Chapter 308
Upon reaching the forest’s edge, Gabriel and the others each swallowed their pills. As they stepped beneath the canopy, none of them felt the symptoms they had been warned about; their bodies remained steady while their senses were clear.
It didn’t take Gabriel long to lead them to the marked location. The cave loomed ahead, its entrance gaping like a shadowed mouth. But when they stepped inside, they found the place was empty.
“She’s gone,” Gabriel murmured, his voice low.
“How is that possible?” Karmen asked, a frown creasing her brow.
“Ophelia knows our every move,” Dominick said grimly.
Without a word, Denzel slipped outside, eyes sweeping the trees as he began searching the surrounding area.
“How could she possibly know what we’re doing?” Gabriel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as if the motion might help untangle his thoughts.
“She’s ancient,” Dominick replied. “That’s why witches in this kingdom are forbidden to practice dark magic because it grants them strength beyond imagination.” His gaze hardened. “We should get back before something goes wrong p>
Gabriel gave a sharp nod, silently agreeing with his brother’s warning.
“Ophelia is deceptive in everything she does, and she’s clever too,” Dominick said, resting a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. “If we’re going to catch her, we’ll need patience. Don’t let desperation cloud your judgment p>
“Gabriel!” Denzel’s voice cut through the cave as he rushed inside. “I found something outside p>
The three of them followed him out into the forest. Not far from the cave, a shallow pit yawned open. Inside lay the lifeless bodies of several wolves, their fur matted and darkened. All of them covered their noses as the strong stench came out of the decaying bodies.
“Who are they?” Dominick asked, his brows drawing together.
“Maybe Ophelia caught them… for some ritual,” Karmen said.
“It’s a more serious problem now,” Gabriel muttered. His brows knitted close and he continued, “San Ravendale shouldn’t be a place for all of this. Ophelia is going too far in everything and it’s making me mad p>
Carlos carefully helped his grandmother out of the car while Casaio held the door open. The driver stepped forward to assist, but Casaio waved him back.
Once Ravenna was safely on her feet, Casaio closed the door and accompanied them into the mansion.
Zilia, returning from the kitchen with a tray in her hands, caught sight of them. Her eyes widened, and she quickly turned on her heel, hurrying to her room to inform Amelie.
Albus was quick to approach them and greeted the prince first. Then, he turned to Ravenna and Carlos, greeting them humbly as well.
Albus stepped forward at once, greeting the prince first with the respect his title demanded. Then he turned to Ravenna and Carlos, bowing slightly as he greeted them with equal humility.
“Please, take your seats,” he said politely, already signaling a servant to bring water for their guests.
“Where’s Amelie?” Ravenna asked, her eyes alight with curiosity. She had been eager to meet the woman who had saved her grandson’s life.
“I’ll call Madam. Please wait,” Albus replied. But as he turned, he saw Amelie approaching with Zilia and Juniper at her side.
“There’s Amelie!” Casaio said, standing from his seat. His gaze drifted briefly to Zilia, she looked well. Not seeing her for the past two days had been its own quiet torture, though he’d never admit it aloud, nor confess over the phone how much he had missed her.
Ravenna and Carlos also stood up, seeing Amelie.
She left her grandson’s side and walked toward Amelie, who had just come to a stop.
“Oh, dear,” Ravenna said, her eyes warm with admiration as she embraced her. “At last, my wish to meet you has come true. Just like your name, you carry a quiet, unshakable strength p>
She patted Amelie’s back, holding the hug for a moment longer before pulling away. Her gaze drifted downward to the gentle curve of Amelie’s stomach. “Carlos told me you’re two months due,” she said softly. Lowering a hand, she caressed the baby bump with tender reverence.
“Your child will be as special as you, my dear,” Ravenna murmured.
“You flatter me, Grandma,” Amelie replied with a modest smile.
“This isn’t flattery,” Ravenna said firmly. “Your child is blessed by the Moon Goddess herself, I can see it p>
“Grandma, you can talk after sitting down,” Carlos suggested gently.
Ravenna smiled and took Amelie’s hand, guiding her toward the couch. Once they were seated, she began, “I’ve always wanted to thank you in person. Carlos is the only family I have left p>
“Grandma, you don’t need to thank me,” Amelie replied softly. “I only did what I felt was right. And Carlos has thanked me more than enough for it. In fact,” she added with a faint smile, “he’s done far more for me than I ever expected p>
“That’s the duty of one friend to another,” Carlos said simply.
“Please, have some water. The journey must have been tiring for all of you,” Albus said as a maid stepped forward with a tray, offering each of them a glass.
“Thank you,” Carlos said, taking one but holding it in his hand. “Where are Gabriel and Nick p>
“They’ve gone out for some work,” Amelie replied.
Ravenna’s gaze drifted to Casaio. For the third time she saw a tiny vision, but she chose to keep it to herself.
“You must all be hungry,” Zilia said. “Albus, is lunch ready p>
“Almost,” Albus answered.
“Then you should rest a little after we’ve eaten,” Amelie suggested. “Later in the evening, we can all sit together and talk. By then, I suppose the others will be back as well p>
“That’s a good idea,” Carlos said, glancing at his grandmother, who had a weary expression on her face.
“You all should head to the dining room,” Albus suggested with a humble bow.
As they left for the dining room, Albus went to the kitchen, instructing the maids to serve their guests well. He took out the buzzing phone from his pocket and got worried seeing the name on the screen.