Chapter 29

KAEL’S POV

The soft glow of the evening lanterns illuminated Isabelle’s face, her eyes swimming with emotions.

“I’ll be leaving at dawn,” I said.

She nodded, fiddling with the ring on her finger.

“I know it’s early, but… would you come to see me off?” I asked even though I knew she wasn't an early riser. Still deep down, I wanted her to be there.

She tilted her head slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I don’t think I’ll manage to wake up that early,” she replied lightly, with a sheepish smile.

My heart sank a little, though I quickly masked his disappointment with a small smile.

“Of course. That was my oversight. I should have known not to ask.” I bowed slightly, my composure perfectly intact, and turned to leave.

As I returned to my estate, walking briskly under the moonlit sky, I tried hard to convince myself that Isabelle’s words didn’t really matter. She wasn’t at all obligated to show up tomorrow to see me off, but a tiny part of me had hoped that she would have agreed to be there.

When I finally arrived home, Levi was waiting for him in the study, casually sprawled on a sofa, a book in his hand. He glanced up as I walked in, his face contorted with a smirk.

“Let me guess,” Levi teased, setting the book upside down beside him. “You went to see her again, the princess?.”

I sighed but didn’t respond to Levi's teasing, but it seemed my silence fueled his amusement even more.

“Goddess help you, all these years without so much as a hint of interest in any woman, and now you’re completely smitten,” Levi continued, letting out a loud bark of laughter.

“Enough,” I said firmly, though a faint flush crept into my face.

Levi shook his head, but he didn't quiet down, instead, he laughed even, his voice echoing through the house.

“Fine, fine. Just remember, brother, the frontlines are no place for distractions.”

I didn’t dignify him with a response and instead walked past him with a grump to retire to my chambers, clutching the crescent moon pendant Isabelle had given him. I traced its cold smooth edges, thinking about her.

The next morning, I was up way before dawn, taking a second to reflect on my thoughts and the battle.

I slowly pulled the heavy armour off the stand and placed it on my shoulders. My expression was tight as I pulled the buckles.

Levi was waiting for me when I stepped out, his face was wary, but he managed a small smile that didn't reach his eyes as we headed out.

I stood at the head of the 10,000-strong army, the sun barely peeking over the horizon as we all prepared to march out of the past.

I shone in full armour, my sword strapped securely at my side, radiating an air of authority.

The iron city gates loomed ahead, massive and imposing, a symbol of protection for the people of the Knightfall pack. The soldiers behind me stood ready, their armour glinting in the early morning sun, as their eyes shone with courage.

As I urged my horse forward with a kick of my boots, preparing to lead my men through the gates, I looked over and a flash of vibrant red caught my eye.

I froze, my horse suddenly bucking, my heart skipping a beat as I squinted my eyes toward the gates.

There, standing just by the huge wrought iron gates, was Princess Isabelle. She was cloaked in a rich crimson cloak with fur trimmings, her blonde hair catching the sunlight like spun gold. Her face was shining with a radiant smile as she raised her hand and waved at me.

“Good luck, General Kael” she called out, her voice clear and vibrant. “Return victorious!”

My breath hitched, a grin tugging at my face, my chest tightening as I clutched the pendant beneath his armour. At that moment staring at her, the weight of the battle disappeared off my shoulders, replaced by a warmth that spread through me.

“Princess Isabelle,” I murmured under my breath, my voice barely audible over the murmurs and cheers of the crowd that were gathered around us to see the army off.

She said she wasn't going to be here and she didn’t have to come. She assured me she wouldn’t. And yet, here she was, defying all my expectations once again.

I straightened on the saddle, grasping the ropes tighter, my resolve hardening. With a final glance at her, my eyes shining with admiration, I turned to my man and raised his sword high towards the sky with a loud thunderous war cry.

“For the Night fall Pack!” I growled, and the soldiers cheered, our collective roar shaking the very ground as we began the march to war.

ISABELLE’S POV

I watched Kael's form on the horse till he disappeared in the horizon, I lingered by the gates, my deep red cloak billowing softly in the early morning breeze.

Last night I debated for hours whether to come see Kael off, conflicted by the undeniable pull I felt toward him.

Standing here feeling the warmth from his presence swirl through me, I suddenly realized I truly cared about Kael, almost like I once cared for Rowan.

I looked down, twisting the red ring on my finger. “I’m such a scumbag,” I whispered under my breath.

I could feel my wolf stir, a rare note of understanding creeping into her voice.’Perhaps humans weren't made to love just one person. There will always be someone new to attract you. Long-lasting love is all about responsibility.

I sighed, her gaze fixed on the horizon where Kael’s army had disappeared. I hated to admit it, but she was right.

My thoughts were interrupted by the rising sound of whispers from the crowd around me. I turned my head with a questioning look on my face.

I could see the pack members and even nobles murmuring among themselves, their gazes flicking between her and the direction Kael Jay went.

“She came all the way to see the General off,” one whispered.

“Do you think the princess has moved on from Beta Rowan?” another asked. My lips twitched into a faint smirk. Not caring about their talk.