After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 197

His words came as a surprise to me, not only unexpected but also overwhelming. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I managed, keeping my voice steady.

"You didn't let Estelle's behavior go unpunished," he continued. "But neither did you allow personal fear or bias to influence your judgment. That balance is something to be admired."

Hearing those words, Carlos became relaxed. He took a step forward and reached for my hand. His fingers closed around mine, strong and reassuring.

I could feel the tension in his muscles ease, his grip grounding me in the moment.

For a moment, he looked at me, his expression one of pride and relief. Then he turned to the King and Queen.

"Your Majesties," Carlos said, his voice clear and unwavering, "I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Grace is everything I could ever want, and I stand by her completely."

Queen Luna exchanged a glance with King Alpha, her lips curving into a soft smile. But it was still ambiguous to me.

I glanced around the room and caught sight of Nova standing off to the side. She looked resigned, her shoulders drooping slightly. It was the look of someone who knew the outcome and had already accepted her loss.

Near her, Estelle sat quietly on a bench, her head bowed and tears running silently down her cheeks. She didn't speak or make any dramatic displays.

Her tears were soft, almost apologetic, as though she was finally reckoning with the weight of her actions.

Before I could dwell on it, a small hand slipped into mine. I looked down to see Cyrus grinning up at me, his other hand already clasped tightly in Carlos'.

His energy was infectious, and he beamed as he looked up at Queen Luna. "Look, Queen Luna!" Cyrus called out, his voice bright and full of innocence. "I'm holding both their hands!"

Queen Luna chuckled, her laughter like the soft chime of a bell. "I see that, Cyrus. You seem very proud of yourself."

"I am!" he said, nodding eagerly before looking up at me. "Does this mean you're going to stay with us forever, Mom? You and Carlos?"

My heart softened at his words, and I glanced at Carlos, who gave a small nod of encouragement. "Yes, Cyrus," I said with a gentle smile. "I think it does."

Cyrus' face lit up, his excitement infectious. For a moment, the tension in the room dissipated entirely, replaced by a sense of warmth and peace.

Cyrus, ever the energetic child, tugged on my hand. "Does this mean you'll have more time to play with me now? I laughed softly, "We'll see, Cyrus. But first, I think it's time for you to head to bed. It's very late."

"The reporters," he said, his words deliberate and loud, brimming with anger. "What the hell is going on? Why are they here at this hour? And why are they holding evidence?"

Carlos straightened, his hand tightening around mine as he took a step forward. "Your Majesty, I don't know how they arrived or who sent them," he said firmly. "But I assure you, we will investigate and uncover the truth."

The King's piercing gaze shifted to me, pinning me in place. "What the hell is going on? Grace, do you know anything about this?"

I shook my head, my voice calm but resolute. "No, Your Majesty. Their appearance was as much a surprise to me as it was to everyone else. But I will do everything in my power to assist in finding out."

Queen Luna leaned forward slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Someone clearly wanted to disrupt the pack's harmony," she said. "But their plan failed, didn't it?"

Her words felt like a balm. "Yes," I said, meeting her gaze. "They failed. We are still standing together."

Carlos added, "We'll make sure this doesn't go unaddressed. Whoever orchestrated this will face the consequences."

"Stop beating around the bush, Grace," the King's voice thundered, cutting through the room like a blade. A moment ago, everything had felt stable, but now the entire atmosphere had shifted. The Alpha King's overwhelming presence was suffocating, and his words struck me like a slap.