Rae clenched her skirt, her eyes shining and her lips humming a tune as she walked toward the Alpha's office. She couldn't wait to share the good news with Cassian... He would be so happy for her. Rae immediately dug her hand into her pocket, feeling the texture of the ring box. A silly smile appeared on her face as a thought flickered through her mind. Cassian might even propose to her right then and there. Suddenly, Rae's brows furrowed as she looked around. The atmosphere in the pack seemed completely different. Unlike the usual bustle, the pack was unusually quiet, almost deserted. Where was everyone? Not long after, two maids dressed in black walked toward Rae while balancing a platter containing empty wine glasses. Rae tapped one of the maids and whispered in confusion, "What's happening?" The first maid gasped and sarcastically exclaimed, "Oh dear me. What a clueless Luna to be!" Her eyes fell on Rae's ear, and her nostrils flared in disdain. "What's she asking for? She's not even wearing a hearing aid. How can she hear? Such an embarrassment." Rae froze. So rude. The second maid, not noticing Rae's expression, smiled wickedly. She leaned close to Rae's ear and yelled, "If you want to know what's happening so badly, then I'll tell you. Alpha Cassian is holding a return festival for Miss Cindy. A return festival." Rae flinched. The first maid looked at the second maid in disgruntlement and said in a hushed voice, "Alpha said we should keep this a secret. No one should tell Miss Rae about this." The second maid shrugged and rolled her eyes. "Why are you so worried? It's not like the deaf thing can hear us anyway. She's not even wearing her hearing aid, for Goddess's sake. I don't know how Alpha managed to stick with her for so long. She's a deaf woman. A good-for-nothing who thinks she can become our Luna. What a disgrace. It's embarrassing! I wish she would just leave." "Shh. Shh. That's enough. Someone could hear us." The first maid quickly grabbed the other maid and pulled her away. Return festival? Rae froze, her hand clenching into a fist. As in... Cindy was back? And as if that wasn't bad enough, Cassian was holding a party for her arrival at the pack? Something sharp seemed to pierce her heart, making it hard for her to breathe. No. No. She took a deep breath. That couldn't be possible. Cassian wouldn't do that to her. After all Cindy had done to her. After Cindy had made her lose her wolf and her hearing. He wouldn't. Cassian wouldn't betray her. Something had to be wrong. Or maybe the maids were just trying to hurt her with words, like they had done so many times before. Still, Rae tried to calm herself down. If there really was a return festival, then it had to be taking place in the pack hall. Rae picked up her pace and ran toward the pack hall. Even from a distance, Rae could feel the shift in the atmosphere. The atmosphere around the hall was completely different. It was filled with joy. It was as if the pack were celebrating someone they love. Not someone who had tried to kill Rae. Rae's legs felt as heavy as lead as she walked toward the pack hall. Under the bright lights, Cindy, dressed in an elegant yellow gown, held the microphone and looked at Cassian with affectionate eyes. "Thank you, everyone. And most importantly, thank you, Cassian, for holding this party for me. After spending so much time abroad, I've missed my home so much. It's true what they say-there's no place like home..." Someone from the crowd interrupted with a teasing laugh. "Miss Cindy, I don't think what you missed is the pack. I think you missed Alpha." Cindy blushed and looked at Cassian with eyes full of fondness. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his without warning. Gasps echoed throughout the pack hall before they were quickly replaced by cheers and excited howls. Cassian's brows knitted together, yet his hands remained at his sides. Even though he didn't pull Cindy closer, he didn't push her away either. A loud shattering sound rang inside Rae's head, and a burning sensation overwhelmed her mate bond. Something wet trickled down her cheeks, yet she couldn't bring herself to wipe it away. Cassian... And Cindy? Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. What was happening? After three years of being labeled a deaf and wolfless omega, Rae had finally regained her hearing. Even her doctor had called it a miracle-a phenomenon that had never happened before. Yet just when Rae was about to share the news with her beloved mate, she caught him kissing the woman responsible for her accident in front of the entire pack. A pack member whom Rae recognized as one of Cindy's childhood friends teased, "Alpha Cassian, you and Miss Cindy should just get together already. Don't you both look lovely, like a loving couple blessed by the Moon Goddess? Miss Cindy is sensible and smart, and Alpha is wise. Under your joint rule, our pack will flourish." Cindy's cheeks flushed, and she pulled away from Cassian. She shot the person a playful glare, yet her eyes were filled with hope. "Shut up, Maddie." Cassian looked around the pack hall and cleared his throat. His blue eyes flashed with authority, and the hall immediately fell silent. "Today's festival is being held to welcome Cindy. After spending several years abroad, it won't be easy for her to adjust to the pack's rules. Guide her." Rae felt as though a noose had tightened around her neck. It hurt. It felt as if she couldn't breathe. So dismissive. He didn't clarify. Neither did he chide Cindy for kissing him in front of the pack despite knowing he already had a mate. He simply accepted it and made Rae look like a fool. And there was Cindy... Grinning as though she had won it all. Thinking back on it now, hadn't she? Three years ago, during the annual festival, Rae and Cassian met for the first time. It was there they discovered they were fated mates, their bond approved by the Moon Goddess. However, Cindy, who had a massive crush on Cassian, refused to accept reality. She chased after him relentlessly, doing everything she could to get his attention. Yet every attempt ended in rejection. Furious, Cindy had sent rogues after Rae to trap and kill her in the forest. Then she caused a fire to cover up her tracks. Unfortunately for Cindy... Rae survived. Although Rae survived, the trauma was so severe that she lost both her hearing and her wolf. She had then spent the first three months confined to bed. The incident infuriated the pack members, who all demanded justice. Knowing that the punishment for murder was death, Cindy had cried before fleeing abroad. Rae had tried to take comfort in one thing. Cassian had stayed by her side and done everything he could to help her recovery. He had treated her well and had never mocked her, not even once. That had to be true love. Yet the sight before her made her heart burn with both rage and pain. Her mate bond twisted painfully inside her. Before Rae could stop herself, she spoke sarcastically, "Alpha Cassian, three years ago, Cindy tried to kill me before escaping abroad... Now that she has returned, isn't she supposed to face the punishment she deserves?" The entire pack hall fell silent. Cindy's nails dug into her palm, and her smile faltered. Cassian frowned before replying, "Cindy was young and immature. It's not a big deal. We've all been young before. Everyone makes mistakes, and she has already learned her lesson..." Only then did Cassian turn toward the direction of the voice. His eyes widened. His entire body tensed. What was Rae doing here? How much had she seen... Or heard? His gaze landed on her ear, and he quietly sighed in relief when he noticed she wasn't wearing her hearing aid. A cold pressure radiated from him as his eyes swept across the pack hall. "Who told Rae about this and brought her here? Didn't I warn everyone that Rae is in a frail condition and that no one should disturb her?" Cindy took a deep breath before slipping her arm around Cassian's as though she were his rightful Luna. "Cassian, calm down. I trust our pack members. They wouldn't betray the pack for an outsider." She smiled sweetly. "Besides, Rae could have simply been taking a walk and stumbled upon us. Or maybe she smelled you and came over because she missed you so much." She giggled. "It's not a big deal anyway. It's been years. I also want to see my deaf and wolfless sister-in-law. After all this time, how's her hearing? Or can she still not hear a thing?" Even though Cindy's voice sounded sweet and gentle, all Rae heard was ridicule. She had even gone as far as calling Rae an outsider. Yet Cassian said nothing. Not to mention how he had defended Cindy earlier... Brushing off Rae's accident as though it were nothing. Cassian looked at Cindy. "Cindy..." "Cassian, relax. Why are you so worked up? We did nothing wrong." She walked toward Rae. "The wolf is gone, and the woman is deaf. No matter what I say, she won't hear." Cindy stopped in front of Rae, a pompous smile curling at the corners of her lips. "For example... Rae is a deaf, stupid slut-" Slap! Without giving Cindy the chance to finish her degrading sentence, Rae raised her hand and delivered a fierce slap across her face. Sharp gasps rippled through the pack hall. Cindy staggered, a bright handprint blooming across her cheek. She stared at Rae in utter disbelief, both hands flying to her face. "You... You slapped me?" She turned toward Cassian and screamed, "This deaf, wolfless thing actually slapped me! What the hell?" Rae's fury surged. She raised her hand to slap Cindy again. Suddenly, Cassian caught her wrist in midair. The coldness in his eyes made Rae's mate bond twist painfully. Her heart clenched from the betrayal. Cassian frowned and barked, "What the hell is wrong