CHAPTER 175: MY ONLY REAL FRIEND

Gabriel dropped Karmen off at his home before returning to the mansion. However, as he approached the front steps, he came to an abrupt halt. Amelie was waiting there, sitting near the staircase with a worried look in her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, appearing beside her in the blink of an eye as he pulled her up.

"I was waiting for you," she replied softly, her gaze lowering to inspect him. Her eyes caught the bloodstains on his shirt, and concern immediately deepened on her face.

"How’s Karmen?" she asked, not wasting a second.

"He’s doing much better," Gabriel reassured her. "I’ve told him to rest for two or three days."

Without letting go of her hand, he gently led her inside.

"Katelyn left with Prince Casaio for the palace," Amelie said as they ascended the stairs. "Your mother summoned her. Albus informed me earlier."

"I see," Gabriel muttered, his mind briefly drifting elsewhere.

Amelie glanced sideways at him, her brows drawing together as her eyes once again landed on the bloodstains. "That blood on your shirt... is it Karmen’s? Or did you kill someone?"

"It must be the blood of the man who tried to shoot Karmen with silver bullets," Gabriel said.

They had reached the doorway to their room. Gabriel pushed it open, and the two of them stepped inside.

"Silver bullets?" Amelie muttered. "Why would wolves carry something so lethal to our kind?"

"They weren’t just any wolves," Gabriel replied, shrugging off his jacket. "They were Beta Hunters."

Amelie’s eyes widened. "Beta Hunters? They came to target Karmen?"

"They just happened to be there... or so it seemed," he said, tugging his shirt over his head and tossing it aside.

Amelie watched him, her arms crossing tightly. "But why would our kind turn into hunters? I thought they vanished generations ago."

Gabriel sighed, his muscles tense as he turned to face her. "A lot’s unfolding right now, Ame. First, Zilia turned out to be a spy. Then we uncovered this hidden hunter group operating in the capital. And now, some of Dad’s most trusted advisors might be involved."

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear in his furrowed brows.

"There’s a conspiracy brewing," he added grimly, "and it’s not just about power plays. Someone is planning something massive, something against the Alpha King himself."

"That’s worrisome," Amelie said softly. "You should talk to your father and brothers about it."

"I will," Gabriel agreed, "right after I freshen up." He paused, then again spoke, "I think I’ll need to go to the capital soon."

"Alone?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Gabriel looked at her, his gaze softening. "I can’t leave you behind, not when things are like this. But if I take you with me to the palace... I’m worried my mother might—"

He didn’t finish. Amelie stepped forward and gently interrupted him.

"It won’t happen. Take me with you to the capital," she said. "Because I need to speak with your mother." She reached for his hands, gripping them with gently. "Gabriel, I’m asking just this once."

"What could you possibly say to her? She won’t listen." Gabriel let out a frustrated sigh.

Amelie’s gaze dropped to the floor.

But before she could respond, he sighed and added, "Fine. I’ll take you with me."

Her eyes lifted in surprise.

"But this will be the last time," Gabriel stated. "If my mother hurts you again... I swear, I’ll cut ties with her."

Amelie hummed and watched him placing the phone on the table. He then headed to the washroom, grabbing his blood-stained shirt.

"I will find out why the Queen acts indifferent toward you, Gabriel. She does care for you, but in a strange way," Amelie murmured before heading to the kitchen.

~~~~~

Gabriel stepped out of the washroom, droplets of water still clinging to his temple from the cold shower. He ran a towel through his damp hair, then tossed it over the back of a nearby chair. Reaching for his phone on the table, he began scrolling through his contacts and paused at his father’s name.

He didn’t press call.

"If we’re leaving tomorrow, it’s better I speak to Dad face to face," he murmured to himself.

A soft knock at the door drew his attention. He turned his head as the door creaked open slightly.

"Your Highness, dinner is served. Madam is waiting for you at the table," the servant announced respectfully, eyes lowered.

"Hmm."

Gabriel set the phone back on the table and made his way downstairs. As he stepped into the dining hall, he found Amelie ladling soup into a bowl.

Without a word, he walked over, gently took the ladle from her hand, and guided her to a chair. Pulling it out, he motioned for her to sit.

"You don’t need to serve, Amelie," he said softly as she took her seat. "There are maids for that."

He settled into the chair across from her, his gaze warm yet steady. "We’ll leave for the palace tomorrow," he added.

Amelie’s eyes lit up, a soft smile forming on her lips. "That’s wonderful," she said.

Gabriel’s expression turned serious. "But Amelie," he said gently, "please don’t hide anything from me, especially if my mother says something to you."

Amelie met his eyes and gave a small nod. "I won’t," she promised.

Gabriel lifted a spoonful of steaming meatball soup and gently brought it to Amelie’s lips. She parted them, sipping the broth.

After a brief pause, she looked up at him.

"You were scared... when you suddenly felt something was wrong with Karmen, weren’t you?"

Gabriel’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze drifting to the table for a moment.

"Yeah," he murmured. "He’s my only real friend. He’s been there through every Chapter of my life whether good and bad. If I had been even a minute late... he could’ve been seriously hurt."

"But you saved him," Amelie said, "that’s what makes you an incredible person."

"You think I’m incredible?" Gabriel mused.

"Yes, there’s no doubt in that," Amelie replied, smiling warmly. "Let’s eat before the food gets cold."