The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven-Chapter 78: Let’s Drive

Draven.

A soft knock sounded on the door. Three light taps.

"Enter," I called.

Xamira’s nanny, Dorothy, poked her head in. "Alpha, forgive me for the interruption. Xamira is asking if she can show you her drawing."

I nodded once, a calm smile growing on my lips. "Send her in."

The door opened wider, and Xamira skipped in, clutching a bundle of papers to her chest. Her smile was small but present, familiar enough not to trigger alarm.

"Come here," I said, returning to my seat.

My little pumpkin was just the perfect opportunity to get away from Rhovan and the silly thoughts he was forcing into my head.

Xamira walked over and held out a page. I took it carefully.

It was a drawing—crude but vibrant. Crayons smeared across the parchment, forming a garden with stick-figured wolves and a small girl with white hair.

"You drew this?" I asked.

She nodded, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

I studied her face more carefully now. There was something... off.

Too quiet. Too still.

Xamira was many things—shy, yes—but she never brought me drawings without bubbling over with details. She also never stood this stiffly, like she was afraid to move the wrong way.

"You alright, little pumpkin?"

She blinked at the nickname. Normally, she lit up when I called her that, but not today.

"I’m okay," she said softly, gaze falling to the floor.

She looked unhappy, and that immediately drew a frown out of me.

I set the drawing down on the desk. "Did something happen?"

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head quickly. "No."

My frown deepened. That lie was too practiced.

I rose slowly and walked around the desk. She didn’t flinch—just stared forward, arms still tight around the rest of her papers. That was not my daughter.

I crouched to her level. "Xamira."

She finally looked at me.

There was a shadow in her eyes. Small, but it was there.

"Did someone say anything to you?" I asked.

She shook her head, refusing to meet my gaze. And that was enough to bother me.

"Who were you with?" I asked, curious to know the reason she looked so sad.

She paused. Then whispered, "Miss Wanda."

My jaw clenched. "What did she say?"

Xamira looked unsure, like she wasn’t sure if she should speak at all. But then she opened up, "She just told me a story and helped me with a few exercises."

I nodded slowly, believing her. But that still didn’t solve the problem. "But if she said anything that made you feel upset or confused, you can come to me."

"Okay," she said softly and finally met my gaze.

I gently placed a hand on her head and she leaned into it like she usually did.

"Go on," I said. "You can show your drawings to the others."

She nodded and turned to leave.

As she reached the door, she stopped and looked back. She hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"Daddy, don’t forget our play time this evening."

"I won’t." My gaze softened.

Xamira finally smiled at me before running out of the office.

---

~**Meredith**~

I sat on the edge of my bed, fingers gently curling around Arya’s wrist.

"Are you sure?" I asked, eyes narrowing as she adjusted her blouse.

"Yes, my lady," Arya said softly, turning slightly.

I leaned in.

There it was—smooth skin. The swelling had vanished, and the red lines that once marred her back had faded completely. Her complexion looked a little flushed, but not bruised. Not damaged.

The wound had sealed up.

A breath of relief escaped me before I could stop it.

I hadn’t even realized how tense I had been—how tightly I had held onto the guilt since yesterday. But now, with this proof of healing, the guilt loosened its grip.

"I’m glad," I murmured. "Really glad."

Arya smiled, small but bright. I think she is still being hunted by what happened this morning.

"And rest," I added. "You are not lifting a finger until tomorrow."

She tried to object, but I was already waving her down.

Just then, a knock tapped on the door twice before opening gently. Kira stepped in, her hands folded in front of her.

"My lady," she began, "would you like to see how the red grapes are harvested?"

I blinked. "Red grapes?"

"Yes. The estate garden behind the west wing—Azul said you might enjoy the walk."

I considered it. Sunlight. Fresh air. Grapes.

It sounded... normal.

And after everything, a slice of normal sounded heavenly.

"I will come," I said, rising to my feet. "I’ve been bored for hours now."

---

The garden was tucked behind the estate, sloping gently toward a trellised field where vines ran wild in neat rows. The scent in the air was fresh and slightly sweet, and golden sunlight draped across the vineyard like silk.

Azul and Kira walked on either side of me. Their quiet chatter blended with the rustling of leaves and soft instructions from the gardeners nearby.

I watched the workers for a while. Each held a pair of small shears, clipping bunches of red grapes from the vines and tossing them gently into woven baskets.

It was almost rhythmic—like a dance.

One of the gardeners, a boy who couldn’t be much older than me, paused and gave a small bow when he saw us.

"Would you teach me how to do that?" I asked, pointing toward the grapes.

His brows lifted slightly, but then he smiled. "Of course, my lady."

He handed me a pair of shears, carefully showing me how to hold them. Then he led me to a vine heavy with fruit.

"You will want to find a clean stem," he said, gesturing, "and cut just above the bunch."

I followed his instructions, snipping the stem gently. The grapes dropped into my palm, plump and cold with dew.

"There," I said, holding it up with a faint laugh. "Not bad for my first try?"

"Not bad at all," he replied.

I handed the shears back to him, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Azul stood nearby with a small basket, beaming like I had won a prize.

I know she was proud to see me so cheerful. I would have never found a moment like this back home.

Feeling playful, I plucked two grapes and tossed them into my mouth.

The burst of sweetness made me close my eyes for just a second. Then I heard a voice behind me. fгeewebnovёl.com

"Well, look at who is having fun," Dennis said, amusement coating every syllable. "You’ve been converted to vineyard life?"

My eyes snapped open.

He stood a few paces away, arms folded across his chest, lips tugged into a crooked smile.

I almost choked on the grapes.

Then I straightened my spine and slowed my chewing dramatically. "Just... tasting."

"Right," he drawled. "Because that didn’t look like enjoyment at all."

I swallowed and changed the topic. "What are you doing here?"

He walked closer, stopping at the edge of the row. "Came to tell you I’ve got a little time this afternoon. Thought I had finally make good on the lessons."

I blinked. "What lessons?"

"The one where I teach you how to drive a car," he grinned wider. "You didn’t forget, did you?"

I blinked again, then smiled. Of course, I didn’t forget. "But I won’t give you that answer you need today."

"Naturally. And I’m only teaching you the basics today." He extended his hand. "Shall we?"

I looked down at my boots and then at the grape vines swaying gently in the breeze.

Driving could be dangerous, but a lot of fun.

I reached for his hand without thinking.

"Alright," I said. "Let’s drive."