Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 35

Owen's POV

Leaving Ivy gets harder each night and the ache doesn't fade from my chest as I make my way down the palace halls. She still keeps her side of the mate bond locked away, though occasionally I feel flickers of her tugging low in my stomach. If I concentrate hard enough, I can feel her but it's like a whisper, one strong wind can blow it away.

My eyes droop down but I force them open, running a hand through my hair. Ivy was right, I do need sleep. I managed to fit in two hours before training the new recruits but my body is screaming for more. I didn't lie to Ivy; unlike humans, most supernatural creatures don't need as many hours of sleep to function, but we still need something. Even on the nights I don't see her, I lay in bed thinking about her, wondering what she's doing with Leo, whether she's eaten enough or sleeping enough. That's when I tug on the bond, hoping for a glimmer back. With the bond locked away and her not here curled at my side, it feels like a piece of me is missing. My chest feels hollow and the ache gets stronger as I toss and turn between the sheets that now seem cold and empty without her warmth.

The guards bow as I walk past and I give them a quick nod, picking up the pace towards the main hall. Usually, I dread meetings with the council. They're so boring that half the time I don't bother paying attention. Besides, those meetings are more Leo's expertise. He knows what to say to satiate them, while working on policies behind their backs to slowly withdraw their power over the realm.

I hate playing politics, but Leo excels at it. I'm more hands-on, training the guard and making alliances with the different clans to help keep peace between us and our people. I barely even show up to council meetings, but since one of them holds the fate of my mate in his hands, I've made an exception.

They're already seated and talking as I walk in. Their eyes all shoot to me and I don't miss the glare from Leo as I make my way to my seat. Council meetings are held in a large drawing room that once was the battle room before all supernaturals made peace. The walls are covered with large tapestries of old maps spanning across the realm, and even a few of the surrounding realms, including Ivy's home. In a corner, there is a large desk with even more maps strewn across it and wooden figures outlining the different species. A wall-to-ceiling cabinet covers one side of the room, filled with war memorabilia that if you look closely, still has splatterings of blood coating them. Swords and other weapons are also hung on display, along with photographs of our ancestors captured after battle, bodies littering the background as they smiled at their victory.

Now, there's no need to strategise war with all clans living harmoniously, so instead it's used for council meetings. A long table sits in the middle of the room, with Leo at the head. Servants hover, ready to refill any glasses and pass around food as we discuss laws and regulations. My training earlier finished later than expected, and everyone has already begun eating and drinking their fill as they pore over paperwork.

I take a seat next to Leo, the council at the far end of the table.

"Nice of you to join us," Jonathan says as a servant brings me tea.

"I was training the new recruits. We ran over." I can feel Leo's gaze burn the side of my cheek as I bring the warm drink to my lips, gulping it down quickly. When was the last time I'd eaten? Like clockwork, a small plate is put in front of me and I dig in, my stomach practically purring after hours of churning in hunger. With my palace responsibilities and nights with Ivy, I've barely had the time to grab a snack from the personal kitchen in our wing and I didn't realise how much my body needed food. I can already feel some of my energy coming back despite the sleep deprivation still pounding in my head.

"Well, now that you've finally decided to join us, may we discuss the main topic for this meeting?"

I steel my spine. To my left, Leo maintains a calm exterior, leaning back in his chair leisurely, like we're discussing what to eat.