CHAPTER 255: BOUND TO A MATE MARK

"I’m ready for it, Your Highness," Idris said with determination. "I won’t let you down."

A proud smile curved Casaio’s lips. "I know you won’t," he said warmly. "You have a strong heart, Idris."

Zilia placed a gentle hand on her brother’s head, affectionately ruffling his hair. Her eyes lingered on him before shifting to Casaio.

"So... when will he leave for the academy?" she asked softly. "And what about his admission, the fees, the supplies, how will it all be arranged?"

"I’ve already taken care of everything," Casaio assured her. "His place is confirmed, and everything he’ll need has been arranged."

Zilia gave a small nod. "You can fill me in on the details later," she said. "I should get back to the kitchen, the food might burn."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and quickly walked out.

"Your Highness, when I grow up and start earning, I’ll definitely—"

"Idris," Casaio interrupted gently, "you’re not allowed to say that. Don’t ever think of paying me back. I’m doing this because it’s my duty as the Alpha Prince. So stay worry-free, and just focus on what lies ahead. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you in the beginning... but that won’t be the case anymore."

Idris smiled warmly. "You’re really kind, Your Highness."

A moment later, he leaned in a bit and whispered, "Oh, by the way, did Sis Zilia find out who called you? She kept mentioning it in front of me, but I stayed quiet."

Casaio chuckled lightly. "You did good."

"I’ll go help her in the kitchen now!" Idris chirped, and without waiting, he ran off in the direction Zilia had gone.

~~~~~

Carlos stepped out of the car, keys in hand, and made his way into the mansion. The grand hallway was quiet, the living room bathed in the warm glow of evening lights. He sank into the couch with a soft sigh, stretching his legs out as he glanced around.

"The city’s prettier than the capital," he murmured to himself.

A servant quietly approached, carrying a tray with a glass of water.

"Thank you," Carlos said, accepting it politely.

"Master Gabriel and Madam Amelie have gone out for a date," the servant informed him with a slight bow.

Carlos gave a small nod. "I see."

The servant bowed again and retreated, leaving him in silence. He finished the glass of water and placed it on the nearby table, then pulled out his phone and dialed his grandmother.

"Grandma, did you have dinner?" Carlos asked.

"I did," came Ravenna’s warm voice from the other side. "And I even took my medicine on time. Did you meet your friend? Is she doing well?"

"Yeah, she’s fine," Carlos replied with a faint smile as he rose from the couch and headed to his room. Entering his balcony, he stepped out to feel the evening breeze brush his face.

"Grandma, there’s something important I want to ask you," he said, tone turning serious.

"Yes? Go on," Ravenna prompted.

Carlos hesitated a second before continuing, "My friend and her mate... they have these marks on their bodies. Almost identical, but not completely. They look like sigils, like they’re connected in some mystical way. What could that mean?"

Here’s an edited and enriched version of your scene, maintaining its mystery while enhancing clarity, tension, and character voice:

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"Send me the marks," Ravenna said calmly. "I’ll get them examined by someone I trust."

Carlos paused, fingers tightening around the phone.

"Is there anything else I need to know?" she added, her voice carrying a subtle weight—like she already suspected there was more.

"Yes, Grandma," Carlos replied, his voice low but steady. "When I touched Amelie’s mark... I saw something. A vision of a woman, a witch, filled with rage. She looked ancient, vengeful. I think she cursed Amelie and Gabriel in the past."

He took a breath and continued, "It didn’t feel like a bond mark. It felt... wrong. Like it was laced with malice. I’m almost certain it’s a curse mark."

Silence stretched for a second on the other end of the line.

Ravenna finally spoke with concern. "A witch’s curse bound to a mate mark... that’s no small thing, Carlos. You did well to tell me. Don’t speak of this to anyone else for now. And send me the images as soon as possible."

"Sure, Grandma. I’ll send you the image soon," Carlos promised. "Just take care of your health, alright? Don’t stress too much. I’ll be back before you know it."

"Don’t worry about me, dear," Ravenna replied, her voice gentle but a bit drowsy. "Just enjoy your time there. I’m going to bed now, the medicine is making me sleepy."

Carlos smiled faintly. "Good night, Grandma."

"Good night, my boy."

The call ended with a soft beep. Carlos slid the phone back into his trouser pocket and stepped forward, resting his hands on the cold stone balustrade of the balcony.

"I wonder what Amelie could’ve done in the past... for such a curse to cling to her," Carlos murmured under his breath, his eyes still lost in the city lights. A faint knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts.

He turned and opened the door, only to find Karmen standing there.

"You?" Carlos blinked, a little surprised.

"Can I come in?" Karmen asked.

"Of course," Carlos replied, stepping aside to let him in.

Karmen entered and settled into the chair near the window.

Carlos closed the door behind him and crossed his arms. "So, what is it?"

"I’m here to talk about the marks," Karmen began. "We have an acquaintance, Louis. He met with a certain witch to learn more about them."

Carlos’s expression tightened. "I’ve already spoken to my grandmother. She’s going to look into it personally. For now, I don’t think it’s wise to discuss the marks with too many people."

Karmen nodded slowly. "Understood. I only mentioned it because Louis might have uncovered something... significant. But if your grandmother’s handling it, I’ll leave it to her."

Carlos gave a faint nod. "Thanks for understanding."