Zilia stepped back into the apartnt, her body lightly sore from her evening gym session, the first in weeks since everything had unraveled in her life. She dabbed the sweat from her brow with a towel, quietly hoping Casaio wasn’t ho just yet.
"I still have ti to cook his favorite dishes... maybe even bake a cake," she murmured to herself. "I wonder if he even rembers what today is."
As she pushed open the bedroom door, her steps slowed. Casaio was already there, standing by the wardrobe as though he’d just returned. His jacket was still draped over one arm.
"I heard you were working out," he said, turning to face her with a surprising glance. It had been a while since he’d seen her in gym clothes.
"I might have to leave for San Ravendale tomorrow," Casaio added, his tone shifting slightly.
Zilia’s expression imdiately tightened with concern. "Why? Is Gabriel all right? And Alie?"
"Dad said things aren’t going well on their end. He didn’t share much, but it’s clear sothing serious is going on," Casaio said with a furrowed brow.
Zilia moved closer, concern etching her face. "Did you try talking to Gabriel?"
"His phone’s switched off," Casaio replied, shaking his head. "Looks like he doesn’t want to speak to anyone. I thought about calling Alie, but... I didn’t want to upset him further."
Zilia hesitated for a second before offering gently, "Should I co with you? I’ve always wanted to spend more ti with Alie."
But Casaio’s response ca quickly. "No. Stay here."
Her gaze hardened slightly. "You still don’t trust , do you?" she asked. "You think I’m still playing spy?"
"I don’t think Gabriel would appreciate your presence," Casaio said, shutting the cupboard door with a soft thud. "You know how he is. He prefers space. That’s why he chose to live so far from the capital."
He turned to head toward the washroom. "I’ll freshen up first."
But Zilia stepped forward, stopping him.
"Gabriel won’t mind being there," she said. "And I have so much I want to say to Alie. She might need soone... If there’s really sothing tough going on. I could be there for her, support her, even if just a little."
"I’ll think," Casaio said and walked ahead.
~~~~
Gabriel stirred awake, the haze of sleep slowly lifting from his mind. The first thing he registered was the soft warmth pressed against him, Alie, curled up close, her face nestled near his chest. He could feel the gentle rhythm of her breathing.
The room was cloaked in shadows, with only the faint, flickering light from outside slipping through the parted curtains.
Gabriel shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow. He glanced down at the way their bodies had settled on the bed, angled, limbs tangled, as if even in slumber they had instinctively sought each other.
A half smile touched his lips.
He reached out, aning to gently shift her so she’d be more comfortable, but before he could, Alie stirred awake.
"Gabriel," she murmured drowsily as she rubbed her eyes. Her lashes fluttered open slowly, confusion giving way to soft recognition when her gaze t his.
"A, it’s almost night. We slept a lot," Gabriel said and slightly husky from sleep.
Alie blinked, then quickly sat up, brushing her hair out of her face. Gabriel slipped out of bed and switched on the lights. The room was illuminated by white lights.
"It’s past eight," she said, checking the clock on the wall. "We really did sleep a lot." She turned to him, concern flickering in her eyes. "Do you feel better?" she asked gently. "Carlos and Karn must’ve returned. I’ll go check."
She slid her feet into the slippers and made her way toward the door. But just as her hand reached for the knob, Gabriel’s voice stopped her.
"They aren’t back yet," he said, stepping closer.
Before she could react, his arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her against his chest in a quiet, grounding embrace.
"A," he murmured near her ear, his voice softer now, "I feel much better. I just hope this ends soon."
"Of course, it will," Alie said confidently.
~~~~~
"Why was a mage here?" Dominick asked, slipping off his wristwatch with a sharp glance toward Juniper. "I heard he was with Karn."
"Yes," Juniper nodded, folding her arms. "I think Gabriel sent them to see the Queen."
Dominick frowned, his brows knitting together. "What’s going on? How did he even find a mage? From what I know, they aren’t exactly easy to approach."
