Fate's Dark Side Chapter 861

~Liam~

Restlessly, I waited in my room, eagerly anticipating my father's summons to his office. He had given me his word that I could be present when he contacted Alpha Christain, and I anxiously awaited that crucial call.

Harper had retreated to her room to freshen up, while I remained in mine, contemplating ways to assist. The details of the situation still eluded me, but I hoped that clarity would soon prevail. Anxious thoughts filled my mind, but I hesitated to confront the problem directly. If Sophia hadn't confided in me about her and her mother's distress, perhaps I could have found some solace in the notion that time was on our side. I knew her father would never harm her, which was precisely why he had sent them away initially. However, I couldn't extend the same assurance to the unidentified men who held her and her mother captive on their vessel.

Marvin's voice echoed in my mind, asking, "How did it go with your folks?"

It was frustrating that we weren't living in the mansion alongside everyone else. I couldn't help but wonder why my parents had chosen to isolate themselves in this way. If it weren't for the current issue that had arisen, I would have requested to return to the Alpha's wing of the mansion. I'd be lying if I said growing up in the bungalow wasn't enjoyable. It gave the surroundings a more welcoming and less rigid atmosphere. But now, all I wanted was to be where everyone else was, especially after finding Sophia.

"They won't send us to Grizlo, but they're assigning us to investigate that matter from Lucland under Uncle Vino’s supervision," I responded to Marvin, who remained silent for a moment.

"Alright, we should have a meeting after dinner. I'll let everyone know. Maybe we can gather in the beta's lounge. My father never uses it, so it's just going to waste. They're always in the Alpha's lounge," Marvin suggested, and I expressed my gratitude for the invitation, although I doubted it would be feasible.

"I'll inform Harper," I connected with him through our mind link and then severed the connection.

My brother Keith informed me that our mother had instructed us to gather at the mansion for dinner. Naturally, we wouldn't be dining in the bungalow. It was our first day back home, and my father would expect a complete family gathering. I quickly got up and hastily dressed. Seeing everyone would undoubtedly be wonderful, but I couldn't fully embrace the moment. How could I be happy knowing that Sophia was somewhere in danger?

As I reached the door, I encountered Harper on her way out. She had attempted to establish a mental link with me, but I must have unintentionally blocked her off. It was a peculiar habit of mine, albeit unintentional.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her smile brightening the room as Joseph and Keith darted past us, engaged in a race to the mansion. I knew the Lucland Academy would have its hands full when they joined.

"I'm pushing through," I replied, and she smiled in response.

"Hopefully, Alpha Christian has some fantastic news for us," she said, and I smiled back, acknowledging her efforts to uplift my spirits.

We strolled together towards the mansion, making our way to the grand dining hall. The seating arrangement was always less than ideal. My father and his team would occupy one end, while my team and I were relegated to the other, with both generations converging in the centre. Upon arriving at the dining hall, we took our seats, but our parents had yet to make their entrance.

"Heard your father refused," Charlotte linked me, her concerned expression drawing my attention. I reassured her, urging her to remain calm.

Finally, our parents arrived, prompting us all to rise and pay our respects. My father and mother took their seats first, followed by the rest of us. The tension in the room was palpable. What should have been a joyous homecoming and a fresh chapter after graduation had taken on a sombre tone. I couldn't help but acknowledge my own responsibility in this, but how could I pretend that everything was fine when my heart was filled with anguish?

We dined in silence for a while, until Uncle David and Dominic inquired about our lives and experiences in Grizlo. Most of us responded politely, not wanting to come across as impolite. Once we had finished eating, my father requested that I join him alone in his office, which meant Harper couldn't accompany me. Somehow, I longed for her presence. We were used to doing everything together, and I needed her by my side during this time.

Leaving the dining room, I glanced at my twin, and she nodded, assuring me silently. Uncle Vino appeared upset, so I purposely avoided looking in his direction. I knew it was due to our audacious plan. However, I felt compelled to try, no matter the odds.

Stepping into my father's office, I watched as he circled around and settled into his seat behind the desk. He gestured for me to take the chair in front of him, and I sat down nervously. Leaning forward, he locked eyes with me.