DAY OF THE RITUAL

DAY OF THE RITUAL
Celine’s pov

The next day

I woke up, squinting my eyes as Kael stood right in front of me.

“Morning, beauty,” he said with a smile.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes for a clearer view.

“Good morning,” I replied, noticing the way his smile lingered toward a tray on the table.

“Guess what?” he asked, still smiling.

What now? Ever since he found out I was innocent, he hadn’t stopped trying to make it up to me. He had already done enough yesterday to show he was sorry, what else?

“What’s the surprise?” I asked, forcing a smile.

“Here!” he said, removing the cover from the tray. It was bread, beef, and a cup of coffee.

“You made breakfast?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

“Yes, I did. It’s another way of apologizing,” he said with a grin.

“You’ve already done enough yesterday, Kael. I told you, I’ve forgiven you.”

“I know,” he replied softly, “but I still feel guilty. I have to do this.”

He gently placed the tray on the bed beside me.

“You don’t have to feel guilty,” I muttered.

“I have to,” he whispered back, smiling faintly as he turned to leave.

“Kael!” I called. He froze and turned around.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely.

“You’re welcome,” he murmured before trying to take another step.

“I just wanted to remind you, tonight is the night for the ritual,” I added.

“I know. Preparations have already begun,” he replied.

I was glad he hadn’t forgotten.

I nodded in appreciation.

“And there’s another surprise,” he said suddenly. “It happened yesterday, but I wasn’t satisfied, so it’s going to happen again.”

He said that with a smirk before shutting the door behind him.

Another surprise? I’m sure it’s another apology or maybe not?

“Kael is full of surprises,” I whispered with a smile as I started eating. “Who knows what he’s planning next?”

After eating, I freshened up for the day, did my usual light makeup, and slipped into a gown. I stood before the mirror, admiring my reflection.

“Ready,” I said with a small grin.

Kael still wasn’t back with whatever “surprise” he had in mind. I took my phone from the drawer in my chamber.

Maybe Damien had sent another message. I checked, but there was nothing. Now, we've agreed to talk over the phone instead of chatting. I needed to call him to find out if he’d settled things with Gid. We didn’t need to fight against them; if we could form an alliance, that would be better.

But then again… Kael could walk in at any moment. I don't have enough privacy to speak to Damien. Talking to him on the phone would be risky; texting was safer.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. I quickly placed my phone back in the drawer before answering.

“Who’s there?” I called out.

There was no response, then the door creaked open as Freya stepped in.

What does this bitch want now? She didn’t even have the decency to announce herself, how difficult can that be? Yesterday she apologized to me, claiming regret for everything she’d done. She was the reason for all my recent problems, though thankfully, things were resolved now.

“Can’t you speak?” I said sharply as she entered.

She didn’t even greet me. How dare she?

“What do you want?” I snapped, louder than I intended. But she didn’t flinch; she just stood there staring at me.

Celine, you need to calm down, I know you're mad at her but don’t lose your composure.

“Freya, I thought you meant every word you said yesterday,” I began, my tone colder. “But now I see you only said that because of the Alpha’s orders. The truth is…”

I stopped when Freya suddenly dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I'm sorry”. She muttered.

“What are you doing?” I asked, startled. “No, you shouldn't be doing this.”

I reached for her hands, trying to lift her, but she refused to stand.

“I know what it feels like to lose someone you love so much,” I said quietly.

“Someone who means the world to you… someone you’d do anything for.”

She sobbed harder.

“I know you haven’t forgiven me,” she whispered. “It was written all over your face when I came in. But I came to beg again, please, Luna, forgive me for everything I’ve done… for the false accusations I made against you.”

“I’ve already forgiven you, Freya. If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t be standing here right now,” I said calmly.

She blinked at me, surprised.

“Seriously?” she asked.

“Yes, I have,” I replied, helping her up this time. She finally stood.

“Thank you, Luna. I promise this will never happen again.”

“It’s fine,” I said, chuckling softly. “But make sure it never happens again.”

“Yes, Luna,” she said with a smile.

“Good. You can take that tray and leave.”

“Yes, Luna,” she replied, walking over to pick it up.

“Anything else I can do for you, Luna?” she asked.

“No. If I need anything, I’ll call you. For now, I’m fine. You may go.”

“Yes, Luna,” she said before leaving quietly.

Kael still wasn’t back. Should I call Damien now? Yes, I should’ve done that earlier.

I went to the drawer and pulled out my phone. No, calling would be too risky. I’ll just send a message and delete it immediately after. He’ll still see it.

Hey Damien, how are you doing? How’s it going with Gid? I hope things aren’t too bad.

I hit send and immediately deleted the message from my side. Damien would get it and I’d delete his reply as soon as I saw it. That way, there'll be no traces.

The door creaked open again as Kael walked in.

“You’re back,” I said, meeting his gaze.

Where’s the surprise?

“Yes, and you’re already dressed,” he said.

“Yes, I am,” I replied, watching him closely. “So… what about the surprise?” I asked.

Kael stared at me for a moment before bursting into laughter.

What's he laughing at?