The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 182: Already Decided ()

"Zariah..." King Askel said in disbelief, taking a hold of Zariah’s hand.

That touch spoke a thousand words that Askel would not be able to get out in that short duration of time.

The familiar sparks at Askel’s touch had Zariah’s will faltering for just a moment but Zariah was quick to remind herself that this was what she had to do.

Zariah had thought about it a thousand times...no, a million times and the only way she could see out of this was taking control of the game herself.

The mastermind was in the shadows and Zariah was in the open, it was impossible to overcome what one did not even know.

Zariah had to change the dynamics, and to level the playing field, she needed to take control of the game...to step into that darkness for herself.

"Askel, this is the right thing to do..." Zariah paused in hesitation, the next words she was going to say were stuck in her throat.

It was difficult to say words she knew were sure to hurt Askel deeply, but between Askel’s heart and taking Caedmon down, Zariah already knew what was more important to her.

Beyond that, Zariah would not sacrifice a chance like this for a man... for emotions and fleeting tenderness.

She had done enough of that in one lifetime, if she played the same game once again, then she was no deserving of the second chance she had gotten.

"As Lord Protector of the realms, finding myself in a position where I might be the cause of internal strife within the Ethereal domain... I have given it much thought."

"I have always believed in being straightforward and fair in all my dealings and I will do the same this time." Zariah continued.

"The mate bond with Caedmon... I feel it too...as much as I feel yours and I cannot ignore it or move forward without an understanding of what this means."

"They say the Creator never makes mistakes. If it truly is so, my bond with Caedmon must exist for a reason. Till I understand what this reason is, I cannot make a decision." Zariah finished.

Zariah knew her words had rendered King Askel completely speechless, she could tell by how his grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly.

King Askel was in such shock that he could barely even muster words to counter or deter Zariah, all he did was stare up at her in disbelief.

Zariah did not dare meet his gaze, she feared if she looked into his eyes, her resolve would be shattered and she would change her mind for a man she could not even trust.

And so Zariah kept her gaze fixed ahead as she said her next words which she knew would utterly break Askel’s heart.

"Also, in this time, I would like to have my judgement uninfluenced by my...ties with Askel, and so I request that Askel and I take some time away from each other in this month."

"This will help me to make an objective and unbiased decision." Zariah finished.

The entire hall was in stunned silence, even Caedmon Grey stared at Zariah in surprise.

But most of all, there was Askel whose grip on Zariah’s hand loosened and his hand dropped to his side.

"It seems to me like you have already made a choice." Askel murmured in a low tone.

Zariah gritted her teeth, her heart constricting in pain as Askel got up to his feet and strode out of the hall.

Every thing in Zariah screamed for her to go after him and her bond pulsed painfully, but Zariah clenched her hands into fists at her sides, restraining herself with every ounce of will she had left.

For a short time after Askel left, the hall was still in silence and all eyes were fixed on Zariah in concern.

But the silence did not last for too long, it was soon interrupted by Caedmon. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Zariah... I know this decision must have been difficult for you, and I want you to know that I will not disappoint you... I will not let you regret this for even a moment." Caedmon vowed solemnly.

Zariah leaned her head back, sucking in a deep breath to tame the rage churning within her veins, rage that churned even more tumultuously at Caedmon’s voice.

"Decision? I have not made any." Zariah clarified.

"What I have just said is in no way assuring you of anything, neither am I making any promises or a commitment."

"What I am trying to say in essence is that this was not a gesture of acceptance and so you have nothing to be grateful for. I will give you a month as has been agreed and whatever comes after that will be up to my judgement." Zariah made clear.

"I understand...even so, I am grateful." Caedmon insisted with a bright smile on his lips.

Zariah stared blankly at him, she could still vividly remember a time when that smile would send her heart beating in an erratic pace, a time when that smile would brighten up her entire day.

She could still remember a time when she had been gullible enough to believe that smile was genuine, and thinking on it now, Zariah found it laughable... she found herself to be just a big joke.

"Then... what happens now?" Caedmon asked slowly.

"Now, you return to your quarters and ponder over how you will make the best use of the month you have been given to get us better acquainted."

"Your month begins counting at dawn tomorrow." Zariah said blankly.

Caedmon nodded in understanding, rising up to his feet, he flashed Zariah a grateful smile before he gave a small bow to Lords Kodin and Melven and then took his leave.

With only Zariah, Lords Kodin and Melven and the Crimson Wolves left present, the hall returned back to its pin drop silence... which again did not last as it was soon interrupted by Kaileen.