Saving Tragedy Chapter 122

**Rose's POV**

The sun was warm against my skin as I stretched out on the lounge chair, my legs propped up, a cool glass of lemonade resting beside me on the small table. The sound of laughter filled the air as Tommy and Zander tore across the backyard, weaving around the climbing frame in an endless game of tag. Daisy had given up on chasing them long ago, sprawled beneath the shade of a tree, panting lightly as she watched them with disinterest... 

Lydia sighed contentedly beside me, tilting her head up toward the sky with her eyes closed. "You know," she mused, her lips twitching in amusement, "I think we might actually be giving those poor guards a heart attack being out here."

I let out a soft chuckle, glancing toward the house where several guards stood stationed near the doors, their eyes locked on us like hawks. One in particular — the one who had approached us earlier — looked especially wound up. 

His jaw was tight, his arms crossed over his chest, and every so often, he shifted on his feet like he was debating whether or not to come back over again.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I teased, nudging Lydia's arm playfully.

She grinned, turning her head toward me. "Oh, absolutely," she admitted. "The way they keep looking at us? Like we're two reckless children running with scissors? It's priceless." She glanced at them again and shook her head. "I told them no three times already. I think they're about ready to lose it. What's the difference being in there or out here?!"

I exhaled, my smile fading slightly as I watched the guards. "I mean, I get why they're concerned," I admitted. "But honestly? I think we're probably safer than ever right now. If anything, us being out here has them more on high alert than usual. They wouldn't let anything happen to us."

Lydia hummed in agreement. "Exactly. And if something did happen, they'd be on it in a second. I mean, look at them — they're practically vibrating with nerves." She smirked. "It's kind of flattering, really."

I shook my head with a small laugh before turning my attention back to the boys. Tommy darted behind the climbing frame, giggling wildly as Zander chased after him, their small feet pounding against the grass. "You can't catch me!" Tommy called over his shoulder, his face lit up with excitement.

Zander huffed dramatically. "Oh, yes I can!" He pushed himself faster, determination burning in his eyes.

Daisy let out a low whine from her spot beneath the tree, lifting her head for only a moment before dropping it back down with an exaggerated sigh. I smiled, knowing she'd been chasing them for most of the morning before finally giving up on keeping up with their energy.

It was peaceful. Warm. Almost normal... a much needed distraction. 

At least, it was for about another minute longer-

I sensed them before I saw them — shadows shifting, footsteps crunching lightly against the grass.

Lydia must have noticed too, because she let out a small groan. "Oh, for fuck's sake, the whole squad this time!" she muttered under her breath, sitting up slightly.

I turned my head just in time to see the same guard from earlier making his way toward us again, but this time, he wasn't alone. Four more men followed behind him, their expressions grim, their movements calculated.

My stomach tightened.

This wasn't just them trying to be persistent anymore. This was something else.

"Luna," the lead guard spoke, his tone firm but not unkind. "Miss Lydia."

Lydia leaned back on her elbows, peering up at him through her sunglasses. "Back so soon?" she mused, arching a brow. "Missed chatting to us already?"

The guard didn't take the lighthearted bait. "You need to go inside. Now."

I frowned, sitting up fully. "Is something wrong?"

The guard hesitated for only a second before shaking his head. "We've been given strict orders."

My pulse quickened slightly. "Strict orders?" I repeated. "From who?"

"Alpha Ashton himself," he answered immediately.

I inhaled deeply through my nose, forcing myself to stay calm despite the way my gut twisted at his words.

"So Ashton called you?" I asked, searching his face for any indication of what had happened. "Did he tell you what's going on? Are they all okay?"

The guard exhaled, glancing toward the others before looking back at me. "I can give you an update," he said, his voice quieter now, more careful. "But only if you take the boys inside first."

Lydia sat up straighter beside me. "Seriously?" she scoffed. "You're bribing us into going inside?"

The guard's jaw tensed slightly, but he kept his composure. "It's not a bribe, ma'am," he said evenly. "It's a compromise."

I studied him for a moment, then glanced over my shoulder at the house. The thought of going back inside so soon made my skin prickle with frustration. It was a nice day, the boys were having fun, and after everything we had been through, was it so bad to enjoy a little peace?

But Ashton had called.

And now there were five guards standing in front of me, no longer asking but insisting.

Something had clearly changed.

Before I could respond, the guard cleared his throat, shifting his weight slightly. "Luna, please understand that we don't want to use force," he said carefully. "But the Alpha has given us permission to if you don't comply."

Lydia let out a sharp breath from beside me. "What?"

My own body went rigid, a cold shock running through me at the words. "He — what?"

The guard's face remained blank, but I didn't miss the flicker of unease in his eyes. "He was very clear, Luna. If you don't go inside now, we will have to escort you in by whatever means necessary."

Lydia was already sitting up, her body tense with anger. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," she snapped.

I barely heard her.

My heart was hammering now, my mind racing. Ashton had ordered them to physically remove me if necessary? Why the hell would he do such a thing?! 

I wasn't sure what infuriated me more — the fact that he thought I needed to be controlled like some disobedient child, or the fact that he actually believed I would need force to listen to him.

I forced myself to take a slow breath, my gaze locking onto the guard's.

"Fine," I bit out, standing to my feet. "We'll go inside."

Lydia shot me a look, but I ignored it. The guards had already stepped forward slightly, prepared to act if we resisted, and I wasn't about to let them touch me — or worse, scare our boys.

I bet Ashton didn't think of that one... how terrified Tommy and Zander would be to watch their mothers being dragged off inside! 

"Tommy! Zander!" I called to them, keeping my tone light despite the frustration curling up in my chest. "Come on, it's time to go inside."

The boys groaned in protest, Tommy stomping his foot dramatically. "But why? We're still playing a game!"

Lydia muttered a curse under her breath but stood as well, grabbing her things with a huff. "Because apparently, we're under arrest for daring to get a little sunshine," she muttered.

The guards didn't respond.

I didn't either.

I was already too busy fuming over the fact that the second Ashton got back, he and I were going to have some serious words... 

"Tell me this, and I promise we will get the boys back inside, is everyone at least safe?!" I turn back to the same guard, my eyes burning holes through him in dire need of an answer. 

With one stiff nod, followed by a "The battle has ended and everyone is safe as far as we know Luna... just please go inside and wait, if it's not your head, then it will be mine!" He swallows, as I sigh steadily. 

I guess he's right... 

If he doesn't get us inside soon, then Ashton will no doubt blame him for our defiance which wouldn't be fair. 

But the good news was, at least everyone was safe...