Chapter 126
Gavriel first checked on Uriel, who was now in the living area being tended to by Lakan. “Were you hit that badly?” Gavriel asked, frowning as he watched Lakan channel energy into Uriel’s wounds.
“That warlock was strong,” Uriel replied, brow furrowed. “But he had an extra boost. Someone was amplifying his power, not just for the portal but during the fight as well. Whoever did that, I’ll make them pay for those cowardly moves p>
“He’s a he, and Althea saw him,” Gavriel said. He turned to Simon. “Get me the best artist we have who can do a sketch. I want that bastard’s face by sunrise tomorrow p>
“So the man showed himself to Lady Althea?” Uriel asked, signaling for Lakan to finish and dismiss the healer.
Uriel pulled his shirt on and waited for Gavriel’s answer.
“He did,” Gavriel confirmed. “Althea said that same presence has been hovering around her too, even inside the palace p>
“What? But the royal estate’s defenses are tight, unless he’s powerful enough to breach the barrier,” Uriel said, alarmed.
Gavriel’s jaw tightened. “And he even tampered with Althea’s inner energy. I want that man captured. Find out what his intentions are, especially why he’s getting close to my mate.” His voice hardened. “Security is getting lax. They should’ve sensed him long before this p>
He turned to Simon with narrowed eyes. “Double the guards on every entrance and patrol post,” Gavriel ordered sharply. “And make sure the barrier is reinforced by dawn. I don’t want another single breach p>
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Simon bowed before hurrying off.
Gavriel then turned to Uriel. “Rest for the night. I’ll have the council summoned tomorrow to discuss this matter further. Whoever that intruder was, I want every trace of his energy tracked. If he can enter the estate once, he can do it again p>
Uriel nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Understood. I’ll get back on my feet soon. I’ll make sure to get that man p>
Gavriel gave a brief nod before leaving the area. The night was still and quiet, yet his mind refused to rest. He needed to know what that man wanted from Althea—why he was interfering, and whether he posed a threat.
He reached his bedchamber and slowly opened the door. The room was dim, the moonlight spilling through the curtains and brushing across Althea’s sleeping form. She was curled slightly on her side, her breathing soft and steady.
For a moment, the tension in Gavriel’s chest eased. Her intoxicating scent lingered in the air—warm, soft, familiar. She looked so peaceful that it almost didn’t seem real after the chaos of the night.
Gavriel quietly sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on her face. A strand of her hair had fallen across her cheek, and he brushed it away gently. His hand lingered for a second longer than it should have.
“You have no idea how much trouble you bring with you,” he muttered under his breath, though his tone carried a trace of something softer, something he didn’t want to name.
He leaned back slightly, watching her chest rise and fall. The thought of that unknown man made his jaw clench again, but then Althea shifted in her sleep, her fingers brushing against his.
Gavriel let out a quiet sigh and, without another thought, stripped off his clothes before slipping under the quilt beside her. The warmth that met him was immediate and comforting.
Althea shifted slightly, her bare skin brushing against his, and it sent a rush of heat through him. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs.net
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close until her head rested against his chest. The faint rhythm of her breathing soothed something restless inside him. His body reacted instinctively… desire tugging at his control but he forced himself to stay still. She was deeply asleep, and for once, he didn’t want to wake her.
Instead, Gavriel closed his eyes and simply breathed her in. Her scent was soft, familiar, and maddeningly sweet. He could feel the steady beat of her heart against him, the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
A small smile tugged at his lips. Having her like this, peaceful and safe in his arms, was enough for now. So he stayed there, silently guarding her through the night, letting the warmth of her body and the quiet of the room lull his thoughts into calm.
A few hours passed before Althea slowly stirred awake. She frowned slightly when she felt a pair of strong arms wrapped tightly around her. Blinking away the haze of sleep, she turned her head—only to find Gavriel’s face resting just inches away from hers.
He was fast asleep, his expression calm and unguarded. For a moment, she just stared, taking in the rare sight of the Alpha King looking so peaceful. A small smile curved her lips. It was the first time she had seen him like this.
Her hand moved on its own. Gently, she traced the shape of his face—his well-defined brows, the eyes she knew hid behind those long, dark lashes. Even closed, she could still picture the way those sharp gray eyes could make her heart race with a single look.
Her fingers brushed down the straight line of his nose, then paused at his lips… soft, full, and familiar. The same lips that had stolen her breath countless times, marking her with both tenderness and possession.
For a fleeting second, Althea’s chest tightened. Seeing him this way, calm and unguarded, made her feel something she couldn’t quite name.
Althea hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Then, almost shyly, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. It was a fleeting kiss… soft, barely there but it sent a rush of heat to her cheeks.
She pulled back quickly, biting her lower lip as her face burned. What was she even doing? But the urge came again, stronger this time. Her gaze lingered on his mouth, and before she could stop herself, she leaned closer once more and pressed her lips to his, longer this time—warm, gentle, and trembling.
That was when Gavriel’s eyes suddenly opened. Althea froze mid-kiss, her breath catching in her throat.