"Gabriel, thanks for last night," Casaio said, shifting upright against the pillows. "Did you begin the interrogation?"
"Not yet," Gabriel replied. "That’s not my place. It’s yours."
"Good," Casaio exhaled, relief flickering across his face. "If you had, I’d have been upset with you."
"You should be upset with yourself," Gabriel countered, his eyes narrowing. "You escaped a bullet aid at your heart. If it had landed true, it would’ve been fatal."
Casaio’s lips curved into a faint smile at his brother’s uncharacteristic concern. "This isn’t my hot-headed brother speaking," he remarked softly, amusent laced with gratitude.
"Hey, I’ll admit it. I was a bad person," Gabriel said. "And I hate to say it, but... I do feel guilty about it."
Casaio only smiled in response, his expression playful, almost teasing, as if Gabriel’s sincerity amused him.
"Marriage really changed you," Casaio remarked with a chuckle. Then, his tone shifted, more serious. "By the way, I asked our parents not to tell Kate about this. She’s finally starting to focus on herself. Zilia won’t say a word either. Make sure Alie keeps it quiet too."
"Sure," Gabriel agreed without hesitation.
Casaio’s eyes softened. "So... how does it feel, being a father? Noah must be keeping you up at night."
"It’s fun," Gabriel admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. "And whenever I hold him in my arms, he just... smiles at . It feels like the whole world stops."
Casaio’s expression grew thoughtful. "You know, you only found Alie because of Noah. Without him and with the curses, you two might never have crossed paths. Ophelia tried to curse you apart, but even she couldn’t defy the will of the Moon Goddess."
"I agree," Gabriel said with a slow nod.
"A month will pass soon," Casaio said. "Then only one more month will remain for you and Alie to uncover your pasts. But Gabriel, whatever the truth may be, rember this: you and Alie are inseparable. Nothing can change that. And we are all standing with you."
"I know," Gabriel replied firmly. "I should take my leave now. Zilia must already be on her way here."
He turned around and made his way back to his own chamber. When he stepped inside, the sight before him softened his expression. Alie was seated beside the cradle, her hand gently rocking it in a soothing rhythm.
"Royal Mother was here," Alie said, looking up at him with a small smile. "She gave Noah a protective charm. She said it was crafted by the Priest of the Moon Temple himself, and that he’ll co to bless Noah during the welcoming ceremony."
"That’s wonderful to hear," Gabriel replied, moving closer to cradle. He looked at the cross pendant, which had erald stones on them.
Alie rose to her feet and moved toward the bed, her steps unhurried.
"I spoke with Katelyn earlier," she confided, her voice gentle as she settled beside him.
Gabriel’s head lifted. "You didn’t tell her about Casaio, did you?" he asked at once.
"I didn’t," Alie assured him quickly. "She called , actually... To say she found her mate. It’s Sage."
"What?" Gabriel let out a disbelieving chuckle as he lowered himself onto the bed. "She must be losing her mind. Kate can never seem to make decisions on her own, can she? Don’t give her advice, Alie. She’s already lashed out at you once."
"That was because I made a mistake too," Alie said calmly. "She’s your sister, Gabriel, and honestly, she never judged when we first t. That’s why... I hold her in high regard."
Gabriel’s expression softened, though his voice stayed firm. "I know. I told Kate she needs to make her own choices. And yet, she still turns to you for your opinion, doesn’t she?"
"But she wasn’t in favor of mating with Sage," Alie said, her tone thoughtful. "I only told her to do what she feels is right... and not to defy the Moon Goddess’s will."
"I’d say if she isn’t confident, then she shouldn’t accept Sage as her mate," Gabriel replied firmly. "She has the choice to reject him if she wants. Kate’s confused. She doesn’t even know what she truly wants."
Alie humd in acknowledgnt before shifting the subject. "And what about Karn? You told you had sothing to share about him, but we haven’t had the ti to talk since that day."
Gabriel leaned back against the headboard, exhaling slowly. "Karn had a childhood crush. He never ntioned it to before. Recently, her mother brought a proposal for him, and they agreed." His tone hardened a little as he added, "But there’s a complication. The woman already had a mate, who died two years ago. She doesn’t want to remarry, but her family is pressuring her. For their sake, she asked Karn not to refuse the match he intended to decline. So now... Karn is helping her."
"Wow... that’s sothing strange," Alie said softly. "I just hope Karn doesn’t get hurt. Who’s the woman, by the way?"
"Aisha," Gabriel answered without hesitation. His tone sharpened slightly as he continued, "Karn isn’t the type to involve himself in such matters. But for her, he’s... Softer. He’s lived all these years without a woman by his side, and sohow Aisha still draws him in. He refuses to admit it, but I know my brother. For her, he’ll be selfless. And she..." Gabriel’s jaw clenched. "She’s using him, whether she realizes it or not."
Alie moved closer, her hand brushing his arm. "You don’t like it, do you?"
"No," Gabriel said. "I don’t want Karn to suffer. They’ll part ways after a month. But a lot can happen in a month. And Aisha is still madly in love with her late mate. Karn will suffer most of all, watching her walk away once again."
"Then, help Karn," Alie suggested.
"I will if I find Aisha crossing her limits. She should fight her own battles but she dragged Karn into it just because he’s nice and agreed to help her without asking anything in return."
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