Chapter 65

Chapter 65
Calix's POV.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the half-empty bottle in my hand. I had been drinking for hours, pouring glass after glass, hoping the burn of the wine would drown out the ache in my chest. But it only dulled it-never erased it.

The sun had long since set, replaced by a moon that peeked through the narrow window, casting a pale glow over the room. The bottle tilted as I brought it to my lips again, the last remnants of wine sliding down my throat.

"I love you." Her words echoed in my head.

A bitter laugh rumbled in my chest. Love?

Was this what love felt like? A twisting knife in the gut? A slow, suffocating betrayal?

had spent nights blaming myself, thinking I had failed her as a mate, as her alpha. I had torn myself apart searching for answers, wondering what went wrong. And all this time... she had been lying. Pretending. Manipulating me into letting her go.

Snarling, I rose to my feet and hurled the bottle against the wall.

The impact echoed through the chamber-red liquid splattered the stone like fresh blood, jagged shards of the bottle raining onto the floor like the shattered pieces of my heart.

I needed to get out of here.

Without a second thought, I strode to the door and yanked it open. The hallway was dimly lit, the flickering torches casting long shadows against the walls. Han was waiting outside, his stance stiff with concern.

"My Lord," he said cautiously, his sharp gaze flickering to the destruction in my room before settling back on me. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I muttered and glanced at the quards patrolling the floor.

Heaving a sigh, I stepped toward the grand stairs and Han followed, falling into steps beside me. "She was here hours ago. She wanted to speak with you."

Halting in my tracks, I stared at him. "I don't want to hear another word about her." My voice was cold and final.

Han hesitated, but he was wise enough not to push further. Instead, he cleared his throat. "Dinner is ready."

"Have everyone's meals sent to their chambers. There will be no general dining tonight."

Han gave a slight nod.

Exhaling, I resumed down the stairs and The followed, eyeing me warily. "Where are you going?"

need some air." My hands curled into fists at my sides. "I'm going for a run."

Then I'll come with you."

"No, you're not, Han." I stopped and glanced at him. "Go to the port and ensure everything is ready for their departure tomorrow."

I saw the protest in his eyes, but he held his tongue. Instead, he gave a curt nod. "As you wish, My Lord."

I didn't wait for him to leave before stepping out into the cool night. The air of the backyard was crisp-laced with the scent of pine and damp earth.

Without hesitation, I shed my shirt and kicked off my boots, letting the night wind wash over my heated skin. My bones snapped and rearranged and in mere seconds, I stood in my lycan form. Gabriel was just as heartbroken as I was.

She hurt us. She betrayed us.

Her quest for freedom only meant one thing-she didn't wish to have anything to do with us.

Letting out a guttural growl, we bolted toward the forest beyond the castle's walls. Effortlessly leaping, Gabriel landed on the other side and propelled us forward.

We blurred past trees, hurdling over fallen trees and dodging thick trunks.

After hours of running around the forest, we finally slowed down before a brook. Tipping our head backward we howled, the sound echoing through the trees, filled with all the anguish, all the rage that clawed at our soul.

The water shimmered in the darkness, its silver surface reflecting the pale moon above. My reflection stared back at me-green eyes shrouded with torment.

Something moved in the water-a ripple disrupting the stillness. My gaze followed it, watching as tiny fish darted just beneath the surface, their silvery bodies gliding effortlessly through the moonlit brook

I crouched at the edge, shifting back into my human form. The cold seeped into my skin, but I welcomed it.

The soft rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl were the only sounds that accompanied me as I sat there, staring into the water -lost in thought.

The night stretched on, and I remained by the brook, unmoving, as if waiting for the cold to seep into my bones and numb everything.

But dawn came too soon.

The first light of morning painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, casting a golden sheen over the water.

Footsteps inched behind me. I whiffed the air and frowned. "Didn't I make it clear that I needed to be left alone.?" My hands clenching, I rose to my feet and stared at my beta.

Han bowed. "My Lord? We have a problem in the castle."

"What?"

It's hard to explain. It would be best you see it yourself," Han said and gave me a cloak.

"It better be worth it," I warned, stepping into the garment.

Moments later, we arrived at the castle and Han led the way, steering for the terrace. It wasn't until we stepped into the foyer that I noticed the anxiety in everyone's face-from the Brielle and the handmaidens, to my cousin and her mate.

Han proceeded up the grand stairs and I followed him. "It all started last night after I asked the servants to take her dinner to her chamber. They found this."

