Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 901

Chapter 901: See You When This Is Over

The meeting continued as if nothing had happened, but the air in the room was thick with tension. The witches, already wary of Aldric, looked at him with renewed mistrust, their gazes sharp and guarded.

Aldric could feel their silent judgment, but it barely registered with him. He hadn’t come here to be liked, nor to bend to anyone’s will. He was here because Islinda was here, and for the sliver of pity he felt for the innocent fae citizens caught in the recent attacks. If it were up to him, Astaria could solve its own problems without his help.

The general stood at the head table, his voice commanding as he laid out their strategy.

"Today’s mission is to sweep through the remaining territories in Astaria and rescue as many fae as we can. You’ll be divided into two teams. The offensive team’s task is to drive the monsters back, as far as possible from the city. It’ll be difficult, especially if there are dark magicians in their ranks, but we’re fae, and we don’t give up. Not until the end." The general’s eyes met each soldier’s, his voice stirring their confidence.

He continued, "The second team will focus on defense, evacuating fae trapped in the city. The witches among us will split, some will escort the soldiers leading the evacuees to the palace, where they’ll be safe. The elder witch will remain here to cast a protective barrier around the camp. This will keep us safe if the enemy mounts an attack in our absence. Understood?"

The soldiers responded in unison with a strong, "Yes, sir!" All except Aldric, who remained silent, his expression unreadable. He didn’t answer anyone. He didn’t even acknowledge the general’s words. Aldric stood as a silent fortress, watching with narrowed eyes, his thoughts distant.

Beside him, Islinda nudged him playfully, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This is going to be fun," she whispered, a hint of a smirk on her lips.

Since embracing her fae powers, she had lost her aversion to violence, accepting that survival in this world demanded strength and cunning. Fighting side by side with Aldric, their movements like a choreographed dance, had become an addiction, a thrill that ignited her blood in a way nothing else could. She hoped they would get to fight together again, to share the battlefield in that perfect harmony only they could achieve.

But Islinda knew the general’s tendency to separate them. He believed they were too powerful together, that they needed to spread their abilities across the battlefield. While she understood the logic, a part of her rebelled against it. Fighting alongside Aldric made her feel invincible.

Aldric nudged her back, a rare smile crossing his face. He didn’t smile often, and the soldiers around them visibly tensed, unnerved by the sight. How could a creature as monstrous as him be capable of something as gentle as a smile? They preferred him scowling, glaring, anything but this unsettling softness that hinted at the depths of his connection to Islinda.

Islinda grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the line for the defense team. "Come on," she urged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We’re fighting together."

Aldric allowed himself to be led, a rare gesture of submission to her alone. He knew that showing emotion in front of others risked his fearsome reputation, but he dared anyone to challenge him. The beast inside him was still very much alive, just waiting to strike if provoked. But as long as Islinda was with him, the beast played nice.

The witches met his stare, unflinching. They were accustomed to threats, especially from fae who despised them. But they knew better than to test Aldric’s patience.

As the soldiers began to break into their assigned teams outside, Islinda shot Aldric a reassuring look. "I’ll be fine," she murmured, her voice carrying a fierce determination. "And I’ll see you when this is over."

Aldric watched her join the offensive team, his face a mask of barely contained fury. Part of him wanted to defy the general’s orders, to protect Islinda at any cost, but he knew they needed her. If Astaria was to survive.

Islinda turned away with the resolve to face whatever lay ahead. She had faced the monsters before, and she would do so again. The thrill of the upcoming fight buzzed through her veins, mixing with the sharp edge of anticipation.

Aldric, on the other hand, moved to the defensive line, his face darkening as he prepared for what was to come. He would defend the fae citizens, lead the rescue efforts, but his mind would be on Islinda, every moment, every heartbeat, until she returned safely.

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