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

[Third Person].

Two days later, the palace received unexpected guests.

Dennis and Helena.

When they were ushered in, Meredith had just stepped into the sitting hall to join Draven. Her brows lifted slightly at the sight of them, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

"Dennis. Helena."

They both bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty," Helena greeted warmly.

Dennis’s lips curved into a familiar smile. "We came as soon as we could."

Meredith studied them briefly, her confusion still evident until Helena stepped forward, her expression soft with genuine happiness.

"Congratulations, Meredith."

The realization clicked instantly. Then, Meredith’s gaze shifted slowly toward Draven. "So much for waiting until the third month," she said.

Draven didn’t look the least bit guilty. Instead, a faint smile formed on his lips. "I couldn’t resist telling my brother."

Dennis let out a quiet chuckle and stepped in. "In his defense, that kind of news is not something you keep to yourself."

Meredith shook her head slightly, though there was no real displeasure in her expression.

The afternoon passed easily. Conversations flowed naturally, laughter coming more often than usual.

Helena stayed close to Meredith, her joy evident in every glance she cast toward her.

Dennis, on the other hand, was in particularly good spirits.

At some point during the evening, as they sat together near the balcony, he glanced at Helena with a teasing look.

"So," he began casually, "are you ready for us to have a pup too?"

Helena blinked, then immediately looked away, her cheeks flushing. "Dennis—"

"What?" he asked innocently.

"You—" she stopped, clearly flustered.

Meredith laughed—a clear, unrestrained sound that carried easily through the space.

Helena only grew more embarrassed, while Dennis looked entirely satisfied with himself.

—

As evening turned into night, the air was cool, and the sky stretched broadly above them.

After some time, the men exchanged a brief glance. Then, without much explanation, they stepped away, leaving the women behind.

A short distance away, Draven and Dennis stood in quieter solitude. The mood shifted.

Draven leaned slightly against the stone railing, his gaze distant for a moment before he spoke.

"How is Mother?" he asked.

Dennis exhaled softly. "I went to see her once," he said. "But she didn’t say a word to me."

Draven’s expression didn’t change, but his silence stretched slightly longer than usual. "I see."

The air between them stilled briefly.

Then, he said, "I already have a plan. I will deal with father."

Dennis turned his head, and their eyes locked. A sharp flicker appeared in his gaze. "When?" he inquired.

Draven’s gaze shifted forward again. "Not now. I will wait."

Dennis frowned slightly. "Wait?"

"Yes." Draven nodded. "Until my pups are born."

Dennis studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "That might be for the best," he admitted. "Even if I don’t believe in omens..."

His voice trailed slightly. "...it’s not worth the risk."

Draven’s gaze remained forward, steady. "I will get Mother out very soon," he said after a moment.

There was no hesitation in his tone this time. Only certainty.

Dennis exhaled, his jaw tightening slightly. "Then please... hurry. Father has had his way for far too long."

Draven didn’t respond with words, but the shift in his expression was enough.

It was no longer a matter of if. Only when.

—

When Draven and Dennis returned to the balcony, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Meredith and Helena were seated close together, their voices light, laughter slipping easily between them. Whatever they had been discussing had clearly amused them both.

Dennis slowed slightly, watching Helena with a softer expression before stepping forward.

"What are we laughing about?" he asked.

Helena glanced at him, still smiling. "Nothing you need to know."

"That sounds suspicious," he replied.

Meredith let out a quiet laugh but didn’t elaborate.

Draven simply moved to stand beside her, his presence naturally settling at her side.

For a while, the four of them remained there, the conversation flowing easily again, untouched by the heavier discussion that had taken place moments before.

Eventually, the time came for Dennis and Helena to leave. As they prepared to go, Meredith spoke.

"You should stay the night," she said. "It’s late."

Dennis shook his head lightly. "Another time." Then, with a faint grin, he added, "Besides, when the twins are born, we might not leave at all."

"Dennis." Helena shook her head.

"We will just move into the palace," he continued casually. "Save ourselves the trouble of travelling back and forth."

Meredith laughed. "I will remember you said that."

Dennis’s lips curved slightly. "Make sure you do."

Helena shook her head, though a small smile betrayed her. "That’s not what he meant."

Dennis only looked more pleased with himself. After a few more words, they took their leave.

As the doors closed behind them, a quiet calm settled over the palace once again. Then Draven turned slightly toward Meredith.

"It’s time for dinner," he said.

She nodded and let him take her hand, and together, they walked back inside. Their steps were unhurried as they made their way through the corridors and into the dining room.

The table had already been prepared, so they took their seats.

For a while, the only sounds were the soft clink of cutlery and the quiet movements of servants attending to them.

Then, just as usual, Draven began putting food on Meredith’s plate. "This."

A portion of food appeared on Meredith’s plate.

"And this."

Another followed. Meredith glanced at her plate, then at him. "You’re doing it again."

"You need it."

"I’ve already eaten enough."

"You haven’t."

She exhaled softly but said nothing more, choosing instead to eat as he watched her attentively.

Every time her pace slowed, something else found its way onto her plate. By the time she finally set her cutlery down, she leaned back slightly.

"I can’t eat anymore."

Draven studied her for a moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. "That’s fine."

After dinner, the servants cleared the table, leaving the two of them alone.

Draven leaned back in his seat, a faint smile on his lips. "I’m in a good mood tonight," he said.

Meredith glanced at him. "I can see that."

Without much warning, he spoke again. "What do you think about releasing Mabel tomorrow?"

Meredith blinked slightly. "That’s sudden," she said. "Why?"

Draven shrugged lightly. "I think she has been there long enough," he replied. "If she hasn’t learned her lesson by now, more time won’t change anything."

He paused briefly. "And..." His gaze shifted toward her, then lower, if only for a second. "With the cubs on the way... I feel like showing some mercy."

Meredith watched him as a small smile formed on her lips.

He noticed. "Well?" he asked. "What do you think?"

She gave a slight shrug. "Do as you please."

Draven chuckled softly. That was enough of an answer for him.