CHAPTER 117: GIVE HER A CHANCE

"Feeling better?" Leia asked softly, taking a small step back to give him space.

Lucien didn’t reply immediately, but she caught the faintest flicker of warmth in his tired gaze.

"Let’s have breakfast," she continued. "Then I’ll go shopping with Rhea."

"I’ll take you shopping," Lucien said, leaving no room for argument.

Leia raised a brow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Worried about my safety?"

"Yes," he admitted without hesitation. "The thought of someone targeting you... It makes me lose my mind."

A short silence passed between them before they began walking further into the house.

"I won’t just take you shopping," he added after a moment. "There’s someplace I want to show you. A place I’m sure you’ll like."

Leia’s eyes lit up with curiosity. "What place?"

A faint smirk tugged at Lucien’s lips. "You’ll see once we get there."

As they walked side by side, his hand naturally moved to rest on the small of her back, a subtle gesture of protectiveness.

After finishing breakfast, Leia returned with a small sling bag slung over her shoulder. "Let’s go," she said cheerfully, ready to head out.

Lucien’s eyes trailed to her hair, now neatly tied up. A faint frown touched his face.

"Why did you tie your hair?" he asked, stepping closer. "I prefer them loose."

Before she could respond, his fingers gently reached for the scrunchie. He slid it down, letting her hair tumble freely over her shoulders. As he leaned in, his warm breath brushed against her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.

"There," he murmured near her ear. "That’s better."

Leia’s heart skipped a beat as he straightened up again.

As they stepped outside, Lucien took the car keys from the driver and walked over to open the front passenger door for Leia. She offered him a small smile and slid inside, adjusting her sling bag as she began fastening her seatbelt.

Lucien circled around to the driver’s side, got in, and secured his seatbelt before starting the engine. The car eased forward, heading toward the shopping mall nestled in the heart of the city.

A few minutes into the quiet drive, Leia broke the silence. "I had a late-night conversation with Ronan. He told me he thinks he’s cursed."

Lucien glanced sideways at her, brows knitting. "He said that to you?"

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Yes. Remember that time he went to the hill and got seriously hurt? Apparently, someone told him he’d find a cure there. Since his childhood, he believes that every bad thing that happens to the pack is somehow his fault."

Lucien’s grip on the wheel tightened slightly, but he stayed silent as she continued.

"I told him not to think like that. It’s not true. He’s just... carrying too much."

She paused, then drew a steady breath before adding, "And you were right. If you had told him our wolves felt the connection, it would’ve only confirmed his belief that he’s cursed. Lucien," she turned her head slightly to look at him, her voice turning warm, "you’re such a good brother. You care about both of them so much."

"Let’s just keep it a secret from Ronan. I need to find out why he didn’t feel the connection with you," Lucien said, his brows knotting together.

"What if I ask Delia?" Leia suggested. "I think Delia is punished enough. Why don’t you release her? Let me speak with her. After all, her friendship with me soured because of a past misunderstanding. I still think Delia was simply brainwashed against my father."

Seeing Lucien’s silence, she felt he wasn’t ready to give even the last chance to Delia.

"Why do you think Delia knows things related to a wolf?" He finally broke the ice.

"Because she’s a witch," Leia replied firmly. "They know things we don’t. Things beyond our understanding."

She paused, then added with conviction, "And Delia betrayed me, so let me handle her from now on. Of course, I’d want you by my side, but I’m asking you to give her a chance. I don’t want her to rot in that dark, underground dungeon."

Lucien stayed quiet, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel. He was clearly weighing her words, the crease between his brows deepening.

"I don’t usually go back on my decisions, Leia," he said at last, his words filled with honesty. "But since it’s you who’s asking... I’ll consider it."

A bright smile spread across her face. "Thank you!"

"I just want to help Ronan let go of his insecurities," she added with determination. "He’s carrying so much inside, and I don’t want him to suffer in silence."

Lucien gave a slight nod, his eyes softening as he glanced her way. "And I’ll be with you every step of the way. Even I want Ronan to live freely like the others."

"Hmm." Leia hummed thoughtfully, then turned to look at him, her gaze lingering on his face as if trying to read between the lines. "What about you, Lucien? What made you upset? You still haven’t told me."

Lucien hesitated for a moment, his fingers again tightening subtly around the steering wheel. Then, with a sigh, he said, "I wasn’t upset. Just... annoyed."

Leia didn’t speak, waiting patiently as he continued.

"Last night, during the council meeting, I ran into another alpha," he said. "He reminded me how my parents died because of me."

Leia’s eyes widened, fury igniting in her expression. "What? Who dared to say such a thing to you?"

Her voice rose, indignant on his behalf.

Lucien gave a dry, humorless smile. "Someone who still holds grudges and thinks throwing words like that will shake me. I didn’t let him see it, but... it stung."

Leia reached out and gently touched his hand. "That wasn’t your fault, Lucien. I’ll punch that Alpha on your behalf if you want."

Lucien laughed at her statement. "Sure," he said, suddenly feeling better. "You’re adorable, Leia. I like you even more now."