Chapter 14
(Lily’s POV)
What
De crossed his arms and nodded like it was a done deal. “You heard me. You’re staying with us.”
“Just for a few days” Aria added, stepping beside him with a stern look.
“I’m fine,” I said quickly. “Really, I just want to be alone and not bother anyone…
“Too late,” Tobe was beside me at the speed of light, he opened the front door. “We’re bothered. Get in, let’s pack your things
I sighed and palmed my forehead… Aunt Lamia would never let me leave, even for a night, because we were all we had. Since I was too tired to protest. I let them drag me along, hoping she’d say no like she always did.
< were p perched on her nose, and
We walked, inside, and saw Aunt Lamia curled up on the couch with one of her old leather–bound books. Her glasses v the soft light of the setting sun spilled through the window. Then she looked up “Is everything alright?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but my friends were faster.
“Aunt Lamia” Aria said with a sweet voice, and innocent eyes “we were hoping to borrow Lily for a few days. School has been hectic, and we hoped we could complete some projects together.”
My lips parted open in shock. Then, I turned to see Dev and Tobe nodding in approval. Traitors!
Aunt Lamia set her book down and looked at them for a long moment. I wanted to hide them that Aunt Lamia could sense a lie, but she just shrugged and said “Okay,”
This time my jaw dropped open. Aunt Lamia agreed? Just like that?
She smiled at me “You need people around you, Lily, and these ones are good friends… Go pack your things.”
That was the end of the conversation.
Before I knew it, I was in my room watching Aria throw my tops into a duffel bag like she owned them, while Dey folded jeans and Tobe stuffed snacks into every pocket he could find.
“This is kidnapping.” I grumbled.
1/
“ah, your aunt allowed us. You’re welcome,” Aria grinned.
“I didn’t agree to this,”
“We don’t goture with sad girls, Tobe said, tossing a pack of cookies at me.
Despite everything. I smiled a little. Their chaos and bickering in the room made me feel warm. I never really had friends after Celeste and Zion, but at that moment, it felt like I did.
When the bags were packed, we went back downstairs and Aunt Lamia stood at the door, her eyes a bit glossy.
“It’s only for a few days,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “I don’t even know why I’m tearing up. You’re growing so fast, Lily, and soon, you’ll be wedded to your mate and start your own life. My friends coughed awkwardly.
gu”
“Alright gu” she said. “They’re wanting”
“We are” Dey said quickly, already halfway out the dour
Tube conichel ‘Car’ı running. Let’s go!”
“Byr Aunt Lamať Aru called, grabbing my wrist and tugging i
ging me along. “Love you!”
The moment we stepped outside and the door shut behind us, we all burst into laughter. Tears clung to the corners of my eyes, but this time I was laughing so hard
I laughed because my love story was pitiful, because I may have met my mate but there would be no union, no claiming or a luppily–ever–after. My
1/2
11:15 AM C
Chapter 14
friends‘ laughter was enough to keep the ache from becoming unbearable. And somehow, laughing with them made the pain feel less hurtful.
We arrived at the house just as the sky began to darken. From the outside, it looked simple, quiet and clean, with pale walls and a porch light flickering on.
Two people in matching uniforms greeted us as we walked in.
You guys have staff?” I whispered, blinking
“Just two,” Aria smiled. “But they’re the best.”
Inside was elegant with Polished floors, soft lights, and a scent that made the whole place feel like cinnamon and home.
They showed me upstairs to a room that looked like a dream. A soft bed, pale curtains, and a window that overlooked the garden
“This is 100 much,” I whispered.
“So are you” Dev said, nudging me.
I smiled widely. But that night as I laid in bed, warm under soft sheets, my mind wasn’t still.
When I closed my eyes. I saw it
A WIL
I was in the middle of it with tire surrounding my friends (Dev, Tobe, Aria) and L
We stood together, our backs touching as we breathed hard… And across from us was Zion. His eyes were like cold as lee, behind him were his men and the kingdom.
They charged at us, and we clashed with them. There were screams and blood.
I gasped and shot up in bed, clutching the covers to my chest.
My skin was cold
What was that dreamt
The next morning came too fast.
We arrived at school together, and heads turned as Whispers followed. Our schoolmates moved aside in the hallways, watching us like we were royalty.
Just as we reached our lockers, a girl with honey–blonde hair bounced toward us
“Hey, you guys she chirped. “I’m throwing a party this weekend. You’re all invited. It’s kind of a big deal.. everyone will be there”
Aria rassed a brow: “Everyone?”
“Everyone who matters,” the girl said with a giggle, then her eyes flicked to me. “Even you, Lily. We’d love to have you.”
I blinked. That was so new
2/2
