Chapter 125
“I’ll summon the entire hotel staff,” Denzel said, already reaching for his phone.
“Wait,” Casaio interjected firmly. “Don’t alert them just yet p>
Denzel paused, wondering what was in the prince’s mind.
“If we gather the staff now, we risk tipping off the attacker. They’ll be the first to run the moment they sense danger,” Casaio stated.
Looking at the CCTV monitors, he continued, “Seal all borders leading out of San Ravendale immediately. Lock down every known exit route both land and air. Quietly circulate the list of hotel staff to our men stationed at each checkpoint. If the attacker is among them and tries to flee, we’ll catch them in the act p>
Denzel nodded as he finally understood what Casaio wanted to do. “I understood, Your Highness p>
Casaio furrowed his brows together while keeping his hands on the waist. “I wonder who had the audacity to do this,” he mumbled, squinting his eyes in suspicion.Denzel returned to the prince’s side and said, “I’ve informed all personnel to remain on high alert. I also asked the hotel manager to send over the complete list of staff, names and photographs included p>
“Well done,” Casaio replied with a nod of approval. “I’ll see you in the morning. If anything urgent comes up, don’t hesitate to knock. Nick and I will be guarding this place tonight p>
“Understood. But… are you two staying in the suite?” Denzel asked with a hint of surprise.
“Yes,” Casaio confirmed shortly.
“I see.” Denzel gave a respectful bow before turning away. Casaio headed back into the suite.
As he stepped into the small living room, he paused at the sight before him. Amelie sat curled up on the couch, her expression clouded with worry. Dominick sat on the sofa chair with a faint crease on his brow.
“Why are you awake?” Casaio asked from Amelie before his eyes drifted to Dominick. He mindlinked him immediately. ’Why didn’t you tell her to get some rest p>
“She’s terrified,” Dominick responded simply, his gaze never leaving Amelie.
Casaio’s eyes softened slightly as he looked at her. She sat quietly, fiddling with her fingers, the warm glow of a small table lamp casting long shadows across the room.
He took a seat across from her and spoke in a calm, low voice. “You’re wearing the pendant Gabriel gave you. Do you know the story behind it p>
Amelie looked up, startled by the question. She shook her head slowly. “He just said it was important to him… but I didn’t ask more,” she murmured.
Casaio leaned back slightly, his tone tinged with something between memory and regret. “It’s the only gift Gabriel ever received from our mother. She gave it to him the day his wolf awakened. He was eleven at that time. She said it would protect him. That day Gabriel was so happy. I think that was the only day he genuinely smile. Since he had dated many in the past, but none could get this from him. It was his most precious item p>
He paused as his eyes lingered on the pendant at her neck. “He says he hates her… but he never took it off. I think, in his heart, it reminded him that some part of her loved him, even if not as much as the rest of us p>
Amelie gently touched the violet stone, her eyes glinting with emotion. “He never told me… that it came from the Queen,” she whispered, “neither the Luna Queen or the others told me p>
“He probably didn’t want to. As for our mother, she must be intrigued,” Dominick said. “Gabriel’s relationship with our mother is… complicated. Even we can’t fully understand it p>
Casaio nodded. Then, his voice softened further. “Amelie… I don’t think our mother is behind what happened tonight. I know that thought’s been weighing on you p>
Amelie looked up in surprise. She shook her head in denial, though the hesitation in her eyes said otherwise.
“So far, only our mother has openly disapproved of your relationship with Gabriel,” Casaio said gently. “That’s why… you don’t have to pretend otherwise. I know the thought has crossed your mind p>
Amelie’s fingers tightened slightly around the pendant. “Then… is there someone else who wants me dead?” she asked.
Casaio exchanged a glance with Dominick before answering. “We believe so. There are too many variables to ignore. We’re still investigating, but the attacks don’t feel like something our mother would orchestrate p>
He leaned forward. “The reason I told you about the pendant isn’t just to share its story. I need you to know that as long as you keep it around your neck, you’re protected. It’s bound to Gabriel’s aura and meant to shield what he holds most dear. That’s why go to bed and sleep p>
Amelie slowly nodded in understanding.
“I get it now,” Amelie murmured, her voice low and tired. “Honestly… I wasn’t convinced the Queen was behind it. I mean, I had my doubts—but deep down, I didn’t think she’d go that far p>
She exhaled softly and brought her hand to her forehead. “I understand why she resents me. I’m carrying another man’s child, and I’m not an alpha, or even a she-wolf. It’s a lot for her to accept. Still… I don’t want to dwell on it anymore p>
Casaio gave her a small nod. “That’s fair. Go get some rest. Try to sleep p>
Amelie stood up slowly. But just as she turned to leave, she paused and glanced back at them.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For saving me tonight p>
Then, without waiting for a response, she walked quietly back into the room.
Dominick watched her disappear down the hallway before turning to Casaio, his brows drawn together. “Why did you tell her the truth about the pendant p>
Casaio’s expression hardened slightly. “Because I truly don’t believe Mother was behind the attack,” he said, his voice thoughtful but firm. “And more importantly… I need Amelie to be the one who calms Gabriel when he finds out what happened. He listens to her because he won’t listen to the rest of us p>