with you, Rae? Why are you acting like a madwoman?" He ran a hand through his hair in frustration before exhaling. "Damn it... She can't hear. Cindy, just let it go." Cindy lowered her hand and folded her arms. She hissed, "No. She just humiliated me at my own return festival. I don't deserve this at all. This deaf, wolfless omega needs to apologize. Cassian, make Rae apologize to me. Right now." Her tone was dripping with condescension. Cassian's jaw clenched. "Cindy." Cindy's eyes flashed red. "Fine. Then we'll just call it even." She raised her hand to slap Rae across the face. Rae's eyes widened. She quickly turned, trying to avoid the slap. Unfortunately, she couldn't move away completely. Cindy's claws raked across her cheek, drawing blood. Rae's hand flew to her cheek as she hissed in pain. Cassian stiffened, and his nostrils flared. He shoved Cindy away and roared, "Cindy, what did you just do?" "Ahhh!" Cindy cried out as her back slammed hard against a chair. She stumbled backward and... Cassian's eyes widened. Without thinking, he shoved Rae aside and rushed toward Cindy to catch her. The force of an Alpha against a wolfless omega wasn't something Rae could withstand. Her back and head slammed into a pillar, and searing pain shot through her skull. Her head buzzed. Before she even had the chance to catch her breath, countless wine glasses came crashing down onto her head and shoulders. Pain flared across her body as shattered glass dug into her skin, the impact knocking her heavily to the floor. Rae drew in a shaky breath. It felt as though her entire body was on fire. Her tears mixed with the blood and wine trickling down her body. Yet when she lifted her head, an even more painful sight greeted her. "Cassian... My back hurts so much," Cindy cried, tears rolling down her cheeks as her body trembled. Cassian let out a sigh of relief. Carefully, he adjusted himself, making sure not to put any weight on Cindy. A few drops of wine stained his back. Yet all his attention remained fixed on the woman in his arms. "Take a deep breath," he coaxed softly. "Try to relax. I'll take you to the hospital." Cindy snuggled deeper into his embrace. "Okay... Hurry." Tears streamed down Rae's cheeks, yet she couldn't bring herself to wipe them away. The pain in her mate bond burned even more fiercely than the pain coursing through her body as she watched Cassian lift Cindy into his arms and head toward the exit. He had pushed her away. For Cindy. But he couldn't push Cindy away during the kiss. And now... He was leaving. Without even caring about what his actions had done to her. Her hand fell on the ring box in her pocket, and she seemed to hear a rip in her heart. "Alpha! Miss Rae is injured!" The bartender, who had been carrying the tray of wine that shattered over Rae, called out as he struggled to his feet. Cassian's eyes briefly landed on Rae. He frowned. Rae's heart flickered with one last thread of hope as she curled up from the pain. Maybe... Maybe he wasn't completely- "It hurts so much, Cassian!" Cindy wailed. "I think I broke my spine. What if I can't walk anymore?" Cassian turned to the bartender, his eyes resolute. "Take care of Rae." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out of the pack house. The last thread of hope in Rae's heart shattered. A crack formed in her mate bond... One that could never heal. Weakness and coldness enveloped her from head to toe. Just as her vision blurred, a voice echoed through her mind. "Goodbye, mate. It's over."

A sudden ping woke Rae from her slumber. Rae slowly opened her eyes as she adjusted to the light. She looked at her surroundings and raised her hand to rub her throbbing forehead. Where was she? "Did you forget what happened?" a voice suddenly said. The sleepiness vanished from Rae's eyes , and she exclaimed, "Diamond! Is that you?" Diamond. Her wolf. Rae's heart ached. Three years ago, losing her hearing and her wolf at the same time had taken massive courage for her not to lose her mind. Yet recalling how Cassian had saved Cindy made her heart burn with rage, and her chest tightened. Diamond exclaimed, "Of course it's me." Her voice dropped low. "I'm sorry, Rae. If I hadn't fallen into slumber, you wouldn't have gone through all that." Rae shook her head and clarified, "No, Diamond, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. If it wasn't for you sacrificing yourself to protect me, I would have died three years ago." Her eyes clouded with tears upon recalling that awful memory, yet she tried to blink them away. "Every day, I pray to the Moon Goddess to save you and bring you back to me safely. I have missed you so much. How are you doing?" Diamond seethed, "Very angry at that stupid wolf of mine. We have to break our bond!" Rae gasped in shock. "Break the bond?" Diamond growled, "Don't tell me you're still in love with him..." Rae exclaimed, "No! Of