The Alpha King's Witch Bride Chapter 347: Birthday Girl

"Rise and shine, birthday girl!"

My eyes jolted open the second I heard that voice close to my ears, but then I shielded my face with my hands when the morning sun shone on my face.

I groaned softly, a small smile curling up my lips when I saw Kaelos hovering over , already dressed in a simple black jacket and a pair of blue jeans.

The sa blue jeans I bought for him a while ago that he’d told dead in the face he’d never wear.

Seeing that alone was enough to make my heart lt as I made myself sit on the bed, adjusting the bed clothing and clutching it to my chest.

"September eighth already?" I blinked weakly as he sat on the bed beside, wrapping an arm around my body. "Thank you so much, Kaelos. I never imagined you’d go out of your way to rember after all the war planning we’ve been doing since that day."

When Kaelos commanded every Alpha in attendance at the convergence to remain in the event hall until they pledge their allegiance... he ant it.

So tried proving stubborn or hesitant but they all yielded eventually and since then he’s been on the clock, making plans, securing the borders of Blood Oak and following up with each Alpha.

He refused to get a new assistant after Layla, insisting he was fine and that he could handle all the pressure himself.

The dark circles around his eyes told a different story...

"Oh, please." Kaelos chuckled, tightening his grip around . "All I did was wake you up before you sleep through your big day. It’s your first birthday that we’re spending together. I’ll never miss it for the world."

He brought his other hand to my chin, bringing my gaze to his silver eyes.

My face flushed as he leaned closer, leaving a soft kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the warmth for only a few seconds.

But then he pulled away, a small grin spreading across his face.

"Careful. We might get carried away and I already have quite a few things planned for today." He remarked, giving one last peck on my forehead before he got on his feet. "Co on, freshen up."

I stared at him for a mont before smirking, hopping off the bed.

.

.

When I was done with freshening up, Kaelos led downstairs where a small banquet was already waiting for breakfast.

At the centre of all the delicacies was a white three-step cake, with candles at the top.

And to my surprise, Caroline was standing there, the soft silver glow around her body reminding of her ghost status.

"There she is." She clapped her hands excitedly. "I might not have a physical body, but gosh, I’ve been waiting for this since you summoned . And then the cake... Ugh, I wish I could eat it."

I smiled, glancing at Kaelos who gripped my hand tighter, leading to her.

Caroline had been scarce during the war planning so seeing her here was a welco surprise.

A few maids were placing finishing touches to the table when I bead at Caroline. "I swear, I need to find a spell to make you physically interact at this point. You don’t know how to do that? I—"

"Ahem!" Caroline cleared her throat just then, placing her right hand on my shoulder even though it was intangible. "You might want to lower your voice a bit when talking to in public."

I followed her line of sight and noticed the side eye the maids were giving . I squinted when I noticed none of them were focused on Caroline in the slightest.

"Wait..." I whispered, whipping my head to Kaelos first before bringing it back to Caroline. "They can’t see you? Then... Then how co Kaelos and I can?"

Caroline shrugged. "My leading theory is that the Alpha king’s Silverborn abilities give him affinity to the spirit realm. As for you, Althea and she who shall not be nad... You all have magic."

Oh... That makes sense.

I tilted my head. "Speaking of Regina. Are you two—"

"I just called her she who shall not be nad, girl." Caroline rolled her eyes at the sa mont that the maids finally bowed before walking away, glancing at themselves and probably wondering if I’d gone insane.

"That’s enough talk." Kaelos rubbed my palm just then, leading to the head of the table. He pulled out the chair, his usual seat, and gestured for to sit like a queen.

I felt over the moon as I did just that, placing my right hand on my chest.

My eyes trailed to the cake while Kaelos sat on a chair beside , wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

Just when Caroline sat, a familiar voice chid from behind.

"Did soone forget their favourite aunty before making birthday wishes?"

My smile widened as I glanced over my shoulder.

Walking toward the table was my aunt Althea, a vibrant smile on her face. She wore a sleeveless purple gown, her black hair flowing like waterfalls down her shoulders.

Her heels clicked with each step she took until she finally got to , placing a hand on my shoulder.

"My baby’s turning twenty-two." She gushed with a warmth that stunned .

Was this the sa aunt who wasn’t big on public displays of affection?

The candles flickered, their little flas swaying as if they, too, were holding their breath. Everyone’s gaze shifted to , waiting.

Kaelos squeezed my hand gently, his silver eyes soft, and I took a deep breath before closing my own.

Instead of the usual selfish wish — sothing small, sothing silly — the words that rose inside felt heavier.

"Please," I whispered so low it was barely more than a breath, "keep him safe. Let the packs know peace. Just one year without bloodshed... that’s all I ask."

The room fell utterly silent.

The warmth of the candles pressed against my eyelids until, with a sharp exhale, I blew them out.

When I opened my eyes again, I was smiling, filled with a hope so bright it almost ached.

Across the table, Caroline leaned back with her arms folded, her ghostly glow dimr than usual.

She didn’t clap or cheer — just tilted her head.

Althea, standing beside her, caught that look and returned it with one of her own. Neither spoke, but in that subtle glance an entire conversation passed between them.

They knew. They both knew. And sadly, deep down... So did I.

Peace wasn’t coming. Not yet.

But I didn’t dwell on that.

I was too wrapped up in Kaelos’ warmth beside , too caught in the illusion of this perfect morning. For one rare mont, I let myself believe in my wish.

And as I looked down at the cake, cheeks flushed with happiness, my hopeful face stood stark against the shadow of their unspoken fear.