Chapter 219: Chapter 219
The night had grown quieter after the celebration. The sound of drums and laughter slowly faded as the feast ended, leaving only the glow of the moon and the distant crackle of dying torches. Most of the pack had gone to rest, still filled with joy from the Alpha’s speech. But inside the Alpha’s house, two men sat together, sharing a moment that was long overdue.
Kael leaned back on the chair, his eyes watching the flicker of firelight from the hearth. He had eaten, laughed, and drunk with the others, but now his face had grown serious. Damien sat across from him, his cup untouched, his thoughts still half with Elara, who was resting upstairs.
For a while, silence stretched between them, a silence of old friends who did not always need words. But then Kael broke it, his voice low and thoughtful.
“Your pack is strong, Damien. Tonight proved that. But strength can attract envy. You must be careful.”
Damien’s eyes lifted to him, steady and calm. “I know.”
Kael leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I saw the way they looked at her tonight—your Luna. The people love her. They praised her, blessed her, cheered for her. But not all hearts rejoiced. Some watched with fire in their eyes. Not everyone will celebrate her pregnancy. Not everyone is happy about the heir that will come.”
Damien’s jaw tightened slightly, though his voice remained steady. “Clara. Aria. And Lucien.”
Kael nodded slowly. “And maybe more. Hatred spreads quickly, Damien. It can hide in places you least expect. Even a servant can carry a dagger if his heart is poisoned enough.”
Damien finally picked up his cup, turning it in his hands without drinking. His face was unreadable, but his eyes burned faintly. “I am aware. That is why I will not rest. Elara and my child come before everything. Whoever stands against them stands against me.”
Kael studied him for a moment, then gave a faint smile. “You haven’t changed. Always stubborn. Always ready to fight the world if you must.”
Damien’s lips curved slightly, though it wasn’t a full smile. “And you always doubting, always warning.”
“It is what I do best,” Kael answered, leaning back again. “But don’t take me wrong. I don’t doubt your strength. I only remind you to stay awake. Love makes us blind sometimes. It makes us see the good but ignore the shadows.”
Damien’s gaze softened a little at his words. He set the cup down and sighed. “I will not be blind. Not now. Not when Elara carries my heir. I almost lost her once. I will not make the same mistake again.”
For a moment, the two men sat quietly, the fire between them crackling softly. Memories of younger days seemed to linger in the air—days when they trained together, fought side by side, and dreamed of a future far less complicated than the one they now lived.
Finally, Kael spoke again, his tone lighter but still carrying weight. “I am glad I returned. I would not forgive myself if I was not here to stand with you in this season.”
Damien gave a small nod. “Then stand with me, Kael. Watch my back, as you always have.”
Kael smiled faintly. “Always, Damien. You know that.”
The fire burned lower as the night deepened. The two friends sat in silence again, but this silence was different—it was the silence of trust, of loyalty, of men who understood each other without needing too many words.
And upstairs, while they spoke, Elara lay asleep, her hand resting softly on her belly, unaware of the storm that might yet come—but also unaware that two men below were ready to guard her with everything they had.