CHAPTER 176: WEREN’T YOURS TO CARRY

Casaio took the glass of wine from his father, watching as Raidan leaned back with a look of pride.

"I always believed you would choose your duty over love," Alpha King Raidan said. "For ten years, every time we asked about your marriage plans, you brought up Zilia. You stood by her."

Casaio stared into the wine before raising his eyes. "Father... I would never choose a traitor over my people. Over you. I got caught in something I didn’t question. I never tried to see it from another side. That was my mistake."

Raidan nodded slowly, setting his glass down on the table with a soft clink. He clasped his hands, brows drawing together in contemplation. "I won’t fault you for what you felt. You simply found your mate in her. It’s natural. But feelings don’t outweigh treason."

He exhaled deeply, keeping his gaze steady. "I’ve made my decision. Zilia will be executed. Showing mercy to a spy would be dangerous."

Casaio didn’t flinch. His face remained neutral, carefully void of emotion. But inside, he felt like something was tearing him apart. He knew once Zilia was gone, something within him would change forever. But this was the path he had chosen, and he had to walk it.

Before his father could speak again, Casaio added, "There’s something else. Zilia gave me a name."

Raidan’s eyes narrowed. "A name?"

"The person who aided her all these years."

Raiden leaned forward, his voice sharp. "Who is it?"

"Berik."

Raidan froze. His face paled for a moment upon hearing that name. "That’s impossible." His voice dropped in shock. "Berik has been by my side for a long time."

"I know it’s hard to believe," Casaio said. "But Zilia had no reason to lie, not at this point. It wasn’t easy getting it from her. She resisted for days. But eventually, she gave in. She named Berik as her handler, her contact within the court."

There was silence for a long moment.

"But," Casaio continued, "Gabriel and I both agree that her claim needs to be investigated before any sentence is carried out. Until then, Zilia shall remain alive."

Raidan nodded slowly in understanding. "Then, find out if Zilia handed out the right name. However, you must do it as soon as possible. We can’t let Zilia alive for long," he said.

"I understand, Dad," Casaio stated, drinking the remaining wine. He rose to his feet and bowed. "Good night, Dad. I’ll take my leave now," he said and pivoted on his heels.

Walking out of the room, Casaio headed to his own room, but encountered Dominick in the hallway. He was leaning against the pillar, looking outside the half-moon.

Sensing his elder brother’s presence, Dominick stood straight and turned to him. "I was waiting for you," he said.

"For what? I told you not to reveal about mother to Gabriel," Casaio said, his nose scrunching in annoyance.

"Gabriel was confident that it was Mom," Dominick replied. "He was saying if I wouldn’t tell him, he might come here to speak directly with Mom. I felt I should tell him the truth."

Casaio pressed his fingers on his forehead before dropping his hand to his side. "He gets hurt pretty badly whenever he learns about Mom’s actions," he said.

"I tried knowing from Mom why she did it. But she remained quiet. All she told me was to make sure my mate wasn’t the one betraying me," Dominick revealed, letting out an unbelievable chuckle.

"Mom’s going to doubt Juniper too... after what Zilia did," Casaio murmured with regret. "I’m sorry."

"Don’t be," Dominick replied firmly. "None of this was your fault."

Casaio looked at him, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Did you tell Juniper?"

Dominick shook his head. "Not yet. We’re not supposed to reveal anything about Zilia to anyone. I thought I should ask you first."

Casaio nodded slowly, then spoke, "You should tell her. She’s family. She deserves to know. Besides... she was ready to marry you. It’s only because I kept delaying my own marriage that you and Juniper held back too."

A faint smile tugged at Dominick’s lips, tinged with sadness. "You always felt responsible for things that weren’t yours to carry."

"When did I ever do that?" Casaio chuckled.

"You always did it. You’re the eldest, who always tries to keep a balance in everything. You don’t say it, but I know it. As your brother I know you well," Dominick said, smiling.

Casaio felt a warm, overwhelming feeling in his chest.

"I’m a little tired, so I’ll go to bed now. Good night," Casaio asserted.

"Sure. Good night," Dominick said before walking to his own room.

As Casaio shut the door behind him, his eyes swept across the dimly lit room, the familiar space that once brought him comfort. But now, it brought only pain.

His gaze lingered on the recliner by the window.

He saw Zilia there, curled up with a blanket, teasing him with that knowing smile. He remembered how they used to sit together, their laughter filling the room, their whispered conversations stretching late into the night. They had made that corner of the room their little world.

Now, every memory stung deeper than he had thought.

"I think I’ve to change this room," Casaio mumbled.

As he moved toward the bed, Casaio’s eyes landed on the wall, where the photos of him and Zilia still hung.

Without hesitation, he crossed the room and tore them down one by one. The frames clattered lightly as he tossed them into the bin.

But it wasn’t enough.

He stormed to the closet and yanked open the doors. One by one, he pulled out the clothes she had chosen for him, suits, jackets, shirts she once complimented. Watches she helped him pick. Wallets she gifted. Everything that still smelled like her, felt like her and carried her very essence.

He tossed them all onto the floor in grief and anger, until the once-organized space looked like the aftermath of a storm.

Then he stopped.

His chest rose and fell with the weight of everything he had tried to bury.

Slowly, Casaio sank to the floor. He pulled his knees to his chest and rested his head against them, folding inward.

"She was never mine," Casaio murmured.