Chapter 231
To Congratulate
Gavriel did not turn around right away but his jaw tightened. The soft glow of the Tree of Life bathed Althea’s pale face in silver light, making her look as though she were merely sleeping, caught in a dream too deep to reach.
“My cousin will be in good hands here,” Zander added. “I will personally oversee everything. I’ll send you updates daily. Nothing will be hidden from you. You should return to Lunaris first and stabilize your kingdom.”
Still, Gavriel did not move.
For a long moment, the only sound between them was the faint rustle of leaves above, the Tree of Life whispering softly as if breathing on its own.
“I just got her here,” Gavriel said at last, his voice low. “Or at least… I found where she needs to be. And now you’re telling me to leave her.”
Zander stepped closer, stopping beside him. He looked at Althea too, his expression no less heavy. “I know how it feels,” he said. “You think walking away means abandoning her. But it doesn’t.”
Gavriel finally turned, his eyes dark and tired. “If something happens while I’m gone—”
“It won’t,” Zander said firmly. “Not here. Not under the Tree of Life. Not while I’m standing guard.”
Gavriel let out a sharp breath, his hands curling into fists. “You speak as if certainty still exists in this world.”
Zander met his gaze. “I speak as someone who has already lost everything once. And as someone who knows when to stand still and when to move forward.”
He paused, then added more gently, “Lunaris needs its Alpha King. Your people just lost their powers, their sense of order, and their faith. If you disappear now, chaos will follow.”
That struck deeper than any argument.
Gavriel looked away, back at Althea. Her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, unmoving. She had always been the calm within his storms, the quiet force that anchored him even when the world burned.
“If I leave,” he said slowly, “it won’t be because I chose my crown over her.”Zander nodded. “I know.”
“It will be because she would have wanted me to,” Gavriel continued. “She always thought of others first. Always carried burdens she never deserved.”
Zander allowed a faint, sad smile. “That sounds like her.”
Gavriel reached up and brushed his knuckles gently against her cheek. “I’ll return,” he whispered, not knowing if she could hear him. Then he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
The Tree of Life pulsed softly then, its glow brightening for just a heartbeat, as if responding.
Zander watched the exchange in silence, then spoke again. “I’ll make sure nothing disturbs her. We’ll continue the prayers. The flowers will be replaced daily. The casket will not be moved, not even an inch.”
Gavriel straightened slowly. The weight on his shoulders did not lift, but it settled into something steadier. “Send word the moment there’s any change,” he said.
“You’ll be the first to know,” Zander replied.
Gavriel nodded once, then turned fully away from the casket. Every step he took felt wrong, as though his body resisted leaving her behind. But he kept walking, forcing himself forward.
At the edge of the clearing, he stopped and glanced back one last time.
“Wait for me,” he murmured under his breath. And with that, Gavriel and his men prepared for the long road back to Lunaris.
***
Osman caught up to Gavriel just as the final preparations were being made.
The Alpha King was already mounted, and his warriors stood ready behind him, waiting for the command to move.
“Alpha King,” Osman called.
Gavriel turned his horse slightly. “What is it?”
Osman hesitated, then straightened his back. “Requesting permission to stay behind for a few days.”
Gavriel’s brow creased. “You’re supposed to return with us to Lunaris.”
“I know,” Osman replied honestly. “But there are things I need to settle here first. Personal matters. I will follow after, as soon as they’re done.”
Gavriel studied him closely, sharp eyes missing nothing. Osman was not the kind to ask favors lightly, especially not now, when the kingdom was still fragile and order barely restored.
“Terravane?” Gavriel asked.
Osman nodded once. “Yes.”
A beat of silence stretched between them.
Finally, Gavriel exhaled. “Very well. A few days. Not more.”
Relief flashed briefly across Osman’s face. “Thank you, Sire.”
“Do not make me regret it,” Gavriel added coolly. “And when you return, I expect your full focus. Lunaris will need strong men.”
“You’ll have it,” Osman said firmly.
Gavriel gave a final nod, then turned his attention forward. With a sharp command, the convoy began to move, banners lowering as the Alpha King of Lunaris rode away from House Aetherion, leaving Velmora behind once more.
Osman watched until the last of them disappeared down the road.
Only then did he release the breath he had been holding.
He turned toward the stables, intent on beginning his own journey to the House of Terravane. His horse was already prepared, reins resting neatly over the saddle. All he had to do was mount and ride.
Or so he thought.
“Osman.”
The familiar voice stopped him mid-step.
He turned slowly, heart sinking and rising at the same time.
Candice stood at the edge of the courtyard, sunlight catching in her blonde hair. She looked composed, regal even, dressed in the formal colors of House Terravane. Beside her stood an older man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence… The Archon of Terravane.
Osman stiffened.
Zander approached Candice and the elders beside her. Meanwhile, Osman focused on Candice alone and walked toward her.
“Candice,” Osman said, carefully neutral. “What are you doing here?”
She lifted her chin. “We came to congratulate Archon Zander on reclaiming House Aetherion.”
The Archon of Terravane stepped forward then, his voice calm but authoritative. “Zander Ivanov,” he said. “We, from House Terravane, personally acknowledge your rightful claim as Archon of Aetherion. The Cross Clan’s reign has ended, and balance has been restored.”
Zander inclined his head politely. “Your acknowledgment is received.”
Candice glanced briefly at Zander, then turned back to Osman. Something in her gaze made him frown. He could tell at once that she was uneasy.
The Archon continued, “With the restoration of House Aetherion, it is only fitting that old alliances be strengthened.”
Osman’s grip tightened on the reins.
“I come bearing an offer,” the Archon said smoothly. “An alliance through marriage. My granddaughter, Candice of Terravane, to Archon Zander of Aetherion.”
The courtyard seemed to fall silent.
Osman’s breath caught.
Candice’s head snapped toward her grandfather. “