The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 661: Dennis and Helena Visits

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Previously on The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven...
A royal healer confirms the protagonist is pregnant with twins, a revelation that leaves Draven overwhelmed with shock and protective intensity. As the couple settles into their new reality, Draven becomes increasingly overbearing with his care, leading to a tense disagreement regarding his demand that she cease all training. Despite their friction, the bond between them remains strong as they decide to keep the pregnancy a secret until the three-month mark.
Two days later, the palace grounds were breached by unexpected arrivals. Dennis and Helena. Upon being escorted inside, Meredith had just entered the sitting hall to meet with Draven. Her eyebrows arched in a subtle display of surprise. "Dennis. Helena." They both offered respectful bows. "Your Majesty," Helena greeted with a warm smile. Dennis’s mouth quirked into a familiar, knowing grin. "We arrived the moment we were able." Meredith scrutinized them for a moment, her bewilderment lingering until Helena stepped forward, her features softening with genuine joy. "Congratulations, Meredith." The realization dawned on her immediately. Then, Meredith slowly turned her gaze toward Draven. "So much for waiting until the third month," she remarked. Draven showed no sign of remorse. Instead, a slight smile played upon his lips. "I could not resist informing my brother." Dennis let out a soft laugh and stepped forward. "In his defense, news like this is not something one can keep hidden." Meredith gave a small shake of her head, though her expression lacked any real annoyance. The afternoon flowed by effortlessly. Casual conversation filled the air, punctuated by laughter more frequent than usual. Helena remained devotedly by Meredith’s side, her delight evident in every look she bestowed upon her. Dennis, meanwhile, seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits. At some point, as they spent time near the balcony, he shot a teasing glance at Helena. "So," he began casually, "are you prepared for us to have a pup as well?" Helena blinked, then quickly looked away, her face flushing crimson. "Dennis—" "What?" he inquired with mock innocence. "You—" she stammered, clearly flustered. Meredith burst into laughter—a bright, unrestrained sound that echoed through the room. Helena only grew more embarrassed, while Dennis looked entirely satisfied with himself.As twilight deepened into night, the air became crisp beneath the expansive canopy of the sky. After a period of socializing, the men exchanged a brief look. Without further explanation, they stepped aside, leaving the women to their own devices. A short distance away, Draven and Dennis stood in the growing quiet. The atmosphere underwent a subtle shift. Draven leaned against the stone railing, his eyes fixed on the horizon before he broke the silence. "How is Mother?" he asked. Dennis let out a heavy sigh. "I visited her once," he explained. "But she would not speak a word to me." Draven’s expression remained stoic, though the silence lasted a bit longer than usual. "I see." The tension between them briefly solidified. Then, he added, "I have a strategy in place. I will deal with Father." Dennis turned, and their eyes met. A sharp determination glinted in his gaze. "When?" he questioned. Draven turned his focus forward again. "Not yet. I must be patient." Dennis furrowed his brow. "Wait?" "Indeed." Draven nodded. "Until my pups have arrived." Dennis studied him for several moments before giving an affirmative nod. "That might be the wisest course," he admitted. "Even if I am no believer in omens..." His voice dropped, trailing off. "...they are not worth the risk." Draven’s gaze remained unwavering. "I will liberate Mother very soon," he declared. There was no hesitation in his voice—only absolute resolve. Dennis exhaled, his jaw tightened. "Then please... make haste. Father has had his way for far too long." Draven did not respond verbally, but the intense change in his expression spoke volumes. It was no longer a question of if, but only when.Upon their return to the balcony, the mood had shifted entirely. Meredith and Helena were sitting closely together, chatting with light voices and frequent laughter. Whatever subject they had been discussing, it had clearly brought them both immense amusement. Dennis paused for a moment, observing Helena with a softened gaze before joining them. "What are we laughing about?" he queried. Helena glanced up at him, her smile still lingering. "Nothing that concerns you." "That sounds quite suspicious," he replied. Meredith chuckled softly, offering no further explanation. Draven moved to her side, his presence settling naturally next to her. For a time, the four of them remained, their conversation flowing with ease, untouched by the heavier matters discussed moments earlier. Eventually, it came time for Dennis and Helena to depart. As they readied themselves, Meredith suggested, "You should stay the night. It is quite late." Dennis gave a light shake of his head. "Perhaps another time." Then, with a playful smirk, he added, "Besides, once the twins are born, we might never leave." "Dennis." Helena shook her head in disapproval. "We will simply move into the palace," he continued casually. "It would save us the trouble of traveling back and forth." Meredith laughed. "I will certainly keep that in mind." Dennis’s lips curled. "See that you do." Helena shook her head, though a subtle smile betrayed her. "That is not what he meant at all." Dennis only looked more self-satisfied. After a few parting words, they made their exit. When the doors clicked shut behind them, a tranquil silence fell over the palace. Draven turned to Meredith. "It is time for dinner," he said. She nodded, allowing him to take her hand, and they walked back inside. Their pace was unhurried as they moved through the corridors toward the dining hall. The table was already set, and they took their seats. For a while, the only sounds were the soft clinking of cutlery and the quiet movements of the servants. Just as he often did, Draven began piling food onto Meredith’s plate. "Eat this." A portion of food landed on her dish. "And this." Another followed. Meredith stared at her plate, then back up at him. "You are doing it again." "You need the nutrients." "I have already eaten plenty." "Clearly not enough." She let out a soft breath but chose not to argue, consuming the meal while he watched her with focused attention. Every time she slowed down, more food found its way onto her dish. By the time she finally put her fork down, she leaned back against her chair. "I cannot eat another bite." Draven studied her, then gave a nod, looking satisfied. "That is sufficient." Following dinner, the servants cleared the table, leaving the two of them alone. Draven reclined in his seat, a faint smile on his face. "I am in a good mood tonight," he admitted. Meredith looked at him. "I can see that." Without warning, he spoke again. "What are your thoughts on releasing Mabel tomorrow?" Meredith blinked in surprise. "That is quite sudden," she noted. "Why?" Draven gave a subtle shrug. "I believe she has been confined for long enough," he answered. "If she hasn't learned her lesson by now, more time will hardly make a difference." He hesitated briefly. "And..." He directed his gaze toward her, then lowered it for a fleeting second. "With the cubs on the way... I feel inclined to show some mercy." Meredith watched him, a tiny smile playing on her lips. He noticed immediately. "Well?" he pressed. "What do you think?" She offered a small shrug. "Do as you see fit." Draven let out a light laugh. That was all the confirmation he required.