Chapter 67 — SHE IS BAD NEWS.

Alrond watched Ethan all night, even up until the morning. As the morning rays spread into the room, Alrond didn’t remove his gaze from Ethan.

Ethan coughed and his eyes flickered open. His eyes immediately fell on round who was sitting on a chair close to his bed and staring at Ethan. As soon as Ethan woke up, the pity in Alrond’s eyes immediately vanished. He had always believed that his brother was very strong and dared not to look at him with pity. But as much as he tried to keep a straight face, his feelings betrayed him. He knew that the path ahead of Ethan now lied on a rocky road. So he could not help but feel a little sad for what his brother had to go through.

“You are awake,” Alrond called.

Ethan nodded, he felt completely different. His body now weak and frail, but the moon spirit surging within him was as if it would burst his body open and make a mess everywhere almost like his body could not even withstand his moon spirit. He frowned at this and let out an agonizing cough which was followed by an agonizing cough. Each cough gave a burning pain in his chest. He felt completely miserable, but he let out a little laugh.

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting Amara’s body to take so much of my life source.”

Alrond’s face grew dark, “that was not funny in any way Ethan,” he said, “do you think this is a joke?”

Ethan gave a worried glance at his angry brother. Ignoring what Alrond had just said, he smiled again, “you were able to carry me all the way here?”

Alrond became even more angry, he stood up and snapped, “You have always been so reckless, and it is my fault for not stopping you while you made stupid decisions. Look at yourself now, how would Zathkanan Palace stand when word gets out.”

Ethan furrowed his brows. He understood the complications he had to go through, but didn’t get why Alrond was so angry about it. “Word won’t get out,” he said with a calm voice.

Alrond laughed as if Ethan was joking, “even if we tell no one, sooner rather than later, someone would ask for a duel with the things are going here in Silverwood.”

“But I have you by my side,” Ethan reminded.

“My moon spirit is no where close to yours,” Alrond said.

“Why bother me with this Alrond, I will be alright don’t worry yourself okay?” Ethan gave a dry smile, even though he knew that he was no where close to being okay. The life source giving had left him in such an untreatable condition. Perhaps that was why Alrond got so angry. Ethan didn’t want to dwell on it, he believed himself to be strong no matter what, that he would definitely receive full strength.

“She is badness Ethan, you need to stay away from her,” Alrond said, the caution in his voice was loud enough.

Ethan laughed, “you know how much the gem of Fate and Destiny have made that impossible. Plus, part of me now lies with Amara, my heart too which is impossible to let go of. Like it or not Alrond, the gem somehow made Amara my mate.”

Hearing these words from Ethan’s mouth made Alrond really mad. Ethan had just called Amara his “mate” which troubled him.

“The further away that mortal stays, the better for you. Can you not see what she is doing to you?” Alrond said, concern visible in his voice.

“It took me a really long time to realize my love for her, and now that I have, I can’t just let it go. Perhaps you should have known by now that she is Arcata’s reincarnation. An information that would get almost all the witches, wolves and immortals in Silverwood to come for her powers. She will be safe with me.”

Alrond shook his head, “If they eventually know about this, then won’t you also be a target? You can’t fight them all in such a state.”

Ethan smiled. “You are right, and that is why the secret is safe with us.”

Alrond laughed, wondering if his brother’s sense was also taken over by love. “You do know that the rogue immortal won’t shut up right?”

He felt so troubled. The Ethan he knew would laugh at anyone who claimed to be in love. Now he was in love with Amara, so much that it worried Alrond that the awful decisions he had made.

“I can save my issue in the Temple of Flames also,” Ethan said, but his voice looked like he wasn’t sure he was going to pass bathing in flames with such a frail body.

Alrond however didn’t accept this, his voice tinged with frustration. He could not bear to see his brother so willingly ensnared by the perilous path he had chosen. He leaned in closer, his eyes locking with Ethan's, as if trying to impart the gravity of the situation.

"Ethan, you underestimate the dangers that lie ahead," Alrond implored, his tone earnest. "Your love for Amara has blinded you to the potential consequences. You may believe you can protect her, but you've placed yourself in harm's way as well."

Ethan, though weakened and visibly frail, met Alrond's gaze with unwavering determination. "I can't abandon her now, Alrond. I won't."

Alrond clenched his fists, his frustration growing. "But at what cost, Ethan? Are you willing to risk everything, including your life and the stability of our pack, of Zathkanan Palace for this mortal?"

Ethan's voice remained resolute. "She's not just any mortal, Alrond. She's Arcata's reincarnation, and her powers are unparalleled. I can't let her fall into the wrong hands."

Alrond, however, was unrelenting in his plea. "There are other ways to protect her, to keep her safe without sacrificing your own well-being. You must consider the future of Zathkanan Palace, our pack, and the lives of our kin."

Ethan's smile faded as he listened to Alrond's impassioned words. He knew his brother spoke out of love and concern, but his own love for Amara was equally unyielding. "I understand your concerns, Alrond, but my heart belongs to her now. I can't turn my back on the woman I love."

Alrond, though frustrated and worried, couldn't help but admire his brother's unwavering dedication. He sighed, resigning himself to the reality of the situation. "Very well, Ethan. If you are determined to face this path, I will not stand by your side. You need to know that the road ahead is fraught with peril, and I will do everything in my power to protect you."

Ethan nodded, grateful for his brother's support. "Thank you, Alrond. I hope that, in time, you'll come to understand the depth of my feelings for Amara."

Alrond's expression darkned, and he placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. He knew that he would not allow his brother to fall into such a troublesome life. "I do not fully support this, but I will always stand by you and protect you, no matter the challenges we face."

Deep down Alrond’s heart, he thought of a way to remove Amara from Ethan’s heart. A way that would not harm either him nor Ethan or even the fate of the Zathkanan Palace.