Chapter 23 #3
Mrs. Wilson knelt on the floor, her whole body trembling. She tried to speak but couldn't make a sound.
Ms. Brown's face had gone ghostly pale, legs weak.
"Apologize," Lucifer said, gaze returning to the three children. "Apologize to her."
The children looked at their mother. Mrs. Wilson, kneeling, managed a difficult nod.
"S-sorry."
"Sorry."
"Sorry."
The three children spoke one after another, voices tiny, all crying.
Anya clutched my clothes, silent.
"Not enough," Lucifer said. He crouched down, eye level with the three children, voice still icy. "Do you know what you did wrong?"
The children shook their heads desperately, crying harder.
"You discriminated based on lineage," Lucifer said, each word clear. "You think half-bloods are inferior. You think bloodline justifies bullying. But you're wrong."
He stood, withdrawing the pressure but his presence still commanding, gaze sweeping over everyone in the office—Ms. Brown, Mrs. Wilson, and the other teachers watching from the doorway.
"Silver pine no longer tolerates blood discrimination.
I established that law long ago." His voice echoed through the office with undeniable authority.
"Whether pure-blood or mixed-blood, all are citizens of Silver pine.
Anyone who bullies others based on bloodline disrespects my authority, and I will handle them personally. Is that clear?"
"Yes... yes, Your Majesty." Everyone spoke in unison.
He turned to Ms. Brown. The teacher had collapsed into her chair. "And these children will apologize in front of the entire school."
Ms. Brown's face changed. "Your Majesty, wouldn't that be too—"
"You think that's too much?" Lucifer interrupted, stepping forward, bending to look at her. "Then we'll go to court. Your school and these children's parents—think you can beat Hale's legal team?"
The office fell deathly silent.
Ms. Brown and Mrs. Wilson exchanged glances, both looking grim.
"I understand." Ms. Brown finally said, voice trembling. "Tomorrow... I'll arrange it."
"Good." Lucifer nodded, then looked at me and Anya, his voice instantly softening. "Let's go."
I held Anya and followed him out of the office.
Liam trailed behind.
At the stairwell, Lucifer said, "Elena, why don't Anya and Liam move back to the palace? It's safer there, better educational resources—"
"No need." I interrupted, voice calm. "I can take care of my daughter."
Anya nestled in my arms, looking curiously at Lucifer.
I wasn't ready for Anya to acknowledge Lucifer yet.
The Elder Council... I held Anya tighter.
And the people behind the Butcher Squad still hadn't been found.
In those wolves' eyes, I was still the criminal who'd colluded with that organization.
I was afraid that if Lucifer and I lived together, it would bring pressure on him and Liam.
He looked at me, opened his mouth, then smiled. "I respect your choice, Elena. But if you need me, I'll be there."
I turned to Liam. He stood there, the scratch on his face obvious under the hallway lights. His t-shirt was covered in dirt, hair a complete mess.
"Liam," I called him.
He looked up at me, eyes uncertain, as if waiting to be scolded.
I motioned him over. Liam hesitated, glanced at Lucifer as if receiving some permission, and carefully approached. The next second, I reached out and touched his face.
"You did well," I said, looking at him seriously. "Thank you for protecting your sister."
His eyes instantly lit up like ignited stars.
"Really?" His voice trembled. "You... you're not mad I fought?"
"Not this time," I said. "Because you were protecting family. You did the right thing. But next time something like this happens, tell an adult first. Understand?"
His mouth curved up, but his eyes reddened. He nodded hard.
Anya poked her head out from my arms. "Liam, you're so amazing!" Her voice still had some congestion. "You scared all the bad guys away!"
Liam's face flushed, but his smile grew. "You're my sister. Of course I have to protect you."
I watched them both, that place in my chest aching and swelling.
"I'll drive you home," Lucifer said.
The car moved through the streets. Marcus had stayed at school to handle follow-up, so Lucifer drove. Liam and Anya sat in the back. Anya held Liam's hand, chattering non-stop.
"Liam, how did you get in?"
"Climbed the wall."
"Did it hurt?"
"No."
"You're amazing!"
Liam listened, nodding occasionally, smile never leaving his face. His hand gently held Anya's, like holding something precious.
I sat in front, watching them in the rear view mirror.
Lucifer's hand reached over and took mine.
I looked at him. He was looking at me too, those gray eyes full of tenderness and determination.
I didn't pull away.
The car slowly headed toward home. Sunset streamed through the windows, bathing the whole car in warm tones.
I watched the scenery outside, slowly receding, slowly fading.
That tight place in my chest didn't feel quite so constricted anymore.
Maybe... maybe I could try.
Try trusting him.
Try giving him a chance.
Try... making this family truly whole.