laughed. “Oh no, I was just visiting. The Garcia family said they trusted only me,” she said, her smile sweet as she sipped her tea. She seemed to be reminiscing about happier times.

She set down her cup. “But that’s not why you summoned me, is it? Not to discuss me. I’m curious to know what this is about and how it could help Kairos,” she said, seemingly aware of all the details.

“You were the one who delivered Garcia’s firstborn, correct?” I asked.

“Yes, I was,” she confirmed.

“I was told that the answer lies with the firstborn Garcia. Was there anything unusual?” I rubbed my eyes.

“I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but if anyone would know, it would be someone who was there.

“And just to be clear, I’m willing to pay whatever you ask for any information. Please, I beg you, don’t hold anything back.”

She smirked at that. “I won’t ask for much. The tea is enough. You can’t put a price on a memory from so long ago,” she said.

She folded her hands together and placed them on the table. “There were many unusual things, from his birth to when I saw him as a young boy.

“He was not a typical child. I was told to keep quiet about it. But those who made me keep secrets are gone. His parents.” ~Was it really that bad?~ “The parents noticed right away that the child had a dark side.”

That didn’t sound like Kairos, but I continued to listen. “I cared for the child, but there was only so much I could do. He was…different. And it’s strange to say that about a child.”

She took a sip of her tea. “Well, at least now he’s come to his senses. Something must have clicked in his mind.”

Did she really remember that well? I wasn’t sure we were talking about the same person.

“Actually, he’s cursed right now. That’s why I was searching for you,” I said, my hope fading. “He’s been imprisoned now.”

She placed her cup on the table, her brows knitting together. “That’s not true. I saw him today. He seemed perfectly okay. I mean, I can’t speak for his mental state, but physically, he’s good.”

I offered her a weak smile, shaking my head. “You must be confused. Kairos is heavily protected. There’s no way he could have gotten out.”

“Why are you bringing up Kairos? He isn’t the eldest Garcia child.”