When the journalist had asked all of her questions, I went back to join the rest of the workers on the other side. I took down notes for the repairs. Charles came back with at least three trees worth of firewood and a beaming smile. When we called it a day, we headed back home together. When we got
Charles I left that night, regretting my restraint as George drove me back the long, winding roads to the Palace. Leaving Grace’s pack house was a bittersweet moment. My usual happiness about returning home was stifled. I wanted to be at the Mooncrest Pack House with Grace, Cecil, and Richard. H
How much longer could I put off the inevitable? With a heavy sigh, I locked my phone and set it aside. I knew that I couldn’t ignore the message and that the situation demanded a response. But at that moment, I was too conflicted, too angry, too something to respond the way I usually would. As t
Grace The days since Charles returned to the Palace were a blur of activity and challenges. The pack was abuzz with preparations for the festivities, but there was an undercurrent of tension and unease that I couldn’t ignore. The news of the break-in, combined with the ongoing financial struggles
“I just... I needed to hear your voice,” I admitted, my voice catching slightly. Silence hung between us for a moment before Charles spoke again, his concern evident. “Grace, what’s wrong? You don’t sound like yourself.” I took a deep breath, my resolve crumbling as the weight of my emotions thr
Grace Her voice on the other end of the line was cool, detached, and held an edge of irritation that made my heart sink. This was the woman who had once guided me through the labyrinth of research, who had been my mentor in the days when I was just starting to formulate the idea of the longevity p
There was a pause on the other end, a heavy silence that seemed to stretch on forever. When she finally spoke, her voice was still laced with skepticism. “Desperate? That’s a strong word.” I felt my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to find the right words, the ones that would convince her
Grace Beside me, Eason was diligently working his own contacts, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he sifted through information. I was almost envious of how easy it seemed to be for him and more than proud. Eason had always been good with people and technology. He was far more likable than