-Elias Grayson:
Classes were finally over for the day, and the campus was buzzing with students rushing to their next plans. For me, it was a normal Wednesday, just the end of lectures, the familiar weight of my backpack, and the quiet satisfaction of having survived the morning. I spotted Felix and Adeline waiting near the entrance of the building, leaning casually against a railing.
"Finally done for today," Felix groaned, stretching his arms over his head. "I swear, these professors think we have no lives outside their classrooms."
Adeline laughed. "You're going to go home and binge some Netflix series, they're kinda right."
"Yeah, right," Felix muttered, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, Eli, what about you? Survived another day of hell?"
I grinned. "Barely. But it's fine. Just another day."
We walked together toward the parking lot, talking about homework, upcoming exams, and the usual complaints about assignments. Felix rambled about a project he hadn't finished yet, Adeline teased him relentlessly, and I listened, smiling quietly. My friends had been here for years, and it was the little things like this—walking across campus, joking about professors—that made life feel normal.
When we reached the curb, I spotted the sleek black car waiting. The chauffeur stepped forward as we approached. "Good afternoon, sir," he said politely, opening the back door for me.
"Thanks," I murmured, sliding into the seat. Felix and Adeline waved as the car pulled away.
The ride home was quiet. I stared out the window, the city passing in a blur, thinking about nothing and everything at once. When we arrived, I froze for a moment. The house was chaotic—people running back and forth, staff carrying trays and unpacking boxes, voices shouting instructions. Decorations I didn't recognize were being set up in every corner. The smell of food and candles filled the air.
"What's going on?" I muttered to myself, stepping inside.
The chauffeur gave a small shrug. "Not sure, sir. Seems like everyone's busy."
I ignored the commotion, heading straight to my room. My bag hit the floor with a soft thud, and I stripped off my jacket and shirt. I needed a moment to myself. The shower was warm, the water washing away the tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying. Steam curled around me, comforting and familiar. When I was done, I dressed quickly and made my way downstairs.
The kitchen smelled of spices and bread, and the soft hum of the appliances filled the room. My father was there, phone pressed to his ear, talking in a low, steady voice. When he saw me, his eyes lit up, and he smiled.
"Eli," he said warmly.
I smiled back, moving toward him and wrapping my arms around him. He hugged me back without missing a beat, phone still in hand. I held him for a few moments, feeling the comfort of his presence, the rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest.
"Yes, I understand," he said into the phone, voice soft but firm. "I would love to have you in our pack again. Yes… I'll see to it personally."
I frowned slightly. "Dad… who are you talking to?" I asked softly, keeping my arms around him.
He glanced at me, still smiling. "Just someone important. I'll tell you in a moment." He finished the call and set the phone down, turning fully to me.
"Who's coming?" I asked, curiosity prickling.
He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes warm but carrying a strange weight. "It's… A very old friend of mine. Someone I've known for decades. It's been years since I last saw him, and he's coming to visit with his son and wife. They used to be part of our pack… before things got complicated."
I tilted my head, unsure what he meant by that. "Complicated?" I asked softly.
My father shook his head gently, smiling faintly. "It was in the past. For now, just know My friend and his family are coming. And they are people you can trust."
I nodded slowly, still holding him. Who are these people? Why have never heard of them before?
"Okay," I whispered.