"Carlos!"
Both Alie and Gabriel spoke at the sa ti.
Carlos, who had been sitting in the grand foyer, rose to his feet imdiately. Beside him, Albus straightened and offered a deep, respectful bow as the royal couple approached.
Alie didn’t wait. She rushed forward, and Carlos t her halfway, pulling her into a tight hug. "You’re finally back! I was so worried!" she cried, pulling back just far enough to search his face.
"I had to co ho eventually," Carlos answered.
Gabriel stepped into the circle of light as Alie carefully shifted sleeping Noah from his arms into hers. "I’ll go put him in his crib," she whispered, her gaze lingering on Carlos as if afraid he might vanish if she looked away. "I’ll be back down in a second." She hurried toward the grand staircase, followed closely by two servants carrying the shopping bags.
Gabriel stepped toward his friend and pulled him into a firm, brotherly embrace. He patted Carlos’s back once, the tension he’d been carrying for weeks finally beginning to ease.
Albus had excused himself to instruct the servant to serve tea and so snacks.
"We were genuinely worried, Carlos," Gabriel stated as they withdrew from the hug. "You weren’t answering any calls. It’s good to have you back."
"I’m sorry for causing you both so much worry," Carlos apologized. "Leaving wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it was necessary."
Gabriel took a step back, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Maybe so, but you didn’t give us a single word of explanation. You just left in such a hurry."
"Because I had to find out why I’m seeing these visions," Carlos replied, looking up at Gabriel.
"What do you an?" Gabriel asked, gesturing for him to take a seat. "You’ve always been told those visions are a blessing from the deities to guide you and help you. It’s a gift."
Carlos shook his head, clasping his hands together after they sat on the couch. "The ’gift’ has always been about the future of others. I’ve never seen a single thing regarding my own life." He paused, his hands tightening on the armrests. "Until now."
Gabriel’s expression shifted to a deep concern. "What did you see for yourself, Carlos? Tell exactly what it was."
"I cannot tell you," Carlos replied.
"Why?" Gabriel’s brow arched instantly, his protective instincts flaring.
"Because I don’t want you or Alie worrying over . Rest assured, it’s nothing serious," Carlos stated.
Gabriel let out a chuckle. "Don’t lie to . Your eyes and your mouth aren’t in sync, Carlos. I’m not an idiot. Why do you think people find it impossible to fool ?" His expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "And what about Alie? Do you honestly think she’ll just stay quiet and assu everything is fine? You’re a part of this family. Your problems are ours, too."
A small, genuine smile finally touched Carlos’s lips.
"Why are you smiling?" Gabriel asked, clearly irked by the deflection.
"Because you’re so caring toward ," Carlos noted. "You called a part of your family without a second thought."
Gabriel sighed, his frustration venting as he sat across from his friend. "It’s the truth, isn’t it? Fine. I won’t force the words out of you right now. But if you decide you’re ready to talk, I’m here. And if you need help, any kind of help, don’t you dare hesitate to ask."
"I won’t," Carlos said. "Are you going to keep scolding ? I had such a long journey," he mumbled.
Gabriel found Albus walking in with the servant. "Have tea. You’ll feel a bit better." His eyes didn’t leave Carlos’ face as he decided to find out the truth in any possible way.
~~~~
Evan leaned in closer to Kavin, his eyes narrowing as he watched Dominick and Jeniva. They were standing by a gnarled, dry tree on the residence grounds, the distance between them far shorter than what they usually had.
"Kavin, don’t you think sothing is going on between those two?" Evan whispered.
Kavin glanced over them. "I feel everything is fine. They are simply discussing the mission."
"No, you don’t get it," Evan countered, a smirk playing on his lips. "Prince Dominick isn’t the type to tolerate an Oga’s presence so closely. It’s been that way from the beginning. But lately, he’s practically drawn to her. Sothing must have happened between them while we were away."
"The Prince only recently finalized his divorce," Kavin reminded him. "It’s far too soon for such complications."
"Exactly," Evan said, his eyes gleaming with realization. "He’s an Alpha. When a mate bond breaks so violently, the Moon Goddess doesn’t hesitate to grant a second chance. It happens. Maybe Jeniva isn’t just a sentinel to him."
Kavin remained silent, but his gaze drifted back to the pair by the tree.
"So, you’re suggesting they’ve actually found their fated match in one another?" Kavin asked, his voice skeptical. "That’s impossible. Mates can’t stand to be apart once they’ve recognized the bond, not until the mark is set. Their chemistry becos undeniable. All I’ve seen is the Prince losing his temper with Jeniva; it’s been that way since the mont she has co to this residence."
"I don’t think it’s as simple as that anymore," Evan countered, his smile widening as he watched the pair. "They’ve definitely grown closer. Why else would they suddenly depart for the Silver Pines together? Prince Dominick is clearly seeking sothing more, and with the old matebond severed, the Moon Goddess granted him a second chance mate. I’m certain of it."
Kavin nodded his head while still contemplating. "If you’re right, Evan, then it’s good for the Alpha Prince. He took deserves to live happily. The divorce took a toll on him. While his brothers and sister are enjoying their lives, he’s living in an agony."
Evan couldn’t agree less to it. Dominick had chosen to co to Gridlock to erase the mories he made in the capital with Juniper. From right to wrong, he wanted to forget everything.
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