Chapter 330

After what Flora had said, Zander couldn’t bring himself to confess what weighed on his heart, that he wanted her to be his Luna. The thought of burdening her with such a revelation too soon made him hesitate. He didn’t want to risk the gentle comfort that had begun to grow between them.

When they reached her home, he pulled up by the gate and cut the engine.

“Thank you,” Flora said softly as she unbuckled her seatbelt. She glanced at him with a smile that reached her eyes. “If you’d like to come in, you’re welcome. My parents would be happy to see you p>

Zander’s lips curved into a polite smile. “Maybe next time,” he replied.

Flora nodded, her gaze lingering on him. “Then… good night. I truly enjoyed the evening thanks to you p>

“So did I,” he admitted. “I’ll be around tomorrow as well. If you’d like to meet again, call me p>

Her smile brightened, and she dipped her head in agreement.

“Go on,” he said gently, gesturing toward the gates with a slight motion of his hand.

Flora gave him a little wave before slipping out of the car. She pushed open the gate and stepped through, turning once more to smile at him before vanishing into the shadows of the path leading to her house.

For a moment, Zander remained still, watching the spot where she had disappeared. Only when the night silence pressed around him did he start the car again and drive back toward the hotel where he was staying.

Inside the house, Flora’s steps halted slowly as she saw Carlos and Karmen. Their faces carried a tense expression.

“Flora, dear, why are you so late?” Samyra asked the moment Flora stepped inside. Her tone carried more worry than scolding. “We called you so many times p>

Carlos and Karmen’s eyes descended on Flora.

Startled, Flora quickly pulled her phone from her purse and found several missed calls lighting up the screen. “I’m sorry, Mom,” she said earnestly. “My phone was on silent. I didn’t realize.” She lifted her gaze to them, sensing their unease. “Is everything alright? How’s Amelie?” Her question was directed at Karmen.

“Everything’s fine,” Karmen assured.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Samyra added quickly. “Carlos just wanted to give us protective charms. His grandmother prepared them. Only he can pass them on to us. Now, sit down, dear p>

Flora nodded and hurried to the sofa. Her eyes fell on her mother’s wrist, where a delicate bracelet of dark beads rested. It hadn’t been there before.

Before she could ask, Carlos stepped forward. To her surprise, he lowered himself onto one knee before her with a solemn expression. “Give me your left hand,” he said.

Flora hesitated for only a moment, then extended it. Carlos clasped a bracelet around her wrist, an exact replica of the one her mother wore.

“Don’t take it off. Don’t lose it,” Carlos instructed firmly, his eyes locking with hers. “A witch lingers nearby. And Flora, be careful. Don’t accept anything from anyone, stranger or not. Only take what comes from those you deeply trust p>

Flora nodded quickly. “Alright p>

Carlos rose to his feet and turned toward Flora’s parents. “Please come to the mansion tomorrow. My grandmother and I will be leaving in the afternoon, but she still has much to share with you both,” he explained, his tone calm, almost reassuring. “Don’t worry, it isn’t anything serious p>

“We’ll definitely come,” David assured with a firm nod.

“Then we’ll take our leave,” Carlos said, his gaze flicking to Karmen, who had already risen from his place.

David and Samyra walked them to the door, following the pair outside to see them off.

As soon as Carlos settled into the passenger seat of the car, a sudden weight pressed against his chest. His vision blurred, and without warning, an image flashed before his eyes: Flora, shielding Amelie from death. Her face pale with strain, her body collapsing under the toll of saving her. The sight of her bloodied and broken seared into his mind.

Carlos’s breath hitched, his heart hammering. He bit down on his thumbnail, unease clawing at his insides. ’What if she dies in the future? Flora’s life seems not a long one p>

He knew the law: witches and mages were forbidden to interfere with the natural course of life and death. But this wasn’t some nameless fate. This was Flora. And if she were lost, Amelie would suffer. He couldn’t allow that and he wouldn’t.

“What’s on your mind?” Karmen’s voice broke the silence, his throat clearing as he cast a sidelong glance at Carlos.

Carlos forced himself to steady his breathing. “Nothing,” he said quickly.

“Don’t lie,” Karmen said, his sharp gaze lingering on Carlos.

“It’s nothing,” Carlos repeated firmly.

Karmen studied him for a moment but chose not to press further. Instead, he focused on the driving. “I need to check on Princess Katelyn as well p>

Carlos arched a brow. “Why p>

A faint sigh escaped Karmen. “I think she’s troubled. Her parents have tied her future to an alpha of their choosing. The Alpha King believes he’s the right match for her, but Katelyn doesn’t share that belief. She’s… conflicted. The king wants me to see her, just once, to make sure she’s alright p>

“If his daughter doesn’t want to be with this alpha, then why force her? Won’t it affect their relationship?” Carlos muttered, his tone edged with disapproval.

Karmen replied, “That isn’t for me to comment on p>

Carlos inclined his head slightly. “I understand. Are we going there first p>

“No,” Karmen said. “I’ll drop you at the mansion before heading over p>

Carlos leaned back in his seat, thoughtful. “I can come with you, if you’d like. It’s not too late, and it’ll save you the trouble of making the extra trip p>

For a moment, silence stretched between them before Karmen finally allowed a faint smile. “That’s a good idea p>

Karmen changed the lane and drove to the residential complex where Katelyn has been living.