Chapter 268 - Reunion
A soft, gentle warmth—that was the first thing Celaus felt as he slowly came to. His head throbbed painfully, yet that dull ache was nothing compared to the strange unrest in his chest. Opening his eyes, he blinked against the sunlight streaming weakly through the wooden beams of the ceiling. His gaze lingered there, unblinking, as if grounding himself in the familiar structure was the only thing keeping him tethered to reality."Oh my... he’s awake."
A new, unfamiliar face appeared above him. Short, blond hair framed a pair of sharp, golden-rimmed irises, and despite the youth etched into his features, Celaus immediately recognized him. His heart skipped—a familiar warmth radiated from the boy, but it was tinged with anxiety. It was his youngest brother.
"Is he okay? Why isn’t he talking? Do you think he has some brain damage?" The younger man’s voice wavered as he stepped closer, concern pulling at every syllable.
"He seems fine," a deeper, more familiar voice answered. Celaus’ gaze shifted, and there was Xing Yu, standing with calm composure but a gentle warmth emanating from him.
"I think he is in shock," Xing Yu said, his tone measured, steadying.
The youngest brother frowned, biting his lip. "I saw the Farian warriors shake him like a bottle of salt. Maybe they scrambled his brain."
Celaus’ lips twitched into a faint, weary smile. "I am well," he murmured, his voice hoarse but steady.
"Oh, he is good," the young man breathed, relief washing over his face. He stepped closer, golden eyes lighting up with recognition. "Hi... brother."
Celaus’ tired smile softened, though he still found it difficult to sit upright—his long, blond hair pinned uncomfortably against his body, a reminder of his prolonged unconsciousness. "It’s... nice to see you at last, youngest. You... you resemble our mother the most," he murmured, awe and warmth threading through his voice as he studied the boy’s features.
The young man flushed lightly, quickly hiding behind Xing Yu as if seeking protection, yet the blush betrayed his pride and delight.
"I reckon that you have found your mate too. Congratulations on that, General Xing," Celaus said, nodding politely but with genuine warmth.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Xing Yu replied, bowing slightly, his posture respectful but infused with a quiet pride.
Celaus’ eyes flicked around the room, searching. "So... where is my mate now?" His voice was softer now, edged with longing and curiosity. His gaze was earnest, scanning for any hint of the one he had waited for so long.
He remembered his brief moments of consciousness during the crash—blurry, fleeting images—but there had been something more than mere sight. His soul had reacted instinctively to a presence, an energy he could not mistake. The realization struck him like a bolt: his mate had been on Earth all along. No wonder he had not been able to find him despite years of searching. His chest tightened at the thought, a mixture of relief, longing, and the ache of lost time.
Smiling gently, Celaus’ gaze returned to the two men before him. "Is he... resting somewhere? I would very much like to meet him."
Jian shifted awkwardly in his seat, glancing first at Xing Yu, then at Celaus. His chest tightened. "Umm... your mate... he stepped out for a minute. He’s tending to the wounded soldiers," Jian murmured, his voice hesitant, unsure how much to reveal.
Celaus’ gaze softened, a small, warm smile spreading across his face. "Oh... then it’s good. I’m glad I am finally able to meet my mate here on Earth. It’s such a pleasure to know your other half has been well and safe," he said, his voice gentle, his charm radiating in every word.
Hearing this, Jian’s stomach sank. Guilt prickled sharply at him. Of course he couldn’t tell Celaus the truth—that his mate had run off, adamant that he was not gay. Saying it aloud would break Celaus’ heart, and Jian could feel the weight of that possibility pressing down on him.
Before he could dwell further, the door opened and a tall, poised young woman walked in. Jian’s eyes followed her instinctively. He had seen Farian men before, but never a Farian woman up close. She was striking—tall, well-built, with long black hair braided neatly down her back, and a face that combined strength and charm in equal measure.
She bowed gracefully toward Celaus, her voice calm and respectful. "Your Highness, I hope you are well."
"I am well, Katrina," Celaus replied with a gentle nod. Then, noticing Jian, he added, "This is my younger brother."
Jian straightened and returned the bow politely. "Your Highness, it’s an honor," he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of awe.
Celaus smiled warmly. "Jian, this is my personal warrior."
Katrina’s lips curved into a charming smile as she inclined her head toward him. "It is nice to finally meet you, Your Highness," she said, her tone friendly yet composed.
Jian smiled awkwardly in return, still unsure of how to navigate this formal, yet strangely intimate, setting. He noticed her confidence and poise—it was rare to meet someone who commanded presence so naturally.
Celaus’ eyes flicked between Jian and Xing Yu, then settled back on Jian as he reached out, gently taking Xing Yu’s hand in his own. "Ah, General Xing is your mate. I’m so glad you both have found your other half," he said, his voice imbued with warmth and approval.
Hearing Celaus’ words, Jian felt a pang of guilt tighten further in his chest. He couldn’t interrupt, couldn’t confess that his mate had fled. So he simply nodded, keeping his expression neutral while internally bracing himself for the complicated emotions he felt rising.
Celaus chuckled softly, his eyes lighting up. "I too have had the pleasure of finding my soulmate here."
"Oh my!" Katrina exclaimed, her voice high with delight as her eyes sparkled. "It’s wonderful news! Then we have a prince consort now! I’m so glad!"
Jian watched her, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite his inner turmoil. There was something refreshing about Katrina’s sincerity, her joy genuine and uninhibited. It was a contrast to the complicated, knotting emotions he felt about his own situation.