Verveville's Curse

Chapter17

Kael’s pov

As Lylah entered the room, her beauty captivated me. The purple dress highlighted her elegance, and I knew Kaida had put effort into dressing her up. The way the fabric framed her legs as she walked caused a stir beneath, and I found myself licking my lips, my gaze fixed on her. She seemed oblivious, focused on Axel and Kaida, but when our eyes met, I felt spellbound. Lylah mirrored my intensity, her eyes narrowing as if trying to read my thoughts. After gesturing for her to sit, she caught Axel’s disapproving stare, which he couldn’t hide despite my warning. Kaida attempted to pacify him, but the tension was noticeable.

“Lylah will start training in the combat unit, Axel. You’ll be in charge of her supervision,” I announced, hoping to bring them together, though I wasn’t sure if it would work. Axel’s baffled expression turned to outrage. “What do you mean, Kael? Training? What are you saying?” he asked, his voice rising.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together. “Exactly what I said, Axel. Lylah will train, and I want you to oversee it,” I replied calmly. Axel’s reaction was immediate. “You must be joking! You want her to train? Do you know the risks that would cause if she trains?” he exclaimed, his voice escalating.

I knew he was thinking about the potential dangers, but I wasn’t concerned. “Axel, please, mind your words,” Kaida reminded him, tugging at his clothes, aware that Lylah was present. But Axel didn’t seem to care. “Stay away from this,” he said, pulling his clothes free.

Lylah’s eyes darted between us, her expression uncertain. She seemed to sense the tension, but she didn’t fully understand its source. I smiled reassuringly at her, trying to ease her discomfort. “Well, clearly, I’m not joking, Axel. She will train, and that’s final,” I stated, my tone firm.

Axel stood up, his anger evident. “That’s not final. You can’t keep doing this. Are you listening to yourself? Are you insane?” His words pushed me to my limit. I slammed my fist on the table, making Lylah flinch. Kaida closed her eyes, sighing in frustration.

“Mind your words, Beta!” I thundered, my voice echoing through the room. “You won’t speak to me in that manner! I am your Alpha, and you will respect me. How dare you question my decisions?”

Axel’s face reddened, but he didn’t back down. “You’re putting her in danger, Kael. You’re putting all of us in danger. What happens when she fights? What happens when she turns on us?” he demanded, his voice laced with desperation.

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on his. “I’ve made my decision, Axel. Lylah will train, and you will oversee it. I expect you to follow my orders without question.” My tone was cold, brooking no argument.

Axel’s anger boiled over. “Don’t you dare!” he snapped, his eyes blazing. “You’re playing with fire, Kael. You’re going to get us all burned.” He glanced at Lylah, his expression softening slightly. “Please, Lylah, don’t do this. Don’t let him do this to you.”

Lylah’s eyes filled with tears. “Please… please guys, don’t fight because of me,” she pleaded, her voice soft. Axel’s face twisted in frustration, and he turned to me. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? You’re trying to push me to my limits.”

I nodded, my expression unyielding. “I am your Alpha, Axel. And you will respect me.”

Axel’s face contorted in rage, and he stormed out of the room. Kaida followed, trying to keep up with him. I let out a heavy sigh, the tension in the room still palpable. Lylah looked at me, her eyes uncertain.

“Don’t worry, Lylah,” I said, smiling reassuringly. “Everything will be fine. You’ll start your training soon, and Axel will oversee it. I have no doubt he’ll do an excellent job.”

Lylah nodded, though her expression remained uncertain. I could sense her doubts, her fears. But I was determined to push forward with my plan, no matter the cost. The fate of our pack depended on it.

As the silence between us grew, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Axel’s reaction had been predictable, but it still concerned me

I sighed heavily.

The silence after Axel stormed out was deafening.

I hadn’t meant to lose my temper not in front of her. Not like that.

Lylah was still seated, her back straight, lips parted like she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. Her eyes darted to the doorway, where Axel had disappeared, then to me. I could still feel the tremble in the air, the tension Axel left behind like smoke after a fire.

I exhaled. Long. Steady. Forced.

“Kaida will talk to him,” I said, voice low. “He’ll come around.”

Lylah didn’t respond right away. She toyed with the hem of her sleeve, then finally whispered, “He hates me.”

“No,” I said firmly. “He’s afraid of what you might become.”

Her brows drew together. “Is there a difference?”

“Yes.”

I pushed my plate away and stood. She didn’t look at me, and that hurt more than I wanted to admit.

“You should rest,” I said.

Still nothing.

I took a slow step toward her. “Training begins tomorrow. You’ll need your strength.”

That caught her attention. Her head lifted. “You’re still letting me train? After that?”

I nodded once. “Especially after that.”

She rose too, and for a moment, we stood facing each other. I enjoyed looking at her and the furrow of her brows.

She looked up at me like she was trying to read the truth from my face. But I knew so well to hide whatever emotions that was toying with my head

“Are you really not afraid of me?” she asked quietly.

“I am,” I said honestly. “But not in the way you think.”