Chapter 340: Home for their child
"What’s that on your wrist?" Zander finally asked, his gaze falling on the delicate bracelet around Flora’s hand. He was certain she hadn’t been wearing it yesterday when they’d met.
The two of them were now sat quietly on a stone bench outside the Moon Goddess Temple.
Flora glanced down at the bracelet, her fingers brushing lightly over its charm. "Oh... someone gave this to me," she admitted softly. "You could say it’s meant to protect me."
"I see," Zander murmured, though his eyes lingered on it with curiosity. After a moment, he shifted the conversation. "And how’s your sister doing?"
Flora’s lips curved into a small but genuine smile. "Amelie is well. She has a loving husband and a family that cherishes her. She’s only two months away from giving birth now. Everyone is so eager to welcome the pup."
"It’s good to hear that they’ve all embraced her," Zander replied. "Prince Gabriel never once judged her for her past, nor for the child she carries. That kind of acceptance is rare, especially among royals. He fought for her till the end."
Flora nodded. "I know. Amelie has forgiven me too, though I struggled to forgive myself. If it weren’t for her strength, I wouldn’t have made it this far." She turned her head to meet his eyes, her voice softening. "You see, my sister isn’t an omega, she’s an alpha. Her wolf, and her true nature, were hidden away for a long time."
Zander’s eyes widened in shock. "An alpha? Hidden? How could that even be possible?"
"It ties back to her past life," Flora explained. "So much has happened lately. Gabriel and Amelie... they were bound long before this life. Lovers in the past, destined to find each other again. No matter how many lifetimes it takes, their souls were supposed to reunite and it happened."
"They are true fated mates," Zander answered. "Your sister give herself a chance. Don’t you think you should learn the same from her?"
Flora held his gaze for a heartbeat before turning away, her eyes fixed on the temple’s distant spires. "I’m not Amelie," she whispered. "She’s strong, flawless in ways I could never be. People adore her. Me... I’m still on the outside, unable to be accepted. So, giving myself a chance at love feels impossible."
Zander noticed how her fingers twisted nervously in her lap. Without hesitation, he reached out and took both of her hands into his own, forcing her eyes back to his.
"Flora," he began, "unless you give yourself a chance, no one else will either. I know you’re still haunted by what you did with your sister, but people forget with time. And even if they don’t, you can’t let their judgment chain you forever. Do you think Amelie’s path was easy? No. I’m certain the royal family, especially the Queen, wasn’t eager to accept her at first. But she fought for her place, for her happiness. You have to fight too."
Something in his words broke through her walls, leaving her throat tight. Zander had a way of reminding her of things she so often forgot, that she was worthy, that she had the right to choose happiness. Around him, the heavy shadows of fear seemed to fade.
And yet... she knew it couldn’t last.
’If I return to the Red River Pack as his Luna, he’ll be judged. The people will question him at every turn. I can’t let him bear that burden because of me,’ she thought. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she slipped her hands free from his.
"It’s late. I should head back home," Flora said, rising from the bench.
"Sure. But let’s eat first something outside the temple," Zander said, leading her way.
~~~~~
"Gabriel, where are you taking me?" Amelie protested lightly as he guided her to another room. The blindfold covering her eyes only made her more restless.
"Just a few more steps," Gabriel replied, his tone warm with amusement. His hands rested firmly yet tenderly on her shoulders, steadying her as they walked.
They came to a halt, and Amelie tilted her head toward him. "Have we reached? Can I take this off now?" she asked eagerly.
"Not yet," Gabriel murmured, pushing the door open with one hand. With the other, he gently intertwined his fingers with hers, leading her inside.
He paused beside her, a smile tugging at his lips. "Wait... let me."
Stepping in front of her, Gabriel carefully untied the knot of her blindfold. But as the fabric loosened, his gaze slipped downward, landing on her lips. The blindfold slid from his fingers, forgotten, as he leaned in and kissed her.
Amelie stiffened in surprise for a second, but the warmth of his mouth melted her hesitation. Her eyes fluttered shut as she returned his kiss, wondering fleetingly if this was the surprise he had spoken of. The blindfold slipped from her face and drifted to the floor, curling at her feet like a ribbon.
His hand cradled the back of her neck, pulling her closer, while his other hand rested tenderly on her rounded belly, feeling the quiet presence of Noa.
That gentle reminder of why they were there brought him back to himself. With a reluctant sigh, Gabriel pulled away, though his fingers lingered on her for just a moment longer.
Amelie opened her eyes, confusion flickering across her face as he stepped aside, giving her space.
Then she saw it.
The room was glowing softly in pale shades of cream and lavender, the perfect haven for a child. In one corner stood the cradle she had chosen months ago, lovingly placed and surrounded by an assortment of toys. Gentle curtains framed the window, letting in the natural light. And on the far wall, a large portrait of her and Gabriel dominated the space, their smiles captured forever, watching over the room.
Tears stung her eyes as the reality sank in, this wasn’t just a room. A home for their child, for Noa.
"This is too beautiful, Gabriel. Thank you..." Amelie turned overwhelmed as she quickly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.