"Sir, Prince Dominick and Prince Gabriel are here to see you," announced a house servant, bowing slightly at the doorway of Erson Vitiello’s study.
Erson looked up from the docunts spread before him, his brows lifting slightly, not in surprise at Dominick’s visit, but at the presence of Gabriel.
Setting the papers aside, he rose promptly. "I’ll see them now," he said and followed the servant to the front sitting room.
"Your Highnesses," Erson greeted respectfully with a slight bow of his head. "It’s an honor."
Dominick returned the gesture with a polite smile. "Mr. Vitiello, we’d like to discuss sothing of importance, privately, if possible. Perhaps in your study?"
"Of course. Please, this way," Erson said. He guided them down the hall and into the quiet sanctity of his study, closing the door behind them.
Gabriel didn’t wait as he took the seat closest to the desk while Dominick remained standing, allowing the host to settle first.
"Please, Prince Nick, have a seat," Erson said courteously, using the nickna he’d known from years past.
Gabriel’s sharp gaze flicked between them. "Let’s not waste ti," he cut in smoothly. "Sit. We ca for answers."
With a slight nod, Dominick took his seat beside his brother. Erson followed suit and settled on the leather chair in a straight posture.
Dominick leaned slightly forward. "Juniper inford about a report you filed months ago about the deaths of several betas. They weren’t high-ranking, but their disappearances weren’t ordinary either. You suspected the involvent of beta hunters, didn’t you?"
Erson’s eyes narrowed just faintly, a flicker of old concern crossing his face. "Yes... I did," he confird.
"Could you please provide us with the case file related to that report?" Dominick asked.
"I can have it ready by tomorrow," Erson replied, folding his hands together atop his desk. "But may I ask, what exactly is this about? Is sothing wrong?"
"No," Gabriel interjected. "It’s far from alright."
Erson’s gaze shifted to him, concern flickering in his eyes.
"The presence of an organized group targeting betas is deeply troubling," Gabriel continued. "Mr. Vitiello, have there been any similar reports lately? Unusual disappearances or attacks?"
Erson slowly shook his head. "No. Nothing recent. At least, nothing that reached ."
Gabriel pressed his index finger to the curve of his bottom lip, lost in thought. His sharp eyes remained fixed on the polished surface of the desk.
"I suspect the reports are being deliberately withheld," he said finally. "This runs deeper than we assud."
Dominick nodded. "Tomorrow is your wedding reception. We’ll begin looking into it the day after."
"Hm." Gabriel gave a curt nod in agreent.
"Your Highnesses," Erson spoke up in a respectful , "since I oversee these types of cases, allow to take the lead on this. I may have overlooked the earlier incident because the victims weren’t high-profile betas... but after hearing your concerns, I realize I should’ve investigated further. I won’t make that mistake again."
Dominick’s tone turned cautious. "We don’t want word of this getting out. If there is such a group operating in the capital, we can’t risk tipping them off. Discretion is vital in this matter."
"I understood," Erson replied at once. "You have my word. I’ll conduct the inquiry quietly and report directly to you both."
"Thank you, Mr. Vitiello. We’ll await your findings," Dominick said, his gaze briefly shifting to Gabriel, who had remained silent throughout.
Finally, Gabriel rose from his seat. "We should get going," he said, his voice low but resolute.
Dominick followed suit, standing beside his brother.
Erson stood as well, bowing respectfully. "Please, allow to escort you."
He guided the princes out of the study and through the hallway toward the front entrance, where a black car waited quietly for them outside.
Gabriel was the last one to sit inside. He lowered the window and said, "Please be careful. If you find anything unusual, don’t hesitate to report us."
"Yes, Your Highness," Erson said. As the window shut, he stepped back and watched the car leave.
~~~~
"That fateful night... nothing really happened," Alie said to Carlos.
Carlos let out a soft chuckle. "What are you talking about? You saved my life that night, rember? Can’t I tease you a little for old tis’ sake?"
He moved a chess piece absentmindedly, eyes focused on the board in front of him. Then, with a playful sigh, he added, "You know, I never even changed my number, just in case you decided to rember . But I have to admit, Alie, I’m surprised. After all these years, I thought you’d completely forgotten about your big brother."
"I didn’t forget you," Alie said firmly. "I just didn’t want to disturb you."
Carlos let out a scoff. "And what exactly are you doing now, then?" he teased with a warm tone.
Alie sighed. "I need your help, Carlos."
His playful deanor vanished instantly. "What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"You should co and et ," Alie replied. "Can you co to the kingdom’s capital? I got married last month... to Prince Gabriel. A lot has happened since then."
Carlos blinked. "Wait. You got married to *that* prince? The notorious one?" he asked, more amused than judgntal.
"Hey!" Alie frowned. "Don’t call him that. Gabriel isn’t like people say."
Carlos chuckled lowly. "Relax. I already knew you got married. News like that travels, even in the land of witches. Important nas always find their way into the wind. When do I have to co?"
"Tomorrow. To my wedding reception. I’m sorry for inviting you like this without any formal invitation," Alie said, feeling a bit low.
"It’s fine. But will it be good if a witch’s son co to your wedding reception? Why don’t we et at a quieter place?" He suggested.
"But I want you to attend my reception. I couldn’t call you to my wedding," Alie murmured.
"Sure. I’ll be there," promised Carlos. "Take care, Alie. And thank you for rembering ," he added.
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