A Cold Marriage That Turned Warm 133

Chapter 133 

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Cassian. 

Thesitated before answering, then hit the video call. His face filled the screen a second later-tired, but smiling faintly. 

“Hey,” he said. “You look like you haven’t slept.” 

I let out a shaky breath. “You heard.” 

“Hard not to,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “Half the packs are talking about it already. Nolan of Silver Fant confessing his undying love in front of half the damn court-It’s… something.” 

I grimaced. “I didn’t ask for it.” 

“I know.” His tone softened. “But you should know-whatever it means for him, it doesn’t change what you’ve built here. Or what you’ve survived.” 

I nodded, but the guilt still sat heavy in my stomach. “How are the boys?” 

His expression brightened slightly. “Settling in. I moved them into the packhouse this morning, figured they could use the extra attention. August has a little ear infection, but that’s normal. The healers are checking on them regularly. They’re safe, Ellie.” 

“Cassian, I feel awful about this,” I said quietly. “You didn’t have to-” 

He cut me off with a look. “Don’t. You’re family. You know that.” 

My throat tightened. I blinked hard, forcing back the sting in my eyes. “Thank you.” 

“Always.” He leaned back in his chair, exhaling. “Listen, things are shifting fast. Nolan’s confession stirred the pot more than either of you realize.” 

“What do you mean?” I asked warily. 

“In light of everything-the election, the messenger rumors-Nolan making a public declaration of his love will cause problems. I would say it seems staged but, with his reputation as an emotionless cynic, I don’t think anyone believes him capable of faking emotion like that.” 

“It certainly wasn’t fake,” I agreed softly. 

“So, people are going to be talking about it for two reasons. One, Nolan has a heart. It’s going to comfort some people to know that he isn’t completely cold. You don’t want a leader who doesn’t care for his people, right?” 

“That’s true… it could actually help soften his reputation,” I agree thoughtfully. “What’s the other reason?” 

“You. Not just anyone would be capable of winning over a man like that. Some people are going to take this as confirmation of your divine connection. You should be careful who you trust right now.” 

I nodded again, unease coiling in my chest. “I will.” 

We talked for a few more minutes-small updates, little reassurances-before the call ended. I set the phone down, staring at the dark screen for a long time. 

The world outside the window was quiet. Too still. A storm waiting to break. 

3/4 

Chapter 132 

And somewhere, deep down, I could feel it-something moving toward us. Something inevitable. 

D