Chapter 43 - Water Cock

Maya's trembling hand reached for the phone lying on the table. The screen kept flashing with Lena's name clearly displayed. The repeated ringing shattered the tense silence in the room.

"Pick it up," Lucas said, his voice low but commanding.

Maya hesitated, her finger hovering over the screen. "Lucas…"

"I said, pick it up," Lucas repeated, his voice cold as ice piercing through bone.

With shaking hands, Maya swiped the screen and brought the phone to her ear. "H-Hello… Lena?"

Lucas snatched the phone and put the call on loudspeaker.

Lena's voice came through the speaker, a sharp contrast to the chilling atmosphere in the room.

"Hello? Hello… Mom… Are you okay? Your voice… it sounds strange."

Lucas handed the phone back to Maya.

Maya swallowed hard, trying to steady her trembling voice. "I-I'm fine, sweetheart… just a little tired…"