My brows creased. Without doubt, I knew he was talking about my mate-ex-mate, I corrected myself.

Found what?" I asked.

Han stopped before a door. I quickly recognized the room as the one I asked the servants to prepare for her. He pushed the door open and my curious gaze swept inside the space.

I froze at spot taking in an all too familiar scene, from the broken vases, ripped bedsheets, to the incoherent writings on the wall. And there she was, sprawled on the floor, laughing hysterically as she stared at her fingers.

Fury crashed through me. I marched to her, grabbed her by the collar of hr dress, and pulled her to her feet. "What's the meaning of this?" I barked. "Haven't I assured you I'd be sending you away? Why condescending this low again?" I couldn't help it, I landed a devastating slap across her face.

She crashed to the floor. Tears gathered in her eyes and she broke into another hysterical laughter.

"Get the ship ready. I want her out of my castle in thirty minutes!" I commanded and Han, standing at the threshold of the room, bowed.

Snarling, I stormed out of the room and met Randolph and Leia in the hallway. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I never meant to keep the letter from you," he said, his voice filled with remorse.

"It's alright, Randolph. You will be gaining your freedom as well today," I mentioned and he exchanged glances with this mate.

"You'll be taking her back home to Azalea or wherever she wishes to go. Thank you for your time here."

With one last glance at the couple, I strode out of the hallway.

Thirty minutes later, I stood on the rooftop and watched them bundle her into the carriage. She thrashed refusing to go in and that's where I became confused.

This was what she wanted; to pretend to be mad so I could send her away-and now that I was sending her away, she was resisting?

Her strength was no match for Han and Randolph. They successfully bundled Anto the carriage and shut the door. My gaze shifted to my cousin as she walked Into Randolph's embrace and broke into tears.

Fighting back tears myself, I turned and headed back inside the castle.



Randolph's POV.

"I promise, I would come back to you, my love," I vowed, but Leia wouldn't stop crying. She clung to me tighter, tears streaming down her face.

"You must write to me," she whispered between sobs. "Every day, every week-you must write to me."

I cupped her face, brushing away the wetness staining her cheeks. "Is that what you want?"

She nodded, her trembling lips parting as to say more, but no words came. "Then I shall write to you," I pledged. "Every day, every week."

And with that, I crushed my lips against hers, tasting the sweetness I had memorized from the night before. We had known this moment was inevitable-ever since Calix read the letter, it was clear he would send the princess away. And as her father's gamma, my fate was bound to hers.

Last night had been one of raw emotion, of whispered promises and desperate touches. We had cherished every second, knowing that today, we would part ways. And for the first time since that night in the cave, we made love-not just with passion, but with the ache of impending separation woven into every touch.

Leia pulled back slightly, searching my gaze. "And then you'll come back, right?" she asked.

pressed a palm to her stomach, where the life we had created together grew. Her breath hitched, and she placed her hands over mine.

"Yes. I will come back for you... and our pup," I murmured. "Promise me that you'll stay safe. That you'll take care of yourself, avoid anything that could put you or our child in danger."

Leia nodded, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the dim morning light. "I promise."

I kissed her again-one last, lingering kiss-before forcing myself to pull away.

The carriage was waiting.

With a heavy heart, I turned and joined the chauffeur at the front. As the wheels lurched forward, we passed through the towering gates and began our journey through the streets of Tyr, bound for the ports.

When we arrived, Han alighted from the second carriage and gestured toward a grand vessel docked by the pier. "That's one of King Calix's ships," he explained. t's stocked with enough supplies for your journey to Azalea-or wherever you choose to go. The crew consists of Nirian navy officers, so you'll have security as well. Once you reach your destination, they'll disembark you before returning here."

"Thank you," I said sincerely, offering my hand for a handshake. He hesitated at first, but took it.

We shook hands and to my surprise, he even patted my back. "Safe journey. Keep the princess safe."

I turned to leave, but remembered something. "Please, watch over Leia for me," I said. "She means the world to me."

Han bobbed his head, his lips quirking into the faintest smile. "I will, brother," he murmured.

We exchanged smiles and I headed to the carriage for Princess Emily. She was calmer now but still whispered incoherent words to her fingers.

We hoarded the ship and the captain urned to his men. "Weigh anchors!!" he instructed. Sighing, I turned to Princess Emily and led her to the Great Cabin. I shut the door after me and made sure we were alone.

Satisfied, I turned to her. "We're alone now, you can stop pretending." But she continued staring at her fingers and muttering incoherent words.