CHAPTER 243: A TRUSTABLE WITCH

Gabriel gazed at the alcohol in the glass he had poured.

Karmen, who was in the mansion, came to him and sat by his side on the counter chair. "Why are you drinking at this hour? Is Amelie asleep?" He grabbed the bottle, pouring a glass for himself.

"Yeah, she’s in a deep slumber," Gabriel replied, his voice quiet. He lifted the glass and took a sip. "Why aren’t you asleep?"

"I was working," Karmen answered, settling comfortably in the chair. "Prince Dominick sent over a copy of the report Emerson Vitiello compiled. It’s troubling. Several minor cases have surfaced, betas disappearing without a trace. Some were eventually declared dead. What’s strange is that it’s been happening over a span of almost two years."

Gabriel hummed low in his throat. "You work hard," he muttered, finishing the last drop of his drink. He refilled his glass without hesitation.

Karmen studied him. "What’s bothering you? And why the sudden decision to leave the palace? I thought you planned to stay at least another week, especially until the pact with Luke was finalized."

Gabriel gave a dry chuckle, though there was no amusement in it. "Amelie grew close to my mother," he said, eyes fixed on the liquid in his glass. "She thinks my mother wants what’s best for me. But she has no idea, the only thing the Queen cares about is proving some damn prophecy from a witch right."

Karmen glanced at him sharply, confusion knitting his brows. He wondered silently if the Queen had pulled another stunt, one serious enough to push Gabriel to this edge again.

"Well, I’m staying awake because Amelie’s friend will shortly be here. I’ve sent a driver to the airport already," Gabriel said, lowering the glass after taking a long sip.

"Who?" Karmen curiously asked.

"Carlos," Gabriel answered. "He’s a witch’s son. Amelie said she saved his life a long time ago and from that moment onward, they both became friends."

"That’s quite interesting to know," said Karmen, smiling. "But why is he suddenly visiting her?"

"Well, I’m staying awake because Amelie’s friend will be arriving shortly," Gabriel said, lowering his glass after a long sip. "I’ve already sent a driver to the airport."

"Who?" Karmen asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Carlos," Gabriel replied. "He’s the son of a witch. Amelie said she once saved his life, and they’ve been close ever since."

Karmen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That’s quite interesting. But why is he suddenly coming to visit now?"

Gabriel leaned back slightly, letting the glass rest on the counter. "Because both Amelie and I carry marks. My mother told me mine exists above my head, something invisible, yet tied to a prophecy. Amelie thinks we need answers from someone tied to the magical world. She’s been getting premonitions lately. I told her not to stress over it... but I can see the fear in her."

Karmen nodded slowly. "Since Carlos is a witch’s son, he might have a better chance at uncovering the truth. Louis also mentioned the witches. I thought you might eventually go to them. Didn’t he suggest speaking with one directly?"

"Not yet," Gabriel said. "According to Louis, even the witches don’t fully understand these marks. All they know is that they’re bound by a curse, one that’s forbidden. Something ancient... and dangerous. To find it out we need the help of a trustable witch."

"Hm. I hope you both uncover the truth soon," Karmen said.

Gabriel stood up from his chair. "You should head back to your room. Get some rest. Goodnight."

Karmen nodded silently, watching as Gabriel walked away.

Stepping outside the mansion, Gabriel stood on the foyer, the night air brushing against his face. The only sound being the occasional rustle of wind through the trees.

A few moments later, headlights cut through the darkness as a vehicle approached. Gabriel watched as it rolled to a smooth stop in front of the steps.

The back door opened, and a tall figure stepped out.

"Hi!" Carlos raised a hand, waving as he stepped out of the vehicle. Behind him, the driver was already unloading the luggage from the trunk.

"Welcome, Carlos," Gabriel said, walking over and exchanging a friendly handshake.

"Sorry for arriving so late," Carlos said, pulling his hand back. "I did suggest staying at a hotel for the night, but you insisted I come straight here."

Gabriel offered a small smile. "Yeah. I felt it would be best."

"Alright then," Carlos said with a nod.

"Come inside," Gabriel added, turning toward the entrance.

The driver followed behind them, carrying a trolley suitcase and a duffel bag as they made their way into the mansion.

Gabriel pushed open the guest room door. "Here’s your room."

Carlos stepped inside as the driver followed, placing the luggage neatly on the floor.

"Thank you," Carlos said to him.

The driver gave a polite nod to Gabriel, bowed lightly, and exited the room in silence.

"Amelie must be asleep, right?" Carlos asked, glancing around as he removed his coat.

"Yes," Gabriel replied, resting his hand on the doorframe. "We returned from the palace a few hours ago. I wanted her to rest, especially since she’s carrying a pup."

Carlos gave a quiet nod. "Hmm... I figured."

"You want something to eat?" Gabriel offered.

"No, I already ate on the plane," Carlos said with a small smile. "I’ll just get some sleep now."

Gabriel gave a curt nod. "Alright. Rest well. We’ll talk in the morning."

"Good night, Gabriel," Carlos said.

With a hum, Gabriel pulled the door halfway closed behind him, leaving Carlos alone to settle in.

As Gabriel returned to his bedroom, he shut the door behind him. Sitting on the bed, he brought his hand to Amelie’s head. Then, removing his slippers, he slid inside the blanket and snuggled to Amelie.

Her pheromones wrapped around him, making him wonder why she released them when she was asleep. His lips found her forehead as he pressed a tender kiss on its center.