xxviii
1086 Words
“Now, what the hell happened?” Jeremiah asked while talking to Kieran in the holding chamber. “You, of all people, know it’s forbidden to transform in the city! Why did you do it, Kieran?” he asked, brows raised.
“I had to defend myself from that crazy wolf, okay?” Kieran said with a sigh. “I wouldn’t break the rule on purpose. He transformed first. He was set on killing me,” he added.
“Henry Jones,” Jeremiah began. “He was supposed to become the Alpha of Blood Rose, but he lost that right when he lost the match against you. That fight changed everything for him,” he added.
“I didn’t know it was that serious,” Kieran said, his voice low. “A punishment like that is too much. It shouldn’t exist in the first place,” he added.
“But some packs still follow old rules,” Jeremiah replied, crossing his arms. “We can’t change how they run their own people,” he added.
Kieran stayed quiet, looking away. Jeremiah sighed.
“Look, you’ll have to stay here for the night. Just until everything dies down. You know how strict the council can be,” he added. “I will let your mate know and permit her an entry here,” he added.
Kieran nodded, though he was clearly disappointed.
“Alright. I’ll stay. I owe you that much anyway—for letting me handle this my way,” he said. Jeremiah gave him a short nod before turning to leave.
“Just rest. I’ll come back in the morning,” Jeremiah said and left.
Kieran leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes. All he wanted was to be back with Celestia, but for now, he had no choice.
“Open the door,” Jeremiah said. When the door opened, he stepped inside and saw Henry sitting on the chair, staring into space.
“Henry,” Jeremiah called. Henry looked at him for a second, then looked away.
“You know it’s a serious offense to transform in my city,” Jeremiah added as he sat down in front of him.
“Just kill me and get lost,” Henry muttered, not even meeting his eyes.
Jeremiah clicked his tongue and stood up.
“Henry, you’ll never defeat that man even if you do everything,” he said calmly, then turned and walked out.
Jeremiah left the holding chamber and headed home. As soon as he arrived, Celestia approached him with a worried look on her face. She had already heard what happened from Dwayne.
Jeremiah gently tapped her shoulder.
“Kieran’s in the chamber,” he said. “He’ll be staying there until tomorrow, just to let things calm down,” he added. Celestia's eyes widened.
“Can I see him?” she asked. Jeremiah nodded.
“Yes, you can. I’ve already given permission.”
Without waiting, Celestia turned and went with Dwayne, who offered to go with her. Together, they made their way to the holding chamber to see Kieran.
“Are you alright in here?” Celestia asked softly. “I brought you food,” she added with worry in her eyes. Kieran smiled warmly and gently cupped her face.
“I’m alright,” he said. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“You’re not hurt, are you?” Celestia asked again, searching his face. Kieran shook his head.
“No, darling, I’m not hurt,” he said. “Did Dwayne tell you what happened?”
“Yes,” she nodded.
“That guy... really,” Kieran sighed. “But don’t worry too much. I’ll be home soon.”
“Alright,” Celestia said with a smile. “I’ll be waiting for you,” she added.
Meanwhile, back in Jeremiah’s house, Adelaide stood in front of a wooden door and knocked. After a moment, she heard his voice from inside.
“Come in.”
She took a deep breath, hesitated for a second, then opened the door and stepped in.
“Uh... hi?” she said, a little unsure.
Jeremiah looked up, clearly surprised. In all the years since their past, he never thought Adelaide would be the one to approach him first. Sure, he often teased her, but this—this was new.
“Uh,” Jeremiah cleared his throat and sat up straighter. “What is it? Can I help you with something?” he added
“I’m just here to give you this,” Adelaide said and placed a mug of coffee on his desk. “I hope you still drink the same?” she asked.
Jeremiah smiled and ran his finger along the mug’s handle. So she still remembered his favorite coffee.
“It still is,” he said.
“Tough day, isn’t it?” Adelaide asked as she sat on the chair across from him.
“Damn right, it is,” Jeremiah replied, shaking his head. “Being Governor is no easy job,” he added.
“But you’re doing great,” Adelaide said kindly. “The Northern Region grew strong because of how you lead,” she added with a smile.
“There’s still a lot I need to do,” he said, looking tired.
“It’ll take time,” she said gently.
The room grew quiet for a moment. Jeremiah looked at her while she quietly scanned his office, her fingers brushing over the edge of the table.
“Adelaide...” he finally said.
“Hm?” she answered, looking up.
“About... what happened to us years ago...” he said with a deep breath. Adelaide’s smile faded.
“Let’s not go there,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “You don’t want to ruin this moment,” she added.
“Yeah. I’m sorry,” Jeremiah said, nodding and clenching his hand into a fist under the table.
Trying to lighten the mood, Jeremiah chuckled.
“Remember the time you set a merchant’s cart on fire?” he said. Adelaide narrowed her eyes.
“That’s because his products were all fake and he was planning to scam his buyers. The guards didn't even bother to arrest him," she angrily said, recalling what happened.
Jeremiah laughed and shook his head.
“You really have a temper,” he said. Adelaide smirked.
“Only when it’s needed,” she said.
They both laughed lightly, the tension slowly melting away. The past was still there, but for now, it could wait.
- Writer
