Chapter 20
(Lily’s POV)
Aria’s eyes haunted me long after Lucien drove off. That look… it wasn’t just sadness. It was something deeper.
When we climbed into the car. I leaned over to her. “Are you okay?”
She gave a quick nod, forcing a smile. “Just… a headache. Nothing major.”
That made me pause.
Headache? Werewolves rarely got those. Our healing made things like that almost nonexistent.
Tobe glanced back. “You sure you’re good?”
“Yeah” she said, her voice too light. Just need to lie down”
Dev glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “It’s been a long day. Maybe she just needs to rest”
I didn’t argue, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
Dev and Tobe picked up the mood quickly as they started their usual banter.
“You drive like you’re scared, Tobe said, propping his arm on the window.
catsen
Dev rolled his eyes. “Says the guy who treats every ride like it’s a race start. You’re not on a track.”
“Please. Tobe scoffed. “I could drive circles around you with my eyes closed and one hand tied.”
“And still crash into your own ego. Dev shot back
I laughed so hard my sides hurt. They were like brothers always roasting each other, always loud and comforting.
The moment we got home, Aria was the first to slip away.
“I need to rest,” she muttered, already halfway up the stairs. “Still got that headache”
hips swaying with a kind of confidence that felt more like
We nodded and settled at the dining table just as the cook, Nayla, entered the room performance. She was tall and lean, with golden brown skin and curls that never seemed out of place.
Soe placed the trays of food on the table: juicy steaks still sizzling, bowls of seasoned root vegetables, and a side of warm flatbread. “Dinner’s served. Let me know if you need anything extra.…….…..”” she said smoothly, her eyes locking on Dev.
Tobe snorted, and I coughed into my drink. Nayla was trying way too hard with Dey, who clearly wasn’t interested. I often wondered why they kept her around when they could’ve hired someone less dramatic.
She winked at Dey before turning and walking away, her hips swaying even more.
Then Tobe asked, chewing on a piece of steak, “So what’s really going on with you and Lucien!”
“Don’t say nothing. Lily. We all saw that kiss, Dev added, his voice more curious than accusing.
I swallowed and played with my food. I’m just… trying to give love another chance.”
Tobe raised a brow. “Another chance?”
“You’ve heard of chosen mates, right? Not everything has to be fated,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual
Tobe looked at me for a beat too long. Dev kept chewing, his brow slightly raised, eyes unreadable. The silence between them said enough.. they didn’t believe me
“Well I coughed and stood to my feet Im tired too. Il be heading to bed early
I didn’t wait for a response. My heart was thumping rapidly.
As I climbed the stairs, the house grew quieter. Slulows stretched across the hallway like they held secrets. I passed Aria’s room, and that was when I heard it. Sniffles and mulled sobs
1/2
11:15 AM c d
Chapter 20
My chest tightened. I hesitated, then knocked. Aria? It’s me. Can I come in!”
There was a pause. Then a soft, broken voice said, “Yeah.”
She opened the door just enough for me to slip inside. Aria lay curled up on the bed, her face blotchy, blankets tangled around her legs.
“What happened?” I whispered, kneeling beside her.
She hesitated, then said. “Today is the 18th of Elantrius. It’s the day my mom died. I just… miss her.
Oh.. I didn’t know. My heart sank.
I pulled her into a hug. Her body shook against mine, and I realized how long she’d been holding that pain in.
“I’m so sorry,” I murmured. “You should’ve told me, Aria. We’re family
“I know,” she sniffled. Thank you.”
I gave her one last squeeze and stood. “If you need anything, I’m just down the hall.”
She nodded and turned away as 1 gently closed the door behind me
My room felt colder than usual. The mattress didn’t feel like the one at Aunt Lamia’s. I missed her, her gentle humming in the kitchen, and warm
Even though I’d be returning home next week, it still felt so far away.
I sat on the bed, thinking of Lucien’s soft peck.. and the royal crest pendant he wore. Only close relatives of the King have that
Restless, I walked to the window and pulled the curtains aside. Moonlight poured in, casting silver across my room…
Could Lucien be more than just a friend to Zion? Could he be related to the King?
And why did it feel like Aria was hiding something from me!
2/2
