Chapter 99
+25 BONUS
Deacon’s POV
I have fought countless battles, fought against numerous impossible odds, and stared death in the face without flinching, but seeing Elena striding toward me with grace and a huge smile on her lips while wearing her casual clothes brought me to oblivion, and I found myself momentarily stunned.
It’s the first time I see her in a dress with her hair without a tie, and it’s like the sunlight shone on her as if she were the only beautiful thing in this world.
Her soft hair flowed with the wind, her eyes looked at me, and she gleamed with quiet confidence.
For the first time, I realised just how breathtakingly beautiful she was–every second longer I stared at her, it made her even more beautiful.
“We need to talk,” I uttered nonchalantly, trying to hide my obvious dumbfoundedness.
Shrugging her shoulders, she replied, “Sure, what is it about?”
“It’s-”
But before I could speak, she looked at me from head to though and waved her hand. “But before anything else…”
She gestured toward my clothes. “Deacon, why are you still wearing yesterday’s clothes?”
Her voice snapped me completely out of daze. Clearing my throat, I crossed my arms over my chest. “I stayed at the Kingdom’s pack house last night.”
That’s all I could say because I couldn’t tell her how I hadn’t had any sleep yet since last night because my conversation with Desmond haunted me worse than a nightmare.
Raising her brows, she playfully asked, “Rough night?”
Laughing, I shook my head to dismiss the idea before gesturing at her. “You look… different today.”
I had to swallow my admiration and tried hard not to let my feelings slip out of my tone.
Elena tilted her head and shrugged her shoulders, casually replying, “I’m a noblewoman, Deacon. Or have you forgotten?”
Chuckling, I nodded my head in agreement. “True, but you don’t always look the part.”
Elena rolled her eyes, but amusement flickered in her gaze. “You say that as if I spend my days rolling in the mud.”
Shrugging, I teased further, “Not mud. But blood? Definitely.
Elena huffed a laugh. “Have you forgotten? Months before you won’t even look at me as a warrior and kept pertaining to me as a Luna.”
“You’re not letting that one go, would you?” I asked, reminded of the first time she arrived on the battlefield.
But unlike what she said, it’s not because I didn’t see her as a warrior. Rather, it’s because I was worried for her safety.
“Damn right, I won’t,” she replied before her expression turned curious. “For real, what are you doing standing here, Deacon?”
“Checking in.” I paused before taking slow steps, leading the way as we talked. “I heard you met with Celine.”
Chapter 99
Elena’s gaze sharpened, making me halt for a while as I waited for her reply.
She stopped as well and narrowed her eyes. “And how would you know that?”
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Smirking, I mysteriously and smugly replied to hide the fact that I was always keeping a check on her. “I have my ways.”
Thankfully, Elena didn’t press, but she did give me a sceptical look. “She mentioned something…” she paused hesitantly. “… interesting.”
“Oh?” I arched my brow and continued walking with her.
Elena crossed her arms and looked straight ahead as if she was hiding her emotions. I gave her as much time as she needed, patiently waiting for her to open up.
Finally, she heaved a sigh. “The King wants to marry me.”
My smile disappeared instantly. And a flicker of dimness crossed over my expression before I managed to mask it as fast as possible.
“And how do you feel about that?” I asked slowly.
Elena’s response was immediate but firm. “I see King Desmond as a brother. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Upon hearing her answer, relief filled my heart.
But just as soon as relief filled me, it vanished instantly and was replaced by a twisting pain as I heard her next words. “Just as I see you as a brother.”
Brother? A freaking brother?!
Something within me seemed to have snapped.
I had protected her, fought beside her, and cared for her more than a commander should, but she… she just saw me as nothing more than a brother?
And here I thought we were having a great time during the battle. I knew she didn’t see me as a husband or anything romantic, but I never expected her to push me into a zone that’s so hard to climb out of.
My jaw tightened, but I forced myself to remain nonchalant
After calming myself, I nodded and asked casually, “Good. ll let the King know.”
Elena nodded, seemingly satisfied with my reply.
“Take care,” I added as we reached the gate, watching as she left while feeling the dissatisfaction lingering in my heart.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 100
