Mira’s POV
The next day began like the one before—with training. I met Diana on the grounds just after dawn, and James joined us not long after, hiding behind the excuse of “guarding the future queen.” I didn’t mind. I was far too focused on pushing my limits to question anything. Something had shifted inside me. I felt that my movements were sharper, my body more attuned, like every cell in me was working in rhythm with something bigger. Fire no longer resisted me—it moved as if it were part of me. Objects trembled and moved when I looked at them, lifted with a thought only. My magic pulsed like a second heartbeat beneath my skin.
Diana watched me, arms crossed, pride unmistakable in her eyes. “It often happens around the twenty-first birthday,” she said. “Your gifts intensify. It’s like your soul finally grows into your power.”
After training, I took a long, cold shower, lett
Dorrin’s POVDuring breakfast and on our ride back to the palace, Mira tried to avoid looking me in the eyes. She didn’t even speak to me, choosing instead to engage in conversation with Marina. My chest ached with pain—she regretted our moment of passion.I touched my lips, remembering the taste when they had crushed against hers, the way her body had responded to my touch. I loved her with all my heart. I wanted her. But it was painful to realize she didn’t share my feelings. The memory burned through me, sweet and cruel at the same time, a torture I couldn’t escape. I would have given anything—my name, my honor, even my life—for her to look at me once the way she looked at him.When we were climbing into the carriages, I offered her my hand to help her. She hesitated, but finally took it—clearly unwillingly—and even then, I thought I felt the faintest sparks from her touch. I wanted so desperately to be her mate that my imagination was likely playing tricks on me, sending signs tha
Mira’s POVOnce the door closed behind Dorrin, I exhaled. I was stunned at myself for letting him kiss me, touch me. I had shamelessly melted in his arms, and I hadn’t wanted him to stop. The pull was getting stronger, and I wanted him to worship me, to claim me, to make me his. What was wrong with me? I hated Alexander for his betrayal, yet I still loved him—he was still my fated mate. Wasn’t I a hypocrite? I shamed my mate for his betrayal, yet I was on the edge of betraying him as well. Being in Dorrin’s arms was overwhelming… but it felt so right.“I love Storm, I always did,” said Asfar. “I love Velkan too, but with Velkan we can’t mate. With Storm, I can fully experience what it means to be claimed.”“It is not about mating,” I huffed.“Oh no? Of course, it’s not about mating. Then why did you throw yourself into Dorrin’s arms? Didn’t you want him?
Dorrin’s POVI froze when Mira innocently asked me,“Will you stay? Please. I’m… scared of my own thoughts right now.”I knew she just wanted the support of a friend, but was I able to control myself being so close to her?Her gaze was full of hope and desperation, and my heart ached. I nodded and stepped in, closing the door behind me.She sat on the small bed, and I sat beside her without a word.“We’ll have to return soon,” she said quietly. “But I’m still not sure what I’ll do.”I hesitated as my future depended on her answered. I swallowed hard, asked. “Will you be able to forgive him?”“I don’t know,” she whispered. “But now that the prophecy is out... and I remain unclaimed... I’ll be a target. If I reject Alexander, the Council might try to force another bond. Maybe with you.”“They didn’
Mira’s POVI needed space—just one night away from the palace, from the pressure, from the tangle of truths I’d uncovered. My chest still felt too tight, my thoughts too loud. I needed time to think. To breathe. To decide what the hell I was going to do about Alexander.I sent a quick mind-link to my family and closest friends: urgent matters to handle, I’d be back tomorrow. No details. I wasn’t ready to explain.The marble halls of the palace echoed beneath my steps, my cloak pulled tight around me. I’d almost made it to the side corridor when I nearly collided with another shadow slipping into the night.“Where are you going?” I asked, stopping short.Marina froze. The usually quick-witted girl looked caught, eyes wide. “I’m… uh…” she fumbled, then exhaled. “To the human kingdom.”I arched a brow. “What a coincidence. We can share the ride.&rd
Diana's POVThe sudden takeoff from Mira could only mean one thing—she’d had a vision, and not a pleasant one. Her scent was masked, but I’m a witch, so finding her was easy. I tracked her to her chambers, where her chest rose and fell in heavy, uneven breaths as she shoved clothes into a travel bag.I leaned against the doorframe. “Mira, what awful thing did you see in your vision?” I asked, ready to comfort her.She looked at me as if I were a ghost. “How do you know I had a vision?”I smiled faintly. “I’m a witch. And I also knew your gifts would blossom closer to your twenty-first birthday. You’ll learn soon how to control them—I’ll guide you. But I’m not just a witch, Mira, I’m your friend. Tell me… was it the past or the future
Mira's POVI wasn’t ready to meet Alexander.Not for his face. Not for his voice. Not for the scent that still clung to my skin like a bruise I couldn’t scrub clean.I was too raw. Too wounded. My body hummed with betrayal, my mind an avalanche of truths I hadn’t asked for. The only thing keeping me grounded was the quiet rhythm of folding clothes into my travel bag—as if the act of leaving could somehow stitch my heart back together.The door opened. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.“Mira—gods, my love, what happened? I’ve been going mad looking for you,” Alexander’s voice was breathless, tender. He moved to embrace me—I spun, rais