MasukMonths passed, and Althea kept herself busy with her duties in the inner court throughout her pregnancy. Despite that, Gavriel remained extremely strict about her safety and refused to allow her to leave the palace grounds without him accompanying her.By the time she reached her ninth month, he had become even more protective.Althea was practically forbidden from leaving the palace altogether.Still, she didn't mind too much. With how large her belly had become, she had no desire to wander far anyway.It might not look like it since she could still walk around and carry out some of her daily activities, but carrying twins was no easy task. Her stomach had grown so large and heavy that she was already using a suppo
Gavriel carefully lowered Althea onto her feet before moving behind her. She felt his fingers loosen the blindfold and a second later, the fabric slipped away from her eyes.The moment her vision cleared, Althea froze.Before her stretched a beautiful garden filled with rows upon rows of strawberry plants. Their vibrant red fruits peeked through the green leaves, glistening under the afternoon sunlight. The sweet fragrance instantly filled the air. Her lips parted as she slowly took a step forward.Not far away stood a small white gazebo surrounded by blooming flowers. It looked almost magical amidst the sea of strawberry plants. Althea's eyes immediately welled with tears.For a moment, she simply stood there, overwhelmed."Gavriel..." she whispered.Gavriel, who had been watching her reaction closely, suddenly looked nervous.“Do you not like it?” he asked, suddenly feeling uncertain.It was the first time he had ever done something like this.He had personally overseen the transf
Riela’s recovery went smoothly, and as soon as she was well enough, Gavriel asked Prophet Elior to explain everything that had happened to her.Today, Althea visited Riela for tea on the palace balcony on the palace’s second floor that faced the forest on the west side. One of the reasons she had come was because she still occasionally noticed foul spirits lingering outside Riela’s bedchamber. Fortunately, none of them could get near her anymore because Riela had been assigned a guardian angel of her own.“How are you feeling?” Althea asked.Riela had remained weak for three days after waking up. During that time, Lord Arturo had barely left her side, personally taking care of her.“I’m feeling much better now. It’s just that…” Riela hesitated as her gaze drifted toward the far side of the balcony.Althea followed her line of sight and immediately frowned.Standing in that exact spot was the guardian angel who had been watching over Riela.‘Could it be that she can see him?’ Althea w
Arturo never left Riela’s side.He personally took care of her and would often fall asleep while sitting beside her bed, his head resting against the mattress as he kept watch over her.The Queen Mother let out a soft sigh before quietly leaving the room and gently closing the door behind her.“If you want, I can talk to him,” Marius offered. He had been waiting outside for Wilma, leaning against the wall.Wilma gave him a faint smile and shook her head.“Let him be. He’s just worried.” Her gaze softened. “And honestly, I appreciate it. It’s comforting to see someone so devoted and sincere toward my daughter.”She paused before continuing,“Riela has been through so much. But I’m glad things are finally going to be alright for her. She has someone whose feelings for her are genuine. I can only hope and pray that she wakes up soon.”Marius sighed before stepping closer and draping an arm around her shoulders.The moment he did, Wilma finally let go of the emotions she had been holding
Everyone panicked when a servant suddenly arrived and reported that the King had collapsed unconscious.Althea had no choice but to explain everything to them.“What are you saying?” the Queen Mother exclaimed in disbelief. “We already lost our wolves, and now you’re telling us there’s a spiritual realm invisible to our eyes? That my son has been fighting demons there? And Riela just underwent a deliverance where a demon was cast out of her?”She paused before adding, “And the admiral was knocked unconscious so he wouldn’t interfere?”The Queen Mother had practically summarized Althea’s entire explanation herself.“I know this is a lot to take in,” Althea said gently. “But rest assured, Lord Arturo will wake up soon.”“And what about your sister-in-law?” the Queen Mother pressed further.Althea failed to answer immediately.Because she knew very well that Riela would not wake up anytime soon.“It may take some time, Mother…” Althea answered softly. “It depends on Riela herself…”“What
Althea quickly stepped in before the butler could answer.“Mother, Gavriel already went to call them personally. They may take a little longer since we arrived with a guest, and they likely stopped for a brief conversation in the garden. He sent me ahead so no one would worry. We can begin dinner while waiting for them.”“Oh, alright then,” the Queen Mother hummed in understanding.Althea quickly took her seat.She could only hope Gavriel would finish everything as quickly as possible. Still, she felt reassured knowing Prophet Elior was with him.Though deep inside, she also couldn’t help missing the sight of her husband fighti
Gavriel’s hand gripped the back of her neck while the other anchored her waist, pulling her tightly against him as if afraid she might vanish.Althea’s hands came up, pressed against his chest, not to push him away, but to steady herself. He kissed her like he needed to remind her who she belonged
Althea had a deep, relaxing sleep during the night and woke up feeling very rejuvenated. Melva was already inside when she sat on the bed and stretched her arms.“You’re finally awake, My Lady,” Melva said as she arranged a meal for her.“Are we not going to continue the journey?” she asked, rising
Far to the south, in a cavern lit by firelight, Cain’s roar shook the stone walls. His fists slammed into rock, leaving cracks and dust raining down.“The Shadowthorn Pack is gone?” His voice was low, lethal.The messenger dropped to his knees, trembling. “Y-Yes, Alpha. The Alpha King took it. He re
'Your body is still adjusting to the mark. Rest well. I’ll try my best not to disturb you.’Those words from Alpha King to her kept echoing in Althea’s mind as she lay on his bed, even after he left. The mattress was unexpectedly soft, and the warmth surrounding her was unfamiliar yet strangely co







