Chapter 511
The Past 5:
Amelie sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze completely fixed on the beautiful ring sparkling on her finger, lost in the overwhelming joy of the recent proposal and marking. She heard a gentle knock on the door, quickly rose from the bed, and opened it.
“Mother,” Amelie said, her smile radiant, and she stepped aside to let Irene enter the room.
Irene sat down on the sofa near the warm, cozy fireplace, and Amelie joined her shortly, her energy still buzzing with excitement.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this, girl?” Irene asked, her voice soft but laced with an undeniable tone of worry.
“About what, Mother?” Amelie questioned, feigning innocence, though she knew exactly what her mother meant.
“That Alpha Prince Gabriel is your mate,” Irene answered, her eyes searching Amelie’s face for confirmation and explanation. “And you even got his mark!” She exclaimed with shock as she finally focused on the distinct mark now visible on her daughter’s neck.
“Mother, why do you look worried instead of being happy for me?” Amelie frowned, feeling a little upset that her mother wasn’t sharing her joy.
“Because he’s a Prince, dear. More than that, I have heard very strange rumors about him in the community. Aren’t you aware of them?” Irene questioned with concern.
“No,” Amelie refused, shaking her head.
“They say he’s the son of the Moon Goddess,” Irene whispered, as if the words themselves held immense power.
“Wow! Really? He’s divine, Mother!” Amelie said, her face lighting up with a bright, proud smile, embracing the fantastical notion.
“Listen to me first, Amelie,” Irene stated, her voice regaining its firmness. “Prince Gabriel has a significant prophecy involved with him. How could you be so clueless about it p>
“Mother, you just mentioned that there are rumors involved,” Amelie argued, defending her choice. “And if Gabriel hasn’t shared them with me, then I consider them lies spread by envious people. I didn’t tell any of you about our relationship because Gabriel wanted to clear all the obstacles from our path first. Being a Prince isn’t easy for him; everyone approaches him with a hidden purpose, and he feared that my life would come into danger if the world knew. But with this mark and this engagement ring, he has declared that he no longer is afraid of anyone. He wants me to be by his side, no matter what.” Amelie finished, pouring out the depth of her trust and what Gabriel’s action truly meant to her.
“Even if any prophecy is involved with him, then I will still embrace Gabriel. He’s my mate. I am not letting him live alone or face his destiny by himself. That’s my decision. I love him more than my life, Mother.” Amelie declared her true feelings for Gabriel.
Irene looked at her daughter, realizing her daughter’s happiness and fierce commitment were all that truly mattered. She accepted that perhaps such intense rumors and prophecies shouldn’t be taken seriously, especially when balanced against true love.
“By the way, Mother, you never told me about having an aunt who is a witch,” Amelie questioned, shifting her focus to the new guests. “How exactly did my uncle die p>
“I don’t know the exact details myself,” Irene admitted, her expression growing somber. “But he got into a serious accident while returning from the city. Ophelia mentioned that his wound refused to heal. Because he was old enough, the strength of his wolf had diminished significantly, and so his natural healing slowed down drastically. As time passed, his health simply deteriorated, and soon after, he passed away.” Irene explained the tragedy as Ophelia had relayed it.
“Oh. That’s truly heartbreaking,” Amelie said softly, feeling sympathy for her newly arrived family.
“Hmm. Give good care to Anaya,” Irene instructed, seeking to distract her daughter. “Though she is older than you, you must not let her feel alone or isolated here p>
“Of course, Mother,” Amelie said with a warm, genuine smile, ready to embrace her new cousin.
The next day, Amelie was ready early to go and see Gabriel at their usual meeting spot. She quickly informed her mother and her new aunt, Ophelia, who were already in the garden, before heading out.
Upon reaching their secret place, a secluded area near the woods, Amelie rushed toward the lakeside cottage, but she didn’t sense his immediate presence.
“Did he not come today?” Amelie thought, disappointment pinching her heart as she moved her finger absently over the rim of her engagement ring.
Suddenly, the familiar, comforting warmth enveloped her from behind as a strong pair of Gabriel’s arms circled possessively around her waist. His familiar, musky scent instantly hit her.
“Gabriel!” Amelie exclaimed in sheer joy, her face lighting up. She instinctively tilted her head back, leaning into the secure warmth of his chest.
“Amelie!” Gabriel kissed the top of her head, hugging her tightly.
A moment later, they pulled away. “Did you sleep well?” she asked.
“No. I was missing you. After the marking, I just wanted to be with my mate,” Gabriel answered truthfully, his nose gently rubbing against hers.
She smiled and blushed at the same time.
“Then, let’s get married, Gabriel,” Amelie pronounced.
“Yes, let’s get married,” he agreed, repeating her words. “I’ve told my father about it. He’s eager to meet you and your family,” he informed her.
“You did what? You told the Alpha King about me?” Amelie questioned, peering into his eyes, a note of apprehension creeping into her surprise.
“Yes. But why do you look so surprised?” asked Gabriel.
“I thought you would take more time,” Amelie answered honestly, remembering his previous fear of his enemies.
“I couldn’t. I don’t want to stay away from you anymore, Amelie,” Gabriel stated.
She didn’t stop herself from kissing him. “I can’t either stay away from you, Gabriel p>
As he leaned to press his kiss, he sensed a strange presence.
“What’s a witch doing here?” Gabriel asked, turning around. Amelie frowned, wondering what Anaya was doing there. Did she follow her? But Amelie made sure no one would come behind her. For eight months, no one ever did it.