chapter 4

Back at the Silver Moon Pack estate, Elias waited until the mansion was silent. Everyone was fast asleep. Quietly, he slipped out through his bedroom window. The moon lit his path as he made his way deep into the forest.

There was only one place he wanted to be.

Their hideout.

It was a small wooden cabin hidden among ancient trees, a place he and Kael had discovered as children. Whenever the pressure of being heirs became too much, they would meet there, away from the expectations of the kingdom.

When Elias pushed open the cabin door, a warm lantern was already burning.

Kael was there.

Leaning against the window with his arms folded, he looked up the moment Elias entered.

"I knew you'd come," Kael said.

Elias smiled softly as he closed the door behind him.

"I could say the same about you."

"I've missed you," Kael whispered.

Elias smiled softly. "same"

Kael leaned in slowly,Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss.

It wasn't rushed. It was gentle, warm,

Kael's hand rested against Elias's cheek while the other went down his trouser toward his dick, drawing him a little closer. Elias's fingers curled into the back of Kael's shirt as he was moaning, kael gently stroked his dick more. The kiss seemed to last forever, each passing second making it harder to let go of each other.

For a brief moment, everything felt perfect. Then Kael's expression changed.

He suddenly remembered the Alpha he had seen with Elias in the palace garden.

Taking a step back, he reluctantly released Elias from his embrace. Elias looked at him in confusion.

"Kael... what's wrong?"

Kael remained silent for a moment before finally speaking.

"Who was he?"

Elias blinked.

"Who?"

"The Alpha you were talking to tonight." Kael's golden eyes searched his face. "Who is Alaric?"

"Oh... Alaric."

Kael nodded.

"You looked very happy."

A teasing smile spread across Elias's lips, He slowly walked toward Kael until only a few inches separated them.

"Are you..." Elias asked, placing a hand against Kael's firm chest, "...a little jealous?"

Before Kael could answer, Elias leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Kael's ears turned slightly red.He caught Elias's wrist and gently removed his hand from his chest.

"No touching."

Elias laughed."No touching?"

Kael cleared his throat, trying to hide the smile threatening to appear.

"I know every friend you've ever had."

He looked straight into Elias's eyes.

"Except him."

The teasing faded from Elias's face, He took a few steps back and leaned against the old wooden table.

"Alaric and I grew up together," he began quietly. "We were always together as children. He was kind to me when everyone else treated me like I was invisible."

Kael listened without interrupting.

"I... had a crush on him."

The words came out almost as a whisper.

"But I never told him."

Elias smiled sadly. "One day, he left to train with the Royal Knights. He never knew how I felt."

He looked down at the wooden floor.

"I cried for days after he left. It felt like my heart had been broken... even though he had done nothing wrong."

The cabin fell silent.

A moment later, Elias felt a pair of strong arms wrap gently around his waist from behind.

His body stiffened before slowly relaxing.

Kael rested his chin lightly on Elias's shoulder.

"Forget about him," he murmured.

Elias smiled faintly.

"It was a long time ago."

Kael tightened his embrace just a little.

"I don't care how long ago it was."

His voice was low and possessive.

"Don't forget..."

He turned Elias slightly so they were facing each other.

"...you're mine."

Their eyes locked.

"And only mine."

Elias's heart skipped a beat.

Kael stared at the floor.

"So..."

"So?"

"Do you still love him?"

Elias didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he looked at Kael.

A gentle smile spread across his face.

"If I still loved Alaric..."

He reached for Kael's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"...do you think I'd be here with you?"

Kael looked down at their joined hands.

The tension in his chest slowly faded.

A faint smile finally appeared on his lips.

"I suppose not."

Elias laughed softly.

"You can be so difficult sometimes."

Kael moved closer until their shoulders touched.

"I don't like sharing."

"You don't have to."

Kael looked into Elias's eyes.

"Good."He lifted Elias's hand and pressed a gentle kiss against his knuckles. "Because I intend to keep you by my side."

Elias's cheeks warmed.

"That's a bold promise."

Kael smiled.

"It's one I plan to keep."

Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, but inside the little cabin, they sat together in peaceful silence.