Hades' Cursed Luna novel Chapter 32

Hades~

"Let me get this straight," Kael said, pointing at me with a smirk. "The Lycan King, the man who can kill with just a look, tried to make a joke?"

I shot him a glare, my patience fraying at the edges. He was skating on dangerous ground, but Kael rarely had the sense to stop himself. The room felt smaller, the tension between us thick in the air. But Kael, as usual, seemed oblivious, still grinning like he was amused by his own audacity.

"Kael," I growled, my tone holding a warning. "You’re testing me."

He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "Come on, Hades. You joking? That’s like a wolf trying to wear sheep’s clothing. It just doesn’t suit you."

I could feel my jaw tightening. I took a step forward, closing the gap between us. Kael’s smirk faltered for a brief moment, but he held his ground, like always. He had his uses, but his mouth ran faster than his survival instincts sometimes.

"You think because I’m the Lycan King, I don’t understand humor?" I said, my voice low, the words simmering with annoyance. "That I’m incapable of anything but violence and orders?"

Kael gave a small shrug, but the amusement faded from his face. "It’s not that, Hades. You’re just... intense. All the time. It’s hard to imagine you trying to lighten a mood when you’re always carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."

I narrowed my eyes, ready to shut him up, but he continued, his voice softening. "Look, I’m not trying to piss you off. But the thing with the princess... she’s not like the rest of us. She’s fragile in some ways, you know? All that power, but inside, she’s still a werewolf in a pack of Lycans. She needs to feel safe around you, not like you’re just the king who could snap her in two."

His words made me pause. I wasn’t sure whether I was more irritated or... thoughtful. I wasn’t used to anyone telling me how I should be, least of all Kael. But what he was saying about the princess gnawed at something inside me.

"I am already aware she is afraid of me," I said quietly, more to myself than to him.

Kael exhaled, scratching the back of his head. "Not exactly afraid, cautious. But she’s on edge around you, like she doesn’t know what to expect. You make her nervous, and not in a good way."

I clenched my fists, a deep frown creasing my brow. The last thing I needed was for the princess to feel unsafe around me. At least after considering what Amelia had said. But what did Kael expect me to do? I wasn’t the type to smile big toothy grins and crack jokes. That wasn’t who I was.

"I don’t know how to be any different," I muttered, frustration seeping into my tone. I could believe that I had to change because of Darius’ daughter.

Kael looked at me for a moment, his usual cockiness replaced with something almost resembling sympathy. "You don’t have to be a different person, Hades. Just... softer. Let her see that you care, that you’re not just this unbreakable wall. She already knows you’re strong and as intimidating as the devil. Now show her you can be gentle when it matters."

I stared at him, his words stubbornly sinking into me. I wasn’t used to thinking about how others saw me. I led through strength, through fear and respect. But for Ellen, it seemed like it would be too much of just not enough.

Kael gave me a small smile, more sincere than I’d ever seen from him. "Trust me. She doesn’t need you to be a comedian. Just... let her know you’re there for her." He said, his voice suddenly turning hard. "I know who she is, but you have to bury the disdain so this will not be a waste. You have sacrificed too much to lose out because you cannot stand her."