"I don’t know," she replied with uncertainty. "In fact, nobody knows. But they definitely had so kind of conversation with the Queen."
She handed him a folded set of clothes. "Here. Change into these."
"Conversation with Mom? I wonder what that would be," Dominick muttered, frowning as he took the clothes from her hands. Then, with a shift in tone, he asked, "Want to go on a run after dinner?"
"Sure," Juniper smiled. Then her expression turned thoughtful. "By the way, you should talk to your father once. Try to find out what’s going on. If your brother needs help, you should definitely offer your support."
"As if he’d accept it," Dominick said with a sigh. "You know how he stord out of the palace after what Mom did to Alie. He ignored every call from and Casaio. That’s how Gabriel shuts people out. If I go now, he’ll just give the cold shoulder and pretend I don’t exist."
"Gabriel throws tantrums, Nick," Juniper said with a smirk. "You know him. He wants to be pampered, by his brothers, his sister, his entire family."
Dominick let out a soft chuckle, the edge of frustration easing.
"Why don’t we both visit him and Alie tomorrow?" she continued. "Now that we’re together, it makes sense to go personally. Gabriel might act like he doesn’t care, but I know it’ll an sothing to him."
Dominick considered her words for a mont, then gave a small nod. "Okay. Let’s go to San Ravendale tomorrow."
"That’s wonderful!" Juniper bead, clapping her hands. "Luckily, I bought a dress for Alie the other day. I can finally gift it to her. I don’t have to wait anymore!"
Dominick watched her glowing face and couldn’t help but smile.
~~~~
"Oh, I’m so tired!"
Carlos sank into the sofa chair, his arms sprawled across the armrests as he let out a deep sigh. "I can’t believe I traveled so much in a single day," he murmured, closing his eyes for a brief mont.
Alie, who had been nearby, walked over to him. "Carlos! You really worked hard today," she said warmly.
She glanced around, noticing soone was missing. "Where’s Karn? She didn’t co in with you?"
Carlos took the glass of water from the servant with a nod of thanks before replying, "She’s outside with Gabriel. They’re discussing sothing... serious."
Alie sat across from him, her gaze quietly observing as Carlos took slow sips of water.
"Oh, Mimi," he began with a tired but fond smile. "The Queen looked strict at first glance, but when she speaks... there’s a softness beneath it."
"Did Her Majesty tell you everything?" Alie asked, her eyes lighting up with hope.
"Yes," Carlos nodded, placing the empty glass on the table. "Once Gabriel cos in, I’ll go over everything with both of you."
Alie lowered her gaze briefly, fingers brushing the ring on her finger. "By the way... last night—what happened to ?" she asked. "Gabriel said it was because the mark got activated... and he made wear this ring."
Her expression was slightly puzzled, the mories still a blur. Then, as if rembering sothing, her eyes sparkled. "Oh, and, my wolf, Carlos. She’s awake."
A smile blood on her lips, soft and radiant, subtly transforming her entire face. It was the kind of smile that carried both wonder and newfound strength.
"The curse had bound your wolf," Carlos explained gently, his voice laced with understanding. "The witch who cursed you did it unknowingly. She intended to give you pain, not realizing you were blessed by the Moon Goddess."
Alie shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "You’re flattering ."
Carlos smiled warmly. "That’s truly how I feel, A. You have a good heart. Even back then, years ago, when you saved , you could’ve just walked away or told soone nearby. But you didn’t."
His gaze t hers with sincerity.
"You showed kindness when you didn’t have to. That’s why the Moon Goddess is kind to you. Don’t forget the law of physics: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You gave good to the world, now it’s coming back to you."
Alie humd. "Maybe you’re right. Good things did co to . But I am not even that kind. You are simply exaggerating. Thank you for the last night. I made you all panicked," she murmured.
"Things like that happen. Don’t even think about it anymore," Carlos advised her.
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