It was Andrew.
Surprised, I walked over to the car window, leaned down, and asked, âMr.
Pierce, what brings you here? Itâs the middle of a workday.
Shouldnât you be at the office?â
Andrew surveyed me carefully, ensuring I was unharmed before speaking with a gentle smile.
âI called the manor and was told you had stepped out and left Abby in their care.
I assumed you might have gone to the other world to look for Caleb, so I decided to come and pick you up.
I didnât expect to find you here.
I asked the driver to stop as soon as I saw you.
â
Realizing his intent, I quickly expressed my gratitude.
âThank you.
Thatâs very thoughtful of you.
Iâm sorry for the inconvenience.
â
Andrewâs response was as calm and gentle as ever.
âDonât mention it.
Iâm just glad youâre safe.
â
His eyes were serene, like tranquil pools reflecting starlight, captivating and deep.
Feeling a bit uneasy, I tucked my hair behind my ears and shifted the conversation.
âHow has Abby been since I left?â
Andrew seemed unaware of my distress.
He responded calmly, âDonât worry about that.
The servants are taking excellent care of her; theyâve quickly adapted to her needs.
Abby is a good girl.
The servants are very fond of her.
â
A wave of guilt washed over me.
My frequent visits to the Thorn Edge Pack had often led me to leave Abby in the care of the servants.
It seemed they had grown accustomed to her needs without me.
The realization stung, making me feel like a neglectful mother.
Seeing my distress, Ivy tried to reassure me.
âYouâre doing what you must, and Abby will understand that.
â
I was consumed by self-reproach and remained silent.
Sensing my mood, Andrew asked with concern, âWhatâs wrong, Debra? Are you feeling alright?â
I dismissed his worries with a quick shake of my head.
âIâm fine.
â
Though his brow furrowed with concern, Andrew respected my space and didnât press further.
Instead, he offered a solution.
âCome, letâs get you in the car.
Itâll take too long to walk back to the manor.
â
Debraâs POV:
âOkay.
â
I simply agreed and climbed into Andrewâs car.
As the vehicle pulled away, the bustling streets receded into the distance until they vanished.
We were on the road to the manor, each mile bringing us closer to home.
Andrew glanced away from the scenery outside the window to look at me.
He hesitated before asking, âDebra, after your visit to the Thorn Edge Pack, you must have encountered many familiar faces and places.
Did any memories resurface?â
I pondered for a moment before shaking my head.
âNo.
â
Andrew seemed taken aback and asked incredulously, âDidnât your family and friends share stories of your past?â
I paused.
Indeed, they had.
Caleb had revealed to me my stature as a supreme witch, but there was strong prejudice against mixed-blood witches within the witch clan.
Revealing my identity could stir unnecessary complications.