Alie gently guided the introduction. "Mom, this is Carlos’ grandmother. She wished to speak with you before they leave this afternoon."
Ravenna’s wise eyes softened as she looked at Samyra. "I only have a few questions, dear."
"I’m ready to answer whatever you wish to know," Samyra replied, never leaving Ravenna’s face.
"Give your hand," Ravenna requested.
Samyra rose from her seat and moved closer. As she sat down beside Ravenna, she extended her hand.
As Ravenna clasped Samyra’s hand, her vision faltered. For a fleeting mont, the face of the High Priest erged before her eyes, his voice echoing, reminding her of the curse he had once revealed, the one destined to claim the life of Alie’s mate. But the vision didn’t stop there; fragnts, fleeting glimpses of painful truths rushed in all at once.
Her grip loosened, and she slowly released Samyra’s hand. Her expression hardened, her tone carrying both sorrow and reprimand.
"The High Priest who once belonged to your pack did not lie about your daughter," Ravenna began. "But instead of shielding her, you let his words plant fear in your heart. You bound your child in restrictions, denying her the support she needed most. Tell , why is it that certain wolves are treated as lesser? Why did you despise your own daughter rely because she was revealed as an oga and wolf-less?"
Her eyes narrowed with disappointnt. "When she called you and confessed what Alex had done, you turned your back on her. You cast her aside when she needed her mother’s arms the most. That is not what a mother should do. No outsider could have hard her worse than the wounds you inflicted upon her yourself."
Alie gazed at her mother, who had lowered her head in sha. David, too, couldn’t utter a word and avoided Ravenna’s gaze.
"I hope none of you fall for the words of anyone who approaches you under the pretense of offering help," Ravenna warned. "For the next two months, you must remain extrely cautious. The charms within your bracelets will protect you, but vigilance is still necessary."
She then turned her piercing gaze toward her grandson. "You never told your friend endured so much suffering in her own ho," Ravenna said, her frown deepening.
"Ah, that..." Carlos scratched the back of his neck and gave a small, awkward smile, uncertain how to ease his grandmother’s rising anger.
"We deeply regret our actions, Madam," David interjected quickly, lowering his head. "I was the one who dismissed Alie, who failed to see her worth... who treated her as nothing."
Ravenna’s expression remained stern, clearly unsatisfied with David’s response.
Sensing the tension, Gabriel cleared his throat and stepped in. "The flight ti is drawing near. Grandma, don’t waste your strength on anger. Let’s leave before we get late."
Carlos gently took his grandmother’s hand and helped her rise from the couch. The others followed suit, standing as well.
Before leaving, Ravenna approached Alie. Placing her warm hands on the young woman’s arms, she looked into her eyes with a softness that contrasted with her earlier severity. "Alie, I’ll see you again after two months. Until then, take care of yourself." She patted Alie’s cheeks with affection, then slowly stepped back.
"Mimi, don’t miss too much," Carlos said with a playful grin as he pulled her into a brief side hug. Leaning close, he murmured, "I can’t wait to see the baby in your arms."
Alie’s lips curved into a gentle smile with warmth. She turned emotional as tears erged in the corners of her eyes.
"I’ll miss you both over these next two months. Grandma, please take care of your health," Alie said softly, her voice tinged with warmth and concern.
Ravenna humd in acknowledgnt, lifting her head to et the Queen’s gaze. Mabel’s eyes held humility and gratitude, and Ravenna offered her a small, approving smile before turning to leave.
Gabriel followed quietly behind her, giving Alie a reassuring nod as he promised he would return soon.
Carlos lingered for a mont, waving at Alie, and even at the Queen before finally disappearing from sight.
~~~~
Katelyn stepped out of the car as Sage brought it to a halt in front of a grand hotel in Moyéder City. An usher promptly approached, helping Sage unload the luggage from the trunk and carrying it inside, while a chauffeur arrived to collect the car keys.
"Room 1502. Drop the keys there," Sage instructed the chauffeur, then turned to Katelyn. "Let’s head inside."
They made their way to the reception, where Sage collected the card keys. The elevator was crowded, stopping at nearly every floor, but eventually, they reached the 15th.
"Take so rest," Sage said, his tone calm but commanding. "We’ll head to the eting after you’re ready." With that, he entered his own room, leaving Katelyn to settle in her own.
After Katelyn entered her room, she removed her heels and went straight to the bed, tossing her purse sowhere on the mattress.
"I agreed to date Sage. Well, I have to bear his tantrums for a month, then I’ll be free," she murmured while smiling. Taking out her phone, she ended up seeing a ssage from Alie.
"When you’ll be free give a call."
Katelyn quickly dialed Alie’s number. And thankfully, she picked it.
"Sorry, I was busy this morning," Alie said. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"Not yet," Katelyn replied. "I ca to Moyéder City for a business eting. Have you heard about it?"
"I think I have... just the na, though," Alie answered.
"Well, it’s a famous city of pearls," Katelyn said with a smile. "I’ll bring a souvenir for you. How’s everything there?"
"Everything’s good. When you return, co by. I have sothing to give you," Alie said, a hint of excitent in her voice.
"What is it?" Katelyn asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"Umm... I’ll tell you once you’re here," Alie replied mysteriously.
"Okay!" Katelyn chuckled, then paused briefly before continuing. "I have to see Sage for a month. I still can’t believe my father thinks he’s a good guy."
"Maybe he is," Alie suggested gently. "You need to spend so ti with him to really know him."
"He’s a player, Alie. A known heart-breaker," Katelyn said, shaking her head. "I wonder what my father saw in him. His family is nice, sure... but he’s just too controlling."
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