While his brothers laughed and drank with their friends, Gabriel couldn’t bring himself to join in. His gaze drifted across the hall until it landed on Idris, who sat quietly in a corner, his attention fixed on the phone in his hands as he scrolled to pass the time.
A shadow fell over him when one of Dominick’s friends approached. At first, Idris responded politely, his smile small but genuine. Then the man shoved a glass toward him. Idris’s smile faltered.
"Sir, I’m underage. Please don’t force me," he urged softly.
"Underage?" The man chuckled. "That doesn’t matter among elite wolves like us. Just a taste won’t hurt."
Several of his companions called him off, but he ignored them, pressing the glass closer. Idris shifted uneasily, his eyes flicking toward Casaio for help, but Casaio’s back was turned as he drank and laughed with Dominick.
"Come on, boy!" the man pushed again.
Before Idris could respond, a hand shot out and clamped tightly around the man’s wrist. He hissed in pain, looking up, only to find Gabriel towering over him, his violet eyes blazing.
"He’s a child," Gabriel said in an intimidating tone. "When he refuses, you listen." His grip tightened. "If you don’t want to be thrown out, leave now. And don’t bother showing up to the wedding since you’re no longer invited."
"Gabriel, you’re overreacting," the man stammered, trying to twist free. "I was just joking with him."
"Charlie," Gabriel cut him off, "do you really think you can fool me? I heard every word. You’re not welcome in this palace again. Step foot here, and I’ll make sure you don’t walk out."
The hall fell into a hush silence. Those who had witnessed the exchange felt chills crawl down their spines. Gabriel’s words carried the kind of weight no one dared test.
Casaio finally turned, brows furrowing as he saw Charlie storming away, face twisted with anger. Approaching Gabriel, he rested a hand lightly on his arm, wine glass in the other.
"What happened?" Casaio asked.
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "Why bring Idris here if you can’t keep an eye on him? Charlie was trying to force alcohol on him." He exhaled sharply and stepped back. "Never mind. Enjoy yourselves. I’ll take my leave."
He strode from the hall, his presence still lingering like a storm. Idris hesitated, then broke into a run after him. Breathless, he caught up in the corridor, but words stuck in his throat. He walked quietly at Gabriel’s side until Gabriel stopped and turned, his one brow arched.
"Thank you," Idris blurted at once, bowing his head slightly. "Your Highness."
"Be firmer when men like Charlie approach you," Gabriel suggested.
"I will," Idris nodded quickly.
"No, you won’t," Gabriel countered, studying him with piercing eyes. "You’re too polite, too respectful. But not everyone deserves your sweetness. People will take advantage of it. You’re a member of this royal family now, carry yourself like one. Don’t be afraid to show your strength, Idris. Let them see the power that truly belongs to you."
Idris nodded quietly, watching Gabriel’s retreating figure. After a second, he hurried to follow.
"Yes," Idris said, his eyes brightening. "I’ve learned so much in such a short time. If it weren’t for Prince Casaio, I wouldn’t have seen this side of the world at all. But before that... you freed me from the place where I lived like a prisoner. So, in a way, you share in my freedom. I should say... you came into my life like an angel."
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