course not! Unless I've gone crazy. On the contrary, I'm worried about you, Diamond. You've just woken up after a deep slumber. Won't breaking the mate bond weaken you?" She snorted. "I'd rather die than be with that crazy wolf." Diamond rolled her eyes in disdain. "Remember, your phone just pinged." Rae smiled and nodded, hardly containing her joy. This was one of the most amazing things that could ever happen. Getting her wolf back. For years, Rae lived like a weak human, or maybe even worse. She had lost everything that came with having a wolf-her heightened senses, mind-link, strength, and even her place within the pack. How could a Luna be deaf and wolfless at the same time? Now, feeling everything again made her nose sting and her eyes blur with tears... Doctor Smith had already called the recovery of her hearing a miracle. If he knew she had even gotten her wolf back, he would be shocked. Rae suppressed her emotions and picked up her phone. Her mother had just sent another long message begging her to return to the Blackwood Pack to marry the Blackwood Lycan King's son, Damon Hawke. The Blackwood Pack. The biggest pack that controlled the whole werewolf continent. The Alpha family was a family of Lycans, the kings of werewolves. Apparently, Rae's stepsister, Elena Lockwood, and the son of the Hawke family were betrothed. However, Elena had actually chosen to flee from the marriage. Disrespecting a Lycan family was the biggest crime a wolf could ever commit. Not to mention that Elena had actually chosen to flee from the marriage with Damon. Who's Damon? Damon was famous for being a ruthless and cold Lycan who never took no for an answer. It's even said that anyone would rather choose to be punished by the devil than by Damon. If the news about Elena's deed ever came out, the Lockwood family would be completely ruined. In the past, Rae had refused to listen, show any interest, or get involved because she already had her own mate and destiny. But now... she had regained her hearing, her wolf had returned, and there was a pending marriage offer on the table... This must be the Moon Goddess giving her a new chance in life. And telling Rae to move on. Rae would be a fool not to seize the opportunity. Her phone pinged again. Her mother sent a new message. "Rae, I really had no other choice. If I did, I wouldn't choose this. Please, Rae. Ryan and I really don't know what to do anymore. Please help us." Her mother was very desperate. This was the first time her mother had begged so lowly and so persistently. Even though her stepfather, Ryan Lockwood, had treated Rae's mother and Rae well over the years, Rae knew how hard it was for her mother to integrate into the Lockwood family. And because of that, Rae had always been careful and gentle. All her life, Rae's only act of rebellion had stemmed from her love for Cassian. For example, when Rae chose to leave the Blackwood Pack for the Red Moon Pack because of Cassian. "I'll do it, Mom," Rae wrote and sent the message. Just as the message was sent, there was a knock on the door before it was pushed open. Doctor Smith stepped into the ward with his hands tucked into his pockets. He was a handsome young man in his twenties. "Rae, you're awake. How are you feeling?" A small smile formed on Rae's face. "I'm fine, Doctor Smith. Thank you for taking care of me these past months." For the past six months, Doctor Smith had taken over her treatment and gone all out just to treat her. What all the previous doctors Cassian had hired had termed a permanent injury had recovered quickly under his care since he arrived at the pack six months ago. Doctor Smith looked up in bewilderment. "You can talk?" Rae had developed a high fever. Even though it managed to restore her hearing, according to his estimation, she shouldn't be able to talk for at least a week. His gaze swept over her before landing on the ECG in astonishment. "This... You're okay." An uncontrollable smile spread across her face, and she proudly said, "That's because my wolf has returned to me." Diamond took over and waved her hand. "Hi, Doctor Smith. Thank you for taking care of us." Doctor Smith took a deep breath, stunned in place. After a few minutes, he whispered with a laugh, "You're one lucky girl. You must be the Moon Goddess's favorite." "Thank you, Doctor Smith. It's all because of your extraordinary treatment. If it wasn't for you, I'm afraid I might never have recovered my hearing." Doctor Smith had done everything just to heal her. He had even spent most of his time treating her. At first, Rae thought he must have come to the pack because Cassian begged him. However, after seeing him act aloof to everyone in the pack, including Cassian, she couldn't help but think otherwise. Doctor Smith smiled at her gently. "I have to go now. Have a rest." With that, he walked out of the room. Ring. Rae lowered her