Chapter 233 Watching Over Her

Chapter 233: Chapter 233 Watching Over Her

Kaelen’s POV

The cart creaked and groaned as it rolled along the uneven road, and I gripped the reins tightly, keeping the horse steady. Beside me, Talia lay curled up on a pile of blankets, with her breathing slow and even. She was still asleep, her face peaceful in a way it rarely was when she was awake.

I watched her, and I felt my chest tighten.

She had been through so much. From the trials, to the battle, dowm to the journey. She had carried so much weight on her shoulders, and she never complained. She was stronger than she knew, and stronger than anyone I had ever met.

I reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred but did not wake.

"Rest," I whispered. "You have earned it."

The cart hit a bump, and Talia shifted, her brow furrowing for a moment before she settled again. I reached out and steadied her with my hand, keeping her from rolling off the blankets.

Jax rode up beside the cart, his horse matching the slow pace. He glanced at Talia, then at me.

"She still sleeping?" Jax asked.

"Yes," I said. "She needs the rest."

Jax nodded. "She pushed herself hard yesterday. I have never seen anything like that."

"Neither have I," I admitted.

Jax was quiet for a moment. "She is something else, Kaelen. You know that, right?"

I looked at Talia, and I felt the warmth spread through my chest. "I know."

Piper rode up on the other side of the cart, with her eyes fixed on Talia. "Is she okay?" she asked.

"She is resting," I said. "She needs to recover her strength."

Piper nodded, but I could see the worry in her eyes. "She scared me yesterday. When she collapsed, I thought..."

"She is fine," I said. "I will make sure she stays that way."

Piper looked at me, and I saw the gratitude in her eyes. "I know you will."

She fell back, riding beside Jax, and I turned my attention back to Talia.

I watched her sleep, and I thought about everything we had been through together. I thought about the first time I saw her in Cresswood, standing in the middle of that crowded hall with her head held high, even though she was terrified. I thought about the trials, the way she had faced every challenge with courage and determination. I thought about the battle, the way she had stood beside me and fought until the end.

And I thought about her mother. The woman who had been waiting for her for fifteen years. The woman who was still out there, somewhere in the Ashen Lands, holding on to hope.

I made a silent promise to Talia, even though she could not hear me. “I will protect you, Talia. No matter what it takes, I will keep you safe, I will bring you to your mother, and I will bring you home.

The cart moved forward, and the road stretched out before us. The sun climbed higher, and the shadows grew shorter. Talia slept on, with her face peaceful and beautiful.

I did not look away from her, because I could not. She was my anchor, and my reason for everything. And I would do whatever it took to keep her safe.

After a long while, Talia stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked against the brightness of the sun. She looked up at me, and a small smile crossed her face.

"Kaelen?" she asked, her voice soft and groggy.

"I am here," I said. "How are you feeling?"

She shifted, trying to sit up, and I reached out to help her. "Tired," she admitted. "But better."

I handed her the water skin. "Drink. You need to stay hydrated."

She took it and drank deeply, then handed it back to me. "Thank you."

I smiled. "You do not have to thank me."

"Yes, I do," she said. "For everything, and for taking care of me."

I reached out and took her hand. "I will always take care of you, Talia. That is not going to change."

She looked at me, and I saw the love in her eyes. "I know," she said. "That is why I am not afraid."

I squeezed her hand. "Good."

Piper rode up beside the cart again. "Talia! You are awake!"

Talia smiled. "I am awake."

Piper let out a breath of relief. "You had me so worried yesterday. I thought..."

"I know," Talia said. "I am sorry."

"Do not apologize," Piper said. "Just do not do that again."

Talia laughed softly. "I will try."

Jax appeared on the other side. "The sleeping beauty awakens," he said.

Talia rolled her eyes. "I am not a sleeping beauty."

"You were out cold," Jax said. "I think you snored."

Talia’s eyes widened. "I did not snore."

I shook my head. "She did not snore."

Jax grinned. "You would say that, because you are her mate."

Piper laughed. "Jax, leave her alone."

"I am just teasing," Jax said. "It is good to see you awake, Luna."

Talia smiled. "Thank you, Jax."

The cart continued forward, and I kept my hand wrapped around Talia’s. She leaned into me, her head resting on my shoulder.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I am tired," she said. "And I am scared."

"Scared of what?" I asked.

"Of what we are going to find," she said. "Of whether my mother is still alive. Of whether I am strong enough to save her."

I squeezed her hand. "You are strong enough, Talia. I have seen it."

"But what if I am not?" she asked.

"Then I will be there," I said. "I will be right beside you, every step of the way."

She looked up at me, and I saw the tears in her eyes. "Promise?"

I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I promise."

She closed her eyes, and she let out a breath. I held her close, and I felt the warmth of her body against mine.

The cart moved forward, and I looked ahead at the road. I knew the journey would only get harder. But I would protect her, no matter what.