chapter 5

The morning sun streamed through the tiny windows of the wooden cabin, its golden rays warming the room.

Elias stirred from his sleep, a small smile forming on his lips as memories of the previous night came rushing back. The conversation, the embrace, Kael's possessive words, and the kiss they had shared made his heart race all over again.

Still smiling, he reached toward the spot where Kael had been lying.

His hand met nothing but an empty blanket.

The smile on his face slowly faded.

"Kael?"

Only silence answered him.

Elias sat up and looked around the cabin. The lantern had burned out during the night, and the door was slightly open, allowing the cool morning breeze to drift inside.

Kael was gone.

Elias let out a quiet sigh.

"He must have left before sunrise."

It wasn't unusual. As the future Alpha King, Kael had countless responsibilities waiting for him every morning. If anyone discovered he had spent the night away from the palace, questions would begin to spread.

Even so...

Elias wished Kael had at least woken him before leaving.

After washing his face in the stream behind the cabin, Elias straightened his clothes and began the familiar walk back to the Silver Moon Pack estate.

The forest was peaceful in the early morning. Birds sang from the treetops while sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating golden patches along the path.

For anyone else, it would have been a beautiful morning.

But Elias couldn't stop thinking about Kael.A small smile returned to his lips.

"You really are impossible," he murmured to himself.

By the time he reached the estate, the mansion was already alive with activity.

Servants hurried through the halls carrying trays of breakfast, while maids polished the decorations left over from the engagement celebration.

The moment Elias stepped inside, one of the servants bowed.

"Good morning, Prince Elias."

"Good morning."

"Lady Selene is waiting for you in the drawing room."

Elias frowned slightly.

"She is?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Curious, Elias made his way toward the drawing room. Before he even entered, he heard laughter coming from inside. He pushed open the door.

His sister, Selene, was sitting comfortably on one of the sofas, sipping tea.

Across from her sat a beautiful young woman with long chestnut-brown hair and bright hazel eyes. She wore a pale pink dress that perfectly matched the ribbons tied around her hair.

The moment Elias entered the room, the young woman's cheeks turned bright red.

She quickly lowered her eyes into her teacup.

Selene noticed immediately. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Good morning Elias," she said warmly. "You're finally awake."

"Good morning, Sister."

He placed a kiss on her cheeks before turning toward the young woman.

" Liana."

Liana looked up, clearly surprised that he remembered her name.

"G-Good morning, Prince Elias".

"You don't have to be so formal," Elias replied with a gentle smile. "We've met before."

That only made Liana blush even harder.

Selene hid a laugh behind her teacup. This was exactly why she had invited Liana over. For years, Liana had quietly admired Elias from afar.

Whenever the royal family attended banquets or festivals, her eyes always found him first.

She was kind, well-mannered, and came from one of the kingdom's most respected noble families.

In Selene's opinion, she would make the perfect match for her younger brother. Selene had decided to play matchmaker.

"Liana was just telling me she's never had the chance to properly explore the capital," Selene said casually.

Liana blinked. "I... was?"

Selene smiled sweetly.

"You were about to."

Liana immediately understood what Selene was trying to do.

Her face burned with embarrassment.

"S-Selene..."

Ignoring her, Selene turned back to Elias.

"I thought today would be the perfect opportunity."

"For what?"

"For you to show her around."

Elias looked confused.

"The flower festival is in two days time" Selene continued. "The city will be full of music, food, and performances. Liana has always wanted to go."

Liana quickly shook her head.

"I don't want to trouble Prince Elias."

"It isn't any trouble," Selene interrupted before Elias could answer.

She smiled innocently at her brother.

"You've been buried in palace duties lately. A walk through the city might do you some good."

Elias hesitated.

The truth was...

He had been planning to meet Kael again.

But refusing outright would only make Selene angry and he doesn't want to upset her..

After a long pause, he smiled politely.

"If Lady Liana doesn't mind my company..."

Liana's eyes widened with excitement.

"I-I'd love to."

Selene clapped her hands together.

"Wonderful! Then it's settled."

As the two continued talking, Selene couldn't hide her satisfaction.

She was certain this outing would bring Elias and Liana closer together.