Chapter 216 Part 2 Chapter 42

Chapter 216 Part 2 Chapter 42

Helio

The rest of the day passed quietly. Idara spent most of it resting while we shared small conversations here and there. Not long after, Danae informed me through the mind link that the council had already been summoned and that they were beginning to gather.

This would be the first time I had ever personally ordered the council to assemble.

Because of that, I knew their minds would already be racing with questions. They would be wondering why I had called them together so suddenly… and more importantly, what I intended to reveal.

But they wouldn’t have to wonder for long.

They were about to find out everything when I'm through.

While Idara slept peacefully, I decided to visit Violet. When I arrived at her quarters, her maid Rose was the first to notice me.

She bowed immediately.

“Please wait here, Alpha. I will inform my lady that you are here.”

I nodded and took the seat she offered.

Rose hurried away to relay the message, but just as she went out of view, a familiar scent reached my nose.

A smile spread across my face.

The next moment, a small figure came running toward me.

“Uncle!”

Julian leaped straight into my arms, and I caught him easily.

“Whoa there,” I laughed, adjusting him on my lap. “Are you putting on weight, big guy?”

Julian shook his head quickly.

“No! I’m not fat,” he protested. “Mommy says I’m growing.”

He stretched his hands apart, trying to demonstrate just how much he had grown.

I chuckled.

“Yes, you are growing. One day you’ll be just as big as your uncle.”

He frowned slightly before correcting me.

“No. Bigger than uncle.”

That made me laugh again.

Just then, Violet entered the sitting room, and both Julian and I turned toward her.

“I must admit I was surprised when Rose told me you were here,” she said as she took a seat, clearing her throat slightly.

I gave her a small smile.

“Yes. I’m actually here because of a request from my mate.”

Violet raised an eyebrow.

“And what request would that be?”

“She wants us to start having meals together,” I explained. “With you and Julian. Not just today—she suggested we make it a regular thing.”

It was technically a request, but if Violet refused, I would have to insist.

Even so, I disliked the idea of ordering my brother’s mate around.

But to my surprise, Violet agreed immediately.

“If that is what she wants, then I have no objection.”

My eyes widened slightly.

I had expected at least a little resistance, but I was relieved she accepted so easily. I wouldn’t have to force the issue.

“I also heard that you called for a council meeting,” she said after a moment.

I nodded.

“Yes. The sooner I handle these matters, the better it will be for everyone. I can’t allow Eleanor’s plans to move forward before I deal with them.”

Violet nodded slowly.

Her gaze drifted toward Julian, who was still sitting comfortably in my lap, playing with my fingers.

Then she looked back at me.

“I’m going to trust you, Helio.”

Her words caught my attention immediately.

“I don’t want my son dragged into trouble,” she continued softly. “And I know how much you care about him. So I’m trusting you to do what is right.”

It was the first time she had ever spoken to me like that.

A part of me felt the weight of her faith settle heavily on my shoulders.

But another part of me was determined to live up to it—for her, for Julian, and most importantly for Idara.

I nodded slowly, silently promising that I would make things right.

“Will you attend the council meeting?” I asked.

“Of course,” she replied without hesitation.

A faint, cold smile appeared on her lips.

“I want to see Eleanor’s face when she realizes that I know about her affair with my late husband… and that she bore him a son.”

That statement made me smile.

This evening was going to be very interesting.

I returned to my quarters, and the first thing I heard was the steady, gentle rhythm of Idara’s heartbeat. She was still fast asleep.

Quietly, I stepped into the bedroom.

There she was, lying peacefully on the bed, completely unaware of the storm that was slowly gathering outside these walls. Watching her like that filled me with a strange calm.

This was how I wanted her life to be—quiet, peaceful, untouched by the problems that surrounded me.

Unfortunately, reality wasn’t that simple.

The time for the meeting was approaching, and I needed to prepare myself.

I headed into the bathroom to get ready.

After taking a quick wash, I applied lotion and began dressing. I chose a black suit, something formal and sharp. This evening required a certain presence. What I was about to do at that council meeting demanded that I look intimidating.

Once dressed, I combed my hair neatly back and rubbed a bit of scented oil through it.

When I finally looked at my reflection in the mirror, I studied myself for a moment.

I liked what I saw.

This wasn’t just another council meeting.

It was a battle.

And, I intended to take full control of it.

Satisfied, I turned and walked back toward the bed where Idara was still sleeping peacefully.

I sat down at the edge of the mattress and leaned closer.

“Idara,” I whispered softly.

She stirred almost immediately. Her eyes fluttered open slightly, but the moment she recognized me, they opened fully as she pushed herself upright.

“You’re leaving now?” she asked.

I smiled and nodded.

“Did I really sleep that long?” she asked in surprise.

“Yes,” I replied with a small chuckle.

“But before I go, I need a small favor from you.”

I gestured lightly with my fingers, and she nodded right away, waiting for me to continue.

“While Violet and I are away, I want you to stay with Julian and keep an eye on him for me, alright?”

She didn’t hesitate.

“If that’s all you need, then I can definitely do that,” she said confidently.

My smile widened.

Leaning forward, I pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead, breathing in her soft, sweet scent as I did.

“Wait for me,” I murmured. “I’ll be back soon.”

She simply nodded.

Only ten minutes had passed since I arrived, yet the council chamber had already fallen into complete silence.

Some of the council members stared at me in pure shock, their faces frozen in disbelief. Others, however, didn’t look as surprised, someone like Mario.

After all, I had just dropped a bombshell that many of them had never even imagined.

And I wasn’t finished yet.

Soon, I would reveal everything I had uncovered about Calisto and his niece. When that happened, their eyes would truly open to the truth, that my brother’s death had not been a simple accident, although it was shameful.

It all started when I arrived ten minutes ago.