I let out a low, quiet laugh, turned off the communicator, and didn't look at the messages again. It didn't matter. After this Pack Feast, there would only be one last meeting between me and Everett and Eleanor Ashvale.
The next morning, I arrived at the feast together with Chloe and Adrian. We boarded the lavishly decorated vessel docked at the river port. The moment we appeared, Everett and Eleanor came forward with wide smiles.
They walked straight to Chloe and Adrian, leaving me standing entirely to the side.
"Our darling girl, it's been so long and you haven't called your parents, haven't even asked how we're doing. Let your mother get a good look at you, see if you've lost any weight."
The words sounded like scolding, but the tone was pure indulgence.
Chloe laughed and threw herself into their arms. Adrian stood nearby, his gaze warm. The three of them together made a picture so cozy it looked like a real family.
And I might as well have been a stranger with no place among them.
"Everett. Happy Moon Blessing Day."
I stepped forward and held out the gift I had carefully prepared. It was a painting I had paid a considerable sum for, by an artist Everett had always admired.