Chapter 156: Reunited Souls

Chapter 156: Reunited Souls
(Gretel’s POV)

I could hardly believe what I was seeing. My mate, Devion, was standing right there in front of me like it was a visage from my most yearning dreams into startling reality.

For a moment, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. He seems to look taller than I remember, but thinner too, like he had suffered just as much as I had these past weeks that we’d been apart.

Still, the second I saw him, my inner wolf woke up completely, howling with joy inside me.

Even though I felt drained in this place, only filled with fear and loneliness, but all of that seemed to vanish the moment I felt Devion’s presence.

I dropped the watering-can I’d been using without thinking much of it. I ran. I sprinted across the wide green space between us and threw myself into his arms.

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I wrapped my arms tightly around him, clinging to the one thing that had kept me going all this time. Finally—finally—I was in his arms again.

My heart, broken for my time here, finally felt whole again. His familiar scent, a mix of leather and cedar with something wild and deeply masculine, made me want to cry more because I realized how much I missed it.

How much I've missed him. Our bond seemed to have only grown deeper in our time apart.

“H-How did you f-find me?” I asked, my voice shaking as I buried my face in his chest, not wanting to let go.

“I meant every promise I made to you on that full moon night when I claimed you, promising that I won't let you go.” He said, his voice low and masculine.

“And I intend to keep every single one of them.” His words made my cheeks flush, but I only held him tighter, overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

But then, I felt it—Devion flinched slightly in my arms. My joy paused. Why did he flinch?

I slowly pulled back and looked at him carefully, trying to understand. My heart twisted when I saw it. He was injured, looked tired, bruised, and in pain.

There were dark circles under his eyes, and tight lines of discomfort around his mouth. What happened to him?

“You’re hurt,” I said, more tears rushing into my eyes. “What happened to you, Devion? Who did this?”

Even though I was still learning how to control my wolf side, I could feel her rising inside me, ready to defend him with the little strength she got.

If someone had hurt him, she would want to know. To attack them or try something else. But Devion didn’t answer right away.

Just then, loud footsteps interrupted us. One of Father’s guards appeared suddenly and said harshly, “The Alpha demands your presence immediately.”

He left as quickly as he came. My father—Alpha Hayden—must have heard about Devion’s arrival.

I guess he wouldn’t be happy. He didn't seem to like Devion, not even before he realized we were mates.

Still, I grabbed Devion’s rough hand and squeezed it. We walked quickly through the cold stone hallways toward the receiving room.

I was scared, but I had made up my mind—no matter what father did, I wouldn’t leave Devion's side.

I had spent weeks locked away here, learning one painful truth: a life without Devion’s love wasn’t a life I wanted.

But when we entered the grand room, I stopped short. Jazmine was there. My best friend. Tears filled her eyes as she rushed to hug me.

I hugged her tightly, surprised and overwhelmed. And that wasn’t all—there was my mother, Helena?

And Marco too. I hadn’t expected to see any of them here. What was happening?

Before I could ask, my father’s deep voice echoed across the room.

“So, this is who my daughter disobeys me for? Hmm he already looks like trouble,” he said sharply, his eyes narrowing on Devion beside me.

Devion didn’t back down. He held me protectively, not flinching under Father’s glare. Had they met before?

“My friends mean no disrespect, Alpha Hayden,” Mother said firmly before I could speak.

“And you’re the one who asked for him to be brought here, remember?” She added.

What? Father wanted Devion brought here? That didn’t make sense.

Then Father’s expression changed—he looked even angrier, if I saw right. “This man dared to defile my daughter! Injured my men and you call him friends?” he yelled.

“He’ll face my punishment!”

The way he said it, like I was a thing he owned, made my anger rise. I had told him I wasn't his daughter.

“I chose him, Father!” I yelled back.

“He loves me more and treated me better than you! If you harm him, you’ll lose me forever. And I won’t forgive you.”

That seemed to shock him. He waved off the guards, looking more composed now. I could guess what gave him pause—if he upset me too much, Mother would hear about it, and he still loved her. He wouldn't want her to see the monster he is.

Their bond was his weakness, and I made a mental note to use it if I had to.

Instead of arguing more, Father suddenly invited us to dinner. The meal was awkward. The food was luxurious, but it just felt tense to me.

Father pretended to be calm, but I could see how he kept watching Devion. He was probably deciding if punishing him was worth losing me.

The thought made me sick. I couldn’t handle another minute of it. What did Devion do to deserve this from my father?

“I’m tired,” I said politely. “And Devion isn’t feeling well after the trip.”

I kissed Jazmine’s cheek, waved to Marco, and gave Mother a small nod. I wasn’t sure how to feel about her yet. Then I led Devion up the grand stairs to the guest room prepared for us.

Once inside, I finally let myself breathe calmer. For now, we were just us. The room was beautiful—soft fabrics, golden lamps, and tall windows—but I only cared about one thing now: Devion.

I looked at him closely, still half-afraid he might vanish like a dream. But when I stepped closer, I saw more signs of pain in his face.

Without a word, I gently slipped off his leather jacket and gasped.

There were bandages under his shirt, badly wrapped and stained with blood.

“Please let me help you,” I said softly, tears threatening my eyes again. “Tell me what happened.”

But instead of answering, Devion grabbed my hands. His eyes—those stormy silver eyes—bore into mine.

“Forget about all that for now,” he whispered. “Just... let me look at you. Let me touch you. I’ve been starving without you.”

His voice broke something inside me. I couldn't fathom how much he needed me. But I know I needed him too.

So, I didn’t protest or decline him. I followed as he pulled me down onto the soft bed, kissing me. I felt longing and desperation.

For that moment, I let the worries go away. I forgot about threats and pain and family drama. We were just two broken souls finding comfort in each other, it seems.

And tomorrow, we’d face what awaited us.

But tonight—we were finally where we needed to be.