CHAPTER 189: LET HER SUFFER HELL

Amelie returned to the room, feeling strangely lighter after her heartfelt conversation with Queen Mabel.

She sat beside Gabriel, who was still fast asleep. A soft smile touched her lips as she gently ran her fingers through his tousled hair.

"I didn’t see any mark on you," she whispered to herself. "And I have no idea if I have one either..."

Her thoughts lingered for a moment longer before she rose and headed to the bathroom for a bath.

When she stepped out later, wrapped in a bathrobe, her damp hair clung to her shoulders. She began drying it with a towel, only to pause when she noticed the bed empty.

Her gaze shifted toward the open balcony door, curtains swaying lightly in the breeze.

Before she could call out, strong arms circled her waist from behind, pulling her back into a warm, familiar embrace.

Gabriel’s breath tickled her ear as he pressed his face into her neck, inhaling deeply.

"You went for a bath without me?" he murmured in a low, sleep-laced voice. "Why didn’t you wake me?"

Amelie’s lips curved slightly. "You were on a mission last night. I figured you returned late... and needed the rest more than I did."

Her hands came to rest over his, fingers brushing his knuckles gently.

Gabriel nuzzled her hair before speaking again, his tone shifting to something more serious. "We caught Berik, and a few other wolves who were working under his command."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Really? That’s good, but... what about Zilia? Will she still be punished?"

Gabriel hummed. "The council has been summoned today. Her fate will be decided by them. I do hope she gets a death sentence."

Amelie heart sank to learn that and she turned to look at him. "But she was caught in this mess, wasn’t she? Won’t it be too ruthless to punish her?" she asked.

"Spies must be eliminated. That’s their fate, Ame," Gabriel said firmly.

He softened a little, lowering his tone as his hand slid to her bump, caressing it with quiet reverence.

"But let’s not speak of it in front of Noa," he whispered. "They might hear... and feel our worry."

Amelie opened her mouth to respond, but Gabriel gently ended the conversation there.

Still, he sensed the lingering weight in her silence.

"You should say it," he said softly. "I’m sorry... for cutting you off without hearing your part."

Amelie hesitated, then met his eyes. "You said Zilia has a brother... and that everything she did was for him. I know she’s a spy, Gabriel. But what if she didn’t have a choice? I mean, she never had a choice but to except the work to save the life of her brother."

Gabriel remained silent, quietly listening to her.

"She never harmed Prince Casaio. She never tried to attack anyone in the palace. Isn’t that strange? A spy, so close to the royals, but she never attempted assassination or any sabotage. What if..." Amelie paused for a moment, "what if she was protecting you all this time, in her own quiet way? And just refused to admit it? So, I just want you to consider... maybe she’s more than what she was forced to be."

"Of course, my brothers and I considered that possibility too," Gabriel admitted. "Zilia knew Casaio would support her unconditionally, but she never truly trusted him. Her mission was never about assassinating Casaio, or anyone else for that matter. The real target has always been the Alpha King. To send out the information regarding the activities here."

Amelie’s brows furrowed. "But she never made a move against His Majesty," she pointed out.

"Exactly," Gabriel agreed with a grim nod. "Because getting close to my father is nearly impossible. His security is unmatched. The real issue here is that Zilia was Casaio’s mate. That alone shielded her from suspicion. No one questioned her. I’m sure my mother had her background investigated, but it was spotless. Everyone accepted her story of being an orphan without hesitation. But this is bigger than personal bonds, Amelie, this concerns the safety of the entire kingdom. Zilia must die. Her execution will serve as a warning to those who dare to infiltrate us."

Amelie swallowed hard, nodding slowly in understanding. But a part of her still clung to hope. "What about her brother? What’s his fault in all of this?" she asked carefully. "Gabriel... what if we could deceive the Alpha of Blood Dominion into believing Zilia is still working for him?"

Gabriel tilted his head, intrigued. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Brother Casaio should give Zilia a chance," Amelie suggested, her brows knitted in thought. "In fact, we all should. We can use her to gather intelligence on the Blood Dominion Pack. You’ve been trying to infiltrate them for a while now, and even for you, it’s been difficult."

Gabriel considered her words, nodding slowly. "It’s not a bad idea. We will punish Berik today. That would strike directly at the Alpha ruling the southern lands. I’ll bring this proposal to my father. Ultimately, the final decision rests with him."

"But you make decisions quite often too," Amelie pointed out with a faint smile. "Even when your father sits on the throne."

Gabriel’s expression hardened slightly, his voice firm. "In San Ravendale, and in matters that involve you, I don’t tolerate delays. Not when it concerns your safety."

Amelie smiled in understanding. "What will happen to Jodie?"

"The council will decide today," Gabriel said. "The best punishment for her is to remove her wolf. That’s what I’ve proposed to Dad. Let’s see." He then cupped Amelie’s face.

"I’ll take you out for dinner tonight. Last time we couldn’t explore the capital. But this time, we can," Gabriel said, smiling.

"Sure. My parents will arrive by the evening, I guess. Flora too," Amelie said. "Mom told me Flora is being bullied."

"She deserves it," Gabriel chuckled. "And you won’t sympathize with her. Let her suffer hell for making your life hell."