Elias studied their faces, keeping his own expression carefully neutral. His adoptive parents were not the type to feel guilt, nor were they the type to waste their time on pointless visits. If they were here, it meant they had something to gain.
The silence stretched between them. His adoptive mother shifted uncomfortably, her fingers twitching at the folds of her dress. His adoptive father, however, remained composed, his gaze sharp and assessing.
"I heard there was an… incident," his father finally said, his voice low. "Are you sure you're fine?"
Elias lowered his gaze, letting his hands tighten slightly in his lap, as if he was struggling to hold himself together. "I was frightened," he murmured, "but the soldiers protected me."
His mother exhaled in relief, though Elias doubted it was for his sake. His father, however, wasn't convinced.
"You were always fragile," he said, as if reminding himself. "It's a good thing you know how to keep your head down."
Elias nodded, feigning submission. He had played this role his entire life; he knew exactly what they expected.
His mother moved closer, reaching for his hands. Elias resisted the urge to pull away as she held them in hers. Her touch was warm, but it lacked any real affection. "The Alpha… he hasn't been cruel to you, has he?"
Elias shook his head. "No."
His father's gaze darkened slightly. "He's occupied with the war. That much we heard. But that doesn't mean things won't change."
Elias remained silent, his mind working through the possibilities. Were they here to gauge the Alpha's treatment of him? Or were they concerned that he might gain favor, that he might become something more than the disposable pawn they had offered?
His mother forced a smile, brushing a strand of his hair behind his ear. "We only wanted to see you," she said softly. "To make sure you were safe."
A lie.
But Elias only nodded again, letting them believe he was naïve enough to accept their words at face value.
There was a knock at the door. One of the soldiers stepped inside, his expression unreadable. "The Alpha has allowed your visit, but it is time for you to leave."
His father's lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to stay longer. He wanted to dig deeper. But there was no arguing with the Alpha's orders.
His mother hesitated, then cupped Elias's cheek with a final, forced display of affection. "Take care of yourself, my dear."
And then they were gone.
Elias sat in silence, staring at the closed door. Their visit had only confirmed what he already knew—he was being watched from all sides. Not just by the Alpha. Not just by the soldiers. But by the very people who had thrown him away.
And now, more than ever, he needed to be careful.