Chapter 108 Almost There
ARDEN
Lunch was surprisingly warm. We sat around the long wooden dining table, the air filled with the comforting clatter of utensils and the occasional burst of laughter. The enticing scent of roasted herbs and garlic butter wafted from the dishes Mirage and Nathan had prepared.
It felt like family.
Honey sat beside me, eating mashed potatoes with both hands and occasionally talking to her plate. Mirage kept offering everyone more bread rolls, while Nathan teased Cade for something he muttered under his breath. Even Bethany, who always seemed to carry a quier tension wherever she went, wore a faint smile, her body relaxed as she cradled a cup of warm
Tea
It was light.
In that moment, I realized how different this gathering was from every meal I’d ever had with my own family. Back home, silence loomed heavier than any meal. My parents. scrutinized what I ate, how I held my fork, and whether I truly deserved to be at the table at all.
Here, Cade placed a few slices of grilled chicken on my plate, his fork moving like it was second nature.
“You should eat more,” he said casually, “so you can keep your energy up. You slept in the bathtub right after-”
I quickly shoved a spoonful of vegetables into his mouth before he could finish that sentence, glaring at him with wide cycs. “Don’t.”
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling with mischief as he chewed and finally swallowed. “Noted.”
Nathan laughed. “She’s already got you in check, son.”
Honey giggled. “Cade is her boyfriend!”
“We already know it’s normal, sweetie,” Mirage said, smiling at me. “Don’t be embarrassed.”
My cheeks flushed as they laughed at the two of us. Meanwhile, Bethany glanced at me with a knowing smile.
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Chapter 108 Almost There
At that moment, their earlier insinuation resurfaced in
my
mind.
We look alike?
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I guess we did share some similarities. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if she could be my
mo
No. I shook the thought away, stabbing a carrot on my plate a little harder than necessary.
I shouldn’t be thinking things like that. There was no way that could happen… right?
A soft jingle from the living room broke the mood. The television had been left on, the volume low–just enough to catch the reporter’s voice cutting through our conversation.
“…and with the Practor elections approaching in Fenra, preliminary polling numbers have just been released,” the news anchor reported.
All heads turned toward the screen.
On it, a digital graphic displayed the candidates for the upcoming Practor race. Cade’s photo appeared prominently, and I couldn’t help but smile. Compared to the other candidates, he looked significantly better.
Or maybe I am just being biased.
No, it’s because Cade is really handsome.
“There are currently two standout figures leading the candidacy,” the reporter continued. “At 55% approval, Mr. Allen Winters, the interim Head of Elite Order Academy, is currently leading the polls.”
Mirage tensed slightly. Bethany’s fingers curled tightly around her cup.
I focused on the screen as the camera shifted to show Winters at a recent press conference.
“And just below him,” the reporter added, “with a strong surge in the past day at 35%, is Cade Callahan, a young leader with strong Northern support and a former Elite top rank.”
I couldn’t help but gasp.
Cade?
Cade was the top two candidate?
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Chapter 108 Almost There
A hush fell over the table as the numbers lingered on the screen.
55% to 35%
Twenty percent didn’t seem far.
“Woah,” I breathed.
Turning to Cade, my fork hovered in midair, forgotten. “How did that happen?”
He didn’t respond right away. His lips were pursed, eyes on the screen, yet there was a faint lift to his brow–like even he hadn’t anticipated it, too. The room was silent until Mirage reached for the remote, turning up the volume. We all leaned in as the newscaster transitioned into post–poll interviews.
“For Allen Winters, the lead candidate,” the reporter began, “the reasons voters cited were primarily centered around stability and tradition. Many believe that, as the long–time headmaster of Elite Order Academy, he has earned his place. Parents especially value his influence on Fenra’s most elite institution.”
Footage played of a few interviews–well–dressed parents outside the Academy gates.
“He’s strong. He’s kept Elite running for generations,” one mother declared confidently.
“He’ll ensure my children get in,” a father added. “He represents excellence.”
My stomach twisted at that. Of course they supported him. He’d built an entire empire on exclusivity and favor. He knew how to market power.
The next segment shifted focus, the contrast immediate.
“And for rising candidate Cade Callahan,” the reporter continued, “support comes largely from the youth population–students, young Alphas and Lunas, and wolves across Fenra who believe it’s time for change.”
Clips began to roll of younger people being interviewed in parks, campus lounges, and northern villages.
“He listens. He’s not afraid to challenge the system,” one young woman said, her hoodie pulled over her braid.
“It’s time someone who actually understands what we’re going through steps up,” another
added.
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Chapter 108 Almost There
Then the footage shifted to a reporter speaking to a small group outside an outpost.
“You don’t mind that he’s adopted?” the reporter asked, clearly trying to stir the pot. “That he lied about having royal Alpha bloodline?”
A young man tilted his head, then shot the reporter a look that could’ve melted ice. “We’re nearing the 22nd century. Why is that still a big deal? It’s not like he lied. He is the Callahan’s son–just not by blood.”
The camera caught several nods of agreement. “Let his actions speak. Not his bloodline.”
Something in me lit up.
They weren’t following Cade because of some polished image or legacy. They were choosing him because of who he was. And he held 35%.
When the news segment cut to weather updates, the room felt as if it exhaled.
We all turned to Cade, then…. to Bethany.
Nathan set his mug down, his eyes twinkling behind his calm expression. “This is most likely because of Bethany’s support,” he said. “A lot of people respect you, and the fact that someone like you backed him speaks volumes about his character.”
Bethany tilted her head slightly, but she didn’t deny it.
“I just gave a statement,” she said simply. “Nothing grand. Just the truth. It’s because of Cade’s reputation in the North. I believe your people trust him very much.”
“It’s because of both of those reasons,” Mirage added, rubbing her hands together. “A few days ago, with the tentative candidates, Winters had around 80% of the votes. Now, with less than a month left, the tides are changing.”
“We have 35%,” I echoed softly.
Cade leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck, appearing bashful. “It’s more than I expected.”
“It’s more than anyone expected,” Nathan agreed. “But it’s still less than what Let’s work harder so you can surpass him in the polls.”
you deserve.
I looked around the table, a strange warmth blooming in my chest.
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“Cade win?” Honey asked suddenly, her voice hopeful as she looked up from her now–empty plate.
Cade looked at her and smiled. He lifted his hand and ruffled her hair sweetly.
“Almost,” he said, reaching out to tuck a curl behind her ear.
“Almost.
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