<h4>Chapter 289: Stealing my friend</h4>


    "It’ll only help you if you involve us," Casaio said, standing tall now. He slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers, his eyes meeting Gabriel’s. "A witch tied to your past life can’t be ignored. This isn’t just a fleeting threat."


    "Cas is right," Dominick added, turning fully to face him. "You shouldn’t face this alone. And Amelie... she deserves protection, too."


    "If you think we’ll get hurt by helping, then stop worrying about that," Casaio continued. "Maybe we failed you when we were younger... but we’ve changed, Gabriel. We’ve grown. I think we’ve be closer than before. So, you don’t have to carry this alone anymore."


    Gabriel exhaled, his gaze falling to the garden again, where Amelie stood, unaware of the conversation above. "We haven’t located the witch yet," he said atst. "Once we do... I’ll tell you both."


    It wasn’t a full surrender, but it wasn’t a rejection either.


    "Just promise you won’t hesitate to call on us when that timees," Dominick said firmly.


    He paused for a moment before his expression softened. "Also... Juniper and I are getting officially married next week. I came here to invite you in person. I know things with Mom are strained, especially after what she did to Amelie, but I still hope you’lle. Your presence would mean a lot."


    Gabriel nced at his brother, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he gave a small nod. "I’ll try. But... wasn’t the wedding supposed to happenter?"


    Dominick shrugged with a grin. "Juniper and I decided justst night. We figured there’s no point in waiting any longer. We’re ready."


    Gabriel arched a brow. "So... when are you and Zilia tying the knot, Cas?"


    Before Casaio could respond, Dominick cut in with enthusiasm. "It could be a double celebration, you know. If Cas and Zilia get married the same day, it would be perfect. You already fought so hard for her. Might as well announce her as your wife officially."


    Gabriel chuckled softly, then narrowed his eyes in mock suspicion. "Although... it looks like Cas still has a few doubts."


    Casaio shook his head, a softugh escaping him. "It’s not like that," he said, his tone light but sincere. "I just... want to do it right this time. Zilia and I are trying to rebuild what we lost. When the moment’s right, I’ll make it official. Not out of pressure, but out of rity and love."


    "Fair enough," Dominick said, giving his brother a pat on the back. "But don’t take too long. If you hesitate too much, she might run off again."


    "Run away again?" Gabriel echoed with a raised brow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "What does that mean?"


    Casaio let out a breath slowly. "Zilia quietly left the pce with Idris back when we were still negotiating with Luke Hunter. I had already broken the bond between us, so I couldn’t sense her anymore. She had every intention of leaving the kingdom and me... for good."


    He paused, jaw tightening slightly at the memory.


    "I was scared. I didn’t know where she was or if she’d evere back. But Idris called me, at just the right time. He asked me to give his sister a second chance, to love her again... and to forgive her for everything. I was ready to do that, I was. But when I look back, I wonder if I was too harsh with her."


    Gabriel gave a dry chuckle. "Too harsh? No, Cas. If anything, you were too soft. That’s why she’s not rotting in a prison cell right now."


    Casaio gave him a side nce but didn’t argue.


    "But you’re right about one thing," Gabriel added. "Idris did the right thing. He knows you too well. He knew his brother-inw wouldn’tst without his sister beside him."


    Casaio gave a small, thoughtful smile. "Maybe I wouldn’t."


    Gabriel looked out at the garden again, then back at Casaio. "Then don’t let her go again. Love is never easy, especially not for people like us, but if she’s still holding on, then don’t make her wait."


    "Yes, since you chose her, you need to forget what she did to you both," Dominick advised.


    Casaio hummed as he took the suggestions of both his brothers.


    ~~~~


    "What? Next week?" Amelie eximed, her eyes widening in surprise.


    Juniper nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Yes. We talked about itst night and just... felt ready. So, we set the date."


    "That’s wonderful!" Amelie said, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Congrattions, June! I’m so happy for you both."


    Zilia stepped closer, her voice warm and genuine. "Congrattions on finalizing the date. I hope it brings nothing but joy and peace to both of you."


    Juniper beamed. "Thank you. I hope you both will be there, especially you, Amelie. It wouldn’t feel right without you."


    "Of course, I’lle with Gabriel," Amelie said with a gentle smile. "I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything."


    Juniper grinned, a hint of nervousness shing in her eyes. "Try convincing Gabriel too. Though... I’m hoping Nick will take care of that part."


    Amelie chuckled softly. "Don’t worry. Gabriel might be stubborn about many things, but he won’t miss his brother’s wedding, no matter what."


    "Ahh, Carlos is here," Juniper said, ncing past the garden path. The others turned their heads to follow her gaze.


    Carlos approached with a confident smile. "You forgot mepletely, Amelie. We still have a chess match to settle."


    Amelie’s eyes widened with realization. "Oh right! I promised you we’d y today."


    "Exactly," Carlos said, folding his arms with mock seriousness. Then, turning slightly to Juniper and Zilia, he added with a light bow, "So, deardies, if you’ll excuse me, I’m stealing my friend away."


    His gaze brieflynded on Zilia, and for the faintest moment, something flickered in his eyes. But he said nothing, merely offering her a polite nod before turning back to Amelie with a casual grin.


    "I’ll see you bothter," Amelie said and went ahead.


    Carlos followed her and leaned close to her ear, "Mimi, if I win, you’ll grant me a wish."


    "And what if I win?" Amelie asked.


    "Then, I’ll grant your one wish," Carlos stated.