Kathy was in the room with Donald, but my eyes stayed on him. I stared at him with wide eyes, unable to hide my surprise.
"Are you that shocked to see me?" he asked, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts.
I quickly fixed my expression and shook my head.
Seeing Donald brought a small wave of relief. At least he might know what was happening back home. But the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach refused to go away. It was the same feeling that always had anytime I was around him.
"What happened to you, Elena?" Donald asked the moment he got a good look at me. Worry filled his eyes as they slowly scanned my face.
His question didn't surprise me.
The makeup had hidden the dark circles under my eyes, but it couldn't hide how much weight I had lost over the past few days.
I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could say a word, the large doors swung open.
"Our poor dear Elena has been a little depressed."
Alexander walked into the room with a smile on his face.
He wore a simple black shirt and black pants. His dark hair fell loosely over his forehead, and that familiar smirk rested on his lips as though he was enjoying every second of this.
"Depressed?" Donald repeated, his brows pulling together in confusion.
Alexander walked over and casually draped an arm around Donald's shoulders as if they were close friends.
"You see, a lot of things have happened..."
"Alexander." My voice came out sharper than I intended.
The room fell silent.
Everyone turned to look at me.
I met Alexander's eyes with a warning look. I knew exactly what he was about to say. He was about to tell Donald that I had permanently lost my wolf.
Kathy glanced between the two of us. Sensing the heavy tension in the room, she quietly walked over and gently squeezed my shoulder, silently wishing me courage before slipping out of the room.
The door clicked shut behind her.
I slowly turned to Donald, forcing the fear out of my face. "I've just been a little sad lately," I said with a weak smile. "I haven't been able to talk to anyone from home."
The lie rolled off my tongue easier than I expected.
There was no way I could let him know the truth.
Donald shrugged Alexander's arm off his shoulder and started walking toward me.
Without thinking, I took a step back.
He froze.
A deep frown settled on his face as he noticed I was avoiding him.
"How is everyone at home?" I quickly asked, hoping to distract him. "How is my brother?"
Donald let out a quiet sigh. "He's been busy," he answered. "He's been working day and night to rebuild the pack."
His expression softened. "He was worried sick when he heard you were injured."
A painful ache spread through my chest.
I forced a smile. "I'm fine," I whispered. "It wasn't that serious."
"Not that serious?" Donald repeated.
He didn't raise his voice, but I could sense the anger in his tone.
"You were attacked by Red Wolves. You were unconscious for three days, Elena." His jaw tightened. "And you call that 'not serious'?"
I lowered my eyes. "I'm better now," I said quietly.
Silence settled between us then Donald looked at me carefully. "Is Alex bullying you?"
"I'm standing right here, you know," Alexander said from the couch where he had made himself comfortable, sounding almost amused.
Donald ignored his remark. He turned to face Alexander, his expression turning serious.
"I thought you said she would be safe here."
Alexander simply crossed one leg over the other and looked up at Donald. "She is."
"You told us nothing would happen to her."
Alexander's smile never faded. "She's standing before you today because I did exactly what I promised."
Donald looked back at me. This time, he slowly took two careful steps forward.
I immediately stepped back again. The movement was small, but neither of us missed it.
Confusion flashed across Donald's face. He wanted to ask more questions. I could see them in his eyes.
I looked away before he could speak.
There was no way I could tell him everything that had happened since I came here. I couldn't let anyone outside this mansion know that I had lost my wolf.
The only thing left that proved I was a werewolf was the blood running through my veins. Now I was as weak as any human.
I didn't want anyone looking at me with pity. I didn't want anyone thinking I needed someone beside me every second just to stay alive.
Until I found a way to get my wolf back, this secret had to stay hidden.
And Donald...
Donald was the last person I wanted to see me at my weakest considering everything that had happened in the past.
"Elena, if you're..."
"Donald." I was quick to cut him off before he could finish.
"I'm tired." I gave him a small smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I haven't been sleeping well. I really need to rest."
Even after saying those words, neither of us moved. We simply stood there, looking at each other.
The silence stretched between us, filled with questions I wasn't ready to answer. Alexander was the one who finally broke it.
"Since you're already here, little brother, I've had the guest room prepared for you."
He rose from the couch and came to stand beside me.
Donald looked at him suspiciously. "The guest room?"
Alexander nodded. "It's been a long time since you visited me." His smile widened. "And the last time, I wasn't exactly a good host."
He gave a light shrug. "I think it'll be nice to have you stay for a few days. We can catch up on old times."
Donald studied him for a long moment. It was obvious he didn't fully trust Alexander's sudden kindness.
After a brief silence, he finally smiled. "Sure." He nodded once. "Why not?"
The corner of Alexander's lips lifted into a satisfied smirk.
He clapped his hands once and the door immediately opened.
The middle-aged head of servants dressed neatly in a black suit stepped inside before bowing respectfully.
"I'm Viktor, the head of the servants." He straightened before turning to Donald. "If you'll follow me, Mr. Donald, I'll show you to your room."
Donald glanced at me one last time. His eyes lingered on my face as though he wanted to say something. In the end, he simply gave me a small nod.
"We'll talk later."
With that, he turned and followed Viktor out of the room.
The heavy doors closed behind them, leaving only Alexander and me behind.