THE VISION

Chapter 16

The Vision

Kaius POV

I never knew bringing Adelaide's stepmother and stepsister would cause more harm than good.

Even though I had shunned her from making negative comments about my Luna, I still felt the pain in her eyes as she looked hopeless.

When I stepped in to defend her, I saw the way her eyes lit up and the way she gazed at me like her prince in shining armor.

Athena and Eleanor still stood, looking at Adelaide as though to devour her.

What are they plotting?!

Then, Rafaello returned to my side, he bent down and whispered to my ears.

“They have always treated her badly and unfairly ever since she lost her parents,” he said.

I nodded, “is that all you found out?!!” I asked, speaking in hush tones.

He nodded without saying a word and drew out, standing as though nothing happened.

I looked at my side and saw Adelaide standing with Rhoda, smiling all over.

It looked genuine and it looked like a real friendship, even though I didn't know much about Friends, I knew for sure that they were great together.

“And her?!” I asked, leaning closer to Rafaello again.

He drew closer, whispering again. “They've been great friends right from childhood and they are fond of each other.”

I nodded, folding my arms over my chest, watching them talk and laugh at their silly jokes.

I've never seen her that happy since she became the Luna and that stirred something inside me.

Magnus stirred, feeling happy as she was happy.

Our mate! She's happy.

See?! What you couldn't do.

My arms curled into fist at my sides when Magnus made that statement. It showed that I haven't done enough and I needed to be more available to her than ever and show her I can make truly happy than anyone ever did.

I was happy at least, Rhoda made her happy and I was the one who invited her.

I hoped Rhoda mentioned me to her, so I could feel more at peace knowing I was the source of her happiness.

I moved closer to hear what they were saying, but I didn't make it too obvious, so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

“I wish I could hug you,” Rhoda said softly.

I stood a few steps away, watching them.

Adelaide smiled, it was the kind of smile she wore when she was trying not to show how much something mattered. “I know,” she replied. “Pack law.”

Rhoda’s hands raised awkwardly in the air before she dropped them to her sides, looking at the corners as though she will be caught for doing so.

The pack law forbids the Luna from hugging anyone apart from the alpha, not even her friends until she produces an heir to the throne.

I saw the way Adelaide's eyes weakened when she couldn't hug her friend, she looked as though she was being restricted for nothing.

The law only applied to the Luna, only the alphas are exempted from such and it looked like a crocky game at its peak.

I didn't step in this time, I didn't want to, I wanted her to act by herself and do as she pleases, but it seemed like she respected the pack law more than anything, even though I wasn't treating rightly.

Just then, Rhoda’s eyes went around the hall, as she lowered her voice to speak. I looked away when our eyes almost met, pretending I wasn't hearing what she was saying, so she could feel comfortable speaking.

“Please… be careful. Your stepmother is watching you too closely. And Athena…” she shook her head, “that one is not hiding her hatred at all.”

Adelaide nodded. “I will.”

Their farewell was brief and didn't take as long as I expected.

Rhoda stepped back, bowing her head respectfully before turning to leave. As she passed, she looked at me and our gaze met for a second but she quickly turned away and she was gone before anyone knew it.

I followed the line of her departure with my eyes, then shifted my attention back to the hall.

Adelaide stood, watching her until she was out of sight.

Only if I could read her mind, then I could tell what was running through her mind.

I didn't want her to be so suffocated or feel like she was dealing with a lot.

Meanwhile, Eleanor and Athena stood together near the pillars, their heads bent toward each other.

They were whispering something I couldn't hear or tell exactly, but I was following the movements of their lips.

Athena’s fingers were clenched into her dress, her eyes fixed on Adelaide like she was measuring where to strike next.

Eleanor noticed me looking before I could turn away and she smiled as though they were good and bowed slightly.

I knew there was nothing real about their smile and act, but still I acted as though nothing was wrong.

It was the kind of smile that pretended to be polite while hiding teeth.

When Adelaide looked at them, I saw the way she jerked in place, turning away quickly as though they were something no one could see.

I coughed, trying to buy her attention and take her thoughts away from them for the mean time.

I wasn't too loud, but it came out in a convincing manner.

The effect was immediate like I expected. Even the guards nearby rushed forward, but Rafaello knew too much to stop them from getting close.

I had eyed Rafaello, warning him of the stunt I was about to pull, so he wouldn't be caught off guard and he did a great job concealing it.

Adelaide startled and turned, her eyes searching until they found me. She didn’t hesitate. She rushed to my side, her hand coming to my arm as if it belonged there. As if it was natural.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her voice filled with concern, her eyes searching mine like she lost something.

I let my shoulders sag slightly. Let my breath come uneven. I leaned into her just enough for the watching eyes to see.

“I’m fine,” I said, quietly. “Just… dizzy.”

That was all it took to make a rumor and to make it spread like wildfire.

“The Alpha looks unwell.”

“He’s worse than I thought.”

“Has he even recovered at all?”

I started hearing whispers from all corners, and I heaved as though relieved.

I was using a stone to kill two birds, I wanted to get the queen mother's reactions as well and see how she'll react to such news.

I allowed my weight to rest against Adelaide as if I needed her to stand.

Her hand tightened on my arm and it was warm. She smelled faintly of herbs and something else, something that made Magnus stir restlessly beneath my skin.

I ignored him.

“Stay close,” I murmured, my lips barely moving. “When people are watching.”

She nodded immediately. “Of course.”

I refused the guards from helping me and when she asked, I had Rafaello give a silly excuse.

“Why aren't the guards helping?! Should I take you to the pack physician?” She asked, glancing over her shoulders.

“I only trust you well enough to take care of me for now.” I said, surprising myself after saying it.

Over the hall, I noticed that Eleanor and Athena weren't gone yet and they were still standing, watching everything.

I could feel Eleanor’s gaze burning into my back. Athena’s too.

Let them watch. Let them think I'm weak. Let them believe Adelaide was nothing more than a convenient prop to them.

Soon, it was late in the night and the pack was quiet and the servants moved slowly, by Adelaide.

Adelaide and I were shown to the same chambers, the place looked cleaner than I had ever imagine.

It was just a bed in the room. It was big and comfortable.

She stood awkwardly near the foot of hers, fingers twisting together. “Good night, my king,” she said politely.

“My name,” I corrected without thinking.

She looked up, startled.

“Kaius,” I finished, my voice harder than I meant it to be. “When we’re alone.”

She nodded again. “Good night… Kaius.”

I lay awake long after the candles were extinguished.

Sleep came shortly and it betrayed me before I even tried.

Suddenly, I saw myself under the moon, in a garden.

Then, someone appeared from behind, smiling and cheerful.

“Kaius…”

I heard my name in the sweetest way possible, but when I looked closely, it wasn't the person I was expecting to see.

It was Adelaide. Why is she in my dreams?!

I woke with a sharp breath, anger burning hot in my chest.

I turned my head and saw that Adelaide was asleep beside me.

Her breathing was peaceful. One of her hands curled near her chest, the other resting on the sheets like she had reached for something and stopped.

I watched her longer than I should have.

Magnus stirred restlessly.

Mine, he whispered.

“No,” I said silently, clenching my fists as I turned away.