Emma looked at Marcus curiously. "Marcus, what on earth did you do to make the wolf clan fear you this much? Did you commit some great crime against heaven and earth or something?" When Marcus claimed he'd done nothing, Emma didn't believe him for a second. Before he could even answer, the Grand Elder appeared, helping Marcus' father out from inside. Maurice's body was wrapped in bandages, his face pale. He had been badly injured. The moment Marcus spotted Maurice, he shot up from his chair and strode over to him. "What happened to you? How did you get hurt this badly?" His voice, weak and lazy just moments ago, had turned dangerously sharp. "Was it the Chitinid?" Silas was equally stunned. How could Maurice have been wounded so seriously?He had been keeping a close eye on the situation at Frostveil. Maurice only sustained light injuries during the battle, and Silas had even sent him Beast God Flowers long ago. By all logic, the man should have recovered by now. Seeing Marcus' expression, Maurice felt somewhat comforted. The unfilial brat might drive him mad most days, but at least he still had some genuine concern for his father. Supported by the Grand Elder, Maurice coughed weakly and answered, "I'm fine, so don't worry. It might look bad, but with a few days of rest, I'll be as good as new." He then turned to Emma, his gaze full of warmth. "You must be Emma, the female I've heard about. The Grand Elder has spoken of you before, and he says you're a fine mate." He smiled faintly. "Marcus is truly fortunate to have a female like you." "Greetings, Father. I'm Emma Tibarn."Seeing how badly injured Maurice was, Emma quickly motioned for Marcus to help him sit down. But Maurice weakly avoided Marcus' outstretched hand. "It's fine," he said, his voice growing fainter. He turned to Emma, forcing a gentle smile. "Emma, I truly welcome you and your mates to visit Frostveil. However, I heard from my clansmen that you're here to send Marcus back. "He's my only son, Emma. Yes, he can be troublesome, but he's strong. And here in Frostveil, sons who marry outside are never allowed to return. "If you return him, I'd be too ashamed to continue leading the clan. That leaves me with no other choice but to leave Frostveil and wander the lands with him." Having faked illness herself before, Emma immediately saw through it—Maurice wasn't injured at all. At first, she couldn't understand why he'd pretend to be so gravely hurt.But now, it all made sense. He was afraid she'd come to return his son. Emma's lips twitched. Poor Maurice—not only did he have to act weak, he even had to play the pitiful father. "Father, you've misunderstood me. I didn't come to return him." She took Marcus' hand and said firmly, "Marcus is wonderful, and I've already bonded with him. Even if you wanted him back, I wouldn't agree." "You're not here to return him?" Maurice eyed her skeptically. Emma nodded earnestly. "I swear to the Beast God that I'm not here to return him." Hearing this, Maurice finally relaxed. Maurice released the Grand Elder's arm and stood up straight, his voice suddenly full of vigor. "Well, as long as you're not here to return him!" He nearly scared himself to death just now. Marcus' eyes narrowed dangerously at his reaction. "Father, your injuries?""All healed. I'm perfectly fine!" Maurice patted his chest confidently. "Your father's as strong as ever." Marcus was utterly speechless. Avoiding his son's icy glare, Maurice turned to Emma with a cheerful grin. "Emma, is there something you need from our clan? We're all family here, so don't be shy. Whatever it is, just say the word." As long as she wasn't returning Marcus, everything else wouldn't be an issue. His change in attitude was faster than flipping a page. Emma smiled politely. "Father, we'd like to stay in Frostveil for a few days. We'll be leaving after that. Don't worry, Marcus' mental power has stabilized. There won't be any more outbursts." "Really?" Maurice's eyes lit up in surprise. He looked at Marcus as he teared up. "That's great!" As long as Marcus' powers stayed under control, the Frostveil Wolf Clan wouldn't have to relocate again. Emma and her mates could stay as long as they liked. Maurice immediately turned to the Grand Elder. "Get someone to tidy up Marcus' house. Emma and her partners must be tired from the journey. Let them rest for now, and we'll hold a bonfire feast to welcome them to Frostveil tomorrow." Watching his father's delighted expression, Marcus rolled his eyes. His father's mood swings were getting faster by the day. The Grand Elder quickly gathered people to clean up Marcus' old home. In truth, Maurice had never stopped maintaining it. Though he often said he wouldn't let Marcus return, deep down, he'd always been soft-hearted. After all, Marcus was his only son.