The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 665: Terms & Conditions

One hour later...

The dining hall stood prepared, arranged for three this time.

Meredith positioned herself next to her grandmother, as Draven claimed the chair opposite, fully ignoring the head seat.

A cozy warmth filled the air, quieter than before, carrying a natural ease that bonded them effortlessly.

The feast commenced. Right away, Meredith grabbed a dish and served some onto her grandmother's plate.

"You ought to have more of this," she urged. "It's fresh."

Her grandmother hadn't replied yet when Meredith chimed in again. "And this one too."

From across the table, Draven observed silently. Then he copied her gesture wordlessly, adding food to her plate with the same calm precision.

Meredith hardly registered it. Her focus stayed locked on her grandmother.

"Grandma, you've gotten thinner," Meredith went on. "Eat well while you're staying here."

A faint smile graced her grandmother's lips, her milky eyes holding a glow that pierced beyond mere vision.

"Edith," she murmured softly, "feed yourself."

Meredith kept going. "I'm okay," she answered. "Not very hungry." Yet another morsel joined the pile on her grandmother's plate while she confessed, "I'm just... glad you're here."

Her grandmother's smile grew a touch warmer. "Is that the case?" she remarked. "Maybe I should head back home then."

Meredith stiffened. "What?" she blurted, her head jerking upward.

"If just having me around satisfies you, I don't need to linger," her grandmother explained serenely.

"No," Meredith shot back at once. "I'll eat."

Opposite them, a subtle curve touched Draven's mouth. Silently, he lifted a spoon, ladled some food, and leaned in a bit.

"Open."

Meredith shot him a quick look, then parted her lips obediently. He spoon-fed her like it was utterly routine.

He persisted. Spoonful by spoonful, deliberate and relaxed, ensuring she consumed enough this round.

Her grandmother couldn't witness it, yet she sensed it profoundly. A gentle warmth softened her features as she listened, perceived... comprehended.

She stayed silent, her smile enduring.

Dinner concluded, and the cool night breeze greeted them outdoors.

Meredith strolled arm-in-arm with her grandmother, supporting her lightly through the palace gardens. Guards trailed discreetly behind, distant to avoid eavesdropping, near enough for security.

Their steps moved leisurely and at ease.

"Tell me," her grandmother inquired after some time, "is he treating you well?"

Meredith answered without pause. "Yes." A radiant smile bloomed on her face right away, utterly sincere. "He has been..." she hesitated, hunting for the perfect term, "...everything."

She released a gentle sigh. "He refuses to let me handle anything alone now. He ensures I eat, ensures I rest... even rubs my feet and shoulders personally."

A light chuckle slipped from her. "At times, it's overwhelming."

Her grandmother absorbed it all in silence, satisfaction evident on her face. "I see," she whispered. "That's good."

Meredith dipped her head, grin lingering.

Upon reentering, evening tranquility enveloped the palace completely. They headed to the lounge.

Draven conversed quietly with Oscar inside. But as Meredith and her grandmother stepped in, Oscar stood promptly.

He inclined his head. "Your Majesty."

Without lingering, he bid farewell and departed.

Draven approached them, a soft smile playing on his lips. "How was the stroll?" he inquired. Then he extended a hand, aiding Meredith's grandmother to her chair tenderly.

"It was soothing," Meredith responded, taking her place by her grandmother. Contentment laced her tone softly.

Draven retreated, crossed to the facing sofa, and settled down. His eyes flicked between them momentarily.

"Grandma, you've only just arrived. If fatigue weighs on you, rest now."

The elder woman shook her head lightly. "I have an urgent matter to address with you."

Draven sat up straighter. "Plenty of time exists," he countered. "Rest tonight; we'll talk tomorrow."

Meredith agreed with a nod. "Yes, Grandma. You've barely settled—"

Yet her grandmother stood firm. "I won't postpone it," she stated evenly. "I'm present. Waiting serves no purpose."

Her resolute tone brooked no debate.

Meredith looked to Draven. Their eyes met shortly, and he nodded faintly. "Very well," he conceded.

Quiet descended once more, before the elder began. "The Great Wall,"

Draven's focus intensified.

"The fae shall assist in fortifying it, though certain terms must be met," she pressed on.

Draven tilted his head. "Your letter hinted at that." He added swiftly, "I'm ready to listen. No matter what, I'll honor them."

"Firstly, after our duty is done, werewolves must leave us alone," she declared steadily. Yet the weight behind her words hung heavy.

Suddenly, subtle tension crept into the space.

"Once," she went on, "your kind pursued ours. Slaughtered countless... striving to dominate the unknown."

The atmosphere thickened briefly. Draven let it linger unbroken.

"That won't repeat under my watch," the elder affirmed.

"It won't." Draven spoke firmly. "My vow stands. The fae face no pursuit."

The elder nodded subtly. "Secondly," she continued, "my companions... fall under your safeguard."

"Safety is guaranteed," Draven assured instantly. "No danger befalls them in Stormveil."

He let his pledge sink in prior to querying, "Anything more?"

She gave a faint head shake. "That's everything."

Briefly, the talk appeared concluded, yet she fell profoundly silent. Her serene facade altered faintly, a profound concern emerging underneath.

She resumed speaking. "Little time remains before the Great War erupts post-Edith birthing the royal twins."

Draven's stare hardened as her words landed with gravity. Meredith's face shifted too.

Both recognized Estella's vowed war declaration. Yet launching it while Meredith remained unfit for battle would harm the Weres.

At that instant, deeper creases of clear concern furrowed the elder's brow. Meredith noticed, inching closer. "Grandma... what's wrong?"

The elder paused briefly, then dismissed it with a head shake. "Nothing at all."

Draven pressed. "If you've foreseen something," he urged evenly, "share it. Preparation might be possible."

She breathed out deliberately. "I'll reveal it... once Edith delivers."

She offered no further, no less. Silence enveloped the room.

Meredith and Draven shared a look, knowing that whatever vision gave even her pause spelled grave trouble.