CHAPTER 536: WARN YOU

Her breath was even, her chest was slowly rising and she clung next to him against his chest. She was completely carefree like she was the safest next to him.

It left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was one of the greatest dangers next to her, yet she leaned in like he was her safe haven when he was far from that.

His greed won’t let him. He was selfishly going to ignore the warnings. All he had to do was make sure she was safe and protect this safe haven

Cedric lay next to her, watching her sleep, just immersing himself in the view. His hand reached out for her face. Even in her sleep Abrielle recognised his touch and leaned into his palm snuggling next to him

Her cute, subtle actions made his heart feel a little light. He almost forgot everything that troubled him

Peace

Cedric hadn’t felt this at ease for ages. Deep down, he didn’t react; this was the calm before the storm. He was aware of that.

He wasn’t scared, though, no matter how rough the storm was. He was going to face it head-on with no fear. He brushed her hair, which was sticking in her mouth, behind her ear, before he traced down her jaw.

"You should have let me go now I won’t be able to ever leave." He muttered. Then his gaze darkened. The divine world could not interfere with the mortal realm too much.

.

Why did that law apply to him when his father was a mortal? He sighed, fated mate or not none of that mattered to him.

He understood the subtle clue Raziel gave. He probably had a soul mate out there of divine origin.

Probably in Netheralis. Even if such a person exists he could not imagine there was anyone out there who could make him at home aside from her

"It’s better I don’t think about it especially when I am next to you." He muttered. Then leaned in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep tight," he whispered. She needed all the rest. He noticed from her appearance that those large dark circles spoke of endless, sleepless nights.

He should not think about all those thoughts which threaten his peace. Abrielle definitely had questions that he had answered, and most he would rather not answer.

At times, it was better to stay ignorant and protected in a bubble.

****

Abrielle fell asleep just listening to his periodic heartbeat. Finally, by her side. She could finally be at rest

The comfort she craved was finally next to her and the sleep came in naturally n

She drifted into a deep slumber, one that was overdue. By the time her eyes fluttered open, the window curtains fluttered lightly, carrying a distinct scent of wintermoor flowers mixed with frost.

She shuddered because of the cold winter breeze. "Who left the window open?" Abrielle grumbled, still half asleep, with her eyes blurry.

She stretches her hand trying to search for something. A familiar warmth.

The sheets felt cold under her palm, and the bed was empty. The sleep in her eyes immediately cleared. "Cedric," Abrielle called out anxiously, almost panicking..

She sat up desperately trying to find him on the bed. Her eyes darted around the room searching for his familiar silhouette. The room was empty, no sign of her husband. "Cedric," she called out again. This time louder.

She knew he had exceptional hearing. She tried calling out for him. Still no sign. Her brows furrowed, her legs moved to the side of the bed and she stepped onto the floor barefoot

Everything is calm crashing in again. He didn’t leave her again, or did he? No, no.

Cedric could not do that. Abrielle rushed to the door. She didn’t care about being barefoot; all she wanted was to see him and be sure he was still here.

Her fingers grazed the cold door handle. Just when she was about to open it, a strong wind blew inside the room, putting out all the candles, and the fireplace almost went out, barely holding its flames. It was still dark, probably very early in the morning.

Her stomach churned. Fear steeped into her heart which started thumping.

Something felt odd, the air was different. Heavy with a presence she didn’t recognise. "Cedric," she called out again. His name was the thing she could think of. Like she was praying for the gods’ protection.

The wind grew heavier, and Abrielle conjured up a flame floating above her palm while she got into a protective stance. The room was still empty but she was certain she wasn’t alone.

It was someone way stronger than she was. The doors leading to the balcony started to rattle, moving forth and back as the wind continued to rush in.

This was an ominous sign. She should have run. It was the most logical thing to do. Her body did the exact opposite.

Maybe it was her curiosity or just blatant stupidity. She continued to the door like it was calling her. The wind stopped blowing into the room. The fluttering curtains and creaking windows seized. Abrielle was a few steps away from the door, and that’s when she noticed there was someone on the balcony.

The person seemed to be waiting for her. Her left hand clutched her gown, she tried her best to calm her rushing pulse while her right hand continued to maintain flames.

A mirror was far from where she stood. She caught a quick glimpse of her reflection. She wasn’t wearing her heavy outfit from earlier. Her body was draped in a simple cotton nightgown. Her makeup was wiped clean with her ginger hair cascading below her waist.

It was either Cedric or the maids but she had a feeling it was the latter work. Abrielle drew in a deep breath before she walked through the doors to the balcony.

Her feet stopped at the entrance, Abrielle’s focus faltered, and flames went off. She was stunned and completely bewildered by the sight before her.

Standing a few feet away under the shimmering moonlight was a slender figure. "Mother," she blurted before realising it. Her brows furrowed. It wasn’t possible. ..

Abrielle’s eyes darkened, staring at the figure before her. The figure turned around, a face almost identical to hers but different, and faced her. In the past, Abrielle would have thought it was maybe just a slightly older version of her, but after seeing the paintings in the palace, she was certain who this was.

But it wasn’t possible. There was no way Bethany could be here. It was not possible. Standing before her was a woman she could mistake for her biological mother she had never met

It wasn’t far-fetched to think it was Bethany’s ghost. It could not be that easy. "Who are you?" Abrielle coldly asked..her gaze turned sharp..

This wasn’t Bethany. The lady stepped forward, her skin looked kissed by the moon. She smiled at Abrielle, her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"You are a feisty one." The lady chirped, then sighed.

Abrielle’s frown deepened, "What are you?" She asked, there was no way this was human. Maybe a ghoul who could steal appearance.

The lady’s smile remained soft and gentle, but behind it were sharp, calculating eyes. Carefully assessing her. "I thought coming in this appearance would let you let go of your guard but you are sharper than I thought...." Her voice drawled,

"Maybe I should have appeared with Rebecca’s appearance." She chimed. Abrielle’s unease grew, she was growing increasingly wary of the strange visitor.

What were her intentions? She wondered. It didn’t look like she wanted to harm her.

"Relax, I am not here to harm you." She mentioned that the wind stirred around them, and her appearance started to change.

"If I touch even a single hair I am sure he would be more than upset. I just need to talk to you." She added as her appearance changed. The blue eyes turned dark, and the ginger hair changed with her face, slowly changing.

Abrielle gasped, her mouth fell agape. "You_you..." She stuttered, almost unable to complete her statement. Disbelief was written all over her.

"You mean I look exactly like him." The woman completed her statement. The lady had a calm, soothing presence and an aura of regality. Her eyes gave Abrielle a strong discerning look.

"It is expected that your husband looks like me. After all, I am his mother." She said, then her smile went stiff. "And I can’t believe he chose this instead."

From her tone, Abrielle could sense the bitterness and slight hint of dislike. It was the least of her worries right now.

"That’s not possible. His mother is dead. Eleanor killed her." Abrielle rebuked the woman who didn’t look anything older than her twenties with an eerie resemblance to Cedric.

Elysia’s face turned ugly immediately. "As you can see I didn’t die. Your eyes don’t lie." She dryly said.

The princess didn’t know what to believe. She was already having a bad impression of this lady’s appearance. She held her stand, trying her best not to be intimidated by Elysia’s presence.

"What do you want then if what you say is true?" Abrielle went straight to the point. Elysia’s gaze hardened.

"I came to warn you, hoping you can speak some sense to that boy." Elysia bitterly said.