Chapter 223
Different
“I know enough,” Elior replied calmly. “Because the God who created heaven and earth knows you. And He sent me.”
The fire between them crackled, sparks rising into the night.
“There are many who call themselves gods,” Elior said, his voice steady and firm. “But they are nothing more than shadows and idols. False gods and powers that only borrow and imitate what they did not create. Only one God formed the heavens, the earth, and every living thing within them.”
He lifted his staff slightly, resting it against the ground. “Surrender to Him. Not to fear. Not to darkness. Not to pride. But to the One who is eternal.”
Gavriel swallowed. “And if we do?”
“If you follow the God Almighty,” Elior said, “if you obey His word, trust Him, and walk in faith, then you will not rule as tyrants. You will rule as shepherds. And He will deliver your enemies beneath your feet, not by cruelty, but by righteousness.”
Zander let out a short breath. “You expect us to believe faith will win wars?”
Elior met his gaze. “Faith built kingdoms long before swords did. Obedience to God makes rulers great. Without Him, even the strongest throne will crumble.”
Silence stretched between them.
“Why tell us this now?” Gavriel asked quietly.
“Because war is already upon you,” Elior answered quietly.
He did not raise his voice, yet the words carried, settling heavily in the space between them.
“Not only against the House of Aetherion in Velmora,” he continued, “but against the darkness that seeks to rule your hearts.”
His gaze moved from Gavriel to Zander, steady and unflinching.
“You stand at a crossroads. Decide now whom you will serve. Because real strength, true authority, does not rise from bloodlines, crowns, or power taken by force.”
He paused, as if listening again to something unseen.
“It comes from the one Almighty God in the heavens.”
The wind shifted, brushing through the camp, and Elior’s voice lowered, almost reverent.
“If you surrender and place your trust in Him, He will not leave you empty-handed. His Spirit will come upon you, not to enslave you, but to strengthen you. Not to rule you, but to guide you.”
His eyes softened then, though the truth behind them did not.
“But understand this,” he added. “Light does not force itself upon those who refuse it. You must choose. And once chosen, there is no turning back without cost.”
Zander scoffed, but the sound lacked its usual edge. “And what is it you want us to do?”
Elior smiled faintly. “Not pray empty words. Obey the truth. Even when it costs you power. Even when it costs you pride.”
He rose slowly, leaning on his staff.
“I will walk with you for a time,” Elior said. “Not to command you. Not to fight in your place. But to remind you who truly reigns when the world tempts you to play god yourselves.”
Gavriel’s gaze drifted toward Althea’s carriage. “And if we fail?” he asked.
Elior’s voice softened. “Then the land will bleed. And God will raise another to accomplish what you refused to surrender.”That night, neither Gavriel nor Zander found rest. And for the first time since the light fell from heaven, they understood the truth.
This journey was not only about saving Althea. It was about whether they would bow to the one true God Almighty… or lose the right to rule at all.
******
At the Royal Palace of the Realm of the Moon
The palace felt different without Gavriel. It was quieter, yet heavier, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath while their Alpha King was away.
Guards moved with sharpened alertness, servants spoke in hushed tones, and the usual warmth of the palace corridors had been replaced by a cautious stillness.
Simon stood near the eastern hall, overseeing the rotation of guards as instructed by Uriel. Since Gavriel’s departure, Simon had barely allowed himself to rest. Between maintaining order, watching over the palace, and ensuring no trace of lingering chaos remained from the recent events, his mind was always moving.
Yet none of that prepared him for the moment he turned and saw Princess Riela walking toward him.
She was no longer pale and no longer fragile.
Her steps were steady, her posture straight, and the faint glow that surrounded her was unmistakable. Life had returned to her eyes, bright and clear, no longer clouded by pain or madness.
Simon froze.
For a brief, unguarded moment, he forgot where he was.
His chest tightened, his throat burning as emotion rushed up faster than he could suppress it. He lowered his head instinctively, fists clenching at his sides as guilt came crashing down on him.“Your Highness,” he said hoarsely.
Riela stopped in front of him, studying his face. Her smile was gentle, warm, and entirely free of resentment.
Simon swallowed hard.
“I failed you,” he said, the words heavy and raw. “I was supposed to protect you. I should have seen the signs sooner. I should have—”
“Simon,” Riela interrupted softly.
He lifted his head, eyes shining despite his efforts to stay composed.
She reached out and lightly touched his arm, a familiar gesture that carried years of trust between them.
“It wasn’t your fault,” she said with quiet certainty. “None of it was.”
Simon shook his head. “I was there. I should have done more.”
“You did everything you could,” Riela replied. “And I’m here now. Fully myself again.” She smiled brighter. “That’s what matters.”
Her reassurance cracked something inside him. His breath hitched, and before he could stop it, his eyes welled with tears.
“I’m glad,” he said quietly. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
Riela tilted her head slightly, observing him with gentle curiosity. “You look… different.”
Simon blinked, wiping his eyes quickly. “Different?”
“Yes,” she said thoughtfully. “Lighter. And heavier at the same time.”
He gave a small, embarrassed chuckle. “That sounds about right.”
They began walking slowly down the corridor together, guards bowing respectfully as they passed.
Riela glanced at him. “Tell me,” she said. “What happened while I was… not myself?”
Simon took a breath, choosing his words carefully. “A lot happened.”
“I imagined as much.”
He hesitated, then decided honesty was best. “I found my mate.”
Riela stopped walking. Her eyes widened, then softened immediately. “You did?”