LOGIN“Yes,” Althea sincerely replied. “You’ve given up so much for me. Time. Your kingdom. Your peace. And I’m afraid I’m holding you back.”At that, his hand at her waist tightened just a little.“Never say that again,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You are not a burden. You never were.”She swallowed. “But—”He leaned down slightly, his forehead almost touching hers. “I stayed because I chose to. Because I wanted to. Because being here with you mattered more than anything else at that moment.”Her breath trembled.“And it still does,” he added.For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, slowly, Gavriel released her waist, though his hand lingered just long enough for her to feel the warmth of his touch fade.“You should rest a bit more,” he said, his tone gentler now. “Today will be long.”She nodded, still a little dazed. “You too.”As she turned and walked toward the bedchamber this time, he did not stop her. But her heart kept racing long after she lay down, and she knew one thi
Elior nodded, his expression calm. “Those are unclean spirits and demons that produced them. They linger close to humans, whispering corruption, seeking to influence, to twist, and sometimes to possess. Do not be deceived, my lady. Those who fell from His grace, the fallen angels who became demons, are far more dangerous. Many of them will not appear terrifying at all. They are masters of deception and often wear faces that seem harmless.”He turned to her fully then, his voice gentle but firm. “Remember this. Sight alone is not a burden. With faith, it becomes protection. And with faith, it becomes power to stand against them.”Althea slowly exhaled, absorbing his words. Her gaze then drifted across the courtyard, where she spotted Gavriel in the distance, standing beside Zander. The two men were deep in conversation, unaware they were being watched.“There’s something around them,” Althea said quietly. Elior followed her line of sight and gave a knowing smile. “Indeed. Both of them
Gavriel nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I’ll leave nothing to chance. I need your assistance to coordinate the preparations—summon the council, ensure the ceremonial grounds are ready, and confirm the elders and witnesses are present. Everything has to run smoothly.”Zander let out a low whistle, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re really going all in, aren’t you? Planning a formal coronation and a full wedding in one day. Ambitious… or reckless.”“Neither,” Gavriel said sharply. “It’s necessary. Today, she claims her title. Today, we end all doubts.”Zander chuckled, shaking his head. “Very well. Consider me your right hand for this. I’ll handle the logistics, summon the elders, and ensure all preparations are executed. You focus on keeping your… future queen comfortable.”Gavriel smirked. “Good. Then let’s move quickly. Time is precious, and I won’t allow a single delay.”Zander nodded and reached for his communication scroll. “I’ll begin coordinating immediately. But… you kno
Althea nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I don’t remember everything. I don’t remember us. But I know this much. I don’t want uncertainty hanging over me or over you. I don’t want whispers about my blood, my father, or whether I belong. If standing beside you openly ends those doubts, then I’ll stand there.”His throat tightened. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he exhaled slowly, as if grounding himself. “You’re sure?” he asked, his voice low. “This isn’t something I want you to agree to because you feel cornered.”Althea met his gaze head-on. “I’m sure,” she said firmly. “This is my decision.”She took a small breath, steadying herself. “Don’t worry. I trust Melva, and I believe everything she told me. And somehow…” She hesitated, searching for the right words, then sighed softly. “You feel familiar. I don’t remember you, not the way you do. But I’m comfortable around you.”For a moment, Gavriel simply stared at her. Then a slow, heartfelt smile curved his lips. “Thank you,”
“Feeding you,” he replied simply, lifting the spoon. “This is what I used to do with you before, aside from—”Her cheeks warmed. “Stop. I don’t remember agreeing to that.”For some reason, she had a feeling the man would be shameless enough to say far more than necessary. It was pure instinct, a quiet warning in her gut, and it made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.Last night, Melva had told her everything. Every detail Melva could remember, including how the Alpha King had been impossibly possessive, almost obsessive, as if he could never get enough of her. How he had held her as though letting go was unthinkable, how his affection had left love bites scattered across her skin.
The sky was still dark when Gavriel stepped into the kitchens of the Archon’s palace of House Aetherion. Dawn had not yet broken. The halls were quiet and Melva nearly jumped when she saw him.“Y–Your Majesty,” she blurted, bowing so quickly she almost knocked the basket in her arms to the floor.Gavriel lifted a hand at once. “No need for that. I was looking for you.”Melva straightened, confusion flickering across her face. “For me, sire?”“Yes.” He glanced toward the long wooden table, already stacked with fresh bread, fruits, and herbs prepared by the night servants. “I need your help.”







