The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven-Chapter 662: The Announcement was Made

[Third Person].

The following morning, by direct order of the King, Mabel Carter was set free.

The prison gates opened without ceremony, the guards stepping aside as her restraints were removed.

For a brief moment, she stood there, unmoving, as though she hadn’t quite processed what was happening.

"His Majesty has ordered your release," one of the guards said.

Mabel blinked. ’Released? Just like that? No explanation. No warning?’

For a second, confusion flickered across her face, but it didn’t last. She didn’t ask questions, and she didn’t want answers.

After weeks of confinement... of eating only once a day... of enduring the suffocating weight of isolation—none of that mattered anymore. She just wanted to go home.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the realization settled in. She was going home.

The guards escorted her without delay.

—

The Carter residence~

A servant rushed into the house, slightly out of breath.

"Beta! Madam!" she called. "Miss Mabel has returned—she’s at the gates!"

Both Beta Gabriel and Margareth froze. "What?" Margareth’s voice trembled slightly.

"Miss Mabel... she has been released. The royal guards brought her back."

From deeper within the house, Monique and Gabriel heard the commotion and hurried out as well, their steps quick with confusion and anticipation.

By the time they reached the sitting room, their parents were already there waiting. Then the doors opened, and Mabel stepped in.

The room fell silent.

For a moment, no one spoke because the girl standing before them barely resembled the one they remembered.

Her skin had darkened under harsh conditions. She had grown noticeably thinner, her frame lacking its former strength. Her hair hung in tangled disarray, and her dress—once proper—was now stained and worn.

She looked exhausted and broken. And she reeked of neglect.

Margareth’s hand flew to her mouth. "Mabel..."

Mabel’s lips quivered before she fell apart. Tears flowed as she hurried forward. "Mother—!"

Margareth didn’t hesitate. She pulled her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly despite the state she was in.

"My child... my child..."

Mabel clung to her, crying openly, her body shaking as everything she had endured came pouring out at once.

Monique stood a short distance away, her chest tightening at the sight. Though relief washed over her, she didn’t step forward.

She remained where she was, her hands clasped together, a quiet smile forming through her emotions.

Mabel was back, and that was enough.

Gary stood beside her, equally restrained, though his gaze remained fixed on his sister.

After a moment, he stepped closer, his expression was a mixture of relief and confusion.

"Mabel," he said carefully. "How... how did this happen?"

Mabel sniffed, pulling slightly away from her mother, though her grip on her remained.

"I... I didn’t ask," she said weakly. Her voice was hoarse. "And I don’t want to know..."

Tears slipped down her cheeks again. Her mother gently cupped her face. "Enough," she said softly. "You don’t need to say anything right now."

Then, her expression softened further. "You need a bath first."

Mabel nodded faintly, too exhausted to argue. With care, Margareth guided her further into the house.

Beta Gabrie remained calm, watching them go. Then slowly, he exhaled a long breath. Relief settled in his chest.

Whatever the reason was, his daughter was home.

***

Time passed quietly.

By the time Meredith’s third month had gone by, the subtle changes in the palace could no longer remain hidden.

The careful restraint Draven had maintained finally came to an end. Then the announcement was made. The Queen was with child.

The news spread through Stormveil like wildfire. From the palace halls to the furthest corners of the city, the news carried with it a wave of joy that had not been seen in a long time.

The people rejoiced openly, their voices filled with excitement and relief.

"The King will have an heir."

"The royal bloodline continues."

"Stormveil is blessed."

Within the palace, the Grand Hall once again filled, but this time, not with tension or judgment, rather with celebration.

The council of elders stood before the throne, their expressions lighter than they had been in months.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty."

"Stormveil is fortunate."

"This is truly a blessed time for the kingdom."

Their voices carried genuine relief. For them, this was more than personal happiness. It was stability, continuity, and assurance that the throne would endure.

Draven acknowledged them with calm authority, while Meredith sat beside him, composed as always, though the faint softness in her gaze did not go unnoticed.

Among them, Randall stood quietly. But the pride in his expression was unmistakable.

A small smile lingered on his lips throughout, one that did not fade even as others turned to congratulate him as well.

"You must be proud," one of the elders said.

Randall inclined his head slightly. "I am."

And he did not deny it.

From that day forward, the palace became flooded with gifts from Council elders, Royal Alphas, and high-ranking officials.

All sent their offerings.

Precious fabrics, rare herbs, protective charms, finely crafted ornaments—each gift chosen carefully, each one carrying both celebration and allegiance.

In her quieter moments, Meredith took it upon herself to inspect some of them personally out of caution rather than excitement.

She opened each one with care, her gaze sharp as she examined their contents, ensuring nothing harmful had slipped through.

Even now, she remained vigilant.

—

Meanwhile, at the Carter household, the atmosphere was much more restrained.

The family sat around the dining table, the news of Meredith’s pregnancy still fresh in their minds.

Monique was the first to speak. A faint scoff escaped her lips. "So that’s why," she said. Her tone carried a hint of bitterness.

"That must be why His Majesty suddenly decided to release Mabel."

Her gaze flicked briefly toward her younger sister, but Mabel didn’t respond. She simply continued eating, her movements controlled.

Whatever thoughts she had, she kept them to herself. She had learned big lessons the hard way.

Margareth glanced between her daughters before speaking. "Monique," she said, her tone measured. "When are you returning to your mate’s pack?"

Monique paused, then slowly looked up. "Are you chasing me away, mother?" she asked.

Beta Gabriel didn’t wait. "You will leave in three days," he said firmly.

The words settled without room for argument.

Gary nodded slightly in agreement. "You’ve stayed longer than usual this time, Monique. Your children need you."

Monique’s expression tightened. Annoyance flickered across her face, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she returned to her meal in silence.

And dinner continued without conflict.