Gabriel and Alie exchanged a glance, unease mirrored in both their eyes.
"Why would we be cursed for sothing that was never ant for us?" Alie murmured.
"I can’t give you an exact answer yet," Carlos replied seriously. "But it’s connected to both of your past lives. And uncovering the truth from that ti... it won’t be easy."
Gabriel leaned forward. "My mother always kept her distance from . She said a high priestess once warned her, told her I would bring chaos because of a past she had seen in ."
Carlos’s expression sharpened. "Where is this high priestess now?"
Before Gabriel could answer, Alie sat beside him, her mind drifting back to what the Queen had once confessed: ’Her son isn’t supposed to fall in love. That’s why she kept him deprived of affection. The priestess feared love would destroy him.’
"The high priestess is gone," Gabriel said softly. "She passed away when I was a child."
He then turned his head slightly toward Alie. "But there’s more. Your mother told us that the high priest of your pack saw you the day you were born. He claid you must never fall in love... because your mate would die."
Carlos’s brows drew together in shock.
He rembered how Alie had lived under constant watch, barely allowed to step beyond the boundaries of her ho. Even as a child, she had risked everything to care for him, sneaking out, skipping school, hiding him in a cave deep in the forest, bringing him dicine and food.
"Is this why you were so restricted to go anywhere as a child?" Carlos asked to confirm.
"Maybe. Mom told the truth late. After I got married," Alie answered. "My first mate was Alex. He’s dead," she asserted. "The curse won’t co to Gabriel, right?"
"It won’t," Gabriel said. "You think a lot." He quickly grabbed her hand.
"Curses are ant to hurt people," Carlos declared. "However, not every ti people get hurt. I suppose Alex died because of his karma. He rejected you, didn’t consider you anything. So, saying that falling in love would be the reason of your mate’s death, isn’t right. You worship the Moon Goddess. She’s the one brought you both together, then she must’ve sothing in her mind. We can’t know what divinity has hidden for us."
Carlos positive words were full of hope and warmth. It brought Alie’s racing heart to calmness and her thoughts to one place.
Gabriel sensed Alie felt better hearing all of that. He was aware that a part of her was worried for Gabriel.
"There’s one more thing I’d like to share," Alie said.
"Hmm? What is it?" Carlos was ready to answer her.
"I got a strange nightmare a few days ago. I saw a woman in the dream and..." Alie paused, feeling troubled before continuing, "... She hurt Gabriel. It was horrific. It felt so real." Then, turning to Gabriel, she added, "I still think this dream has a deeper aning. I never saw anything like this before."
’Could she be talking about the witch I’ve seen?’ Carlos thought.
"Sotis mind do create such scenarios," Carlos pronounced, not wanting her to feel so panicked over a dream. "It didn’t happen in reality nor it will." A smile ford on his lips. This was the best assurance he could to Alie given the state she was in.
"Exactly. I told her this dream could an I would always remain protected," Gabriel replied, smiling.
Alie looked at both the n, turning silent.
"What is that pendant?" Carlos questioned, pointing toward Alie’s neck. "The stone on it... How did you get it?"
"It’s Gabriel’s," Alie replied, holding the purple pendant hanging on the chain.
"My mother gave this to on my birthday," Gabriel answered. "I gave it to Alie to protect her."
"The stone isn’t an ordinary one." Carlos was clearly astonished. "The last I saw it with a very high ranking witch. I can’t recall it, but the stone was exactly sa. I wonder if the Queen got it from her," he mumbled.
"My mother carries a lot of secrets," Gabriel’s gaze turned distant. He again recalled how his mother didn’t bother to hurt Alie once again.
"Then, I must et your mother, Gabriel," Carlos said, smiling in confidence.
"It’s better if you don’t see her. All she will speak bitter," Gabriel muttered.
Carlos furrowed his brows together. He did know that the Queen and her third son weren’t on the good terms, but he was unaware of the tensions and distance built between them over ti.
Just then, Carlos’ stomach growled and he laughed lightly. "I’m hungry, guys. Shall we do the breakfast?" he asked.
"Of course! I’ll call the servants back," Gabriel said, calling Albus and instructing him to return with the servants.
While having breakfast, Carlos continued his observation. He ate till his stomach was full.
"The food was delicious," he said, wiping his mouth with the napkin and later, drinking water.
"We are glad that you enjoyed it," Alie said with a warm smile. As the servants cleaned the table, she asked Carlos, "You can rest more if you want."
"I’ve slept enough. I’ll just explore the city. Gabriel, can you lend a car? I’ve the license with , so don’t worry," Carlos stated.
"Of course!"
The three of them walked out and stopped in the living room, where Karn was present standing near the couch with a file in his hand.
"Gabriel, I’ve prepared the report," Karn said as he felt their presence. He then gazed at Carlos and introduced himself, "I’m Prince Gabriel’s beta, Karn. I hope you had a good rest."
"It’s nice to et you, Karn. I’m Carlos Ashfall, Alie’s close friend. Yes, I did have a good rest."
The two shook hands with each other. "You’ve hurt soone recently. I hope you stay true to your nature about what you feel," Carlos whispered, confusing Karn. He patted Karn’s back of the palm before pulling away his hand.
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