Under the Moonlight

Building confidence

Elliott was overwhelmed with emotions when he felt the familiar warmth he had been missing for quite some time. It was just like how he remembered it to be and the moment his Alpha embraced him, all his emotions came gushing out.

"I missed you, Brother. I missed you a lot." He cried, startling Allerick completely. He had never expected Elliott to utter such words. Elliott's state surprised him and he did not know what to reply to him.

Allerick understood what the man was trying to convey. It had been a long time since he had spoken to him as his brother, instead of just as a minister of his court. Even when the brothers were alone, he had treated him as such, while Elliott considered him to be his Alpha and King. The brotherhood they had shared in their childhood had vanished at some point in time and they had gradually drifted apart.

It was only now when Elliott broke down that he realized how ignorant he had been. In fulfilling his responsibilities as a ruler, he had forgotten his duties as a brother. Just like him, Elliott too had experienced similar pain of loss and distress. He too had to bear the duties and help him protect the kingdom and Allerick, for the first time, felt how incapable he had been as an elder brother.

Although Elliott was adopted, he was still his brother, one he had loved dearly since the time he had entered the castle.

"Please forgive me, Elliott." Unknowingly, his eyes too teared up. "I failed to do my duty as a brother. Please forgive me."

"No, no, Brother." Elliott pulled away from him and shook his head frantically. "Please do not speak that way. You are a good brother and I have no complaints against you."

"But I do." Allerick intervened. "I am disappointed in myself. Not only was I a bad brother, but I was also a terrible ruler. I am unworthy of occupying the throne. I...I..." He choked on his words. "I do not deserve this." He raised his hands and gestured around him before his gaze fell on the majestic throne. "All of this."

"No, Brother. You are not." Elliott tried to assure him. But it was futile.

Allerick was lost in self-condemnation and he did not hear a word he had said. Elliott witnessed how broken his Alpha was and he felt his heart twisting in pain. He could not bear to see him this way. From the moment Allerick had accepted him as his brother and had embraced him, providing the warmth he had craved so desperately, he had vowed to be by his side and serve him.

When Allerick had taken over the throne, he had silently vowed to protect him, even if he had to give up his life for it. To see the man he respected the most in his life in such a wretched state broke Elliott. Every word of self-deprecation that left Allerick's mouth made him miserable too. He had to stop him before he lost his confidence in himself.

So, without caring about etiquette or his manners, he strode towards him and stood in front of him, blocking his sight. Allerick, who was staring at the throne, frowned when he saw Elliott in front of him and he looked at him questioningly. He was instantly taken aback to see his expression.

Elliott looked nothing like how he had been a few moments ago. Although his eyes were red and still teary, his expression was stern and he stared at Allerick solemnly.

"Allerick," It was the first time the man had called his Alpha by his name and Allerick was stunned to hear him speak to him so brazenly. Yet, he was not angered by it. Elliott did not stop at that. He even took a step towards him and held him by his shoulder and Allerick looked at him wide-eyed before his gaze moved towards his hands that were holding him.

Allerick was taller than him. But at this moment, it seemed as if Elliott was towering over him. His imposing aura astonished him greatly. His temperament had changed drastically and it was as though he was not the Elliott Alerick was familiar with. The man in front of him was completely different than Allerick had known him to be.

"You are neither a terrible Alpha nor have you been a bad brother to me."

"But..."

"Listen to me first." Elliott stopped him from interrupting him and Allerick unwittingly stood silent and obedient. "You are one of the greatest rulers the land of Avolire has ever seen. Do not doubt yourself, ever. Without you, Avolire would not have flourished and developed into what we are today. Not only I, but even the people of Avolire also accept you to be an excellent ruler."

Elliott's expression did not change even for a moment as he expressed all that he had in his mind and Allerick, who had been drowning in misery and self-loathing, felt comforted all of a sudden. Elliott's words stopped his confidence from crumbling and his eyes sparkled with newfound determination.

"And about you being a bad brother." Elliott continued, happy that the man had shown some reaction to his words. He had not missed how Allerick's face had brightened up. Although it was subtle, it was still noticeable and his lips curved into a smile.

"Have I ever complained to you?"

"No. But..."

"Have I ever told you personally about you being a bad brother?"

"No."

"Then, why do you feel that way? You have been the best brother anyone could ever hope for and I am glad that I have you in my life even though...." Elliott stopped speaking when he realized what he was about to say next and he lowered his eyes immediately.

Not only his, even Allerick's countenance changed when he understood what he wanted to say. However, he did not reveal much and stood quietly.

"Anyway." Elliott brushed his thoughts and lifted his gaze to meet his Alpha in the eye. "Allerick, do not doubt yourself anymore. You are an Alpha the world respects and loves and you will always be the brother I have always admired. This will not change even after I die."