Semua Bab The Mate She Can’t See: Bab 221 - Bab 230

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN ZOEYThe night had stretched long and restless, but by dawn, the house was quiet. For once, there were no hurried knocks on the door, no messengers calling for Graham, no whispers of new attacks.I woke with the sunlight brushing across the curtains. Graham was already awake, lying beside me with one arm tucked behind his head. His eyes were on me, soft and thoughtful, like he’d been watching for a while.“Morning,” I whispered, my voice rough with sleep.“Morning,” he said. His hand reached over and brushed a strand of hair from my face. “You were frowning in your sleep.”I sighed. “Dreams.”“Bad?”I nodded but didn’t explain. Not yet. He didn’t press me, and that was one of the things I loved most about him. He gave me space when I needed it.Instead, I curled closer to his chest. His heart was steady under my ear, a sound that grounded me more than anything. For a few breaths, I let myself forget the shadows at our borders, the worry that lived in

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN ZOEYThe morning air was cool when I walked into the courtyard. The sun had barely climbed above the trees, and yet the pack grounds were already alive with movement, warriors training, mothers calling after their children, and servants carrying trays of food to the hall.I was only halfway across the yard when I noticed it, the stares. Not the usual curious glances that came when I first arrived here, not even the warm smiles I had gotten after proving myself in little ways. These were different.Whispers.Eyes dropping to my stomach before flicking away. Hushed voices quickly muffled when I passed.At first, I thought I was imagining it. But when two older women near the well exchanged a look, then leaned closer to whisper again, my heart sank.They knew.Somehow, the secret wasn’t a secret anymore.I kept walking, holding my head high like nothing was wrong, but inside, my chest was tight. My hand itched to press against my stomach protectively, bu

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONEGRAHAMThe council chamber was colder than usual, though the fire blazed bright in the hearth. I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on me as I walked in. The long wooden table stretched between us, carved with generations of names, but tonight it felt more like a battlefield.Miriam sat straight-backed, her thin lips pressed together, arms folded as though she had already won a silent argument. To her left, Elder Caine drummed his fingers on the table, thoughtful but watchful. The others sat in a half-circle of stern faces.I didn’t bother sitting.“Let’s not waste time,” I said, my voice carrying through the chamber. “I know what’s being whispered. I know why you’ve called me here.”Miriam’s chin lifted. “Then you know this is no whisper. It is truth. The Luna carries a child, and the timing is reckless.”I held her gaze, calm but firm. “The timing is what the Goddess has given us. That makes it sacred, not reckless.”Her nostrils flared. “

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREEZoeyThe soft glow of morning spilled across the room, warm and golden. I blinked awake slowly, stretching against the sheets before realizing Graham wasn’t beside me. For a heartbeat my chest tightened, but then the faint smell of chamomile drifted across the room and I noticed the small tray on the table near the window.Steam rose from a cup of tea, delicate and fragrant, next to a plate of sliced fruit and warm bread. Graham. My heart softened. He must have slipped out quietly, leaving this behind so I’d have something to wake up to.I pushed myself up, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders as I crossed the room. A small folded note rested beside the cup.Stay in bed if you’re tired. I’ll be back soon. Drink the tea first. A smile tugged at my lips. Overprotective, sweet, infuriating Graham. I sat by the table and sipped the tea. The gentle warmth spread through me, easing the faint morning queasiness that had started to become familiar.The

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVEZOEYThe morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the common hall, washing the polished wood floor in a warm glow. I sat near the open doors, a light shawl around my shoulders, trying to enjoy the quiet after breakfast. Graham had finally relented and gone to the council room, leaving me to breathe in peace.The air smelled of damp grass and honey from the bakery across the courtyard. Children’s laughter drifted from the gardens, a cheerful sound that usually made me smile. Today, I let the warmth of it soak into me. After days of Graham’s constant hovering, checking every meal, every step, every breath, it felt good to simply sit and watch life move around me.Hannah joined me first, carrying a basket of clean linens. “You look like a queen holding court,” she teased, placing the basket on the bench.“More like a prisoner who escaped her guard,” I replied with a small grin.She chuckled, settling beside me. “He loves you. That kind of