Gabriel’s words always brought Amelie peace of mind. Even now, when he reassured her, she couldn’t help but wrap her arms around him in a warm embrace.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice quivering. The overwhelming surge of emotions, intensified by the hormonal changes in her body, caused tears to spill down her cheeks, even though she hadn’t meant to cry.
Gabriel sighed softly, holding her close as he gently patted her back. He could hear her quiet sobs. After a moment, he pulled away just enough to cup her face, his thumb brushing away her tears with care.
"You don’t need to cry," he murmured, his violet eyes locking onto hers. "This is a happy occasion."
"I know." She lowered her head.
After she had calmed down, Gabriel said, "Let’s sleep then."
They slid under the blanket, and Gabriel switched off the lights. This time, Amelie didn’t turn her back to him. Instead, she lay facing him, her gaze lingering on his in the dim glow of the moonlight, filtering through the curtains.
"I heard you earlier," she whispered.
Gabriel frowned slightly. "Heard what?"
"You said your mother hates you," Amelie murmured. "Is she like mine?" Her voice trembled slightly. "My mother distanced herself from me too. She told me she regretted having me when I failed to awaken my wolf."
Gabriel let out a bitter chuckle, his expression darkening. "My mother is on a whole different level," he muttered. "She’s probably the most toxic woman to ever exist." The words lacked any emotion, except for hatred from his side too.
Amelie hesitated, choosing not to say anything further. Discussing the Luna Queen might stir his anger and ruin his sleep.
Gabriel, sensing her unease, moved closer. His arm wrapped around her, pulling her into his warmth. "Amelie, I have you now," he murmured. "We will become a strong family together. Your pup will be mine too. So, let’s leave the past behind and look toward the future."
Amelie’s eyes widened as she met his piercing violet gaze. "Don’t tell me... You really want to accept my pup too?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
Gabriel’s expression remained firm. "You think I wouldn’t?" He was surprised. "If I’ve claimed you as mine, then that means your pup is mine too."
She swallowed hard as he continued, his words carrying the weight of an oath. "I told you, if, at the gala, you give me the response I want, I will declare you as my mate. But I want you to accept me too, not out of force, but out of your own will. If I wanted, I could have taken everything from the beginning. But forced things never hold meaning to me, Amelie."
"Thank you for giving me the time," Amelie replied. She yawned and closed her eyes. Instinctively, she snuggled to him, drifting off to sleep first before Gabriel.
~~~~~
Ewan had fought relentlessly against his restraints until exhaustion claimed him, forcing his body into unconsciousness. He heard the faint sound of dungeon’s gate opening, but couldn’t open his eyes because of the lack of strength.
"It’s me, Gabriel. Wake up, Ewan." The prince’s words carried authority, but Ewan’s body refused to respond.
Seeing no reaction, Gabriel gave a subtle nod to one of the warriors. A moment later, a splash of ice-cold water struck Ewan’s face, shocking him awake. He gasped, jolting him awake as he blinked against the dim torchlight.
Gabriel folded his arms, his piercing violet eyes locked onto Ewan’s battered form. "Ewan, how was the night?" he asked.
Ewan barely had the strength to lift his head, but desperation fueled his voice. "Please, save my mate. I beg you. I have already surrendered to you. If she doesn’t get the cure, she will die," he pleaded, his voice weaker than last day.
Gabriel exhaled sharply. "You didn’t tell me the whole truth yesterday," he said. "You spoke about a past connection I share with Amelie. How did you find out who she is?" He demanded.
Ewan kept his gaze intact on him. "First, promise me you’ll save my mate," he said, louder this time.
Gabriel took a slow step back. "You are in no position to negotiate with me, Ewan."
Ewan’s body tensed as he watched Gabriel retreat. Panic flared in his tired eyes. "Don’t go!" His voice cracked. "You claim to care about having a mate, but you don’t understand the pain of others. That’s heartless, Gabriel!" His chest heaved as he continued. "You know I can foresee things. You are aware of my ability."
"Yes, that’s why I want the answer now," Gabriel said.
"I only saw a small glimpse of your past. You were devastated losing Amelie. And I heard you saying her name holding her body," Ewan pronounced, revealing the truth of his vision.
Gabriel got confused to learn that. He didn’t say anything further, but an old memory struck him. He had met a woman ten years ago, who told him: ’You will meet her once again.’
That time, Gabriel thought she was some mad woman.
He took a few steps back before walking out of Ewan’s side.
"Gabriel! Please... Save my mate!!!" Ewan’s cries echoed within the four walls of the dungeon. He felt betrayed and it infuriated him. But he could do nothing, except begging for Gabriel’s mercy.
Meanwhile, Gabriel returned to the mansion with Karmen.
"I don’t think Ewan was telling the truth. Past lives don’t exist and there’s no such thing like past connection," Karmen asserted.
"Provide the adequate medical care to Ewan’s mate. Find out her location from Ewan," Gabriel ordered him.
"What? I thought you would not help him out," Karmen stated.
"Ewan wasn’t lying. Make sure his mate is saved and nothing happens to her. I’ll see you tomorrow in the palace," Gabriel instructed before leaving his sight.
Karmen watched him go with a puzzled expression on his face. "What’s in Gabriel’s mind?" he murmured and left to see the doctors, whom he could send to give medical assistance to Ewan’s mate.