Chapter 28

KAEL’S POV

As I returned to my estate, my mind was filled with thoughts of the upcoming battle. I was never nervous before going off to war for territory but this was different.

I leaned back in my study, the maps of the Night Fall boundaries and military reports spread out in front of me.

I stared at the paper with full concentration, analyzing strategies and enemy movements I should expect from the Shallow pack.

Yet, no matter how much I tried to focus, narrowing my eyes at the documents, my thoughts kept drifting back to Princess Isabelle.

Her piercing blue eyes, the confidence in her voice, and the warmth and softness in her every touch.

Her confidence and thoughtfulness when she thought no one was watching, everything about her kept me enthralled and captivated.

I leaned further back in my chair, letting out a deep exhale. I never intended or even planned to fall for her, in fact, I wanted the opposite.

I had judged her by the unfound rumours swirling about her in the pack and I wanted to keep my distance.

But here I was, consumed by thoughts of her even in her absence. I ran my sweaty hands over my face and through my hair, I just can't believe how everything has changed drastically.

A loud knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. My younger brother, Levi, pushed open the door and walked in without waiting for an invitation. The mischievous grin on his face immediately put me on edge.

His eyes scanned my expression for a moment. “You’re distracted tonight,” He remarked, casually leaning against the doorframe. “Let me guess—it’s Princess Isabelle, isn’t it?”

I clenched my jaw avoiding his probing gaze.

“By the goddess,” Levi exclaimed, my silence enough answer for him. “You’ve really fallen for her, haven’t you?” He asked, shaking his head.

I shot him a warning look, but Levi pressed on. “Don’t get me wrong. She’s… remarkable, a beautiful, flawless princess. But you know the rumours, brother. Princess Isabelle once had her sights set on Beta Rowan. Are you really sure you want to get entangled in all that?”

My experience tightened. “And those are just rumours. Rowan is her past, not her future.”

Levi raised his hands in mock surrender, a dirty smirk playing on his lips. “If you are so sure this is what you want, who am I to argue? I just hope your feelings for her cloud your judgment.”

I rose abruptly, dismissing my brother with a nonchalant wave. “I appreciate your concern, Levi. But I know what I want.”

Without another word, I strode across the room, grabbed his cloak and left my study, heading directly for Isabelle’s villa.

ISABELLE’S POV

I stood still in my chambers, staring out at the flower gardens just under my window. News of Kael’s deployment for the battle had reached me earlier. Though I never expected it, the thought of him leaving for some reason unsettled me more than I cared to admit.

My wolf, however, seemed undisturbed.”You’ve already won his heart, Isabelle. Now it’s time to move on to your next target. While Kael’s away, why not focus on that little painter?

I took a deep breath at the comment, and I didn’t respond. She wasn’t entirely wrong. Kael was just an essential piece of her plan to stop the countdown, but he wasn’t the only one.

I needed to divert my attention to other men, like Alan. Before I could dwell on the thought further, the butler entered, bowing respectfully. “General Kael has come to see you, Princess.”

My heart suddenly skipped a beat, but I quickly masked my shock with an air of indifference. “Show him in,” I responded coolly.

The butler shut the door with a soft click and moments later, Kael stepped into the room, his tall frame and commanding presence filling the space.

His expression was filled with determination and something softer, I wasn't sure how to define.

“I came here to inform you personally,” Kael began, his voice rough but steady, “ I’ll be leaving for the border tomorrow. The king has entrusted me with reclaiming the territory from the Shallow Land Pack.”

I nodded, biting my lip. “I have already heard the news, General. And I don't doubt you would succeed. The Shallow Land Pack army doesn’t stand a chance against you.”

Kael’s lips quivered into a faint smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. I could see the emotions swirling in his eyes as he held my gaze. We stayed like that for a while, just staring at each other's eyes.

Then he swallowed hard, breaking our gaze and reaching into the pocket of his tunic, he pulled out a small, intricately designed ruby ring.

“This belonged to my mother,” he whispered, his voice filled with. “It’s one of the only things I have left of her. I wanted to give it to you… as a token of my gratitude for saving my brother’s life.”

My breath hitched and I gasped softly. I stared at the ring in his hands, glittering from the light of the window and suddenly felt warm from his gesture.

For Kael, a man of few words and hardly any displays of emotion, this was a monumental act of trust and affection.

“Gratitude?” I asked softly, taking a few steps towards him.

“For helping my younger brother,” Kael echoed, though his gaze held something deeper.

Touched by his intentions, I felt a rare pang of guilt. And suddenly it all felt so… real like pure-hearted love.

“Thank you,” I whispered. Taking the ring from him and sliding it into my finger. A faint smile tugged on my lips as I stared down at the ring.

I hesitated for a moment before brushing my hair off my shoulders and unclasping the delicate necklace I always wore.

The pendant, a small silver crescent moon, had always been around my neck for years. I held it out to Kael, “Take this. It’s a gift in return for your ring and also a token for your safe return.”

Kael’s eyes widened, clearly surprised by my gift.

He accepted the necklace, his fingers curling around it tightly.

“I’ll keep it close,” he said, his voice dropping.

For a moment, we stood in silence, the weight of the moment hanging between us.

“Come back safely, General,” she murmured.

Kael nodded; his voice thick with emotion. “I promise.”