head to look at the caller. She sighed when she saw that it was her mother. Rae blinked. Maybe she had been too forward. Maybe she should have thought it through. She had just been dealt a huge blow by a man. Yet, look at her, rushing into another marriage deal. Maybe she should have taken her time. But she had already signed up for it. It was too late to take a step back. She exhaled and picked up the phone. Anyway, marrying anybody was better than marrying Cassian. Her eyes flashed with coldness upon recalling how he had pushed her against the pillar because of Cindy. She had thought that his love was perfect for her. Was everything. Even though she was deaf, she had felt that she was the happiest person in the world. Oh, how naïve she was. Rae had rebelled and left her family and pack to be with Cassian, only to be isolated by his pack, plotted against by his adopted sister, and pushed aside by him. With a swipe, she picked up the call. "Mom." Kate Lockwood's voice trembled as she spoke quietly. "Rae, did you really agree to the marriage?" Despite her mom's shaky voice, Rae couldn't fail to catch the hope in it. Forget it. She couldn't bear to let anything happen to her mom. "Yes, Mom. I'll get married to Damon." Kate burst into both laughter and tears. "You don't know how happy I am to hear this. I was afraid this was a prank. I didn't even dare tell Ryan yet. He'll be very happy. Rae, our family has been saved. And it's because of you. Thank you, Rae. Thank you so much." Hearing this softened Rae's heart. "It's okay, Mom." Kate asked anxiously, "Should I book the next plane ticket? What do you need? I'll prepare everything right now." "Mom, leave it to me. I'll handle everything myself. Something came up. But I'll be there in two days." After a few minutes of pleasantries, Kate ended the call, eager to share the news with her husband. Rae sighed. Saving the family was also the same as saving herself. If anything happened to them, it happened to her too. Rae suddenly frowned. A few minutes ago, she could feel Diamond, but not anymore, and it made her panic. "Diamond. Diamond." A weak voice sounded in Rae's head. "I'm here. I haven't recovered completely. I'll go into slumber for now. Rest assured. I won't disappear like before." Hearing this calmed Rae's panicked heart. She took a deep breath and nodded. At least she had her wolf with her now. That was enough. Ping. Rae picked up her phone and saw that Cassian had sent her a text. "Rae, are you okay? I couldn't come over because I have been busy. Are you home now?" A deprecating chuckle escaped Rae's lips, and her eyes turned cold. Busy? What a convenient excuse. Busy? Busy doing what? Busy taking care of the woman who called his mate a deaf and stupid slut. Busy taking care of the woman who had plotted to kill his mate. In the past, how many times had Cassian failed to come over? How many times had he stood her up because he was busy? Yet Cassian had no problem throwing a welcome festival for Cindy, preparing it, and attending it. It was clear who he held dear in his heart. She lowered her head and swiftly typed, "Cassian, let's break our bond. Tell me when it's convenient for you." With that, she blocked and deleted his number, along with their entire chat history.

Screech! The sudden slam of the brakes and the jerking of the car sent Liam lurching forward. The car's inertia sent the coffee in his hand spilling onto the document on his lap. Liam, Alpha Cassian's Beta and childhood best friend, looked up at Cassian. "Alpha, what just happened?" Meanwhile, Cassian's eyes were fixed on the phone in his hand. He ignored Liam and reread the message all over again, yet it came to the same conclusion. Rae had just sent a text saying that she wanted to break their bond. Cassian frowned. Breaking the mate bond was a serious thing. How could Rae casually mention something like that? Liam squinted his eyes, and his lips curved slightly. "Did Rae send you a text? Is she throwing herself at you again? Or is she finally angry this time?" Cassian threw his phone onto the passenger seat and started the car. He cast a brief glance at Liam before fixing his gaze on the road. "She wants to break our bond." "What?" Liam paused. "Break the mate bond? Rae said that?" He snapped out of it and let out a whistle with a laugh. "Rae must have hit the wall this time. Cindy must be her biggest enemy. It's no wonder." Seeing the frown on Cassian's face, Liam smirked. "Do you really believe Rae will break your bond? It's just a threat." He threw the coffee cup into a trash can by the side of the road. "Cassian, let's be honest. No one wouldn't be angry after yesterday's incident. All you need to do is show up at the hospital and do those cheesy things girls love. Deliver a bouquet of flowers and some sweets to her, and she'll be happy. All she needs is for you to show up, and she'll