16: Seeds of Confidence
Celeste’s POV
I couldn’t contain the joy bubbling inside me. As I stepped into the garden at the back of the royal building, I felt as though the weight I’d been carrying for weeks had suddenly lifted. The soft grass under my feet and the gentle sway of flowers in the breeze made the moment feel almost magical.
Kaelen was going to train me himself.
I spun in a small circle, laughing softly as I wrapped the shawl around my shoulders. It felt surreal. The Alpha King, the most feared wolf in Eldrun, had agreed to teach me how to fight, to grow stronger. I could hardly believe it.
The thought brought tears to my eyes, but I blinked them away almost as soon as they pricked. It had been so long since I’d been happy like this, pure happiness without the taint of loss or fear. Not since Thornclaw. Never since Mom and Dad.
I breathed in deeply, the smells of lavender and jasmine overwhelming me. This wasn’t just about training or revenge anymore. This was about taking control of my life. About becoming the wolf my parents always believed I could be.
I twirled again, a wide grin spreading across my face.
“Someone’s in a good mood.
I froze midspin, my cheeks hot as I turned toward the voice. Standing at the edge of the garden was Irina, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her piercing eyes gleaming with curiosity. She was every bit as poised and elegant as I remembered, but there was a softness to her expression that put me at ease.
Lady Irina,” I said, attempting to compose myself.
She raised a brow; a faint smirk tugged at her lips. “No need to be so formal. It’s just Irina.”
I nodded, feeling a little self–conscious. “What brings you here?
“I could ask you the same thing,” she replied, crossing her arms. “But judging by the way you were spinning around like a pup in spring, I’d say you’re celebrating something.” I laughed, my embarrassment fading slightly. “I suppose I am.”
Irina tilted her head, her curiosity deepening. “And what’s the occasion?”
For a moment, I hesitated. Talking about Kaelen with his sister felt… strange. But Irina had been nothing but kind to me since I came to Shadow Keep, and I felt no malice in her tone.
Successfully unlocked!
“Your brother,” I finally said, my smile broadening.
Irina raised a brow, clearly intrigued. “Kaelen? What about him?”
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པ 1:|:ཀྱི 1
- Seeds of Confidence
“He agreed to train me,” I said, the excitement bubbling back up. “Personally.”
Irina blinked, clearly caught off guard. Then she laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “Well, that explains it. No wonder you’re so happy.”
“You sound surprised,” I teased, folding my arms.
“Not surprised,” Irina said, shaking her head. “Just… impressed. Kaelen doesn’t usually go out of his way for anyone.”
I frowned slightly, her words stirring a question I hadn’t dared to ask before. “Why is that? One minute he’s cold and distant, and the next he’s… well, not.”
Irina’s smirk grew wide. “Are you asking if my brother has two personalities?”
“Maybe,” I said with a soft laugh.
Irina stepped closer, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “Kaelen’s not as complicated as he seems. He’s just… careful. He doesn’t let his softer side be shown to many people. Only those he considers worthy.”
I blinked, caught off guard by her words. “Worthy?
Irina nodded. “Kaelen carries more weight on his shoulders than most people realize. He doesn’t trust easily, and he doesn’t waste his time on people who don’t matter. But when he does let someone in, he gives them everything.”
Her words sent a strange warmth through my chest, and I looked away, unsure how to respond.
“You’ve seen both sides of him, haven’t you?” Irina asked, her voice gentle.
I nodded slowly. “I have. And sometimes it’s hard to tell which side is real.”
“They both are,” Irina said simply. “Kaelen is cold when he needs to be, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of kindness. He just doesn’t show it often.”
I bit my lip, the words settling over me. Always a mystery to me was Kaelen’s duality, but as Irina had explained it, it made it all sound… not so intimidating.
“I didn’t think you’d speak so highly of him,” I said after a moment.
Irina laughed again, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Why wouldn’t I? He’s my brother. And despite his flaws, he’s one of the best wolves I’ve ever known.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the fondness in her voice. “You two must be close.”
We are,” Irina said, her voice softening. “He’s always looked out for me, even when we were pups. And I know he’ll do the same for you.”
The warmth in her words made my chest ache. “I hope so.
Irina cocked her head to the side, her expression grave. “You are his mate, Celeste. That bond is thicker than any blood. Trust me when I say, Kaelen will move mountains for you if he has to.”
The words hung in the air as she spoke, and there we stood in silence for a moment,
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16: Seeds of Confidence
the gentle rustle of the garden the only sound.
Finally, Irina smiled, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “You’ll do well, Celeste. I can see it in you.”
“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice thick with emotion.
“Just don’t let him push you too hard,” she added, her smirk returning. “Kaelen has a habit of being a bit… intense.
I laughed, the tension in my chest easing slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
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