(Mintaka)

I knew that Alnitak had arranged a dress for Amaia but seeing her full transformation has left me stunned. Rahria has brought out the glow in her with light makeup and those stunning earrings.

"You guys look amazing," she praises us with stars dancing in her eyes.

It’s also the first time I am seeing her hair in two braids tied over her loose hair. Usually, she just holds them in a ponytail.

’She looks appetising. I wonder when you will let me have a taste of her again,’ the darkness inside me whispers in my head.

After how he had hurt Amaia, I never want him to touch her again.

’Never!’ I firmly tell him.

Alnitak steps forward, sees her, and holds her in his arms. I let him take the lead since he actually feels the mate bond with her and no one deserves having a mate more than my brother.

"Rahria, you really spun your magic." He holds Amaia’s face in his hands and beams at her.

"After your disaster, I needed to fix her," she nonchalantly answers, turning her attention towards Kacir who comes running towards us, fixing his red suit jacket.

"Sorry, I am late."

Did he match with Rahria or is it just a coincidence? The way her smile widens seeing him approach tells me it’s not a coincidence.

"Nice jacket," Amaia compliments and he gleefully smiles at her.

"Thanks, Rahria chose it for me."

"Oohhh!" She says, passing mischievous glances between them.

It makes me content that the air between us has been cleared, and all of us now try to get along.

"Let’s get moving. Mama and Father will be waiting for us." I turn and begin to lead the way.

Amaia’s hand comes from behind, and she brushes against my arm, acknowledging me, although Alnitak still holds her.

That puts a slow smile on my face. We leave our room with me in the lead and both couples behind me.

Jamina and Saiph are waiting for us downstairs. Jamina, with her cheerful, bubbly self, while Saiph, with his usual grunt and cold eyes that never warm.

"Aww, look at you guys. Just gorgeous." Jamina showers us with compliments like an older sister. Her gaze fixes on Amaia and her smile brightens.

Kayla and Jamina used to be best friends, and now Jamina takes a special interest in Amaia, just like Kacir. She sees that resemblance too.

"Wow! Amaia that gown is to die for." She steps forward and holds Amaia’s shoulders.

"Thank you!" Amaia graciously says. Her earrings dazzle under the light from the lamp posts.

"I chose it," Alnitak proudly states, puffing his chest forward like a rooster.

"Aww! Little Ali reaches manhood. He is choosing gowns for a girl now," Jamina teases him with a wink.

"Well, she is special." He pulls Amaia into himself. He doesn’t tell her that he has recognised Amaia as his mate. I know he wants to tell Alnilam and Mama before announcing it.

He indeed is a Mama’s boy.

"She sure is," Jamina says with a warm smile.

"Wasn’t brother dear supposed to be back by now?" I ask Jamina and she turns her head to watch me.

"He will meet you there." She graciously smiles at me.

The clopping of hooves against the cobblestone pathways, gathers our attention. We all turn to watch two blue and silver carriages pull up and coachmen step down from them.

Four sturdy white horses pull each one of them. The royal carriages our parents have sent to pick us up.

Saiph finally moves, planting himself near the carriages.

"Wow! We are riding in these?" Amaia asks, thrilled. I can sense the excitement in her voice.

"Yes!" Alnitak takes her hand and guides her forward. Coachman keeps the door open while Alnitak helps her inside the carriage. He climbs in after her.

Rahria and Kacir take the other one while Saiph waits for me.

"Come." He points with his head and I finally move, opening the button of my suit jacket so I can step inside.

"Bye, you guys." Jamina waves at us.

I settle down opposite Amaia and Alnitak. He gently holds her by the shoulder and she is busy taking in the interior of the carriage.

"Remain behind me," I hear Saiph’s grumpy voice as he gives instructions to the coachman.

Once all of us are settled. We hear the roaring of Saiph’s bike in the night air. Amaia instantly tries to take a peek.

"You really like his bike?" I observe, watching the side of her beautiful face.

"Yes, I have never ridden on a bike."

"I will take you. Let’s get done with the dinner and I will borrow it from Saiph and take you out," Alnitak charmingly says, making her face brighten even more. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The carriages begin to move and I am slightly pulled back.

"Sounds like a plan."

I shake my head. "If only he would give it to you."

"He will." Alnitak turns to watch me with narrowed eyes.

"Wanna bet? He has been extra grumpy lately. I don’t know what’s wrong with his tight ass." Maybe it’s the Chittering incident or the one with Amaia during the training but Saiph has been a bit over the edge.

Alnitak extends his hand towards me. "Challenge accepted. You will do all my written assignments for the next week if I win."

I shake his hand and squeeze it tightly. "Fine but if you lose. I will tell Amaia all your dirty little secrets from our childhood."

My words make Amaia wholeheartedly laugh. She possesses this natural ringing in her laughter and I am slowly becoming addicted to it.

We leave Orion Academy and hit the road. The loud noise of Saiph’s bike and the hooves of the sturdy horses pulling our carriage pierce the otherwise quiet night.

"I have no secrets," my twin fumes.

"We will see about that." I lean forward and thump his right knee with a wink.

"Fucker!" He says, realising there are tons and tons of stuff I can pull against him.