9 SO CLOSE YET SO FAR II

Three days ago, as a product analyst of Vallardi corporation and as someone who helped them earn a lot of money, Michael was invited to attend the 20th birthday of the young master. When he received the invitation, he was having complicated feelings within him. When his sister placed a curse on the Luna of the Blue Moon pack, Michael wasn't at home at that time. He didn't know what exactly happen. Which also means that the Vallardi family didn't have any idea of who he is. But still, being a member of the Dragon tribe who caused harm to their Luna, Michael was hesitating to attend the party.

"If you want to refuse, just refuse it." Irene mentioned while cooking food for their dinner. She heard her husband sighed for the nth time already and she's had enough of it.

"I told you that my sister caused harm to someone right?" Michael asked without really looking at his wife. "That family was the Vallardi family. And the young master who's celebrating his birthday, that's the only survivor of the first birth that the Luna gave. If they find out who I am, what do you think will happen?"

"You have a way to erase your scent, right? Why don't you just do it and cover yourself with scents of human?"

"That's fine, too." Michael answered but he was still having doubts and hesitation.

"I'm home!" Serina announced her arrival and looked at the clock in the living room. "I have kept my promise; seven sharp." She walked towards her father and kissed his check before approaching her mother to do the same. "What's that you're holding, dad?" she asked while getting herself a glass of water.

"An invitation letter to attend a birthday party."

"Oh? From who?"

"The young master of the Vallardi family that I worked for will be turning 20 years old in three days."

"Oh." She placed the glass on the countertop and walked back to the living room. "Are you attending it or not?"

"I'm not sure."

"Let's attend it. I'd like to see how different would rich people celebrate their birthday." In truth, their family could be considered wealthy as well but Serina didn't think that way. "If you choose to attend this birthday, please bring me along with you."

"Alright. Let's attend this birthday. I'll have someone buy you a dress."

Thus, Serina and her family attended the birthday party for this young master of the Vallardi family. The party will formally start at 7:00 in the evening so, they left their house around six in the evening. Serina felt bored because of the long drive so, she decided to chat with her friends using her phone.

Since she was busy chatting, she didn't notice the time and the place that they went to. She didn't even notice that they have arrived already. If her father didn't pull over to park the car, Serina wouldn't notice this at all.

She looked around the place and found it wonderful, specially the large and majestic mansion which was sitting atop of a mountain, overlooking the whole village. "This place is amazing." Serina commented as she looked at the place around her. Her eyes scanned her surroundings very quickly but she couldn't get enough of it.

She took pictures of the night view and sent it to her friends.

"Wow! That's a very beautiful. Where did you guys go to?" Hillary asked while giving a heart on the pictures that Serina sent.

"I'm not really sure but what I know is that we will be attending the birthday of the young master from the Vallardi family."

"Vallardi family? You mean that large company that sells clothes, toys and other things?"

"Maybe. Is there another Vallardi family in this country?" Serina asked, not really knowledgeable in this field. She never pays attention to who's wealthy or not but she knew that the Vallardi family is wealthy because her father works for them.

"You are so lucky Rina! Sent us more pictures of the place." Brigette requested while checking the time in her phone screen. It's getting late but her parents weren't home yet.

Irene was holding her daughter's elbow, making sure that she won't trip and fall just because she kept her eyes on her phone. She knew that Serina was chatting with her friends and she didn't want to disturb them.

"Hillary, can you come over to my house? Like can you and your brother come over. I'm alone and I think I'm seeing shadows walking around our house." Brigette message this on the group chat which allowed Serina to read the message as well.

"Your parents aren't home yet?" Serina asked with worry showing on her face. "Make sure you lock the door to your room and close your windows too. Don't turn on your lights and hide somewhere. Don't make any noise and make sure to turn your phone on a silent mode."

"Hey! You're scaring her." Hillary replied to Serina's message. Then, she replied to Brigette's message. "Don't worry, I'm looking for my brother now. We're coming over in few minutes."

Serina's worry was already obvious and her parents were also worried for what she was worrying. They were about to enter the mansion when Serina looked back and stared at the dark sky. She was about to unleash her power and use her psychic energy to check Brigette's current situation when her father pressed her shoulder and shook his head.

It was just few seconds but it was already enough to alert the Vallardi family of the possible intrusion. Serina withdrew her power immediately and her father erased her scent once again.

"I'll go home." Serina turned around and walked back to the car. "I need to check on my best friends. Something's wrong. I need to see her."

Nicholas caught sight of a beautiful woman but it was a very short glance because she turned around and left. Her father and mother followed her as well. He tried to observe them through the glass windows and found her getting flustered while she was trying to call someone. Not long after, her father came inside.

"Happy birthday, young master." Michael greeted Nicholas and handed his gift. "We wanted to stay for a bit longer and celebrate your 20th birthday but my daughter's best friend is in danger. I'll have to drive her back. I hope you won't take this negatively. We didn't mean to be rude."

"It's alright. I'm glad you can make it tonight. Thank you for this gift. I hope that your daughter's best friend will be alright."

"Thank you, young master." Michael politely excused himself and left the ball room. During that short conversation, he was able to assess Nicholas and found traces of the curse in him. 'Sigh. I hope my daughter can find a way to lift this curse soon.'

The whole family came with enthusiasm but they left not long after with so much worry on their faces.