Chapter 4

That night after returning home, the questions in my mind grew increasingly intense. The complex emotional currents I'd sensed in the car made me realize for the first time that our relationship was undergoing changes I couldn't fully comprehend.

However, the next morning, unexpected news shattered this delicate equilibrium.

Marcus hastily called an emergency meeting, his expression more serious than I'd ever seen. I followed the three brothers to his private office to find several elders already waiting, tension etched across every face.

"There's a major situation with our European division," Marcus said, cutting straight to the point. "Someone is aggressively acquiring our core assets there—moving fast and playing dirty."

I sensed the unusually heavy emotions filling the room, especially from Marcus, whose anger and concern nearly overflowed.

"Who's behind it?" Lysander asked coolly.

"The Blackwood family." Marcus's voice turned icier. "They've always coveted our wolf territories in Europe. This time, they came prepared."

I trembled involuntarily at the name. Even with my limited understanding of business complexities, I could feel from everyone's emotions that this was an exceptionally dangerous conflict.

Marcus's gaze swept the room before settling on Lysander. "This opponent is dangerous. I need to send my most capable person to handle it."

In that moment, I clearly sensed Lysander's internal shock. He knew what Marcus was about to say, and my heart sank with the realization.

"Only you can manage this situation, Lysander," Marcus stated with finality.

Lysander remained silent for several seconds. I could feel his intense internal struggle—duty to family on one side, and on the other... I dared not contemplate what that other side represented.

"I understand," he finally replied, his voice calm but resolute. "I'll take care of it."

"The flight leaves tomorrow. You might be gone for quite some time," Marcus added.

Tomorrow? My heart clenched painfully. So soon?

After the meeting, everyone dispersed, but I stood frozen, a single thought echoing through my mind: Lysander was leaving.

That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Through my window, the moon seemed unusually bright, as if mocking my inner turmoil.

After what felt like hours, I sensed a familiar emotional signature moving down the hallway. It was Lysander, his heart filled with complex feelings—worry, reluctance, and a kind of pain I couldn't precisely name.

I tiptoed from my room, following my perception to his study. The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, I saw him sitting by the window, moonlight carving his profile in sharp relief.

"Come in," he said without turning, clearly having sensed my presence.

I pushed the door open, my heart racing unusually fast. This was our first time alone together so late at night, and the air between us felt charged with an unfamiliar tension.

"Can't sleep?" he asked gently.

"I could feel your worry," I answered honestly, sitting beside him.

Lysander paused for so long I thought he wouldn't respond, then softly said, "I don't want to leave you... this home."

His words made my heart skip a beat.

"Then don't go," I blurted out.

He turned to look at me, his expression in the moonlight so tender it nearly melted me. "I have to. It's my responsibility."

"But..." I tried to speak but found myself unable to articulate the complex emotions inside. I simply didn't want him to leave—desperately, intensely didn't want it—and the feeling frightened me with its strength.

"Avalon," his voice grew even gentler, "I'll come back as soon as I can. I promise."

We gazed at each other, moonlight flowing between us. I suddenly realized this feeling had transcended sibling affection, transforming into something I couldn't understand but was deeply drawn to.

Morning came too quickly.

The private airfield lay shrouded in early mist, the plane waiting silently on the runway like a steel beast about to carry away my most precious treasure.

Our entire family came to say goodbye, but I found myself completely unable to control my emotions. Watching Lysander check his luggage, listening to him discuss arrangements with Marcus, my tears began falling unbidden.

Cordelia approached Lysander, her usual composed demeanor slightly fractured. She straightened his already perfect tie, a motherly gesture that betrayed her concern.

"You've never failed us, Lysander," she said, her voice steady but her emotions swirling with worry. "But promise me you'll be careful. The Blackwoods play by different rules."

Lysander nodded, placing his hand over hers. "I know their tactics, Mother. I'll be vigilant."

"It's not just business I worry about," Cordelia added softly, her eyes briefly flickering toward me. "Remember what matters most."

Marcus stepped forward next, his face a mask of authority, but I could sense the pride and concern underneath. He clasped Lysander's shoulder firmly.

"You're the only one I trust with this," he said, his voice low and intense. "But if things get too dangerous, I want you to pull back. The business we can rebuild. You..." he paused, an unusual display of emotion crossing his features, "you're irreplaceable."

The two men embraced briefly, a rare show of affection that spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation.

"I won't let you down," Lysander promised, his determination radiating from him like heat.

"Avalon?" Evander noticed my distress and came over to gently squeeze my shoulder. "What's wrong?"

I wanted to say I was fine, but what came out instead was a choked sob: "I don't want him to go."

The words shocked even me. My reaction was far more intense than I'd expected, tears flooding like a broken dam, completely beyond my control.

Lysander heard my voice and immediately turned toward me. His expression was so complex it hurt my heart, and I could feel how deeply my tears affected him.

"I'll come back as soon as I can. I promise," he said, stroking my hair with unprecedented tenderness.

"I'm afraid you won't return," I choked out, my voice barely audible.

"Silly girl, how could I not come back?" His fingers gently brushed my cheek, wiping away tears. "You're my most important..."

His words cut off abruptly, but we both knew what he meant to say.

Evander approached and patted my back softly. "I'll take good care of her, Lysander."

Zephyr hugged me too. "Don't cry, Avalon! Lysander's amazing—he'll definitely come back safely! Plus, you still have me and Evander to keep you company!"

But their comfort did nothing to ease the pain in my heart. When the plane's engines began to roar, I felt as if my own heart was being torn apart.

Evander and Zephyr stood on either side of me, silently offering support. I could sense they too were suffering from the separation, but their emotions contained a complexity I couldn't fully comprehend.

On the way home, the car was unusually quiet. I leaned against the window, staring in the direction the plane had disappeared, my heart filled with longing and unease.

"He'll be fine," Evander reassured me softly.

I nodded, but tears blurred my vision again. Because I knew the days waiting for his return would be the longest torment of my life.

Moonlight still draped over the land like silver gauze, but without Lysander's company, even that light seemed colder and emptier.

I finally understood what separation pain meant, what the awakening of first love felt like.

And this was only the beginning.