Chapter 314
The next morning, Amelie strolled into the garden with a watering pipe in hand, droplets glittering in the early sunlight as she sprinkled the flowers. A sudden breeze swept through. She shivered lightly and sneezed.
Sensing a presence behind her, Amelie turned her head. Ravenna was walking toward her. The maid accompanying Amelie quickly stepped forward and took the pipe from her mistress, leaving Amelie free to greet the elder.
“Good morning, Grandma,” Amelie said with a bright smile.
“Morning,” Ravenna replied softly. “You wake up quite early p>
“Yes,” Amelie nodded. “I went to bed early, so I woke up early as well. But why are you awake already, Grandma? You should rest more,” she asked, concern warming her tone.
“This is my routine,” Ravenna answered, brushing the matter aside. “Don’t trouble yourself over me.” She reached out, her frail fingers curling around Amelie’s hand, and guided her gently as they began to walk along the stone path that wound between the flowerbeds.
Amelie glanced at her grandmother. She could feel there was something more Ravenna wanted to say, though the elder remained quiet. At last, she broke the silence.
“Grandma… do you have something you want to tell me p>
Ravenna’s eyes softened, though sorrow lingered in them. “There’s much I want to say, child. I will never forget the day you saved my grandson. The fear I felt when Carlos disappeared from our land… it haunted me. You see, he was never truly accepted by our people p>
Amelie tilted her head, curiosity stirring. “Not accepted? What do you mean, Grandma p>
Ravenna exhaled as she recalled the painful memories from the past. “Carlos was different from the time he was a boy. But unlike others born into our bloodline, he rejected the path of witches and mages. His parents Her voice faltered, pain clouding her features. “They died because of spells. That loss left Carlos furious, bitter against the fate that was forced upon us. From then on, he refused to embrace magic. He resisted everything our people believed in. For years, he fought against it, and the burden grew heavier with time. Many things happened in those days… things I cannot speak of, not yet.
“In the end, he could no longer remain among us. He abandoned our land and sought refuge here, in this kingdom p>
“Carlos never told me all this, nor did I ask him,” Amelie stated.
“You’re understanding,” Ravenna said. “He used to mention you almost every other day. He never contacted you, thinking you might not remember him. However, when you suddenly came, he was all excited and happy to see you again. Though we kept our distance from wolves, Carlos was adamant about helping you. I think whatever you did in the past for him left a deep impression on his mind that kindness did exist. He could have died silently that night, in the pain, but you were a miracle for him p>
“I just happened to cross paths with him, Grandma,” Amelie said, smiling.
“I know. But it wasn’t a mere coincidence. You two were meant to meet,” Ravenna stated. “I don’t have much time left. I don’t know what will happen to Carlos after I leave this body,” she added.
“Grandma, don’t say that. I pray you get my age too. You’ll live long!” Amelie said with a hopeful gaze.
“Don’t say it, Amelie. In fact, I pray for your long life. I have lived many years of my life, so even if I depart this body, I won’t have any regrets. However, the only fear I have is how Carlos will live. I tried to set him up with the girls of our kind. But the boy didn’t find anyone compatible. I don’t know what’s on his mind. I can see everything, but when it comes to my grandson, there’s nothing,” Ravenna said, her voice full of worry.
“What does Grandma want me to do? I’m ready to help Carlos,” Amelie stated.
“Call him here after I’m gone,” Ravenna said. They had finally halted. The old lady had grasped her hands firmly yet gently. “I know a mage shouldn’t be living among the wolves, but I trust you. Though you’ve your own family, I believe Carlos will also become a part of that. He sees you as a young girl, like a sister. Maybe he will find someone here with his compatibility. Will you do it, Amelie?” she inquired.
Amelie nodded her head. “Of course, Grandma! Carlos is a good friend of mine. And, I, too, see him as a big brother. I never expected anything honestly, but I am grateful for everything you both have done so far for me and Gabriel. I hope you live a long life.” Her eyes turned misty and she continued with a quivering tone, “But if anything happens, I will be there for Carlos. Gabriel and I will call him here. I promise p>
Ravenna’s heart finally felt peace. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Don’t be. It will only embarrass me, Grandma,” Amelie said. “Shall we go in? I’ll make a cup of tea for you,” she asserted.
“Sure.” Ravenna smiled and they walked in.
As they arrived in the living room, they found Gabriel descending the stairs in a hurry.
“Amelie, you weren’t in the bedroom,” he said with worry. “Good morning, Grandma p>
“Where would I’ve possibly gone? I was simply in the garden with Grandma,” Amelie said. “I’ll go to the kitchen. You stay with Grandma p>
“Okay.” Gabriel watched her leave slowly. He wanted to go after her, but he knew Amelie would be angry for not staying with the grandmother.
“You care a lot for your mate,” Ravenna stated, lowering herself to the couch.
“Yes, I do. Did you sleep well?” Gabriel settled across from her.
“Yes p>
“I will talk to my Dad today. Are you okay to travel to the palace? I will call my father and mother here if you want,” he suggested.
“How can I disturb the Alpha King and his Queen?” Ravenna hesitated.
“You’re not in good health, Grandma. I will ask them to come here. That will be much better. In the end, you want to see my mother, don’t you? She’s the one who met Ophelia, so you must want to know from her p>
Ravenna nodded at him.