The sky was gloomy, and the light drizzle was turning into a downpour.
"Dad's here!" Cedric shouted, running toward Roderick.
Roderick held a large black umbrella and picked up the little cub, walking toward Catriona.
The woman knelt by the tombstone, slender and graceful, until the black umbrella covered her, shielding her from the rain.
She looked up to see him holding their child in one arm and the umbrella over her with the other, his handsome face carrying a detached expression.
She didn't notice and asked, "Mr. Nightblade, is there only one umbrella?"
Roderick looked down at her, his voice unreadable. "It's enough."
Catriona slightly pressed her lips together, clearly seeing Roderick tilt most of the umbrella toward her, leaving his back and shoulders exposed to the rain.
The rain grew heavier, pattering loudly on the umbrella.
"We should head back," she said, standing up. She believed her grandmother wouldn't want someone to stay in the rain just to visit her.
"Haven't we just arrived? What's the rush to leave?" Roderick said flatly.
Catriona shook her head. "I've said everything I needed to tell Grandma. I can go here to see her whenever I want. Let's go.."
Roderick tugged at his lips in a faintly mocking curve. "Yes, everything that needed to be said has been said."
Catriona paused, feeling something was off. Just as she was about to look at Roderick's face, he suddenly thrust both the child and the umbrella into her arms.
"You two head back to the car."
"What about you..."
"I have a few words for the elder," Roderick said, standing in the rain, gazing at the woman under the black umbrella. He then tugged at his lips in self-mockery, asking her, "Or are you saying you don't agree, that I'm not qualified?"
Catriona's eyes widened slightly. She raised the umbrella a bit higher, trying to see Roderick's face clearly.
Roderick stood in the rain, motionless, as countless raindrops fell on his hair and face.
For once, Catriona saw a hint of dishevelment and weariness on him.
"I didn't mean that. We'll wait for you in the car," she said, then turned and left.
What's wrong with Roderick?
It seemed like his mood suddenly darkened.
Only after watching the mother and child disappear into the rain did Roderick turn his gaze to Grandma's tombstone. In the photo, the elderly woman smiled kindly, as if looking at him.
"I love her."
"I promise before you, I will be loyal to her, protect her. I will never leave her."
"You know, she's lacked love all her life; too few people love her. So, she turns away everyone who tries to. I'm not one of those suitors who knocks and leaves."
"If she won't open the door, that's fine. I'll open it in my own way, by prying it open or even smashing it if I have to." Roderick looked at the old woman's photo, bowing deeply. "Forgive me."
She's always hidden behind doors, playing the unloved little girl she once was.
The one who...hid in a weed-filled park crying.
Back then, no one went to find her. Did she think that no one ever would?
He would let her know that there are always those who are willing to follow the path of fate, wandering through twists and turns, unwavering in their determination to reach her, no matter how far apart they are.
——
Catriona sat in the car with Cedric beside her, playing with his toys, still pondering Roderick's words. What a moody man!
The next moment, the driver's side door opened, and Roderick got in, fastening his seatbelt.
Catriona noticed he was soaked through but had no idea what he'd just said to Grandma.
She pursed her lips. "Let's head back to Luna Palace. You should change into dry clothes."
Roderick turned, staring at her with an intense gaze. "What, is it hard to be with me?"
Catriona froze. "What...?"
Roderick had already turned back, starting the car with a casual tone. "What's the rush? The cub's almost five, isn't he? Time to start hunting practice."
Come to think of it, Cedric's birthday was just ten days away.
Hearing about his birthday, Cedric's eyes lit up, his chubby face puffing with excitement. "Mom, I'm going to grow up, right?"
"Yes, you'll soon be a big five-year-old." Catriona stroked her son's hair, her smile gradually fading.
Roderick!
What's with the strange tone?
With her son around, she could only pretend nothing happened.
Roderick drove in silence.
About fifteen minutes later, the car stopped.
Catriona looked out; it was the Manor. She'd been here once before to meet his friend.
The houses inside were all made of wood, with wolf sculptures, and columns carved with wolves. Behind the houses lay a lawn and woods.
Was Roderick bringing his son here for hunting?
Roderick said nothing as he got out of the car, opening the back door and fixing his gaze on her. Though he didn't speak, his intentions were clear; he was patiently waiting for her to get out.
An inexplicable, invisible pressure filled the air.
Catriona looked at her son's chubby, innocent face, feeling a bit anxious. "Isn't Cedric too young for hunting practice? Will it be dangerous..."
"He's already late. Or do you want him to starve when he's out in the wild?"
Of course, Catriona didn't want that.
"Cedric." Roderick glanced at the cub in the middle, "Do you want to go catch some rabbits?"
Cedric's eyes lit up, and he smiled, revealing his little fangs. "Yes! Dad, are we going to catch little rabbits?"
"Mm, whatever you catch will be yours."
Roderick glanced at the woman still buckled in her seatbelt, recalling her words from earlier. His gaze darkened as he leaned closer, resting one hand on the car door, and looked intently at Catriona's face. "What are you worried about? He'll only be catching little things."
Catriona hadn't expected him to make such a move; she paused for a moment before responding, "Um... that's fine then..."
A click sounded.
Roderick unbuckled her seatbelt, his voice low. "Let's get out."
"Alright."
Roderick straightened up.
As soon as they entered, a man in a white shirt and black vest came to greet them.
No, Catriona realized, he wasn't human.
He spoke to Roderick with a slight bow, looking up with an expression of deference.
Humans didn't interact like that.
"The cubs' hunting practice grounds, yes? Please come this way. We have rabbits, squirrels, chickens, birds, and so on, all raised in compliance with human laws, so rest assured."
Hearing this, Cedric licked his small lips.
His big, dewy eyes sparkled.
