Lucian
“We’ve moved out, Father,” I said plainly. “And we’re not coming back.”
My father blinked. His surprise was immediate—and deep. I didn’t give him time to recover before continuing.
“I bought the house we’re living in. I want to raise my family away from this place—away from the tension, the politics… and especially from Martha. Mara deserves a peaceful life. Our child deserves it too.”
He opened his mouth. “How could—”
“I’ll tell you how,” I cut in. “I’d bet good coin the constant tension in this house was part of why Mara didn’t conceive during her last heat. I’m not risking another mistake like that. I won’t keep her in a space that could harm her or the baby.”
My father looked stunned—less from the words, more from the defiance behind them.
“Martha told me you moved out,”
