Chapter 190 Something close to relief

Chapter 190 After the attack


Ira's POV

Alpha Davan’s study smells like warmth and old books. But the air feels slightly heavy.

The five of us are spread around the study, but nobody is relaxed enough to truly sit still.

Commander Cael stands near the door with his hands clasped behind his back. His jaw is locked tight, his eyes fixed somewhere on the floor between his feet.

He honestly looks like he is judging himself with every strength in his body.

When Alpha Davan finally turns his attention to him, Cael straightens immediately.

“It was my fault,” he says, in a guilty tone.

“They came through the back perimeter. A gap I should have closed two weeks ago. I endangered everyone in this pack, and I will take whatever punishment comes with it.”

Alpha Davan leans back slightly in his chair and waves a hand toward the empty seat beside Ruel.

“Sit down, Cael.” His tone carries no anger. “What I want to understand is how they disarmed my men so quickly. That troubles me more than the breach itself.” alpha Davan says.

Cael hesitates for only a moment before he sits. “Scarface talked,” he mutters. “He said they used a substance. Spell-work mixed into something inhalable. Unfortunately the guards were down before they could raise a sound.”

Alpha Davan's mouth tightens.

“He also said they were given strict orders not to harm any member of Veilfang.” Cael continues. “Alpha Andre must have warned them.”

“Good.” Alpha Davan mutters calmly. “Because this attack is going to cost him.” He leans forward, placing his elbows resting on the table. “This act of aggression will be used against Andre.”

I can hear the promise in that statement.

Ruel turns his head and looks at me. He has been watching me since I sat down.

“How did you know they were outside?” he asks quietly. “You were asleep.”

I meet his eyes. “Cristal told me I needed to get up.”

Ruel blinks once. “Cristal?”

I can’t help the small smile that touches my lips.

“That’s her name, my wolf.”

A breeze slips through the gap in the window, roughly brushing through my hair. I lift a hand to push it back, almost laughing at how perfectly timed it is.

“Well,” I add, correcting myself slightly, “Cristal and my aura woke me up in time.”

The wind immediately settles.

Bukasvad leans forward.

He has been quiet since the attack ended. When he finally speaks, his voice is measured.

“But before that,” he starts, “what happened exactly? We were scared, Ira. You woke up in so much pain.”

The smile fades from my face. “Do you remember,” I ask slowly, “when the war broke out? When you hid me under the stairs?”

He nods.

“What did you do to me?” I ask. “With your eyes.”

Bukasvad exhales through his nose and leans back in his chair.

“My father taught me,” he says finally. “Something to use in emergencies. If we were ever in real danger and needed to hide what we were.”

His gaze lowers back to mine.

“I locked your power. I made you forget how to reach it, how to use it. The idea was that if anyone questioned you, if we ever needed to lie about who you were, you wouldn’t accidentally expose yourself.”

Ruel's warm hand rests on my lap, giving a comforting squeeze.

“I never learned how to undo it,” Bukasvad continues. “That part was supposed to be my father’s responsibility. He was meant to be there. The plan was always that I would lock it and he would be the one to open it again when it was safe.”

He swallows hard.

“But they never thought about what would happen if they weren’t there someday. If we got separated. If I one day left you to get food and couldn’t find you anymore. If my father was gone and I was the only one left who knew what I had done.”

The drop in his voice breaks my heart and I reach for his hand on the table, holding him softly.

“It's okay, it wasn't your fault. No one planned for any of it to happen.” I say, feeling as though something just settled into place inside me.

“I saw them,” I mutter at last. “The first of each bloodline. The first werewolf and the first two sempyrs.”

I glance around the room to ensure everyone is listening.

“They both wanted me to carry the full capacity of both powers.”

“And what did they say?” Ruel’s eyes narrow slightly.

“The werewolf said it was dangerous to house both powers in their full capacity,” I answer. “But I feel fine. I feel better than fine, honestly.”

A collective breath moves through the room at once, even Cael looks relieved.

“What?” I ask, looking between them.

“You clearly don’t remember,” Ruel mutters under his breath. “It's nothing really. Just like Bukasvad said, we were worried when you suddenly started experiencing a shift.”

I nod but quickly turn my attention back to Bukasvad, suddenly remembering something.

“And the marks?” I ask. “The ones on my body. Do you know what they are?”

“I don’t,” he admits. “I think they may simply be what happens when a hybrid like you carries that much power. Something the body makes visible.”

“Does it still hurt?” Alpha Davan asks and I shake my head.

“No, not at all. Actually I was hit with a blue flame by one of the sempyrs. That's why I was in so much pain. I believe sealing the bond was what woke Cristal fully. And since I came back, everything feels different.”

Ruel leans in. “Different how?” he asks. “Good or bad?”

I take a moment, trying to find the perfect word.

“Good,” I say. “Strong.” I add, looking directly at him. “Like I could actually take you on.”

Something like amusement flickers across his face some seconds before he reaches out and runs his fingers through my hair.

I lean into his touch immediately without thinking, my face tilting for more skin contact.
Ruel smiles and without fully considering it, I close the distance between us.

The kiss is soft yet perfect. I don't want to ever pull away.

Ruel’s hand comes up to my jaw, deepening the kiss.

“Hey. Get a damn room.” Cael says.

I pull back slowly, a smile on my face.

Ruel’s lips follow mine for half a second longer, reluctant to let go.
I inhale, trying to get my racing heart under check. Ruel's eyes are half-closed, heavy-lidded, his expression calm but unmistakably hungry.

“You taste,” I whisper before I can stop myself. “You taste so good.”

Ruel makes a low sound in his throat, then stands to his feet.

In one smooth motion, he hooks an arm around my waist and lifts me straight out of the chair.

My legs wrap around him instinctively as he heads to the door.

“I guess I should indeed expect a pup soon.” Alpha Davan chuckles and I lightly hit Ruel's shoulder, a blush coating my cheeks.