Chapter 61

Ember

I leave my office earlier than usual, stepping into the bright afternoon sunlight that spills through the palace courtyard. It feels strange to have this break. Most of my days are filled with the ever growing responsibilities of my new position, but today I promised Ella we would meet.

The garden is quieter this time of day. The gardeners have already passed through, and most palace staff are occupied elsewhere. It’s exactly why I chose it.

As I move toward our meeting spot, I spot Ella approaching from the opposite direction, smiling warmly. Her smile falters slightly when she sees my expression. "Ember?" she asks softly, already sensing something is wrong.

“Thanks for meeting me,” I say, sinking onto a stone bench beneath a flowering tree. Ella sits beside me, her brow furrowing gently as she studies my face.

“What's going on?” she asks carefully.

I hesitate, looking around to ensure no one is nearby. Satisfied, I exhale deeply, steadying my nerves before beginning. “I need to talk to someone about Prince Kaine.”

Ella’s eyes widen slightly, curiosity sparking, but she waits patiently, not pressing for more until I'm ready.

“I’ve been keeping a secret for a long time,” I begin, my voice quiet. “About me and the Prince. He’s… my mate.”

Ella remains quiet, listening intently as I explain the truth. I tell her everything. I tell her how long I’ve kept the bond hidden, my fears about rejection, my concerns about what revealing it might mean for my career as a guard.

Then I pause, taking a deep breath before continuing. “And we kissed. Recently. It just sort of happened.”

Ella takes my hand gently, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “You kissed,” she repeats softly, her voice gentle and free of judgment.

“It was after the mission, when I got hurt again. He came with me to see the healer, and things got…complicated,” I say, avoiding her eyes. “It was only a kiss, but it felt like more. Like it meant something, but afterward, we both agreed it was a mistake.”

Ella gives a thoughtful nod. “You think it meant nothing to him?”

“I don’t know,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. “But even if he does feel something, what difference would it make? If he knew about the bond, it would change everything. He’d either reject me or I'd have to leave my position as a guard and become his Luna. I don’t want that.”

Ella watches me carefully. “Ember, are you sure he would ask you to leave the guard? From what you’ve said, Prince Kaine seems different from the others, and the fact that you shared that kiss at all means he must feel something for you.

I shoot a disbelieving look her way, but Ella continues gently. “He’s respected your position since the beginning. He promoted you himself. He's seen your strength. He's trusted you with the security of the palace. Do you really believe he would take that from you?”

I stay silent, thinking about her words. Kaine has always supported my role. He never questioned my ability to lead, never suggested I couldn’t handle responsibility. Yet, the fear of losing everything I’ve fought for has become a part of me, something I’m not sure I can let go of easily.

After a long moment, I finally speak. “Maybe not.”

Nara seems pleased, her excitement radiating through our connection. I sigh, disapproving of her enthusiasm, though I can't deny Ella’s words carry a truth I hadn’t let myself fully consider.

Ella squeezes my hand again and smiles softly. “Just don’t close yourself off from him completely. You might be surprised.”

When we part ways, I feel lighter. Talking to Ella helps more than I expected, even if it leaves me more uncertain than ever. As I head back toward the palace interior, I’m lost in my thoughts until a familiar voice catches my attention from a side corridor.

I stop abruptly, recognizing Kaine’s voice, deep and quiet, speaking to Jake. I stay perfectly still, holding my breath to hear clearly.

“I want Bianca’s movements monitored for now. Quietly,” Kaine says, his tone serious and commanding.

My stomach sinks immediately. Of course, he's worried about Bianca's safety. It makes sense after everything that’s happened, but hearing it spoken aloud feels like a blow. The memory of our kiss suddenly feels foolish and empty.

Kaine's focus is still on her. Something twists painfully deep inside my chest. Maybe what happened between us really did mean nothing.

It was simply a moment of weakness, a brief loss of control. I hurry away before either Kaine or Jake notices me, swallowing back disappointment.

That evening, I decide to skip our usual case review. I tell myself I’m not feeling well and it’s true enough, even though the ache isn’t physical, it’s deeper, an emotional wound reopened unexpectedly.

Kaine

I return to my office late, unable to shake the uneasy feeling that's been following me all day. After my conversation with Jake, suspicion continues to gnaw at my thoughts, growing stronger every hour.

The memory of Bianca speaking quietly with the captain several days before Ember’s attack refuses to leave me. I saw them myself, though I hadn’t considered it important at the time.

It seemed harmless enough then, but the timing has bothered me ever since the captain’s betrayal. Something isn’t right, though I can't yet place exactly what it is.

I haven't shared my suspicions with anyone, not even Jake. Without concrete proof, accusing Bianca would cause unnecessary chaos and potentially ruin Bianca’s reputation over something she might not have done. Still, the gut feeling that she’s involved somehow won’t lift.

I sit at my desk, trying to focus on the latest security reports. My thoughts keep returning to Ember. It’s late, and I note with some surprise that she hasn’t come with her usual notes.

Ember is never late with her reports. It’s unlike her, and a flicker of worry passes through me.

Part of me wants to check on her, make sure everything is alright, but I hesitate, recalling the awkwardness and tension that’s lingered after our kiss. Maybe she needs space. Maybe I do as well.

Still, my fingers trace the edge of the last report she sent me, her handwriting clear and precise. I remember the way her hand felt in mine, the brief softness of her lips against mine, the uncertainty in her eyes afterward.

I take a deep breath, leaning back in my chair. I must maintain clarity, keep my distance, but despite my best efforts, Ember stays firmly in my thoughts. The situation with Bianca feels precarious. I need Ember’s strength and insight now more than ever.

The urge to find her grows but tonight, I force myself to remain at my desk. I won’t intrude. If she needs space, I owe her that much.

I return my attention to the paperwork, but my thoughts are still scattered. I hope tomorrow brings answers, or at least some clarity. Until then, all I can do is wait.