The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven-Chapter 558: She Could Hear Them

[Third Person].

"I see you are a little bit wary of the water today," Draven chuckled calmly. "But it’s fine. I will go in first."

With that, he moved closer to the pool. And Meredith’s shoulders loosened a fraction.

Draven stepped into the water alone, the surface breaking quietly around his legs. "Come," he said, meeting her gaze.

Meredith hesitated for a second, then lowered herself to the edge and slipped her feet into the water. It was cool, but not biting. Her breath remained steady.

Draven stayed close, one hand lightly bracing her elbow as she eased herself down another step.

"That’s enough," he said when he felt her tense. "Stay there."

They stood together in the shallow end, the water barely reaching her waist. Draven’s unmoving presence was solid at her side.

"Lean back," he instructed gently. "I’ve got you."

His hands came to her back, firm and sure, guiding her until the water supported her weight. Her heart fluttered, her breath catching for just a moment, but it didn’t spiral.

"You’re safe," Draven murmured. "Now, breathe."

She did it slowly. The water cradled her. His hands remained beneath her shoulders, steady as stone.

Seconds passed, then more. When her breathing evened, Draven loosened his grip—only lessening the pressure, giving her space to feel the water hold her. And then, he let go.

Almost at the same time, something shifted inside Meredith. It was clarity. Her eyes widened briefly before softening as memory and instinct crashed together all at once.

’I am no longer who I used to be. I am not weak. I am not worthless.’

The realization struck with quiet force.

She was the Wolf Queen. Fae-blooded. Bound to ancient power. What had water ever been to her, truly?

Just then, Valmora’s voice rose strong and clear. "Fear makes you vulnerable to anything and anyone. Rage is your shield. Remember who you are."

Meredith smiled and closed her eyes. Her body floated effortlessly, the water obeying her presence as much as supporting it. Her fear dissolved, replaced by calm certainty.

Draven watched from only a step away, a slow, proud smile spreading across his face. "She’s back," he thought.

Initially, he thought he would need to train her for a few more days before her fear completely disappeared. But at that moment, observing the woman enjoying herself in the water, he realized there would be no more lessons.

His mate was no longer afraid.

---

Breakfast was a quieter affair that morning.

The long table was occupied, plates already half-filled as servants moved in and out with practised efficiency. Conversation was sparse, the weight of recent events lingering in the air.

Midway through the meal, Elder Randall paused, setting his cutlery aside. His gaze shifted deliberately toward Meredith.

"I heard your gathering yesterday morning was a success," he said. "You did well."

Meredith looked up, surprised, then inclined her head politely. "Thank you, Father."

Randall nodded once. "You should hold more such events in the future. Funds will not be an issue."

Her brows knit faintly, but she listened.

"From a political standpoint," Randall continued, "gestures like this shape public perception. The goodwill of the people is not something to be underestimated. When the time comes, their support will help solidify Draven’s reign."

Understanding dawned slowly.

"And a King," Randall added, "who is loved by his people, rules with far greater stability."

Meredith felt a small jolt of discomfort. ’That was never my intention...’

She drew breath, ready to speak, but felt Draven’s hand settle over hers beneath the table, a gentle, grounding pressure.

"Don’t," his voice murmured through the bond. "Let this stand. Clearing it up will cost you his support. It may not matter now, but it will later."

Meredith stilled, knowing that he was right.

Already, too many powerful figures in Stormveil questioned her place beside Draven. She could not afford to turn her father-in-law into another quiet opponent.

And besides, if Randall chose to see kindness as a strategy, that misunderstanding harmed no one. So, she relaxed.

When Meredith looked up again, she smiled softly and inclined her head in a small bow. "I will keep your advice in mind."

Randall seemed satisfied. He nodded once and returned to his meal.

Beside her at the table, Draven observed her with quiet approval as breakfast carried on.

---

After breakfast, Meredith left the dining room beside Draven, their steps falling naturally into rhythm as they walked side by side.

The morning air was cool and pleasant, the sun only just beginning its slow rise. Feeling light and unburdened—and admittedly a little too full—Meredith tugged Draven along with her, intent on a short walk before the day pulled them in different directions.

They made their way toward the front of the house, strolling in comfortable silence until they found a quiet place to sit.

Draven broke the silence first. "There is a meeting this afternoon," he said. "I won’t be back until dinner."

Meredith nodded. She understood well enough what sort of meeting it would be, and she didn’t ask for details. Then her attention drifted upward instead.

Three birds flew overhead, circling low before gliding closer. They were predominantly green, their feathers catching flashes of brighter hues as the light shifted.

Meredith watched them intently. Draven followed her gaze and frowned slightly. "What’s the little fight all about?" he asked.

She tilted her head. "The two on the sides don’t like the one in the middle," she said calmly. "They are afraid of her, but they still want her gone."

Draven glanced at her, a smile tugging at his lips. "And how do you know that?"

Meredith looked at him. "I can hear them."

He blinked. "You can... hear animals?"

She smiled, almost sheepishly. "Yes. I’ve had the gift since I was a child. I understand their language."

Draven stared at her, openly impressed. "You’re one in a million," he said softly. "Truly special."

Heat crept into Meredith’s cheeks at the intensity of his gaze, and she looked back at the sky.

By then, the bird in the middle veered away, flying toward the direction of the house. The other two peeled off together, disappearing in the opposite direction.

"Who knows why those two couldn’t agree with her?" Draven remarked.