Chapter 35
I feel myself trembling as I walk inside Damon's room. Damon's men responded quickly to be with Damon as they try to catch Jules. I can't stop worrying about what might happen.
Part of me felt sorry for Jules but the fact that he was the reason Alpha Devon died was huge proof that he was a traitor to the kingdom. And the other thing that is messing with my brain is what he said.
"Why don't you check the people you think are faithful to you? Check them if they are loyal...maybe you'll find out the traitor,"
Traitor…he wanted to convey to Damon that he wasn't the only traitor. That there is someone close to Damon who keeps betraying him and is on Jules' side.
I bit my lower lip. So, who is the traitor Jules is referring to? I can't think of anything other than the Councils and Elders who can freely go in and out of the palace. They are also close to Damon. And Damon trusts them. Damon will be hurt when there is a traitor among the people he trusts.
I stopped walking when the bedroom door suddenly opened, and Damon appeared. We both looked at each other. I quickly approached him and looked at his whole body. I want to check if he's wounded or not.
"A-Are you okay?" I asked worriedly. I was surprised when he suddenly pulled me closer to him and hugged me tightly. My heart was pounding fast inside my chest. Later I hugged him back. I know he's tired and maybe hurting. To think that his own cousin betrayed and killed his older brother must be really painful. I can't imagine the pain he needs to bear. And I want at least in some small way to relieve the pain he feels.
"You need to rest, Damon..." I told him softly as he hugged me tightly. He loosened his embrace and stared at my face. I was slightly lost in his gaze.
"Did you eat dinner already?" he asked. I shook my head and smiled. "Not yet," I answered. He nodded and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes at the softness of his lips on my forehead. "We'll eat together," he said before he went inside the bathroom. I watched him go in there.
I have many things I want to ask. I want to know what happened to Jules. I want to ask if he believes Jules that someone is betraying him here in the palace. And I want to know why...he was in Neticia's room earlier.
I know it's petty. But my heart can't be put to rest if I will continue to doubt his feelings for me. But how can I ask him when I am scared to ask him and answer me with the truth? Can I deal with that? Can I promise myself that I won't get hurt?
Damon quickly finished his night bath, so we went to the dining room together to eat. While eating, Stone suddenly came. He looks tired and still out of breath. I saw Anna's gaze linger on Stone.
"Alpha…he…escaped…" Stone's voice was full of regret. I saw Damon stop eating. He escaped? Who? Is it Jules? Jules escaped!
"We were sure that we already tied him and locked him in his cell but when we went back there, he's gone...I'm sorry Alpha!" I was surprised when Stone suddenly knelt in front of Damon.
Damon sighed and looked at Stone.
"It's fine. Just make sure to patrol the area and tighten the security of the whole palace," Damon said. Stone stood up and walked in front of Damon.
"Copy, Alpha!" he replied and dismissed himself. I saw the worry on Anna's face. I hope Stone will be fine. I hope Jules can be found because Damon's heart will surely not be calmed if Jules continues to roam freely in different places. There is a greater chance that he will attack the palace again.
When we finished eating, I told Anna to rest so Damon and I went back to the room. Damon was silent. He seemed to be deep in thought, so I remained silent until I lay down on the bed. Damon went to the balcony to maybe get some air.
I know that I will not be able to sleep because of the many things that are disturbing my mind. I stood up to follow Damon and saw him looking up at the dark sky. The half-moon was shining in the sky while stars were surrounding it. I slowly entered there and stood beside Damon.
I feel like it's been so long since we last talked. Ever since Jules arrived, I feel like he's been away from me for a long time.
"You think he's gone too far?" my first question. I don't want to make everything awkward for us. I have to act naturally if I don't want to be embarrassed.
"Yes..." he answered. I stiffened at his answer. "What?" I confirm. "He knows the ins and outs of the Agama Forest, so I'm sure he's gone by now," he explained. I sighed heavily. I didn't know it would be this complicated. Then it will be more difficult for Damon to catch him.
"From the very start I already know that he is the mastermind of my brother's death," he said which made me shocked. What? He knows that Jules killed his brother? How?!
"I was just denying it because he was my cousin. I always think that he won't do it in his own family. But when I heard your conversation with him, I immediately realized his reason. That's why it's my fault that he escaped. If I just didn't hesitate, he's maybe facing his punishment by now," he said regretfully.
Damon shouldn't blame himself. It's only natural that you have a hard time making a decision because Jules is his family. Jules was the last person on his list who would do harm to their family. But now it's happening, and he was confused for the first time because he didn't expect everything.
"Don't blame yourself, Damon. Everything happens for a reason. We can't really tell what will happen so let fate decide for us, okay?" I encourage him. He turned to me and smiled briefly. A pain went through my chest. I want to ask about Neticia. About his feelings for Neticia because he really confused me.
"D-Damon..." I called him. His dark eyes focused on me. His eyes surveyed my whole face, so I felt my face heating up. His eyes are like a million audiences. They are intimidating but it was heartwarming.
"What is it?" he asked. I took a deep breath and worked up the courage to ask. It's now or never. If he doesn't answer my question, it's okay, and if his answer hurts me...I will accept it, there is no turning back.
"I saw you...entering Neticia's room earlier...you...really love her...aren't you?" even though there was bitterness in my chest, I forced myself to smile at him to show him that I felt good. That I won't be hurt no matter what he answers.
His lips pursed as his eyes turned serious and his eyes pierced through me. I was about to look away because of my overflowing emotions that are mixing up inside my chest when he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. My heart started beating fast. I feel like I was in the middle of a marathon trying to reach the finish line, but I couldn't see it.
"Not as much as I...love you," he whispered which weakened my knees.