Chapter 32

*Adrian*

 I watched as they celebrated her, jubilating and welcoming her into the pack. The warmth of the moment was satisfying, and I was genuinely happy for her—she deserved every bit of it. Then, a very sweet, intoxicating aroma hit my nose. It pulled at me relentlessly, my wolf demanding I follow it. I stood up and began moving in the direction of the scent, my mate nearby.

 What was happening? I couldn’t stop myself; my eyes immediately landed on the lady beside her. She moved closer to me as well, and we both stared into each other’s eyes, whispering the same word at the same time:

 “Mate…”

 I pulled her into a tight hug immediately. She was breathtaking—so beautiful, and those deep blue eyes pierced straight into my soul. I couldn’t stop running my hands through her long, silky hair. I held her hand, pulling her to the chair beside me, determined not to let go. She was shy, constantly tucking her hair behind her ear, so cute it made my chest tighten.

At that moment, I finally understood. I understood why Ariana had insisted on going with her fated vampire prince, why Father hadn’t left Mother when he departed, and most importantly, I understood why the Alpha King had beaten me to a pulp over her mate. I would never allow any male near my mate—my wolf growled possessively at the thought.

 “What's your name?” I finally broke the silence.

 “Mira…” she said quietly. Her shyness made me chuckle softly.

 We should see Luna soon, as she would be returning to my pack with me as her Alpha.

 “I’m not sure if my lady will want me to go, as she’s grown fond of me…” she said slowly, almost hesitantly.

 I was taken aback, but it didn’t matter. I was taking my mate with me, with or without anyone’s consent—even Hazel’s.

 “Worry not about that, my lady,” I said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before she could do it again.

*Hazel*

 I was very surprised to discover that Mira was fated with Adrian. That wasn’t something anyone had expected. I could see how happy she was to follow him harmlessly. Now, she would find her peace, her love, and I was genuinely happy for her.

 I waited in our room—my room with Orion. He was speaking with his mother, and we had much to discuss once he returned.

 “No… we should fuck a lot when he comes back!” Ayla’s voice erupted inside my mind.

 “You know I’ve learned how to block you, right?” I warned her, and she immediately left my mind. I chuckled loudly at her retreat.

 “And why is my Luna laughing?… Thinking about me?” Orion’s voice had entered the room while I was still preoccupied with Ayla.

 “Ayla,” I said softly, walking closer to him. “You have a visitor outside… want to attend to them before I finally lock this door? Trust me, Ray and I can’t wait.”

 I left the room to meet the visitor, already knowing who it would be. I saw them standing with Bella, both looking forlorn, clearly aware that Mira would soon be leaving.

 As loud and sometimes troublesome as Mira could be, she was the light of all of us. Her cheerful, vibrant energy left no room for dull moments. I felt a pang of sadness knowing she wouldn’t be by my side again. She had been my first friend upon entering the palace, serving me wholeheartedly, never allowing herself to dwell on sadness, always bringing happiness to those around her.

 I could sense Bella’s pain too. She had spent the majority of her life with Mira; they had entered the palace on the same day, shared a room, and grown up side by side. Bella didn’t cry openly, but I knew she was hurting deeply inside.

 Considering Bella’s feelings, I didn’t want Mira to leave—but she deserved love and care as well. It was time for her to find her place and happiness.