forgive you. Rae is soft-hearted. She can't stay angry at you for long." "She said she wanted to break the bond." Cassian's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he repeated the words. She had never threatened him before. Instead, she would even try to seek his forgiveness. This was the first time. Liam chuckled. "Why are you worried? You've been with Rae for three years now. Don't you already know her? She's just trying to get your attention." He looked out of the window. "I pity the girl. Three years ago, she left her pack, family, and friends just to be with you. Yet she ended up in an accident that made her lose both her wolf and her hearing, causing her to become isolated from everyone. You should know she hasn't had it easy. She has stayed despite all the bullying and pain. What more proof do you need that she loves you?" He turned back to Cassian. "After everything, how can she leave? Even after the accident, she stayed. All she needs is your care. You haven't shown up all these days because you've been busy, have you? Go and spend some time with her, and she'll be happy. You'll see that it's not hard to soften her heart." Cassian glanced at Liam. His jaw clenched slightly as he sank into thought. Liam smiled. "She's deaf, knows nobody, and has no power. If she leaves you, where would she go? I don't think she even talks to her family anymore. Just go to the hospital and spend some time with her." Cassian fell into thought. Liam's words seemed to hold some truth. The car drove straight to the pack hospital before coming to a stop. As soon as they arrived, Cindy waved her hand with a smile. Using two walking sticks, she limped over to the driver's side, almost running. "Cassian, you're here. You came for me." Cindy was wearing a white dress that fell to her thighs, and her face looked so angelic. Cassian frowned and hurried out of the car. He looked at her unhappily. "You're injured. Why did you come out of the hospital? Doesn't your back hurt anymore?" Cindy pouted and wrapped her arms around him. "It does, but when I heard the rumor that you were coming to the hospital, I couldn't help it. It's so boring staying in the ward. I've missed you so much." Cassian sighed and parted his lips, but before he could say a word, Cindy's phone began to ring. Cindy's eyes flashed with panic, and she quickly pushed her phone toward Cassian. "Cassian, can you answer it? It's Dad. I'm afraid he's going to scold me." Cassian frowned, yet he answered the call. "Dad..." "How's Cindy? Where is she?" Alpha King Jacob's voice boomed. Cassian rubbed his brow and calmly replied, "She's fine." Jacob scoffed. "Fine? I heard from the pack that your deaf mate not only slapped her but also pushed her, causing her to injure her spine. How could you just stand there and watch that happen? Why would you put her in danger?" Cassian frowned. "That's not what happened." "I've heard the exact same story from the maids, guards, and pack members, so that must be exactly what happened. Cassian, you know it's because of Oliver that I didn't die that year. My survival allowed this pack to flourish and reach where it is today. Cindy is Oliver's only child. Nothing-and I mean nothing-must happen to her. You have to take absolute care of her." Cassian's nostrils flared, yet he breathed out and said, "I understand." "It's all because of that deaf girl that Cindy stayed away from this pack for years. It's been a long time since we last saw her. Bring Cindy over. Your mom has been worried about her." "Yes." Immediately, Jacob hung up. Cindy's eyes widened innocently, and she fiddled with her fingers. "What did Dad say? Did he blame you because of me? Cassian, I really didn't mean to. I'm so sorry. It's all my fault." Cassian returned the phone to Cindy without saying anything. Seeing this, she became anxious. "Cassian, I promise I've learned my lesson this time. I'll listen to you." Cassian's gaze turned stern. "From now on, you have to be on your best behavior, and you can't bully Rae anymore. She's my mate and the future Luna, so you'll give her the respect she deserves." Cindy's eyes flashed with disapproval, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "I've missed Mom and Dad so much. Can you bring me home? I want to see them." Cassian's gaze turned toward the entrance of the pack hospital. Cindy tugged harder at Cassian's arm. "Cassian, can you? Did Mom and Dad say they missed me too?" Cassian withdrew his gaze. Rae was still angry. Maybe what she needed was some time to cool off. "Yes. Get into the car." Cindy's eyes lit up, and she hurried to the passenger seat. Cassian took out his phone and sent a text. 'Rae, something urgent has come up. I'll come and see you later.' With that, he sent the message and threw his phone into his pocket, failing to notice the red exclamation mark indicating that the message had failed to send.