The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 496

Chapter 496: She Knows Things

[Third Person].

"Do not mistake my patience for ignorance, Alpha," she said quietly. "I already know why you did it. I am listening to see whether you will respect my granddaughter enough to grow beyond it."

Meredith’s breath left her in a silent rush. Her grandmother wasn’t asking for a confession; she was testing Draven’s character.

Just then, the old woman leaned back slightly, tapping her walking stick once against the floor.

"Words," she said, "are easy. Any man can claim change when love is convenient."

Her head turned fully toward Draven. "So I will not judge you by what you say. I will judge you by what you are willing to swear."

The room tensed instantly at her statement, her demand.

Dennis straightened. Jeffery’s expression sharpened. Even the servants seemed to still. But Draven did not look away.

"What do you ask of me?" he asked, ready to do anything asked of him.

The old woman lifted her chin. "You will take an oath," she said. "Not before a crowd. Not before witnesses who will clap for you."

She gestured subtly toward Meredith. "Before her."

Meredith’s fingers curled in her lap. She thought her grandmother was going too far because she already knew and trusted Draven’s love for her; therefore, she felt there was no need for him to prove anything, worth more swearing to her.

"You will swear that you will never use my granddaughter as a tool, neither for power, nor for politics, nor for pride. That if the day comes when the crown demands her sacrifice, you will choose her over the throne."

Draven did not hesitate. "I swear it."

The old woman’s head tilted slightly. "And you will swear that if she ever asks to leave you—freely, without coercion, you will let her go."

Meredith’s chest tightened sharply at that. ’This is too much. And not necessary.’

Draven inhaled once, deep and measured. "I swear."

Silence pressed in again. Then the old woman tapped her stick once more.

"And finally," she said, voice lower now, "you will swear that you will never raise your hand against her in anger. Not as an Alpha. Not as a husband. Not as a king."

Draven’s jaw tightened in resolve. "I swear," he said firmly. "On my name, and on my wolf."

Instantly, Meredith felt something in the room shift. Her grandmother did not smile, but the air eased.

Then she leaned back, studying Draven for a long moment and spoke quietly. "Very well."

Meredith exhaled shakily in relief. Then her grandmother turned her head slightly toward her now and placed a warm, steady hand over hers.

"You may keep him," she said. "For now."

Dennis blinked, wondering what that was supposed to mean, while Jeffery hid a smile behind his cup.

Draven lowered his head once, respectfully. He did not speak, but he understood that this was not forgiveness but rather permission.

A few minutes later, a soft knock sounded at the edge of the sitting area.

A woman stepped forward and bowed. "The rooms are ready, and your belongings have been placed accordingly."

Draven turned toward the old woman and inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you for your hospitality."

She acknowledged him with a brief nod. "You have travelled for hours. Go and freshen up. Rest a little before dinner."

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