Chapter 138: Loving Theron
Aveloria walked out of the dungeon with Galen behind her. Neither of them spoke. The air outside the underground passage felt lighter, but her chest still felt tight. The conversation with Eirene had left her unsettled. The weight of everything she had heard pressed on her.
Galen stayed quiet as they moved through the castle halls. He knew she needed time to think. A few guards passed them and bowed. Aveloria acknowledged them with a small nod but kept walking fast, her cloak brushing the floor.
As they entered the hallway, leading to her chambers, they saw Theron approaching from the opposite direction. He walked toward them with steady steps, his expression serious but calm.
When Theron saw them, relief spread over his face. "I was looking for you," he said as soon as he reached them. "I heard you met with Eirene," He fell into step beside Aveloria, and together they walked towards her chambers.
Aveloria nodded. "Yes."
They paused near the chamber door. Galen opened it and stepped aside so she could enter. Theron followed her inside, and Galen closed the door behind them.
"So how did it go?" Theron asked, his arms crossed.
Aveloria walked toward the table near the window, but did not sit yet. Galen remained near the door while Theron stood across from her.
"It was not what I expected. She said so many things. Admitted so much. She worked with a coven in Drakwyne. They gave her stronger portions to heal herself, and in exchange, she allowed wanderers into the kingdom." She explained briefly.
Theron let out a slow breath. "And what does she want now?" he asked.
Aveloria looked at him directly. "What I suspected. She wants a deal. Freedom in exchange for the names of those working for the Lord of Drakwyne. And she can help us find Marek."
Theron looked at Galen, then back at Aveloria. "And what did you tell her?"
"That I would think about it."
Theron nodded, processing the information. For a moment, he was quiet, then he walked slowly toward the table and placed his hand on the edge.
"That is a large request," he said.
"Yes," Aveloria replied.
Galen finally spoke. "It could also be a trap."
Theron nodded slightly. "That is possible."
Aveloria sat down on a chair near the table. She looked tired now that the tension of the dungeon had passed.
"I do not trust her." She added.
"I do not trust Eirene, either. She betrayed the kingdom once. She could do it again." Galen said firmly.
Theron did not dismiss the concern. He looked at Aveloria. "You both are right to be cautious, but we must also look at what we gain from this."
Aveloria remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"You have more to gain by letting her go than by killing her. If she gives you the names, you root out traitors in the court. If she leads you to Marek, you end the threat at its source. A dead prisoner gives you nothing." Theron spoke in a calm, measured tone of someone used to making hard decisions.
Galen leaned against the wall, his arms folded. "And what if she’s lying to save herself?"
"Then we deal with that when the time comes," Theron answered.
"But she killed my mother. She killed people. She is a traitor herself."
He began to pace slowly across the room as he spoke. "I know. But you are not just a woman seeking justice. You are a ruler. You have to think about what serves the kingdom, not just what satisfies your anger."
Aveloria did not argue. She knew he was right. She stood up and began pacing the room.
Theron continued. "Think about the situation carefully. If we execute her now, we gain nothing. The traitors remain hidden. Marek remains missing. The network behind the Wanderers continues operating. And the moment word spreads that she spoke to you, the people who want her silenced will act. They cannot afford to let her talk again. They will try to get to her, and they will do it fast." He said.
Aveloria understood immediately. "So keeping her alive becomes even more important."
Theron nodded. "Exactly." He stopped pacing and looked at both of them
Galen frowned slightly. "And that also means they will act soon."
"Yes. Her safety should be our priority now." Theron said. "How much do you trust the guards in the dungeon?"
"Most of them are loyal. But if traitors exist within the palace walls, some of those patrols could already be compromised." Galen answered.
Aveloria nodded slowly. "The dungeon needs stronger protection. We need to double the guards and be careful who we assign to the dungeon."
Galen pushed himself away from the wall. "I will take the night watch myself. I have men I trust. I will make sure they are the only ones near her cell."
Theron nodded in approval. "That would help."
Aveloria looked relieved. "Thank you, Galen."
He shrugged slightly. "Don’t worry yourself too much. Everything will be fine."
"Be careful," Theron said.
"I’ll go prepare the patrol." Galen walked toward the door.
"Galen, wait," Aveloria stopped him.
He paused to look at her.
"If anything changes, send word." She said.
Galen nodded. "Sure." He opened the door and left the chamber.
The room felt quieter after his departure. Theron watched the door for a moment before turning back to Aveloria. She was sitting on the edge of the bed now, her hands resting on her lap.
Theron watched her for a moment, then stepped closer. His voice was softer now. "Are you alright?"
She looked up at him. She had not realized until that moment how tightly she had been holding herself. The whole matter settled in her chest heavily.
"I am calm." She breathed out.
"You are not as calm as you pretend to be. You look shaken," he said gently.
She hesitated before answering. "There was a lot to take in. I learned more about Eirene than I expected," she admitted.
Theron did not interrupt. He settled next to her on the bed. Aveloria lowered her gaze slightly.
"And I learned the truth about my mother. The reason why Eirene killed her."
He did not ask for details. He did not press. He opened his arms and pulled her into a deep hug.
She stiffened for a second, then let herself relax against him. His arms were solid and steady. She closed her eyes and just breathed. The tension she had been holding since leaving the dungeon slowly eased. For a few moments, she didn’t think about anything. Just the warmth of her mate holding her up. His presence reassured her
They stayed like that for several moments. When Aveloria finally pulled back, she felt better, and her breathing was calmer.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Theron gave a small nod. "You do not have to carry everything alone."
Aveloria flashed him a small smile. "I know."
Theron finally cleared his throat. "I am not sure this is the right time to discuss what I came here to say."
Aveloria looked at him. "What is it?"
Theron studied her face. "You have already dealt with enough today."
"I can handle one more conversation."
"You are certain?"
"Yes."
He hesitated.
"You can say it."
"I need to leave Lycanthria. I have to go back to my pack, gather my men, and travel to meet the allies the king assigned to me. It has to be done as soon as possible."
Aveloria stood up from the bed and walked back to the table. She reached for the jug of water and poured herself some. "That’s fine. I understand you are doing this for the kingdom. And I really appreciate it."
A worried look crossed his expression. "I am worried. I do not like the fact that you will be alone, not with everything that is happening. Lucien is gone. Marek is still missing. And Galen has been assigned too."
"But if you do not go, we lose those numbers. We lose the chance to build these connections before the war comes to us. You don’t have to worry about me."
"I just can’t help it. Everything feels unstable, and we both know the palace is not as secure as it once was."
She could not deny that.
Aveloria walked back to meet him and settled on the bed. "There are still many loyal people here," she said.
"I know, but the presence of numerous traitors changes everything."
Aveloria reached out to hold his hand. "I will be careful."
Theron locked their hands. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"How long will it take, though?" She asked.
"I can’t say yet. But I will ride hard to return as soon as I can."
She looked at him. "I wish you did not have to go." But she understood the whole situation—the needs of the many over the comfort of the few.
"So do I," he admitted.
"Come back safe." She said
"I will."
Theron stood up. "I will leave at first light in two days."
Aveloria rose from the bed as well. "Then we should spend some more time together tonight."
Theron smiled. "That sounds like something my mate should say."
Aveloria returned the smile. "And I am the mate."
