"Was it really a wise choice, my lady?"

Kaelith's maid spoke, her voice unusually uncertain. The same woman who always spoke with firm conviction now sounded hesitant.

Kaelith understood exactly what she meant. She didn't ask for clarification. Instead, she countered with a question of her own, "Are you doubting your younger sister?"

Avalin shook her head. "Young Master values loyalty, and I would stake my life on Marilyn's. She will not disappoint him. But the Emberclad family… I cannot be certain of them."

She let out a heavy sigh. "The alliance is crucial, now that Lord Cravanvor knows Lord Argon supports us. But under these circumstances… if Lady Averis steps back—since she never had the chance to be the young master's mate—wouldn't that leave us at a disadvantage?"

Argon had come to Aethernox with the proposal precisely because of his grandchild's obsession with the Chaos Heir.

If Averis returned home, a justified choice, Argon might withdraw his support. The alliance could crumble before it even truly began.

Kaelith's amber eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment in her gaze as she addressed her maid. "No one has seen me as closely as you have, Avy. The Moonshade clan has served Aethernox for over a century, and you've been by my side since I was a hot-blooded lass."

Tilting her head, Avalin replied softly, "Do you truly think I need someone's support to survive?"

Avalin lowered her head, knowing the answer without needing to speak.

When the world learned that Aethernox Kaelith would bear the child of Chaos, she was barely a teenager.

Even Avalin had been shaken by the news, fearful for the young girl and aware of the forces that would soon converge on her.

Yet Kaelith had never faltered. She had never bowed her head, never sought help. She had stood tall, ready to face anyone who dared challenge her.

The only female leader of a faction. The woman who defied the world to bear the accursed child. The sole ruler who never relied on a man—or anyone else—to build her empire.

In all her years, Avalin had never seen anyone with such unyielding will and unshakable determination.

Kaelith's voice was calm, yet carried the weight of her conviction. "In the past, even after losing my family, I never once considered kneeling before anyone. And now, with my pillar of support, my pride, my son by my side… do you really think I would need help?"

Avalin lowered her head, guilt washing over her. "Please forgive me, my lady. I doubted your abilities."

Kaelith shook her head gently. "It's alright. Now, go and see if Averis is well… and on your way out, send Peri and Luna in."

Avalin gave one last polite bow before leaving the room.

Kaelith exhaled slowly and turned to the window, her gaze distant.

Yes, she was worried. Not about the possible loss of Emberclad's support in the future—that, she could handle. Her concern lay with the other clans.

Now that it was no longer a secret that Argon backed Aethernox, rival factions might see an opportunity. With the Dragon King's vast army supporting her, they could decide it was wiser to form an alliance against her and strike early.

Kaelith's mind raced with plans to keep them at bay. She needed to secure her home, to hold the enemies at a distance until Hades grew strong enough to challenge them on his own.

Only then could Kaelith allow herself to be reckless once more.

Just then, there were two soft knocks at the door.

"Come in," the matriarch called, and the door slowly opened to reveal the two familiar women.

"Sit," Kaelith said, gesturing toward the chairs across from her desk.

Luna hesitated. "Is everything all right with Hades?"

Kaelith couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I should be asking you that. You two know better than anyone what he's going through right now."

It was true—but still, the sudden summons from the matriarch had left them on edge.

Peri sighed as she lowered herself into a chair. "He's in pain, but it's easing slowly."

"He's restless too… like he's trying to escape from somewhere," Luna added.

Kaelith hummed thoughtfully. "That's normal. I haven't heard much from other late awakeners, but I know this for certain—their awakening always brings emotions that overwhelm them."

Luna asked, "So…what did you want to say?"

Kaelith hummed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Are you two okay?"

Peri and Luna exchanged a glance, uncertain of what she meant.

Kaelith clarified, "Having another mate in his life…are you two truly fine sharing that place with Marilyn? She will be regarded as his True Mate."

The first female dragon a male bonds with is called his True Mate, and her authority stands above all others.

Luna let out a soft sigh before speaking. "The day we confirmed our feelings, Hades told me I could never be his only wife. He explained that to awaken his core, he would need the help of a female dragon."

Her lips curved into a faint, fond smile. "He was so nervous when he gave me the choice to walk away from his life…but naturally, I didn't. That thought never even crossed my mind."

Looking up at the redhead, she added, "I won't deny that it hurts sometimes…but I knew this would happen, so I am prepared to face it."

Peri let out a quiet sigh. "Well, I myself was an unplanned mate in his life, so I can't even think of raising a protest against Marilyn."

Kaelith's brows arched as she countered, "Regardless of the circumstances that brought you together, what matters is that you are his mate now. That alone gives you the right to express your feelings."

Peri was struck silent for a moment. She felt Luna's reassuring hand close gently over hers.

At last, she confessed, "Yes… it hurts a little, knowing he's building another bond. But I'm not upset with Marilyn, nor would I ever blame her. She's helping him—saving him. And it's not like Hades never warned me of his future plans to take a dragon wife. So yes, I'm prepared too."

Kaelith released a long sigh, then gave them both a small nod. "That's good to hear. Despite being young, you two have a remarkably mature outlook on these matters."

The two girls stayed quiet, uncertain how to respond.

Kaelith didn't keep them longer. Turning away, she said, "Go and rest for now. I know it's hard not to think of Hades, but try to sleep a little, and make sure you eat something."

They both offered a brief bow before leaving the room.

Crossing her arms, Kaelith murmured under her breath, "You are fortunate, my son…"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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