Bought By The Ruthless Alpha King (Ruby) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Beta’s Warm Heart

Chapter 96: Beta’s Warm Heart

Ruby’s POV

This lake is breathtaking; a sapphire mirror reflecting the golden hues of the bright morning sun. It would have been a perfect night if only my heart weren’t so heavy. I wrapped my arms around myself as the cool breeze swept through my hair.

I had barely spoken since Leonidas brought me here, but he never forced me to talk either. That was something I appreciated about him. Unlike Killian, who demanded and took, Leonidas simply waited for the speaker to come forward.

“Take this.”

Leonidas handed me his handkerchief. I glanced at the white fabric, embroidered with his real name’s initials in deep purple. My tears were still falling. I sobbed, took the handkerchief, and murmured a quiet thank you.

I wiped my tears, trying to regain control over myself.

“Take your time. The morning is still young; there’s no need to rush,” he said.

I pressed my lips together and lowered my gaze. And so, I sat there, wrapped in the bubble of my own thoughts. I didn’t trust Leonidas. Even if I did, it was only forty percent. After all, he was the Beta of the King who had driven me into this despair. Leonidas would undoubtedly report everything I said to him. How wonderful.

And yet, when someone is grieving, what they need is simply someone to sit beside them. It’s as simple as that.

“Apologies for letting you see me like this, Beta,” I murmured weakly.

Leonidas dismissed it with indifference. “Crying only means your emotions are still intact, Luna.”

I fell silent at his words. The corner of my lips tugged into a brief smile.

“I thought you’d be impatiently waiting for my answer,” I said innocently, folding the handkerchief. “So you can go running to your king?”

“Oh dear, your accusation wounds my fragile heart.” His voice was deliberately teasing, but his eyes said he cared. “So, are you planning to stay silent all night, Luna?”

I let out a long sigh. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“You know Killian. Speak the truth–clearly and directly–so your king doesn’t misunderstand,” he explained, tossing a pebble into the lake, causing ripples to form on its surface.

I laughed, though only in my heart. “Compared to you, Leonidas, I am nothing. Killian probably thinks I’m betraying him as we speak.”

“Must you think that far?” His voice was firm, each word emphasized. “If you’re still blind to it, let me spell it out for you. He trusts you deeply.”

I bit my lip, staring down at the crystal–clear water. Somehow, that only made the pain in my chest grow heavier.

“Don’t joke about this, Leonidas. It won’t work on me.”

“I’m not interested in being a jester this time either, Ruby. So, tell me basically, the man is accusing you of hiding something, isn’t he?” His tone wasn’t accusatory, just curious.

I doubted, letting out a quiet sob. “Not in the way he thinks.”

Leonidas studied me with one sharp eye for a long moment before responding. “Honestly, I’m curious too. You haven’t been yourself since we returned from the magic tower. But my concern is are you well? You look pale sometimes, Luna.” My entire body tensed at his words. My fingers turned cold. “I’m fine, Leonidas. Just a little tired.”

“Your talent for honesty is truly remarkable, Ruby Lucienne,” he clicked his tongue in disapproval.

I looked at him–the man who had always been loyal to Killian yet had never treated me cruelly. He was my friend. At least, as much of a friend as I could have in this place.

“Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, and you know that if you jump, there’s no way bac

His expression shifted, the usual brightness dimming into something more pensive.

“Many times.”

“That’s how I feel,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “And I don’t know if I should jump. And yet… so many hearts hold a special kind of hatred for me.”