The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 

Itenderly touched the necklace around my neck. 

Askhan was standing very close to me at the moment and he lowered his head to look at me tenderly. 

“This necklace I originally wanted to use as ….. a wedding gift for you.” He said, leaning back. “But that’s when we were arguing, unfortunately. I’d been waiting for the day when I’d finally be able to put it around your neck once again.” 

My heart was beating so loud in my chest that I could barely think straight. His eyes had a certain softness that I never knew I’d get to see in him. 

“Well, there’s no need to dwell on the past.” Olavir clapped his hand, looking at the both of us. 

“Melanie left that scumbag.. This calls for a celebration.” 

“You’re definitely right.” Askhan grinned. He turned to me, the smile never leaving his face as he gestured for us to go into the palace. 

“Ready when you are princess.” 

The interior of the palace was a sight to see. It had been decorated in vibrant colors that made the whole place look astonishing. 

Askhan turned to us, stretching his arms out wide. “Welcome to the banquet.” 

Olavír sent me a look, a small smile on his face. We made our way to the table. 

“Thank you.” I mumbled as Askhan pulled out a seat for me. 

I enjoyed all the things my childhood friends and my brothers had prepared for me. Askhan and Olavir took their seats as well. 

“Here’s to our princess finally returning to us.” Askhan held out his drink, a warm smile on his face. 

We raised our drinks as well in toast. Just as we were about to start eating, a column of soldiers began marching straight for our door. 

I’m not happy to put down my fork, wondering what could possibly be going on. I turned to Olavir, hoping to get some answers. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, my gaze flicking to the door. 

“It’s Haelor.” 

Haelor. My other childhood friend. 

I rarely saw him after I got married. The only chances of meeting him were in the news.. Haelor was the youngest and fiercest general in the werewolf palace. The fact that he was just 26 years old made all his feats even more admirable. 

He fought in many wars against vampires and had come out victorious in every single one of them. To many people, he was the god of war himself. It was no surprise that the vampires trembled in fear at the mere mention of his name. 

“Haelor, why is he here?” I asked, unable to believe my ears. 

Olavir nodded his head, his gaze fixed on the door. As soon as I’d said that, Haelor walked into the room, flanked by a couple of his soldiers 

Askhan got up to greet him, a small smile on his face. Olavir and I got up from our seats as well. I held my breath as his eyes fell on me. 

His dark eyes seemed to stare right into my soul, reading me completely. This man was on a completely different level than any other werewolf I’d ever encountered. His lips were pressed into a thin line as he shook Askhan’s hand. 

“Welcome to the banquet.” Askhan had a smile on his face. Haelor responded with a simple nod. 

He acknowledged Olavir with a nod and his gaze landed on me once again. His stare seemed to linger for eternity before he finally turned away. 

He was a stark contrast to the warm and welcoming Askhan. Haelor had an aura that rivaled that of a battlefield.