Gray walks around his office, waiting for a call from Casey.

Earlier, he had received a single message saying he had new information to share.

Although he left home early and recently graduated in Architecture, Gray worked almost full-time for his father's company, SL Co. Rarely did he work at the company, but this self-imposed rule was forgotten as soon as Moon moved in.

Recently, with the many attempts of invasion on the border, Gray has also been working on the surveillance of the city’s border. 

The muffled sound of the rain and the ticking of the clock was far from calming him down when the bell ringing echoed through the house. Griffin was panting, with his shirt unbuttoned and smeared with a few drops of what looked like blood.

― You asked for an answer and I got it. ― Griffin said, walking right past his brother and into the office, where he became comfortable and served himself a double shot of whiskey. As soon as he heard Gray come in, Griffin threw himself on the couch. ― The border invasions have been just a distraction.

― Casey already confirmed that. Who ordered? ― Gray asks, sitting in his chair.

― Hunt. And that's what I don't understand... Why would they do something like that, right under our noses?

― Cause they are covering for someone... Casey has found something, but he hasn't come here yet. We need to get the members of the Velum together.

― I’m here. And I'll schedule a meeting as soon as possible. ― Casey appears shaking a key in his hands, accompanied by a tall man dressed all in black, much like a bodyguard. Tattoos were seen on his collar and hands.

― Hux! You haven't changed a bit… ― Gray says.

― How you doing, brother? ― Huxley says, hugging him.

― I’ve met your mate… ― Huxley chuckled. ― I like her.

― Seems like everyone does… ― Gray answered, a bit jealous. ― So, what did you get?

― So, Eric is a close friend of the Hunt family. For years, already. It seems it was his son who ordered the invasions in Berkshire. They said they needed distractions. The Hunt is their source of information in Berkshire.

― And what does Eric want? ― Gray asks.

― He's after someone. ― Hux shakes his head. ― And my gut tells me it’s your mate…

― Why?

― She’s a vanik. ― Griffin says. ― They have always been hunted...

― Zane is looking into that. If it’s Moon, we’ll come up with a plan, don’t worry. ― Casey reassured his friend.

― She’s sharp… Tough. Beautiful eyes… I like her. Don’t screw this up. ― Huxley randomly says, all eyes on him. ― What?

― I don’t think I ever heard so many words coming out of your mouth like that… ― Casey held a laugh, trying not to anger Gray even more on the subject.

― Yeah… But you shouldn’t be talking about her, like that, in front of Gray… ― Griffin says. ― But I gotta agree with you. Especially her eyes. ― Griffin says, taking another sip of the whiskey.

― I’ll kill you if you get near her. ― Gray warned his brother. ― You too, Hux. Stay away from her, all of you.

― Chill, dude… ― Casey said. ― By the way, I thought you’d like to know that she got something. ― Casey stood up and served himself some liquor; Hux quietly refused. ― Hux… She found her. The Countess.

― How? I mean… that woman’s a ghost... ― Griffin asks surprised.

― Whatever she is, Moon’s a witch. A vanik. Her power is… unlimited, I think. She found her in just a few hours… ― Casey excitedly told them. The phone in his suit pocket vibrated, and his eyes shone. ― Ok, these are Rothery’s attackers; Archie Brock, Rory Bowen, Toni McNeil, Terrence Young, and TJ Hunt. She’s fast… and good. Told ya.

― What surprises me most about this group is that the Brock family doesn't seem to care if their son is a friend of Hunt's… ― Griffin observed.

― Archie doesn't have a very good character... Now, why would they attack Gus? I thought they were friends… ― Gray leans on his desk.

― It happened right after Archie and Moon’s fight. ― Casey says.

― Maybe, Rothery said something about it, maybe he decided to break ties with the group… ― Huxley assumes.

― No... I think there's something we've lost on the way… ― Gray settled on the couch, tapping his fingers on the coffee table while looking at the scattered papers Griffin brought earlier. ― We need to dig deeper.

― Understood. ― Casey was already texting Zane.

― I’ll follow the brat, Archie, for now. Do I staple his house too? ― Huxley asks.

― Yes. The others' too. Hux, if possible, keep an eye on TJ too. ― Gray asks, standing up and serving himself a shot of whiskey in the corner of the office. ― Do you think this may be connected to the border invasions?

― Well, from what I got from the people of Montserrat, nobody saw those guys. They're not from here. But we haven't gotten any information from them yet. They're tough. ― Griffin scratched his chin.

― Ok… Griffin, go question them later. I’m sure you can get something out of them… ― Gray finishes his whiskey and returns the glass to the table. ― Call me if anything happens…

Gray grabbed his car keys from above the table and went towards the exit. ― What are you waiting for, G? Family dinner today, did you forget?

― Oh, fuck! There goes my chance to hook up with the coffee lady…

― Too much info dude, too much.

― Where are we going? ― Gunner asked as his sister dragged him out of the pub. ― I love the fact that we’re finally united again, but... we gotta communicate, ok? You can’t just drag me, sis...

― Oh… on my way here, we were cordially invited to have dinner with a family… Uncle can’t come, something came up at the sawmill.

― Oh! Dinner, nice… Where?

― Atlantis Hotel.

Gunner halted his steps, almost making Moon fall with the sudden stop.

