Gabriel and Alie walked toward the mansion’s entrance after having a run in their wolf forms.
"Why did you really ask my parents to stay here?" Alie asked. "Mom ntioned you’d be busy with work, but is that the only reason? Or is it because you want them to love the sa way they love Flora?"
Gabriel stopped, turning to face her. He didn’t offer a polite lie. "Because you still crave it," he stated firmly. "You don’t say it aloud, but your eyes tell a different story whenever you’re around them. You deserve to be their priority for once."
He intertwined his fingers with hers, a silent gesture of support, just as they spotted Karn standing by the marble fountain. He was deep in conversation on his phone, but the mont he caught sight of the royal couple, he hung up abruptly.
"Good morning!" Karn greeted them, snapping to a professional posture.
"Morning," Alie and Gabriel replied in unison.
Alie squeezed Gabriel’s hand one last ti before pulling away. "I’ll leave you two to talk. I need to go inside and check if Noah is awake," she said, offering a small wave before disappearing into the grand foyer.
Gabriel watched her go, then turned his sharp gaze back to Karn. A subtle smirk played on the Prince’s lips. "You’re glowing," Gabriel remarked.
"What?" Karn chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, though a hint of a flush crept up his collar.
"It’s because you’re dating," Gabriel added, his tone lighter than usual. "But she isn’t here in San Ravendale. How do you plan to manage a long-distance relationship like this? Why don’t you take so ti off from your duties? You’ve earned it."
"No. Aisha is actually in San Ravendale. Didn’t I tell you she was transferred here for work?" Karn revealed, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I forgot. You did ntion it," Gabriel replied, nodding as they began to walk slowly toward the mansion’s steps. "So, were you with her yesterday? Is there any progress since the cruise ship? You have fifteen days left, perhaps even less. You need to make her confess her feelings."
"I can’t rush it just because I want it to happen," Karn answered thoughtfully. "Everything is going well so far. Let’s see how far it goes. But Aisha has opened up much more to lately. She acknowledges my presence and actually seems happy when I’m around. That’s enough for now."
"That’s great!" Gabriel said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "In that case, take her out for lunch today. I’ll book a private table for you at that new place by the harbor."
"Hey, you really don’t have to do that," Karn said, shaking his head.
"Yes, I do. It’s a perfectly romantic spot. I’ll send you the details in a while," Gabriel insisted, already reaching for his phone.
"She’ll at the office today, Gabriel. I can’t disturb her during her lunch hour," Karn stated firmly, declining the offer politely. "I have other plans for us later. I truly appreciate you thinking of , but I’ll handle it this ti."
"Okay!" Gabriel agreed. "Anything else I need to know?"
"You’ve a eting once you reach the company. You’ve been away for so long, so this was necessary to give you the gist on everything, especially the financial growth," Karn explained.
"Alright. I’ll get ready. Then, we will have breakfast," Gabriel said and walked inside with him.
~~~~
Carlos looked at the texts from the ancient book that he finally found after a relentless search for a month. The text was shimring even in the darkness of the library.
"Did you find the book, boy? You’ve been searching for it for three days straight," the store lady asked. She erged from the shadows of the towering shelves, holding a candle stand. Her gaze settled on the thick, tattered book clutched in his hands.
"Yes, I have. I knew a place like this was the only chance I had," Carlos stated, snapping the book shut. "I’ll pay for it. How much does it cost?"
"I need to find my spectacles first," the old lady murmured, already walking toward the wooden counter.
Carlos followed her closely, his boots thudding softly on the creaky floorboards. He watched as she began to rummage through a pile of loose papers and old inkwells. He didn’t care about the price; he only cared about getting the book.
The old lady peered through her thick spectacles, her brow furrowing as she turned the book over. The leather was brittle, and the ink on the first almost had vanished.
"How did this book even end up here? It’s too old... and the publication date is barely legible," she murmured with a trace of unease in her voice.
"It is," Carlos agreed simply, his eyes fixed on the volu.
"Just take it free of cost," the old lady replied, sliding it back toward him. "I don’t even know what to charge for sothing in this condition. It’s torn, and I didn’t even know it was in my inventory."
Carlos shook his head firmly. "That wouldn’t be right, Madam."
He reached into his vest and pulled out a heavy leather pouch, and he placed it on the wooden countertop. "Here. I’m leaving these for you. Thank you for your patience and for allowing to search these shelves for the last three days."
Before she could protest, he tucked the ancient book securely into his bag, pulling the flap shut. He gave a respectful nod and walked out, clutching the strap of his bag.
Entering his parked car, he placed the bag on the seat next to him. Pulling out his phone from the inner pocket of his coat, he dialed Alie’s number. The ring went but call wasn’t answered, making him realize she must be busy. He had read her last text where she ntioned that she returned to San Ravendale with Gabriel and Noah.
"Ti to fly back there," he murmured to himself and drove off to his house.
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