Chapter 571
“Cas, Gabriel, and Amelie are back,” Zilia said softly as she stepped out onto the balcony, a steaming mug of coffee cradled in her hands. She offered it to him with a small, gentle smile. “We should go see them later p>
The winter wind swept across the balcony, carrying the promise of snow. It tugged at Zilia’s hair and made Casaio pull his coat a little tighter around him.
“We can head over this afternoon,” he agreed, wrapping his fingers gratefully around the warm mug. He took a slow sip, letting the heat chase away the chill. “Yesterday, I heard about a family in the pack who lost their only son. Debts… It got out of hand p>
Zilia’s expression softened, a sadness flickering in her eyes. “I’ll come with you,” she said without hesitation. “I want to. I’ve been sitting idle for too long, and… I’d like to help. To stand beside you in this, at least p>
Casaio looked at her for a long moment, something tender and relieved, easing the lines on his face. “I’d love that,” he murmured. He took another sip, then let his gaze linger on her, on the calm way she held herself, the steady warmth in her eyes. It made his chest ache a little. “I haven’t even taken you on a proper honeymoon,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “You must think I’m a terrible mate p>
Zilia let out a soft laugh with a surprised look. “What? No, why would you even say that p>
He gave a small, rueful shrug, eyes dropping to the coffee. “Because I’ve made such a mess of things. Instead of giving you the happiness you deserve, I created more trouble. About the wedding day, about everything.” He paused, the words catching in his throat, and sighed.
Zilia stepped closer, resting her hand lightly on his arm. “You only wanted our joy to double,” she said gently. “You weren’t wrong for that. And we’ll have a short trip soon when things settle. When everything feels a little lighter. I’m not going anywhere, Cas p>
He looked up at her then, the wind ruffling his hair. “That is what keeps me going,” Casaio affirmed.
Amelie and Gabriel returned to the palace hand-in-hand, their skin glowing from the exertion and the cool morning air. The thrill of the run still lingered in their veins, a newfound bond humming between them.
“Now I realize why everyone always said running is such fun,” Amelie murmured, flashing a radiant smile that reached her eyes. “I’ll definitely be going for runs more frequently now. What do you say?” She tilted her head playfully to look at Gabriel.
“I would love that,” Gabriel replied, his voice warm with affection. “Valko thoroughly enjoyed the time with Selene. We truly complement each other,” he affirmed, squeezing her hand.
“We do,” she agreed softly.
“No, he didn’t cry at all. But he was quiet, which he usually is when you two aren’t around,” Mabel asserted, her voice carrying a hint of grandmotherly observation. She opened her arms, and Gabriel stepped into her embrace, leaning into the comfort of his mother’s presence.
“I haven’t bathed yet,” Gabriel said with a light chuckle, pulling away as he realized he still smelled of the forest and the run. “I’ll get cleaned up, and then we can talk over breakfast. I have things to discuss with you and Dad,” he added, his expression turning slightly more serious.
Mabel nodded understandingly, her eyes lingering on Amelie, who was now cradling a content Noah. The Queen Mother could sense the change in her daughter-in-law.
“Amelie, you have become much stronger than before. My initial resistance to accepting you still swirled in my mind recently. I was so foolish not to trust the choice of my son,” Mabel said, her voice heavy with a remorseful tone.
“Mom, all of that is in the past now,” Gabriel reminded her gently, stepping closer to ensure she didn’t dwell on those old regrets.
Mabel offered a small, appreciative nod, taking a moment to gather herself before telling them to resume their morning routine. She then slipped out of the chamber, leaving the young family to their privacy.
“Ma,” Noah chirped cheerfully. He reached out, tucking his tiny, warm hand against the collar of Amelie’s jacket, his face lighting up with recognition.
“Your eyes are just like my wolf’s, baby,” Amelie murmured, her heart swelling as she noticed the silver glint in his gaze, a reflection of Selene’s spirit. She leaned down and pressed a tender kiss against his tiny knuckles, overwhelmed by the peace of the moment.
Carlos stepped out of the large rotating door of the airport, holding the handle of his trolley bag and a duffel bag in the other.
With a wave of his hand, he flagged down a taxi; once his luggage was stowed in the trunk, he climbed into the back and asked the driver to drive to the Royal Palace.
He had barely settled into the seat when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw the caller ID, and a weary sigh escaped him.
“Why is she calling now?” he murmured under his breath. He swiped the screen to answer, pressing the device to his ear. “Yes, Mona p>
“Brother, did you land? Did you arrive safely?” Mona’s voice was high-pitched with a frantic kind of curiosity.
“I’m on the ground,” Carlos replied. “And listen, I am not returning to that place. Don’t even waste your breath trying to convince me otherwise p>
“I’m not trying to bring you back,” Mona countered quickly, though her tone shifted to something more wheedling. “Actually… I was wondering, can I come over there? To the palace p>
Carlos’s brows shot up, a deep furrow forming between them. “Absolutely not. What exactly would you do here, Mona p>
“I just want to see it for myself! To explore and see how the wolves actually live,” she demanded, her persistence growing. “Just give me Amelie’s number. We were friends, weren’t we? I’m certain she’d be thrilled to have me visit p>
Carlos rolled his eyes toward the taxi’s ceiling, leaning his head back against the headrest in exhaustion. “I’m not giving you her number, Mona. This isn’t a vacation spot. I have to go. Take care of yourself p>
Without waiting for her rebuttal, he cut the call and put the phone beside him.