Chapter 347: _Birthday Girl
"Rise and shine, birthday girl!"
My eyes jolted open the second I heard that voice close to my ears, but then I shielded my face with my hands when the morning sun shone on my face.
I groaned softly, a small smile curling up my lips when I saw Kaelos hovering over me, already dressed in a simple black jacket and a pair of blue jeans.
The same blue jeans I bought for him a while ago that he’d told me dead in the face he’d never wear.
Seeing that alone was enough to make my heart melt as I made myself sit on the bed, adjusting the bed clothing and clutching it to my chest.
"September eighth already?" I blinked weakly as he sat on the bed beside, wrapping an arm around my body. "Thank you so much, Kaelos. I never imagined you’d go out of your way to remember after all the war planning we’ve been doing since that day."
When Kaelos commanded every Alpha in attendance at the convergence to remain in the event hall until they pledge their allegiance... he meant it.
Some tried proving stubborn or hesitant but they all yielded eventually and since then he’s been on the clock, making plans, securing the borders of Blood Oak and following up with each Alpha.
He refused to get a new assistant after Layla, insisting he was fine and that he could handle all the pressure himself.
The dark circles around his eyes told a different story...
"Oh, please." Kaelos chuckled, tightening his grip around me. "All I did was wake you up before you sleep through your big day. It’s your first birthday that we’re spending together. I’ll never miss it for the world."
He brought his other hand to my chin, bringing my gaze to his silver eyes.
My face flushed as he leaned closer, leaving a soft kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the warmth for only a few seconds.
But then he pulled away, a small grin spreading across his face.
"Careful. We might get carried away and I already have quite a few things planned for today." He remarked, giving me one last peck on my forehead before he got on his feet. "Come on, freshen up."
I stared at him for a moment before smirking, hopping off the bed.
.
.
When I was done with freshening up, Kaelos led me downstairs where a small banquet was already waiting for breakfast.
At the centre of all the delicacies was a white three-step cake, with candles at the top.
And to my surprise, Caroline was standing there, the soft silver glow around her body reminding me of her ghost status.
"There she is." She clapped her hands excitedly. "I might not have a physical body, but gosh, I’ve been waiting for this since you summoned me. And then the cake... Ugh, I wish I could eat it."
I smiled, glancing at Kaelos who gripped my hand tighter, leading me to her.
Caroline had been scarce during the war planning so seeing her here was a welcome surprise.
A few maids were placing finishing touches to the table when I beamed at Caroline. "I swear, I need to find a spell to make you physically interact at this point. You don’t know how to do that? I—"
"Ahem!" Caroline cleared her throat just then, placing her right hand on my shoulder even though it was intangible. "You might want to lower your voice a bit when talking to me in public."
I followed her line of sight and noticed the side eye the maids were giving me. I squinted when I noticed none of them were focused on Caroline in the slightest.
"Wait..." I whispered, whipping my head to Kaelos first before bringing it back to Caroline. "They can’t see you? Then... Then how come Kaelos and I can?"
Caroline shrugged. "My leading theory is that the Alpha king’s Silverborn abilities give him affinity to the spirit realm. As for you, Althea and she who shall not be named... You all have magic."
Oh... That makes sense.
I tilted my head. "Speaking of Regina. Are you two—"
"I just called her she who shall not be named, girl." Caroline rolled her eyes at the same moment that the maids finally bowed before walking away, glancing at themselves and probably wondering if I’d gone insane.
"That’s enough talk." Kaelos rubbed my palm just then, leading me to the head of the table. He pulled out the chair, his usual seat, and gestured for me to sit like a queen.
I felt over the moon as I did just that, placing my right hand on my chest.
My eyes trailed to the cake while Kaelos sat on a chair beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
Just when Caroline sat, a familiar voice chimed from behind.
"Did someone forget their favourite aunty before making birthday wishes?"
My smile widened as I glanced over my shoulder.
Walking toward the table was my aunt Althea, a vibrant smile on her face. She wore a sleeveless purple gown, her black hair flowing like waterfalls down her shoulders.
Her heels clicked with each step she took until she finally got to me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"My baby’s turning twenty-two." She gushed with a warmth that stunned me.
Was this the same aunt who wasn’t big on public displays of affection?
The candles flickered, their little flames swaying as if they, too, were holding their breath. Everyone’s gaze shifted to me, waiting.
Kaelos squeezed my hand gently, his silver eyes soft, and I took a deep breath before closing my own.
Instead of the usual selfish wish — something small, something silly — the words that rose inside me felt heavier.
"Please," I whispered so low it was barely more than a breath, "keep him safe. Let the packs know peace. Just one year without bloodshed... that’s all I ask."
The room fell utterly silent.
The warmth of the candles pressed against my eyelids until, with a sharp exhale, I blew them out.
When I opened my eyes again, I was smiling, filled with a hope so bright it almost ached.
Across the table, Caroline leaned back with her arms folded, her ghostly glow dimmer than usual.
She didn’t clap or cheer — just tilted her head.
Althea, standing beside her, caught that look and returned it with one of her own. Neither spoke, but in that subtle glance an entire conversation passed between them.
They knew. They both knew. And sadly, deep down... So did I.
Peace wasn’t coming. Not yet.
But I didn’t dwell on that.
I was too wrapped up in Kaelos’ warmth beside me, too caught in the illusion of this perfect morning. For one rare moment, I let myself believe in my wish.
And as I looked down at the cake, cheeks flushed with happiness, my hopeful face stood stark against the shadow of their unspoken fear.