Mira’s POV
Once 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?
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
Mira's POVWithout hesitation, I sprinted through the palace halls until I reached the towering doors of the royal library. I burst inside and didn’t stop moving. My hands ran along the shelves, pulling books, scanning titles with frantic desperation.“Third shelf from the top,” a familiar voice called behind me. “Sixth book from the right. The red one. Page 128.”I froze and spun around. Caspian stood there, arms folded, and his expression unreadable.“What… what do you think I’m looking for?” I asked warily.“I overheard your screaming match with Liora,” he said calmly. “So I’m guessing you’re after the Januki Prophecy.”My heart hammered as I grabbed the red book and flipped it open. My eyes locked on the page number he’d given me.Then I looked back at him. “Why do you know this?”Caspian hesitated. Something flickered in his eyes