Chapter 303
David was quick to rush toward Amelie and Gabriel.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice heavy with confusion as his eyes searched her face.
“Gabriel… please wait for me in the car,” Amelie said softly.
He studied her for a moment, then gave a silent nod and stepped away, leaving her alone with her parents.
Amelie turned to them. “If I had told you, both you and Mom would have apologized, then spent the rest of your lives regretting how you always doubted me… how you made me feel small and even unworthy. For years, all I wanted was my family’s validation. But after everything that happened, I detached myself from you. My entire life was judged through one thing, my inability to awaken my wolf, without anyone ever knowing why p>
Samyra lowered her head in guilt while David still held Amelie’s gaze.
“If we talk about it now, what good will it bring? It would only dig up old wounds and create more stress. That’s why I kept it from you both p>
David couldn’t utter a single word.
He had been the one most obsessed with preserving their family legacy, the one who had constantly questioned Amelie about what worth she brought to the family besides being “a cursed child.” Now, every cruel remark, every look of disappointment replayed in his mind like scenes from a movie.
“I know I can’t change what I did in the past,” David said finally. “I don’t know if you’ll ever forgive me for the damage I caused. Saying sorry won’t erase the pain you endured. I’ll accept whatever punishment you feel I deserve p>
Amelie’s eyes softened for a moment, but her words stayed firm. “I’m not like you, Dad. And I’m not here to punish you. But we’re done talking for today. I should go. Take care.” She turned away before he could reply.
“We’ll see you off,” Samyra said quickly, stepping forward to walk beside her. David and Flora followed in silence.
Outside, Gabriel stood leaning against the car, scrolling through his phone. The moment he saw Amelie, he slid it into his pocket and strode toward her. Without a word, he wrapped one hand around her arm, the other gently rested on her back as he guided her carefully down the stairs.
Opening the car door, Gabriel made sure Amelie was seated comfortably before closing it with deliberate care. Then he turned to face his in-laws.
“Don’t accept anything from anyone,” he said firmly. “Flora can explain the details once we’re gone. And if you notice anything suspicious, call me immediately. I’ve already stationed a few of my most trusted wolves nearby. So if you think someone’s following you, don’t panic, they’re on your side p>
David and Samyra exchanged a bewildered look, unsure what to make of his warning.
“Thank you for your hospitality today,” Gabriel added, his tone softening slightly. “Especially for treating Amelie well. Whatever’s happened between you all… I can see the gaps beginning to close p>
With that, he turned away, slid into the driver’s seat, fastened his belt, and started the engine. Moments later, the car rolled away from the house and the three of them walked back into the house.
David watched Flora leave the room, concern flickering in his eyes. Settling back on the sofa, he turned to his wife.
“What exactly did Prince Gabriel warn us about? Is something happening that I should know?” he asked.
Flora paused in the doorway, glancing over her shoulder. “Mom… Amelie used to have a mark on the back of her neck. You never told Dad about it? Did you two never try to find out what it meant p>
David straightened, his gaze shifting quickly to his wife. “A mark? Wait, is this the same mark the High Priest of the Red River Pack once mentioned to you p>
“Yes,” Samyra admitted.
“What about that mark?” David asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Flora.
“It was the reason Amelie’s true form was hidden,” Flora explained. She remembered how Amelie had made her promise during the day not to tell their parents. But now, with Gabriel insisting they know, she didn’t hesitate. “A witch cursed her in a past life. This morning, I received a parcel… and I’m almost certain the sender is the same witch p>
“What?” Samyra gasped, shock flashing across her face. “The High Priest never told us anything like that back then,” she murmured, half to herself.
“Maybe he didn’t know the full truth,” Flora said. “What did he tell you p>
Samyra hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. She seemed reluctant to speak.
“I remember you once told me Amelie’s mate would die because of that mark,” David said quietly.
Flora stared at him, stunned.
“Yes,” Samyra admitted at last. “But I believe… Alex was the one fated to bear that death instead p>
“Alex died because of the wrong he did,” Flora murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor. “Does Amelie know? Did you ever tell her p>
“Yes. I told her,” Samyra said.
“For now, let’s stay away from anything suspicious,” David advised. “Prince Gabriel is handling it. We should just wait for his response p>
“Yes… But what about them? Who’s going to keep them safe?” Samyra asked, worry sharpening her words.
“Amelie said there’s no need to worry about them,” Flora replied, trying to reassure her. “They have someone powerful protecting them p>
Samyra’s expression softened, though her eyes still shimmered with concern. “What more does my daughter have to endure? We made her childhood difficult… then she got pregnant. And now, this new problem has found its way into their lives. I thought she’d finally have peace, that she could live without any more burdens. I was so wrong p>
“Mom, Amelie isn’t scared of the problems anymore. Don’t be so worried about her. Instead, you need to become her strength,” Flora stated with determination.
“Flora is right. Amelie has shown her strength when we all doubted her. Let’s just put our faith in her,” David stated, placing his hand on Samyra’s, patting it with assurance that everything would be fine soon.