CHAPTER 254: BEGIN YOUR REAL EDUCATION

"Why are you staring at me like that? I’ve noticed it for a while now. Shouldn’t you be focusing on your food?" Amelie asked softly, lifting a glass of water to her lips.

Gabriel’s fingers delicately held the stem of the wine glass. He swirled the red liquid slowly, his eyes never leaving her face.

"It’s just... it’s been a long time since we’ve shared a dinner like this," he replied, his voice laced with warmth. He took a slow sip, savoring the moment more than the wine.

Amelie smiled faintly, her gaze drifting toward the wide glass windows. The moonlight spilled gently across the landscape outside.

"It looks so beautiful tonight," she murmured.

Gabriel watched at her serene face.

’Why did my mother want to harm you, Amelie?’ he thought. ’Even though she knew the pendant you wear would shield you, she still went that far. What is she hiding? You’ve never wished harm on anyone. All you ever wanted was for me and her to reconcile. What if I hadn’t arrived in time that day?’

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft brush of her fingers on his hand.

Amelie gently traced the rim of the wedding band on his fourth finger.

"I loved the food," she said. "You took such care to ensure nothing had a strong aroma. It means a lot to me."

Gabriel turned his hand over and clasped hers with tender strength.

"That’s the least I could do, Ame. You and the pup deserve every bit of comfort," he said, glancing down at her empty plate with a smile of satisfaction.

Amelie’s eyes twinkled, then she leaned in slightly.

"Since the baby’s going to be a boy... what should we name him?"

Gabriel tilted his head in thought, then chuckled.

"Well, we’ve been calling him Noa so often... what if we just go with Noah? Noah Sinclair."

He said the name aloud, as if testing how it felt in the air.

A spark lit Amelie’s eyes. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of it, spoken from Gabriel’s lips, it felt right. A strange warmth flooded her chest.

And then she felt it.

A flutter. A nudge.

A gentle stir deep inside her womb.

"Did you feel that?" Gabriel asked instantly, his eyes widening.

Amelie nodded, awe spreading across her face.

"Yes... he responded," she whispered.

Gabriel exhaled a breath of disbelief and joy.

"You see?" he murmured. "He already knows we’re his parents. He accepts me as his father."

Amelie was overwhelmed with his statement, her eye turning misty immediately.

"Thank you for accepting him," she whispered.

~~~~

"Your Highness," Idris called softly, tapping gently on the door.

Inside, Casaio was on a call with Estelle. Hearing Idris, he lowered the phone slightly and responded, "Come in."

The boy entered quietly as Casaio finished the call.

"Estelle, I’ll visit you tomorrow. Take care," he said before ending the call and turning toward Idris with a small smile.

"Have a seat, Idris. Your sister didn’t come with you?" Casaio asked, motioning to the chair across from him.

Idris sat down respectfully. "Sister Zilia is preparing dinner. She said Your Highness wanted to speak with us about something important."

Casaio nodded. "Yes. It concerns your future, Idris."

He rose from his seat and gave Idris a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Wait here. I’ll bring your sister," he said, stepping out toward the kitchen.

Casaio’s steps slowed as he entered the kitchen, his gaze settling on Zilia. She was quietly cooking one of his favorite dishes, the aroma wafting through the room. Her hair was tied in a simple bun, though a few loose strands framed her face, swaying gently with her movements.

Sensing his presence, Zilia looked up. Her stirring hand slowed slightly as their eyes met.

"If possible, prepare the dinner later," Casaio said gently. "Idris needs you beside him. I want to speak to him about his future."

Zilia turned down the flame, then wiped her hands on the cloth resting on the counter. "Alright," she replied softly, stepping away from the stove and walking past him toward his room.

As soon as Idris saw her, a smile bloomed on his face.

"You can sit on the bed," Casaio offered once they entered, but Zilia chose instead to stand quietly by Idris’s side. Casaio didn’t press further. He sat on the edge of the bed, folding his hands loosely over his lap before speaking.

"Idris," he began, "I’ve decided to send you to an academy."

Idris blinked, listening intently.

"You’re twelve now. It’s time you begin your real education, not just in books, but in discipline, leadership, and strength. You’ll live at the academy for six years, training and learning alongside other young wolves your age. During the holidays, you’ll come home to visit your sister. And since the academy is in the capital, Zilia and I will be able to check in on you often."

Casaio paused for a brief moment. "I believe this is the best place for you, Idris. Are you ready to begin this next Chapter of your life?"

"Yes!" Idris replied promptly. "I always wanted to study and train like the other kids. Thank you, Your Highness, for providing me such a wonderful opportunity. But I have a question," his smile slowly fading.

"What is it?"

"Umm... I couldn’t awaken my wolf yet. Most of the wolves of my age have already done that, I believe. Will it be a problem for me in the academy, Your Highness?" Idris inquired.

"It can be a problem because others will look down on you," Casaio told him truthfully. "However, every wolf takes time to come out. The doctor said that everything is fine with your body. Maybe the wolf will appear at an unexpected time. So, don’t be worried. You need to face certain hardships there. While I’m always there to defend and protect you, but I know you’ll defend yourself in a much better way. Just make sure you never tell anyone about your past."

Idris nodded his head, "I understand, Your Highness. I’ll not let anyone find out about... My past."

"Some things aren’t good to share with the people. It’s better to keep them hidden, Idris, for your own personal growth. We can’t wipe out your past, but we can build a better future for you. And I know, you’re going to be great in the future," Casaio pronounced with a confident smile.