LOGINELION’S POVI let out a long, slow breath when I saw Brielle standing there, looking safe and unharmed. My shoulders relaxed, and the tight knot of worry that had been sitting in my chest since I left this morning finally loosened a little.Earlier, right after I finished talking to Brielle, my phone rang again. It was my father. It had been three whole months since I last saw my parents, and with their wedding anniversary coming up so soon, I had decided it was time to visit them.I thought my mother would be with him, like she always was, so I was happy to hear from him. We talked for a few minutes, planning when I would come over, and everything seemed normal.But then, just as we were finishing up, my father’s phone rang again. He answered it, and I heard my mother’s voice on the other end. She sounded cheerful at first, but then she said something that made my blood run cold. She told him that she was with Zen, and that they were having a nice conversation.In that exact moment,I
Brielle POV.Zen moved around me slowly, his measuring tape flicking softly against my skin as he noted down every number. He was graceful and lively, with bright eyes and warm hands—everything felt lighter when he was near. He had told me earlier that his name was Zen, and I could tell right away that he was different from the serious, formal people I usually met. He hummed a little tune while he worked, but I stayed completely quiet, my mind still stuck on the sharp words Luna Celestia had thrown at me just minutes ago. I felt empty and cold inside, and I couldn’t bring myself to say a single word.After a while, he couldn't stand the silence anymore. He stopped what he was doing, looked straight at me, and frowned gently."Miss Brielle, are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice kind and worried. He put the tape down and stepped closer. "I am so sorry, you know. Truly. It is all my fault. I spoke too freely, I said things without thinking… and I made Luna Celestia misunderstand ever
Brielle POV.I took a slow, steadying breath, forcing my trembling hands to relax and my shoulders to straighten. I couldn’t let her see how much her words had shaken me. I had to be calm, composed—exactly how Alaric had taught me to be when facing people like her. I lifted my chin and met her gaze evenly."Good afternoon, Luna Celestia," I said politely, my voice steady and respectful. "It is a pleasant surprise to see you here."I paused briefly, then continued smoothly, "To answer your question earlier… I just finished having a meal with Elvie and Renee not long ago. They were in high spirits, though I suppose you would know better than I what keeps them occupied. As for me… Alpha Alaric called me just a while ago and commanded me to return home immediately. He said there was something important that needed my attention here."The designer, who had been watching our exchange with polite interest, smiled warmly at my words and stepped forward, opening his leather-bound notebook."In
Brielle POV.I pushed the heavy wooden door open, my heart already lifting in expectation. I was ready to see Alaric’s familiar face—those intense eyes that always softened when they landed on me, the faint, warm smile reserved only for me. But the person standing in the entryway was not him.My smile faded instantly, replaced by confusion. It wasn’t Alaric who greeted me, but a stranger—someone I didn’t recognize at all. My steps slowed, and I hesitated in the doorway, glancing past the unfamiliar figure into the house. Then, my gaze drifted toward the open archway leading to the kitchen and dining area.And there, standing near the counter, elegant, poised, and undeniably regal, was Luna Celestia Zaphiel.My breath caught sharply in my throat.Instantly, a cold knot of worry tightened deep in my stomach. I stood frozen where I was, my mind racing as the reality settled in. This was only the third time I was meeting her.The first time was years ago, the day Alaric brought me here—sc
Brielle POV.Kael didn’t argue. He just gave a slow, heavy nod, his smile fading into something weary and resigned. He looked at me, and there was no anger in his eyes—only a deep, quiet understanding that cut right through me."He is the strongest, the most powerful, and yes… the best of us all," Kael admitted softly, his voice low. "But he is her guardian… And for that, I am glad… He can't be my rival… Not ever."I stood stunned, my breath caught in my throat. He thinks… he really thinks that’s all it is?Heza, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow sharply, clearly ready to challenge every word. "And why did you say that? Brielle and Alaric are not blood relatives… Neither of them is publicly in a relationship… And everyone already knows he canceled his marriage agreement with Elvie weeks ago. So he can be your rival—""Indeed, that is what everyone is saying," Kael interrupted calmly, shaking his head. "But it is not final. Not yet. The Council is still debating the matter, and his
Brielle POVKael nodded slowly, his smile fading into a look of quiet regret."I just got here a moment ago," he said softly, his gaze steady on mine. Then his voice dropped, heavy with guilt. "And… I am sorry, Brielle. For what happened the last time we went out. I failed to keep you safe, and I’ve carried that regret ever since."Heza’s hand instantly tightened around mine, her grip firm and questioning. She glanced quickly at me, her eyes wide and speaking clearly: Who is this? What happened between you two?I gave her a small, quick shake of my head — I’ll explain later, don’t ask now — then turned back to Kael, my voice gentle but firm."It is not your fault, Kael. You tried your best. But everyone knows… there is only so much you can do. You were standing against an Alpha. No one could win that fight."I stepped slightly between them, breaking the tension. "Kael, this is Heza — my best friend. Heza, this is Beta Kael."Heza reached out and shook his hand, her expression shifting







