CHAPTER 234: ACTED WITHOUT RESTRAINT

"What’s going on here? Why have all of you returned?" Raidan’s voice echoed through the corridor. The warriors stepped aside, bowing their heads as he passed, Mabel walking closely at his side.

They both halted in their tracks at the sight of the lifeless woman sprawled across the floor.

Casaio stepped forward and quickly recounted the entire incident to them.

Mabel’s gaze shifted from Amelie to Gabriel with a grim expression.

"Remove the body," Raidan ordered coldly. Then, his sharp eyes turned to his sons. "You three, follow me."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, expecting them to obey.

"I’ll take Amelie to her room," Katelyn offered softly, stepping toward Gabriel.

"No," Gabriel said firmly, refusing her without a glance. He walked over to Amelie, gently took her hand in his, and led her away himself.

"I feel so weak. I can’t fight anyone," Amelie said.

"Even Karmen was unable to fight her. She was strong, nothing more," Gabriel replied. "Do you have a complaint against me?" he inquired. "That I killed that woman without any mercy." Taking a brief pause, he continued, "I’m heartless. I can’t deny that."

"I don’t know what to say," Amelie murmured. "I don’t blame you for what happened. You lost your temper because of me... Again, I was the reason behind it. I ruined the entire plan."

She tilted her head, glancing at him quickly. "And don’t say it wasn’t my fault. I know myself, Gabriel. I can’t deny that I’m weak when it comes to my own safety. Other wolves are faster, stronger... better suited for this kind of fight."

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Then what do you plan to do? Get trained in this state?"

"I realized again that I’m a burden," Amelie whispered, the weight of those words hanging heavy between them.

"Don’t say that," Gabriel said firmly, his fingers intertwining with hers. "You found her, didn’t you?"

"It was just a coincidence," Amelie replied. "Karmen and I were headed to the kitchen. We happened to spot Riley... and we followed her."

"But if you hadn’t followed her, no one would’ve known," Gabriel pointed out. "You acted. That’s what matters. Lester will be questioned. He’s the one responsible for vetting the palace staff," he added grimly, then shook his head. "But that’s the least of our concerns right now."

Amelie’s gaze flicked up to meet his, worry deep in her eyes. "What if Estelle is harmed? Brother Casaio might be upset with you for killing Riley. Gabriel... you don’t need to kill anyone for me. That’s not the right thing to do."

"Everything is fair in love and war, my dear," Gabriel said. "And I don’t care about what others think. Let them talk. You can train once the pup is born." He paused, brushing a strand of hair away from her face with surprising gentleness. "The mark on you, it’s sealed your wolf completely. Once it’s removed, you’ll be able to fight like the others."

His gaze held hers with fierce determination. "They may see you as weak... as a burden. But I never will. Because none of this is your fault. You just need protection right now. That’s all I know. And I will protect you, no matter what it takes."

Amelie hummed softly, nodding in understanding.

"You should go to your father. He wants to speak with you and your brothers," she said

"Sure," Gabriel replied, rising to his feet. But instead of leaving right away, he leaned down, cupping her face tenderly in his hands. He placed a soft kiss on her lips, lingering for just a moment.

"Just relax," he whispered, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "Everything will turn out fine."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Amelie with a faint warmth on her lips and heart too.

~~~~

"You were not supposed to kill such an important person in this case!" Raidan’s voice thundered through the chamber as he reprimanded Gabriel.

Gabriel scoffed, letting out a chuckle. "If Dad thinks Luke would’ve come to the negotiation table, then he’s wrong. Luke can threaten us, and that’s acceptable, but when I retaliate, it’s suddenly a problem?"

Raidan’s eyes narrowed as he felt more disappointed in his son. "Gabriel, when are you going to stop taking lives in such sensitive matters? Sometimes, it’s more valuable to keep the culprit alive. You always act on your own, without considering the consequences or others involved. And what’s that tone you’re using with me?"

Gabriel said nothing, but his jaw clenched.

"What’s done is done," Casaio finally intervened, stepping between them to diffuse the tension.

"Luke has agreed to come forward for negotiation," Casaio announced.

"He’s going to demand independent rule over the territory he spent fifteen years building," Dominick added, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

"And get away with all the crimes he’s committed in the shadows, especially the spies he planted here," Gabriel said bitterly.

Dominick let out a breath. "We wronged him. He submitted a petition fifteen years ago, and it was dismissed without a hearing. If we’re going to make this right, we have to listen to him now."

"Bringing Estelle back is our priority. Let’s agree to the negotiations," Raidan stated firmly.

"Yes, Father," Casaio replied with a respectful nod.

"Gabriel won’t accompany you both," Raidan added, his voice stern. "You need to reflect on your actions. You killed a woman inside the palace. Spy or enemy, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you acted without restraint."

He paused for a moment before delivering his decision. "I’ve decided to impose restrictions on your jurisdiction, Gabriel."

Gabriel’s jaw tightened and he continued, "I did what was the most right thing to do at that time. You can impose as much as restrictions on me, Dad. But I won’t work on your terms." With that Gabriel turned his back to them.

"Gabriel, you can’t walk away like that. Accept that you made a mistake," Raidan said with a frown on his forehead.