Chapter 190
Gavriel didn’t answer immediately. Not because he doubted but because he weighed the truth, the danger, and the promise he was about to make.
Then he stepped forward, gaze steady. “I know what Althea is,” he said. “And I know what the world will think of her. I also know she didn’t ask for any of this. None of it is her burden to carry alone p>
He lifted his chin slightly. “But I choose her — not for her bloodline, not for her power, not for what she represents. I choose her because she is mine p>
Zander stared at him in silence for a long moment, almost searching for a lie, a crack, something to dismiss but found nothing.
“You’re willing to anger Velmora for her?” Zander asked quietly. “To stand against every House, even if they declare her an omen of disaster? Even if they turn on her the moment she steps into the light p>
Gavriel didn’t hesitate. “They can try p>
There was no arrogance in his voice, only the cold, unshaking certainty of a king who stood at the peak of his own power.
“Althea is not a curse,” Gavriel went on. “Her power is not a threat. Anyone who names her an omen will answer to me p>
The stone chamber felt heavier with each word, as if the forest outside itself was listening.
Zander finally let out a slow, stunned breath, shoulders loosening just a fraction. For the first time, he saw exactly why he had placed his hopes on this man, why Althea trusted him, why fate kept pushing their paths together.
“All right,” Zander murmured. “Then I believe you.” He swallowed, emotion flickering in his eyes. “She definitely deserves someone who won’t run the moment the world turns against her p>
Gavriel nodded once. “I will never run p>
Zander gave a small, genuine smile, the first true sign of relief since they opened the box. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ͟.net
“Then let’s begin.” he said softly.
Zander led Gavriel and the rest outside. He looked at Althea and said, “Follow me, I’ll bring you all to Princess Riela. Time is ticking p>
Althea nodded and with Gavriel, she followed Zander while the rest followed behind them. They arrived at a clearing and in the center, partially hidden by thick vines and enchanted wards, was a dome-shaped structure made of crystal and reinforced with subtle magical runes. It glimmered faintly, pulsing as if it were alive.
“This is where I’ve kept her,” Zander explained, his voice low but firm. “The dome protects her from the outside world. The energy she’s absorbing is unstable. If anyone else touches it… it could backfire. Only the one meant to heal her can complete the process p>
Althea swallowed hard. She had expected to find Riela in some ordinary room, perhaps with a few protective wards, but this was unlike anything she had ever seen. The dome shimmered, energy rippling across its surface like a living barrier. She could feel the faint pulse of Riela’s own power, weak but persistent, trapped inside.
“Alpha King, I’ll need you to stay back a little. Your aura is too strong. If you’re too close, it’ll disrupt the energy flow p>
He then turned to Althea, his expression steady and serious. “This part is yours, Althea. Focus. Trust what you feel. I’ll guide you through it, but the energy that seals the final link has to come from you p>
He paused, his gaze briefly shifting to the key before returning to her. “Since a portion of my own energy is already fused into it, this will be delicate. We need to ensure the covenant of binding recognizes your power in the end — not mine p>
Althea nodded, her fingers brushing against the smooth crystal surface. She could feel the pulse of life flickering weakly. She closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself, drawing in a slow breath, trying to calm her racing heart.
Zander’s voice broke the silence, steady and instructive. “Place your hands on the dome. Feel the energy within it. It’s not separate from her — it’s her essence, her life force, trapped by the spell and weakened by what she’s endured. Let your own energy flow into it. Don’t force it. Guide it. Think of it as weaving, not pouring p>
Althea exhaled slowly and pressed her palms against the cool surface. At first, nothing seemed to happen. The dome remained steady, shimmering with a soft light. But then, she felt it — a faint tug, like a thread reaching out to her. She focused, letting her own power respond, letting it touch the edges of Riela’s energy. It was awkward at first, fragile, as if the girl’s essence was frightened, hesitant to let anyone near.
“Good,” Zander murmured. “Don’t pull too hard. Let her recognize you. The covenant will only acknowledge the one it deems capable. You must prove to it that you are the one meant to heal her p>
Althea’s hands moved instinctively, tracing gentle circles across the dome’s surface. Warmth seeped through her palms, a soft radiance that mingled with the glow of the dome. She felt Riela’s life force respond — a flicker, then a pulse, syncing with her own.
The dome quivered slightly, the crystal surface rippling like water. Zander’s eyes gleamed with approval. “Yes, that’s it. Don’t stop. Feed your energy steadily, let it weave naturally. Imagine her as part of you, connected, protected. Don’t think about the spell, focus only on Riela p>
Gavriel watched silently from the edge of the clearing, his fists clenched at his sides. He could feel the surge of power radiating from Althea, could sense the delicate balance she was maintaining. His eyes never left her face, watching for any sign of strain, any falter, any weakness.
Minutes passed. The light inside the dome pulsed steadily, a bright, warm glow now, no longer flickering weakly. Althea could feel Riela relaxing, her essence settling into harmony with her own energy. She whispered quietly, letting her power speak for her: It’s safe now. You’re free to trust me.
Zander stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. “You’re doing well. The covenant is recognizing you as the rightful healer. Keep this flow steady. It will take a little longer, but you’re almost there p>
But before anyone could react, something in the air shifted—sharp, wrong, and powerful. A sudden crack of energy snapped. Althea gasped as a dark force slammed into her chest, hurling her backward.
“Althea!” Gavriel roared, his eyes blazing as he surged forward.