Chapter 11
507words
Cael held me as I drifted toward sleep, finally confessing everything—to me and perhaps to himself.
"I hid my identity because I couldn't even protect myself, let alone you. Telling you the truth would have made you a target in my blood feud."
"My bloodline has been bound to Lilith's coven for five centuries. She helped me to obtain an ancient artifact I possessed. Our relationship has always been purely transactional."
"That night you overheard us, I knew we were being watched by traitor spies. Those cold words were for their benefit. Any hint that I cared for you would have painted a target on your back. I couldn't risk your life."
He stroked my hair, his eyes haunted. "I thought I could reclaim my throne first, then return to offer you everything. I never realized my arrogance would hurt you more than anything else could."
He activated the room's holographic display. Instead of business reports, it showed detailed plans and proposals.
"I prepared these for you and your pack. I've purchased the western nature preserve—it can be your new territory, protected and far from interference."
"I've also acquired several veterinary hospital chains. You can practice your healing without financial concerns."
He'd created a future where my pack could thrive with dignity in New Sea City.
"But your court—will they accept us together?" I asked anxiously. "Vampires and werewolves have been enemies since the beginning of time."
Cael smiled enigmatically, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Let me worry about that."
In that moment, all doubts and fears melted away.
I sat up, cradling his face between my palms, looking deep into his eyes.
"Cael, I never wanted any of this," I said softly. "All I ever wanted was you—the real you, without lies between us."
Something flickered in his eyes.
He stared into my eyes, seeing himself reflected whole and complete.
He led me to the massive windows overlooking the city—a sea of twinkling lights stretching to the horizon.
"Layla," he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his voice solemn as a vow, "I once thought being king meant owning everything. Only after losing it all did I understand that you were the only thing I truly wanted."
"I'm no longer powerless, and you're no longer at fate's mercy."
He raised my hand to his lips, kissing it not as a formality but as a sacred promise.
"By my immortal blood, I swear that you, Layla, will be my only companion—my eternal moonlight in endless darkness. Will you walk beside me through whatever comes, be it shadow or dawn?"
I turned to face him, tears glistening in my smile.
"I will."
At the top of the world, beneath stars and city lights, we sealed our impossible bond with a kiss that defied centuries of hatred.
The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but this time we would face it together—vampire and werewolf, darkness and light, bound by something stronger than ancient enmity.
