Chapter 194: They wouldn’t let me

"Compared to Kieran and Kaden, you were never really head over heels for Eloise." His voice became more serious. "You loved her, yes. But you were never the type to let feelings dictate your choices."

Killian didn’t reply immediately. He remained silent as the night breeze moved through the garden, stirring the leaves above them. The soft rustle blended with the steady chirping of crickets hidden somewhere among the hedges, while the distant music from the reception drifted faintly through the open air. Above them, the full moon hung against the dark sky, bathing the garden in a pale silver glow.

"Do you honestly think that if I had chosen to accept Yuki, they would have let me?" Killian finally asked, his voice calm.

Xavier’s brows drew together.

"I might be the eldest," Killian continued, slipping his hands into his pockets, "but I can’t fight against both of my brothers and expect to win. And even if I could, I’d rather not fight my brothers over a woman."

His answer was frustratingly ambiguous, giving Xavier just enough to suggest something without actually revealing what Killian had truly wanted.

"So you did think about accepting her?" Xavier asked, studying him closely.

A faint smile touched Killian’s lips.

"I might be power crazy, Xavier," he replied smoothly, without a ripple of emotion crossing his face, "but I’m still a filial son. The fact remains that Yuki is Aevia’s sister."

Xavier watched him carefully, trying to find even the smallest crack in his composure, but Killian gave him nothing. He had never seriously considered fighting his brothers. Even if he had, it would have been a losing battle. Kieran and Kaden would never simply stand aside, and Killian had no intention of destroying his relationship with his brothers over a bond none of them had willingly chosen.

Killian’s gaze shifted towards the brightly illuminated dome in the distance, and a faint smirk appeared.

"Besides, instead of worrying about my love life and imaginary battles with my brothers, you should worry about yourself," he said, his tone turning teasing. "You seem to have a rather formidable opponent in Alpha Declan Silverthorne."

Xavier’s brow lifted.

"Handsome, charismatic, powerful, rich..." Killian counted off lazily, the corner of his mouth twitching. "And considerably richer than a rich kid like you."

Xavier’s lips twitched despite himself.

"That’s one hell of a rival," Killian continued, deliberately rubbing salt into the wound. "And I heard some women prefer the mature type."

There was a teasing edge in his voice that Xavier knew was intentional.

"You’re really something, Killian," Xavier muttered, shaking his head.

Then his expression became serious.

"Aren’t you scared you’ll regret rejecting her?" Xavier asked. "What if there is no second-chance mate?"

For the briefest moment, something unreadable flickered through Killian’s sapphire eyes. Then it vanished.

"Stop avoiding the question," Xavier pressed.

"Don’t worry about me," Killian replied calmly. "Worry about yourself." He turned towards the dome, where the distant murmur of hundreds of guests had grown louder. "And if you don’t mind, I have a reception to attend. I’d rather not miss the moment my father makes a joke out of our entire family history."

Without waiting for a response, Killian walked past him towards the brightly lit dome. Xavier remained where he was, watching him leave. His fingers slowly curled into a fist, his jaw tightening as frustration burned beneath his skin. Killian had once again managed to slip away without giving him a straight answer, and somehow that irritated Xavier more than a confession would have.

---

By the time Yuki and Declan entered the dome, most of the guests had already taken their seats. Conversations buzzed throughout the enormous hall, blending with the soft music playing in the background. The reception hall was breathtaking.

The vast domed ceiling rose high above them, with enormous crystal chandeliers hanging from its centre and scattering fragments of light across the polished marble floor. The tables had been arranged in long, elegant rows, each covered with pristine white linen and deep sapphire-blue runners that matched the Ravencourt colours.

Gold cutlery gleamed beside crystal glasses, while small candles flickered between elaborate floral arrangements. Crystal moon lilies stood at the centre of every table, their translucent petals catching the chandelier light and creating the illusion that they were glowing from within.

Precious crystals had been woven delicately through their stems, making the flowers shimmer whenever someone moved past them. The entire dome carried the scent of fresh flowers, expensive perfume and warm candle wax. Sapphire blue dominated the room, softened by silver and white details that gave the reception an almost ethereal appearance.

Yuki’s gaze moved slowly across the room.

"This is beautiful," she murmured.

Declan smiled beside her. "Alexander doesn’t exactly believe in doing things halfway."

Before Yuki could respond, a waiter approached and bowed politely.

"Alpha Declan, Miss Yuki. Please follow me."

They followed him between the tables, but Yuki’s steps slowed when she saw where he was leading them. Their table. Of course. The same table as the triplets. Eloise was already seated, with Kieran and Kaden nearby. There was still an empty chair beside Killian. Yuki resisted the urge to sigh.

A little farther away, Terry sat with Lydia and several other guests at another table. His attention wandered across the room until his gaze landed on Yuki. He didn’t recognise the man beside her, but the powerful Alpha aura coming from Declan immediately told him that he wasn’t someone ordinary. Terry’s gaze lingered briefly on Yuki’s arm linked with Declan’s before he deliberately looked away, unwilling to stare long enough to make his curiosity obvious.

Yuki reached the table with Declan beside her. Eloise was the first to speak.

"Oh, you’re here too," she chimed with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Yuki returned the smile as she pulled out her chair. "Unfortunately," she replied sweetly. "Try not to choke when you swallow."

Eloise’s smile stiffened. Kieran’s lips twitched, while Kaden lowered his head, clearly hiding a reaction. Yuki calmly took her seat and ignored her. Her gaze wandered around the dome, taking in the familiar faces scattered among the tables. Estelle was surprisingly still there, seated among the nobles despite everything that had happened earlier. Yuki couldn’t help admiring her courage.

She looked away, unaware that Kieran’s and Kaden’s attention had already dropped to her hands. Both brothers froze. There wasn’t a single mark on Yuki’s palms. Kieran’s throat tightened. Kaden’s expression darkened. They both understood immediately.

Killian.

So that’s why he had slipped away without saying a word.