Adrian stood there, staring at them in confusion. His mouth opened as if to speak, but before any words came out, Annette's voice sounded gently behind him.
"I wanted to tell you they are perfectly fine," she said. "But you ran too fast before I could explain."
Adrian kept his eyes on Lucien and Ash, his voice barely steady.
"How is that possible...?"
Annette stepped around him and stood in front of him. She lifted her hand and gently touched his cheek.
"You need to rest, son."
Lucien suddenly straightened up, brushing dust from his clothes.
"Grandma, what did you make for breakfast?" he asked. "I'm really hungry."
Ash stood up as well.
"Me too," he said, following Lucien toward the house.
Adrian watched them walk away. His chest tightened as he turned back to Annette. "They didn't even talk to me," he said softly.
Annette let out a small laugh.
"Don't let their mood swings affect you," she said. "Even if they don't want to talk to you, I will talk to you. Right?"
