Chapter 403
Gabriel set his pen down and leaned back in his chair, one hand pressing against the back of his neck. The evening sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows that stretched across the wall.
Then, a soft knock broke the quiet.
“Come in,” Gabriel called.
The door opened, and a figure stepped inside. Gabriel instinctively straightened his posture.
“I see you’ve taken over some of Nick’s workload,” Casaio remarked as he pulled out a chair and settled into it with ease.
Gabriel sighed. “Nick has a mountain of pending work. Can’t he hire more assistants to deal with it p>
Casaio gave a small, knowing smile. “That’s not Nick’s way. He believes in handling most matters personally, no matter how heavy the load p>
“And that’s why he delays most matters,” Gabriel muttered under his breath. He shifted his gaze toward Casaio. “Anyway, why are you here? Should I be joining you tonight? You’re still patrolling the area without a single official arrest of anyone from the Beta Hunters organization p>
“I came to discuss something else,” Casaio replied. “Do you remember the message you received from Aurevalis? The one from that unknown sender p>
Gabriel’s brows furrowed. “Yes. What about it p>
“Aurevalis is said to be the birthplace of werewolves,” Casaio explained, leaning back slightly. “I once had a friend who lived in a kingdom near its borders. I reached out to him p>
Gabriel leaned forward. “And what did he say p>
“Not much,” Casaio admitted. “But he mentioned whispers that Aurevalis has become a ground for dark practices. Dangerous ones. Which is why I think you should ignore the parcel you received p>
Gabriel fell silent, lost in thought. After a long pause, he nodded. “You’re right. Noah and Amelie need me more. I’ve no interest in dragging trouble in their lives p>
“Yes,” Casaio agreed, pushing himself halfway up from the chair. “That’s wise. I’ll take my leave, then p>
“Wait.” Gabriel’s voice stopped him. “When is your coronation ceremony p>
Casaio’s shoulders tensed. He hesitated before answering, “I don’t know. And truthfully… I never wanted to become the next Alpha King like this p>
“Don’t say that,” Gabriel said, his voice steady but kind. “Father is old now, that’s why he wants you to take over. Think of it not as a burden, but as a chance to build a safer future for us all.” A faint smile touched his lips.
“You really think I can be a good King?” Casaio mused. “I still remember when Zilia was arrested. You asked me then, how could I protect this kingdom when I hadn’t even realized what she truly was p>
Gabriel inclined his head. “I did. That was only a few months ago, and I’ll admit… My relationship with you wasn’t exactly warm then. But the deal you struck with the Blood Dominion proved your strength. It showed me your ability to lead through diplomacy, not just force p>
A faint smile tugged at Casaio’s lips. “Thank you… For trusting me then p>
Gabriel leaned forward slightly. “There is one person, though, you should be careful of p>
“Who?” Casaio frowned, his shoulders stiffening.
“Juniper,” Gabriel replied.
Casaio blinked in surprise. “What? Nick’s mate? Surely you don’t mean her p>
“Yes,” Gabriel said firmly.
Casaio shook his head, still unconvinced. “Why? Why should I be cautious of her p>
Gabriel’s gaze darkened. “Because June isn’t happy that her marriage to Dominick had to share the same day as yours and Zilia’s. Something changed between her and Nick after that day. I suspect she may try to expose Zilia’s past. And if she does, it could unravel far more than you realize.” He paused before continuing, “You need to think carefully about how to stop her before she acts p>
“But they both went on their honeymoon,” Casaio countered, brows furrowing. “If something were truly wrong, Nick wouldn’t have taken her away p>
Gabriel exhaled slowly. “Or perhaps he’s trying to keep her pacified. Listen, Casaio, if Zilia’s past comes to light, it won’t just stain her. It will stir chaos for both of you. Last night, Nick was badly drunk. I overheard him rambling while dragging him back to his chambers. He kept repeating that June was furious about you being named King. And he mentioned Zilia, too… Said June had argued with her p>
Casaio stiffened as he was unaware of all of this.
“I don’t know the details,” Gabriel admitted. “But you need to speak with Zilia. Find out what really happened before Juniper decides to act on her anger. If she does, you may not have the chance to control everything p>
Casaio got tensed as he hadn’t expected such a big thing to happen. “Nick didn’t share anything with me,” he murmured.
“Maybe he had his reasons,” Gabriel replied evenly.
Casaio drew a long breath, then gave a short nod. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll speak with Zilia once I finish my mission p>
Gabriel simply hummed in acknowledgment, watching his brother rise from the chair and leave. When the door shut behind him, Gabriel decided to leave too. He still had Amelie and Noah waiting for him, and the thought of their faces steadied him as he turned toward his chambers.
But as he stepped into the corridor, he nearly halted. A familiar figure stood ahead.
“Karmen?” Gabriel’s surprise was evident. “Why are you here? I thought you’d gone home p>
Karmen sighed. “I met Aisha p>
Gabriel arched a brow. “That’s… good, isn’t it p>
Karmen shook his head faintly. “Not exactly. She doesn’t want to marry anyone, Gabriel. Her parents are forcing her. Joshua died two years ago, but she hasn’t been able to move on. And still, my parents, especially my mother, were pushing for our engagement today. Thankfully, I didn’t let it happen p>
Gabriel studied him carefully. “So, you refused to see her anymore p>
“No… I decided to help Aisha,” Karmen replied, confusing Gabriel.
“Wait! Why did you decide to help her unless you’ve feelings for her? It’s going to be tough for you. Joshua treated her nicely, that’s why she’s holding onto him for this long,” Gabriel stated.