― Atlantis Hotel? That freaking luxurious and giant place, full of expensive cars coming in and out that I saw on my way here yesterday?

― Yeah. That one.

― Do we have the money for that place? Cause if we do, there are a few things I’d like to buy…

Moon couldn’t help but laugh, loudly, at her brother’s remarks.

― What? ― Gunner asked, quite confused.

― Oh, you’re too cute for this world, Gun, that’s all. ― Moon ruffled his hair. ― Mr. Sutherland invited us to have lunch.

― Well… Free food is always good. Who is he, again?

― My mate’s father.

.

.

They walk lazily through the lounge, looking for the restaurant. As easy as it could’ve been, they now find themselves sitting across from Gray’s parents.

― Why am I feeling poor, right now? ― Gunner whispers to his sister, while the Sutherland family members are busy looking at their menu.

― Don’t worry, I got money to pay for us… Choose whatever you want, no need to care about the price. ― she answers, glancing at the three empty seats.

Artur comes jogging, breathless while apologizing.

― Sorry, guys. The traffic was awful… ― he smiles at Gunner and extends his hand. ― Hey, Gunner, right? I’m Artur, the third son and your sister’s best friend.

The youngest nodded.

― Oh, right! ― May suddenly said. ― Reese, our youngest, is on a college trip so he won’t be here today… By the way, Artur, where are your brothers?

― I don’t know… Haven’t talked to them today yet.

― We’re here…

Griffin took a seat in front of Moon, smiling at her.

― Your man sure is slow… If you’re not pleased with him, don’t forget that I’m available. ― he smirks. His eyes stop at Gunner for a brief moment, but he soon pays attention to his mother.

― Shut up, Griffin. ― Gray clicked his tongue and sat beside his brother.

― Just sit already, boys. ― Brock’s stern voice echoed in the VIP area. ― Moon, is everything ready for your next mission?

― What mission? ― May asked, taking a sip of her red wine.

― A secret one.

― Hey, come on… We’re members as well. Can’t we know? ― Griffin chimed in.

― You talk too much, and that’s a problem… ― Artur replied.

The brothers kept bickering over dinner while their parents talked about all kinds of things, doing their best to engage Moon and her brother in the conversation. Gray, on the other hand, kept quiet all along.

― Moon… How did you use your powers to find that woman? ― Griffin asked.

― It was quite a simple spell, actually. ― Moon answers him while enjoying a tall glass of ice cream with her brother.

― In all this time I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you use your powers. ― Griffin asks, his body leaning back in his chair. ― Now I’m curious to see what you look like when using them...

― Really? Want me to use them on you? Cause I’d be happy to throw you far away, into the wall. ― she smirks.

Griffin chuckled.

― Damn, I like you.…

― Are you serious right now? ― Gray asks, then turns to face Moon, serious. ― I forbid you to stay alone with this asshole…

― Will you ever not forbid me from something? ― she asks.

The whole table starts looking at them, not understanding the sudden conversation exchange between them.

― You do know that I can break your orders, right? I’m just too lazy to do it.

― Try it. I know you can’t. ― Gray hissed, but not low enough as everybody got tense with his voice tone.

― Don’t think you can boss me around, Gray. I’m not a fucking piece of property for you to own me. ― Moon crossed her arms and leaned on the table. ― Griffin, did you know I can see everyone else’s threads? As well as a glimpse of the future? ― Moon grinned.

― Threads? ― Griffin asked.

― Yeah, threads, connecting people. Colorful threads around the fingers… ― Moon motions her hand in an example. ― There’s a color for all types of relationships… Family, friendship and trust, love, hatred…

― That’s interesting. ― May said, before sipping her coffee.

― Should I tell what I see? ― Moon laughed, scooping more ice cream from her glass.

Gunner watched the scene quietly and was amused.

― Why are you telling me this? ― Griffin queried.

― Because people can lie. But not the threads… ― she then turned to Gray. ― By the way, be careful with your friend, you know, that woman who introduced me to the council. She’s gonna screw... you... up...

Moon grabbed her bag and searched for her wallet. As she took a few notes out of it, calculating her and her brother’s expenses, she put them on the table. 

― Mr. Sutherland, thank you for everything but I have to leave. I have work to do. ― she got up, with her brother following her. ― Oh, one more thing… About the job at the company... ― Moon paused for a second, ― I’ll have to reject it. I rather help my friend succeed in his dream than continue to be bossed around. Goodbye.

The Sutherlands just watched in silence, too shocked to even respond to that.

Griffin had a smirk on his face as he rested both hands on his chest.

― She’s awesome… A little scary, but awesome.

― He’s possessive about her. ― Artur threw some napkins at Griffin. ― You better not flirt or he’s going to kill you.

― No, he won’t.

― I will. ― Gray answered.

May still observe Moon’s back.

― She’s quite… something. ― she then chuckled. ― Do you guys even know why she amazes you all, so much? You, men, like to be in control. She defies that. You all like her because you’re always up for a challenge.

― That’s why I want her in Velum. ― Mr. Sutherland says.

Griffin’s phone suddenly rings. He picks it up and all eyes are on him.

― Yeah. Ok. I’ll let him know… Yeah. See ya. ― Griffin hung up and seemed serious. ― Do you know who the Hunt family is connected to?

― Who? ― May meddles in the conversation, undoubtedly curious.

― Eric. Does it ring a bell?