CHAPTER 256: CHAPTER 256 NOT MY FAULT BUT YOURS

They had already made a significant concession for her sake, holding back their possessive, territorial instincts as her mates, because they knew many wanted her dead or wanted to take her.

They understood that relying solely on themselves might not be enough, and they were willing to work together to protect her. But how could they truly do that if she kept shutting them out? And now, with her children’s safety also at stake, opening up to them felt less like a choice and more like a necessity.

While Addison was worrying about everything, Zion leaned closer and whispered, "Don’t worry, I’ll always protect you and stay by your side." His voice carried conviction, though it sounded more like a quiet promise to himself.

Addison didn’t know what to feel. Her mind was crowded with too many thoughts and emotions. Ever since she had returned to this continent, her life had felt like a wrecking ball, events crashing into her one after another without giving her a moment to breathe, think, or even act.

So many things were happening that she couldn’t understand, and many of them she didn’t even like. Yet, she had no choice but to endure. Even she, herself, was beginning to grow weary of it all.

She didn’t respond to Zion’s words, partly because she didn’t know how, and partly because she had no idea what she should say. Instead, she pressed her lips together and waited quietly until it was time for their departure.

When everything was ready, Lance returned. "Addie, we’re set to leave."

Addison nodded, rose to her feet, and headed toward her designated horse-drawn cart. Meanwhile, Lance stayed behind for a moment, carefully burying the remains of the campfire under the soil to prevent the wind from sparking a forest fire.

Only after he was certain the flames were completely extinguished did he move to the front of the caravan. Zion, Maxwell, and Levi followed after Addison, while Elric, having just heard what had happened to his disciples, hurried over to check on them.

"Alright everyone, let’s move out!" Lance called as he urged the caravan forward, the horses’ hooves striking the earth in unison.

Inside the cart, Addison glanced up at Zion and finally spoke. "Thank you..."

The simple words stirred something deep within him. Emotion welled up, happiness threading through his chest, because she hadn’t brushed aside his efforts or his feelings. Addison might have carried her own grudges, but she still knew when gratitude was due.

Zion had been there when she needed strength the most, standing by her side when the pressure threatened to crush her, and her acknowledgment meant more to him than she could ever realize.

Addison noticed how Zion averted his gaze when she thanked him, but just before he looked away, she caught a faint glimmer in his eyes, reflecting the soft glow of the lamps. The sight jolted her heart.

She had never seen Zion so vulnerable before. The only version of him etched in her memory was the arrogant young man who despised her so much he couldn’t bear to share a bed with her, let alone touch her. To her, he had always been the source of her pain and trauma, cold, indifferent, and distant, even as he pampered and showered kindness on other women.

And yet now, something within her stirred, shaken by this fleeting glimpse of the man behind that hardened façade.

Her tangled thoughts and constant overthinking carried her all the way through the journey, nearly making her lose track of time. She didn’t realize that, within the bundle of cloth she clutched so tightly, something was stirring among the dark fairies.

By the time they reached the first pack on the far side of the forest, dawn was already breaking.

Addison felt utterly drained. Her mind had long since gone hazy, her head heavy, her heart numb, and her body beaten with exhaustion. The group went directly to the packhouse, and from there straight to their rooms. Zion, Maxwell, and Levi escorted Addison to hers, and only after she stepped inside did they retreat into their own rooms next door.

As soon as Addison entered, she slipped off her shoes with weary hands. Too tired to even wash up, she dropped the bundle of cloth by the side of the bed and collapsed onto the mattress, succumbing instantly to sleep.

Meanwhile, Zion, who had gone through the ups and downs with Addison, entered his room and quietly stripped off his clothes before stepping under the shower. Warm water cascaded over him, but his mind was elsewhere, completely consumed by thoughts of Addison and the way she had thanked him.

It might have been the very first time, since discovering he was one of her fated mates, that she had truly acknowledged his efforts and thanked him. The memory made his chest swell until it felt like his heart would burst with joy.

Even Shura, the wolf within him, couldn’t contain the excitement and leapt around inside his mind. For once, they were both equally elated, because Addison’s simple words had meant the world to them.

"Mate thanked me—and she was happy! Now I’m happy too!" Shura chirped inside Zion’s mind, its voice brimming with excitement. Then it added with a playful tone, "She even stroked my fur. I think she likes how shiny and soft it is!"

"I know," Zion replied softly. "That’s why we need to do better. We can’t disappoint her again..." His words weren’t just for Shura, they were a reminder to himself.

He knew all too well that too much disappointment could shatter expectations, and he had already failed her once when they were still bound as mates. He owed her more than words, he owed her a proper mating ceremony, and the life she should have had by his side.

"Hmph! It was you who was lacking," Shura snapped, rolling its eyes at Zion. "You’ve been the one dragging me down, always disappointing me, don’t lump me together with you!"

Shura had never once agreed with Zion’s choices. It had fought against him, reminded him, pushed him—but Zion’s stubbornness had twisted everything, complicating what should have been simple.

Even if they hadn’t recognized Addison as their fated mate right away, Shura had felt drawn to her from the very start. That was why it kept resisting Zion’s actions, why it had refused to yield. It wasn’t Shura who failed—it was Zion. So now, speaking harshly to him was nothing compared to the mess he had made.

Hearing Shura’s reproachful voice in his head, Zion choked up. He had no retort, because every word was true. He was the cause of it all. Even criminals weren’t condemned without proof, yet he had judged Addison guilty without giving her the chance to defend herself.

He had abandoned her to fend for herself in his pack after displaying nothing but disdain and hatred toward her. What else could he expect from his pack members, when he himself had set the example?

Dragging a hand down his face, Zion let out a heavy sigh. His thoughts spiraled back over everything that had happened since arriving at the Royal Capital. He never imagined things would unravel this way—or that his reunion with Addison would leave such a bitter, complicated weight on his chest.