Chapter 180
Chapter 180
Ruby’s POV
“Why would you assume such a thing?”
Elias fell silent at the question I shot at him. After his earlier answer, curiosity bubbled beneath my skin. Clearly, something had happened. However, judging by his demeanor, the teenage boy seemed reluctant to lay it bare on a silver platter.
“If you keep your lips sealed for more than three minutes, may I say that I sense a secret you’re hiding from me?”
I walked closer as Elias instinctively took a step back. My heart ached watching him turn into a wave that had lost its direction.
“My son,” I called softly.
He shook his head, letting out a whisper as though asking for a moment to catch his breath. He ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair, then straightened his back and exuded the courage of a mighty lone wolf.
“It’s all because of a dream,” he blurted.
I tilted my head. “Could you be a bit more specific, son?”
“I will if you promise not to think I’m ridiculous,” he muttered.
My eyes widened. “Absolutely not! Elias, I’ve never seen you this nervous in your entire life. I’m your mother, not a stranger.”
With all the persuasion I could muster, Elias finally relented. What began was a heart–to–heart between a mother and her child, centered around a vision. The more he spoke, the more convinced I became that I was approaching a clear conclusion.
I listened as Elias explained how, for the past two weeks, a girl had appeared in his dreams every single night invading his subconscious.
But instead of sounding curious, Elias seemed deeply troubled. He believed it was far too soon for him to be receiving such a gift from the Moon Goddess. And as the one listening to his story, I was torn. I had never heard of a werewolf receiving signs of their true mate through dreams. That was unheard of for me.
Then again, perhaps things were different in Lycan literature The warm tan of Elias’s skin had lost its color, and fatigue shimmered in the green hue of his forest eyes. He insisted the setting in the dreams resembled our old home most likely, that’s where the girl could be found.
“My stress is getting worse because of that damned dreams, Mom.”
My arms were wrapped tightly around him. I was trying to calm Elias, reassuring him about the idea of being bound at such a young age. No matter how devoted I was to the gods offering prayers and worship regularly, I still had to consider Elias’s fate.
After all, what else was I supposed to hope for?
Besides, I didn’t want to see the girl get hurt either.
“What will you do if you find what you’re looking for out there?”
My gaze softened, and my tone shifted into something more tender than before.
“Think carefully before making any decisions. Make sure it doesn’t end up hurting both of you, Elias,” I explained.
“I know, Mom,” he replied with frustration. “That’s why I want to ask for your permission. My companion will be Uncle Leonidas. I already asked him for help, and he said it’s all up to you. So please, Mom.”
08:52 Fri, 8 Aug
Chapter 180
There was no real choice but to say “yes.” It broke my heart to watch him walk away, shoulders heavy with doubt. I didn’t stop encouraging him and would always stand by his side, no matter what choice he made.
“That’s really strange.”
Leia, my inner wolf, suddenly blurted out nearly making me spill an entire can of milk.
“Tsk, Leia.”
“Sorry,” she said half–heartedly. “I’ve been listening to your conversation with Elias. And based on what I understand as a wolf, nothing is impossible. This kind of vision indicates a high–intensity connection between potential mates. Rare, but not unheard of.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me this before?” I grumbled while adjusting Gellert’s blanket.
+32)
Leia flicked her tail in the realm of our shared mind. “Ruby Knightley. You have two assholes in your life. One is non–recyclable trash, and the other is a sexy tyrant eternally obsessed with you.”
“And?!”
“Pointless. Your reincarnation alone is already a sign of your connection to your true mate. Just look at the outcome of that bond. One fussy baby,” she snarked.
Heat surged up my neck, stinging with embarrassment.
Leia was still teasing me with the idea that I’d become a grandmother sooner than I ever planned. Honestly, I doubted that.
A mother’s intuition rarely fails. I had an eighty–five percent feeling that Elias would ultimately choose rejection. I would never force or meddle in my children’s decisions. A bitter smile tugged at my lips. I once had a bond with my first mate. Fucking sadly, that bastard betrayed me all the way to the grave.
“Leia, have mercy on my head. I don’t need you’nagging me endlessly,” I scolded while massaging my temples.
My inner wolf snorted. “Weak human.”
The severed connection eased my nerves. Gellert was staying in his room with a handful of guards and his caretakers. I let my feet follow instinct, the scent of my mate was thick in the air as I reached his leadership wing within the castle.
“My Queen.”
Guards greeted me one after another as I passed through the corridor. I returned their salutes with either a smile or a small wave. My mind felt like a murky lake, making it hard to think clearly. So I burst through the large doors before the elite knights could stop me.
My jaw dropped. Killian was seated on his throne–like chair, surrounded by scattered papers and empty ink bottles. The room was the definition of a tornado. He lifted his head from the document in his hands.
“Wife. This place has turned into a slum. I should’ve come to see you instead,” he said wearily.
I walked toward him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He hummed an apology, then I brushed it off and moved behind him to massage his shoulders tight as violin strings. A groan of relief rumbled from him.
“I couldn’t delay it. But I’m willing to reschedule our discussion if needed.”
Killian turned to me, his fingers gently circling my wrist.
“Please don’t. Say it now.”
nuy
Chapter 180
In that quiet intimacy, our soul bond echoed the mutual unrest we both carried.
“It’s about our Elias.”