Chapter 99 Chapter 99

Chapter 99 Chapter 99
Kael

His eyes met all corners of the field like a hammer striking stone. "Today marks his end, and the end of anyone who has chosen to side with him during this period. You all shall pay with your lives, and I will make sure of it!" He yelled, his voice firm, absolute. A thunderous roar erupted from the fields, followed by the loud chants of soldiers screaming, "Long live the Lycan king! Long live the Lycan king!! Long live the Lycan king!!!"

Kael huffed out a breath, dropped Lord Mortis's head to the ground, and smashed it beneath his feet, his brain splashing on the ground. This is for my mate, he said in his mind as he spat on the ground where Lord Mortis brain matter lay. He moved forward.

The battle raged on.
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Aira.

(A month later)

Kael took longer than I expected him to. I had lost count of how many times I stayed awake in the middle of the night, hoping and wishing he was alright. I constantly had dreams of him coming back and sweeping me off my feet when he did. Only to spend the whole day waiting for him, disappointed he hadn't shown up yet.

"Do you think something has happened to them?" Helen asked me one day when she could take it no longer. Just like me, Helen had been concerned for Eiran's wellbeing.

I glanced at her, letting out a small shrug, yet trying to be hopeful. "Why aren't they back yet?" She added, a hint of worry seeping into her voice.

"I wouldn't know..." I replied honestly, glancing at the woods ahead, a sigh escaping my lips. "But let's keep hoping. I'm sure they are fine. He promised to return, and I have faith that he will."

"Okay..." Helen breathed out, nodding in an attempt to reassure herself.

A week passed, and feeling rather frustrated, I wanted to go on one of my solitary walks when I heard the sounds of someone approaching. Or rather, the hooves of horses becoming louder and nearer.

My heart began to pound, my foot rooted to the spot as I stared in the direction where the sound was coming from. Please, let it be who I think it is, I thought to myself as we approached a clearing.

Just as I had hoped, there were a couple of carriages appearing, but only a figure stood out to me. It was the king, sitting atop a horse as he approached. A warm smile appeared on his lips as he gazed at me, and he came down from the horse, while I let out a squeal, breaking into a run, my heart exploding with happiness.

I met him halfway as he covered the rest of the distance, lifting me up off my feet and twirling me around. I giggled, my body filled with warmth.

"I'm so happy to see you! You have no idea how worried I had been!" I rushed out, relishing his grip on my body.

Setting me on the ground, he gazed affectionately at me, a finger reaching to tuck my frizzy hair behind my ears. "Sorry, I took so long. I had to put some things in place before I came back to get you."

"I'm glad you're alright now." I said, reaching up to wrap my hands around his neck while he lowered his head so my hands could reach.

"What about Lord Mortis?" "Dead." "The kingdom?" "Taken back." He answered simply.

With a grin, I hugged and kissed him, and he responded just as eagerly, smiling into the kiss. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Helen hugging Eiran as well, her face beaming with excitement.

Though she never said it aloud, it was no surprise she missed him just as much. I was happy for her

Kael pulled away from the kiss, his gaze becoming serious. "Where's the old lady?" He asked, holding me as we walked back to the cave.

"She's inside. Lately, she has stopped stepping out of the cave." I revealed, and he glanced at me, a brow furrowed.

"Really?" He asked, and I nodded. I heard him take a deep breath, his gaze narrowing. "I want to see her. Afterwards, we would be on our way." He informed me, and I paused, looking up at him.

"We're leaving?" I asked, filled with surprise. "Yes. Today. I'm taking you back to the castle. Or, don't you want to go?"

I vigorously shook my head. "Of course, I want to. I want to go wherever you go." I said, and he smiled again, pulling away from me.

"Wait for me out here, will you? I'll be right back." He said and walked into the cave, his steps measured and regal. I watched him go with a smile on my face.
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Kael appeared outside a while later, looking rather despondent. I sat up from the foot of the carriage where I was sitting, worry filling my heart at the sight.

His gaze immediately flickered to me, and some of the hard lines on his face disappeared as I approached him. "What happened? Is everything alright?" I asked, searching his face, but he shook his head.

"Everything is fine. I'll be dropping some gifts for the old lady to thank her for caring for us for so long. She has given us her blessings, and we can leave here now."

"Oh... I want to thank her too. Can we wait?" I asked, and after a moment, he nodded. I rushed back into the cave, looking for and finding the old woman who sat on the cot of her bed, leaning heavily on her stick.

"Ma'am..." I called out, my voice hesitant. She glanced up at me, a tiny smile appearing on her face.

"I-I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for us." I rushed out, delivering a deep bow. "I'm really grateful for everything. Thank you so much. I'll never forget it."

"You're very much welcome." She said in a soft voice. In an even softer smile, she added, "Take care of him, will you? He's all yours now."

I let out a smile at that. "I will. With all my heart." I promised. "You were a gift worth waiting for, Aira. I hope you'll always remember that." She said.

Her words made me flutter, and I smiled at her. I suddenly wished there was more I could do for her before I left, but Kael was outside, and I didn't want to keep him waiting for long.

"Have a lovely time." I added and walked out of the cave to find Kael standing there, his gaze trailing me as I walked out.

"You've said your goodbyes?" He asked, and I nodded, feeling tears fill my eyes. I hastily blinked them back, chuckling afterwards.

"I've said my goodbyes."