CHAPTER FOUR

Emilia 

I wasn't expecting anything big. 

Not like this.

The stars were still twinkling in the sky when Lorenzo pulled away from the bonfire. His hand was warm around mine, gentle and firm. I thought he just wanted to talk, maybe have one of those quiet, soul- stirring moments he always seemed to crave lately. But when we reached the garden behind the packhouse, our garden as we liked to call it, I noticed something different.

There were candles in jars lining the oath, flickering like they were trying to whisper secrets. Petals, red and white, were scattered across the grass. I gasped, clutching his hand tighter. 

“Lorenzo…” I looked around, amazed at the scenery.

He didn't say anything right away. Just smiled that boyish, crooked smile of his and led me to the center, where a picnic blanket sat under the moonlight. Then, slowly, he dropped to one knee. My heart nearly stopped beating. 

My breath caught in my throat, my hands pressed against my mouth. I didn't need him to speak. I knew. 

“Izzy,” he began, eyes locked on mine, and oh, his voice was trembling. “I don't want to wait anymore. Everyday with you feels like a lifetime I wanted to repeat over and over. I want to wake up to your sleepy face, argue over what kind of syrup you want on your pancakes, hold your hand during every hard moment, every good one, Evey boring Tuesday afternoon.”

I was already crying. I was crying before he even pulled the ring out of his pocket. 

“Will you marry me?”

I tackled him. Literally flung myself into his arms before the ring even made it to my finger. We both toppled into the grass, laughing, crying, kissing like fools in love. 

“Yes,” I whispered against his lips. 

I stared at the sapphire ring around my wrong. I couldn't contain my excitement.

I had to tell Xavier. 

And I did.

The next morning, I found him in the backyard, punching a training dummy like it owed him money. Typical Xavier.

“Xavier!” I sang, running up to him and practically shoving my hand on his face. 

He turned, brows raised, and immediately reached for a towel. “Emilia? What's going on?”

I held out my hand, beaming. “Bam!”

He stares at the ring. Too long. His jaw clenched before he could catch himself.

“Lorenzo proposed,” I said, practically bouncing. “Last night. It was so romantic. Candles, flowers, the stars — ugh, you could've seen it. It was so beautiful. I loved it.”

He didn't respond.

“Say something,” I prompted, budging his arm playfully.

He forced a smile. “Wow. That's… that's great news, Emilia. Congratulations.”

He pulled me into a hug, his arms a little too tight, his body stiff. I chalked it up to surprise.

“I'm going to be Luna,” I whispered into his chest, giddy. “Can you believe it?” 

He pulled back, expression careful. “Are you sure about this?”

I blinked. “Of course I'm sure.”

“You've only been with him for 6 months.”

“7 months.” I corrected, wagging a finger at him. “Besides, when you know, you know.”

He laughed but it didn't reach his eyes. “Right.”

I pouted. “What's with the face?”

“Nothing,” he said too quickly. “I just … I don't want you to rush into something you'll regret.” 

I waved him off. “You're being dramatic.” 

“He's not your mate, Emilia.” 

I flinched a little. He never brought that up.

“Mates don't always work out,” he said. “And Lorenzo —”

“— chose me,” I interrupted. “Everyday. Isn't that what matters?”

Xavier looked like he wanted to argue like there were words fighting behind his lips but he bit them back and instead, he gave me another one of his forced smiles. 

“You'll understand when you find your mate,” I added brightly, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “Then you'll know what I mean.”

He said nothing and walked away.

The next week was a whirlwind of silk, lace and cake tastings. Ariel had maintained a soft smile when I told her and dad had pretended not to cry. Even Beta Jillian said it was about time. Lorenzo was involved in every little detail, even when he didn't care about colours or flower arrangements. He just wanted me to be happy. 

But Xavier…

Xavier kept pulling away.

He stopped showing up to our coffee mornings. Missed dinner twice in a row. Always had a reason — training, patrol, meetings. 

I found him at the edge of the woods one afternoon, shirtless again, punching a tree like it had insulted his mother. 

“Hey. Are you mad at me?” I Asked softly.

He stilled. “What?”

“You've been avoiding me.”

“I've been busy.”

I walked closer, folding my arms. “Is this about the wedding?”

He turned to me, eyes dark and tired. “It's not about the wedding.”

“Then what?”

He shook his head, jaw clenched. “You wouldn't get it.”

“Try me.”

Silence stretched between us. The breeze ruffled his hair, and his chest rose and fell like he was warring with himself. 

Finally, he looked at me, and his voice broke a little. “I just… I wish it were me.”

I tilted my head, confused. “What?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head.

“Xavier, what are you talking about?” I reached for him but he stopped back.

“I'm not doing anything to ruin things,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just need you to know that I'll always love you, sis.” 

My lips curled into a smile. “Aww. I love you too, bro.” 

He dragged his hand through his hair and continued training.

“So… see you at dinner?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He answered, resuming his training. 

I heaved a sigh and turned back to the house.

That night, I felt sad. I was engaged. I was in love. I was getting everything I wanted. 

But Xavier —

He was still waiting for his mate.

It just feels unfair that I'm finally having my happy-after-ever but he isn't.

So I went on my knees and prayed to the Moon Goddess. I whispered that she should give Xavier his mate in no distant time. He deserved happiness just like I did.

I laid in bed with a smile on my face. Xavier's mate would come soon and he'd be happy again.