Chapter 228 228: The calm before the storm...

Ramsey

My eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of the early morning light filtering through the curtains.

I stretched languidly, carefully moving Lyla sprawled on my chest to the other part of the bed… I was practically her mattress. After settling her, I pushed myself to the edge of the bed, reaching for the tablet resting on the nightstand to review my schedule for the day.

I skimmed through meetings, security briefings, training sessions and a few pack affairs – each task was listed neatly, but despite the workload, I didn't feel overwhelmed. Not anymore.

When I was done confirming my appointments, I turned my gaze to Lyla fast asleep beside me. Her face was relaxed in the soft morning light her dark lashes rested against her fair skin, her chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm filling me with a sense of peace I never thought was possible.

My mate. My peace.

For so long, my life had been dictated by duty, by expectations that never aligned with my desires. But with Lyla, everything was different. She was my anchor, my mate, the one person who made all the burdens of leadership bearable.

It had been a month since we made things official, and every day since had been nothing short of bliss. With the old council of elders gone, both in White Moon and the White Mountains Council, I finally felt free. Free to lead the way I saw fit, free to make decisions without pressure and most importantly – free to love Lyla without being bound by my grandfather's antics.

Now, my vision seemed clearer, my decision-making had improved and I felt useful. I had never imagined that love could be like this – fierce yet gentle, all-consuming yet freeing.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I turned my gaze back to Lyla. She looked so serene, so perfect.

Gently, I reached over and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She stirred slightly, her lips parting in a soft sigh. Unable to resist, I bent down and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

She smiled but did not wake, curling deeper into the blankets.

I chuckled, brushing my thumb over her cheek. She had a way of making me feel whole, of easing the deepest wounds in my soul without even realizing it. My fingers briefly traced over my mark on her neck – We had marked each other at the first opportunity we had.

My gaze flickered to the drawer beside the bed, where a small velvet box was hidden beneath some documents. I have been carrying an engagement ring for three weeks – it was my mother's – the same ring my father had given her when they first met.

I had been debating for weeks now.

When should I propose?

his pocket for the past weeks but I was waiting for the perfect moment. It wasn't that I doubted my decision – I knew without a shred of doubt that I wanted Lyla as my mate and

our bodies and having passionate

– especially

Ferals who had grown attached to her. They adored her so much and go into a frenzy if she didn't visit them in a day. While the

had suggested we play the recorded clip I had taken of her singing to the Ferals whenever they grow restless

from that, Lyla has also resumed training pushing herself harder each day. It wouldn't be long before she left for the Northern Forest to retrieve Neriah's sword. I knew she had to do it, but the thought of her venturing into

didn't stop

were all hoping Lyla would regain her powers soon. We

mind, he

"Ramsey, are you awake?"

Yes, what is it?"

Can you meet me in the garden

my brows as the link ended. What could be so important that Lenny couldn't just say it outright? Even though his tone was not urgent, there

rose from the bed carefully, trying not to disturb Lyla, and dressed quickly. When I returned from the bathroom, Lyla was awake but

are you sneaking off to?" She teased, straightening her hand towards

death," I murmured moving immediately to her side. She grinned tilting her chin up as I bent down to capture

world outside our bubble ceased to exist. I forgot

But I had to force myself to pull away as I rested my

it's serious though," I said combing her hair with my

like a satisfied cat beneath the sheets. "I was hoping to keep you in bed a little

I murmured, kissing her once more before standing. "What are you doing

chest. They pointed invitingly at me and I knew it was

I'll be heading to the Northern Forest soon, I need to conserve my

affairs. We're about to pass into law a lot of amendments regarding our constitution. We'll do one more review today and see if it's ready. Then…" I paused, winking at her. "Let's go out later.

"We literally went on one

smirked. "I need to do it

a soft kiss to my lips. "Fine. But after that, I want to go for a run. Nymeris has been

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