Mrs. Samuels was startled by Kira's voice, snapping her out of her thoughts. She turned around, forcing a smile onto her face.
"Kira, you're awake," she said sweetly.
Kira nodded, concern evident in her eyes. "Are you alright, Mom?"
Mrs. Samuels adjusted her dress and fidgeted subtly before replying, "Of course, I'm fine. There's nothing wrong."
Kira sensed her mother was hesitant to discuss whatever was troubling her, so she held back her questions, knowing she could find out later.
"Kira, come help me with breakfast," Mrs. Samuels called out as she was about to leave the kitchen.
Kira returned and became a helpful presence in preparing breakfast. After they finished, she watched as her mom and dad got into his car and drove off. She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, leaning on the front porch pillar, watching them drive away.
Inside the house, she saw Pascal sitting casually at the table, legs propped up, fingers clasped behind his head, relaxed and carefree.
Kira's expression darkened instantly. "You shouldn't be here," she said coldly.
Pascal grinned and teased, "Jealous of your parents' romance?"
Her face hardened. Frustration boiled over, and she snapped, "Get the fuck out of my house."
Pascal laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, I won't tease you anymore," he said, voice resigned.
Kira glared at him coldly, then turned away, walking over to sit apart from him. She eyed him with suspicion, her tone icy.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
Pascal shifted, his relaxed posture fading as he sat upright, palms resting on his knees. His expression turned serious. "The full moon is coming soon. You're a rogue, just like me."
Kira's eyes narrowed. "It was you three years ago," she said sharply.
He nodded solemnly. "I lost control back then."
Kira rolled her eyes, her tone dismissive. "You should go back to your pack. You're not a kid anymore—you shouldn't be messing around."
She was about to retreat to her room when Pascal suddenly spoke again. "Do you have plans for the full moon?"
Kira paused, giving him a side glance. "Yes. Someone might need my help that night," she replied casually, then turned and walked off without further explanation.
Pascal sat quietly, fists clenched tightly. His gaze lowered as he guessed who might need help.
Muttering under his breath, he said, "I think it's time to get rid of him."
He stood up abruptly and left. Although Kira overheard his words, she remained expressionless, her focus fixed on her study desk, appearing unfazed.
At noon, her parents returned home. Kira usually avoided eavesdropping on their conversations, but this morning, after noticing her mother was in a moody mood, she decided to listen in secretly.
She heard the creaking of the doors, and was surprised her mother didn't call out her name. Once they entered their room, Kira kept her ear close to the door, listening intently.
"I don't think we should tell her about it," she heard her father's voice say quietly.
Mrs. Samuels replied, "She's of age now. She has the right to know. We can't keep everything from her forever, pretending everything's fine. Maybe it'll help her get over her hatred towards men."
Mr. Samuels hesitated before speaking again, "I just don't want her to feel bad or blame herself."
Kira's brow furrowed as she listened. She had already guessed what they were discussing. When her mother asked, "When are you leaving?" she heard her father answer.
"Three days from now," Mr. Samuels said.
Her mother sighed softly and whispered, "I'll miss you, my love."
"Me too," he replied.
Kira stopped listening, her fists clenched tightly. That evening, during dinner, her father finally brought up the upcoming trip.
"Dear, I'll be traveling in a few days," Mr. Samuels explained. "I just got a contract from a company that needs my services. It'll last a few weeks, but I'll be back as soon as I'm done."
Mrs. Samuels nodded. "You know how he loves work during this time of year. He's used to it. I tried to persuade him to stay, but he wouldn't change his mind."
Kira looked at her parents, who seemed to be working together to cover up her father's annual absence during the full moon.
She mused quietly, "Umh…"
Without a word, her parents exchanged glances and exhaled in relief. Just when they thought they had given a convincing excuse, Kira asked, "Is there something you're not telling me, Mom and Dad?"
Her parents fidgeted uncomfortably.
Her mother quickly denied it, appearing flustered. "Of course not. There's nothing like that."
Her father added, "You know we don't hide things from you."
Kira stayed silent after their responses. She ate her dinner quietly, then helped clear the plates. As she carried them to the kitchen, her parents looked at each other, puzzled.
Standing in the doorway, Kira turned to them and said softly, "There's no need for Dad to travel."
Then she walked into the kitchen, leaving her parents in thoughtful confusion.
After leaving the kitchen, Kira headed straight to her room without a word, closing the door behind her.
Later that night, Pascal sat on her windowsill, gazing at her bed as she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone.
"You don't get tired just lying there all night, do you?" Pascal asked softly.
Kira lifted an eyebrow, glancing at him. "You want me to stay busy with something?"
Pascal chuckled. "There's a carnival happening. It's hosted by a group of kids who recently made a breakthrough in music. They're eager to gather fans from their neighborhood and the streets. You should come with me."
Without hesitation, Kira shook her head. "Not interested. I'll pass."
But Pascal wasn't done. He leaned forward slightly. "There's also been a girl murdered in town…"
Kira's eyes hardened, and she fixed her gaze on him with icy resolve. "Take me there."