An Absent Father's Judgment

I found myself standing outside Camille's bedroom door, hesitating. Seraphina's words about Julian echoed in my mind, making my hand pause mid-knock. As Chairman of the Lycan Council, I commanded respect from the most powerful wolves in the world. Yet here I was, uncertain how to talk to my own daughter.

I finally knocked, the sound too sharp in the quiet hallway.

"Go away!" Camille's voice was muffled through the door.

"Camille, we need to talk." I kept my tone firm but gentle.

Silence stretched for several seconds before I heard shuffling footsteps. The door opened just enough for me to see her face. Her eyes were red-rimmed, mascara smudged down her cheeks.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

"May I come in?"

She hesitated, then stepped back, opening the door wider. I entered her room and was struck by the disarray - clothes scattered across the floor, tissues piled on the nightstand, curtains drawn against the afternoon light.