(Amaia)

Alnilam’s sudden appearance, holding that map, has confused everyone.

When his vulnerable and needy gaze finds me, my heart almost stops beating.

I have never seen him in such a precarious state. Alnilam keeps himself guarded, tries to remain aloof, and hides his emotions.

But I know that look. The look of final realisation that I am his mate.

The confusion, the surprise, the exhilaration, the pheromones, his wolf and magic. I can imagine the mess in his body.

The settlement of the bond in his chest and the opening of the mindlink between us confirm that Alnilam has also recognised me as his mate.

My body freezes, our gazes remain locked. The bond sizzles between us. The connection forms both ways, opening up my heart, feelings and emotions for him.

It must have been a dump in his heart, as everything travels two ways now.

Just as I had expected of him, Alnilam doesn’t approach me. With regretful eyes, he watches staying rooted to his spot.

Jamina tries to speak to him, call him but the development of the new bond has him consumed. He doesn’t acknowledge her, he rigidly turns around and leaves.

A pain sears through me, seeing his action. My body screams for his touch. My heart cries for him to acknowledge me.

His regrets, pain, and confusion I sense. I should go to him, speak to him but the rational part of me is terrified.

Alnilam is not like others. He is like the sacrificial hero who would destroy and kill his own happiness for the sake of the people he loves.

I know if I go to him, if I beg him, he might end up making a decision both of us will come to seriously regret.

"What was all that about?" Alnitak questions a confused Jamina.

"I don’t know. I think something has happened. Will speak to him after the session. Get back to work," Jamina says rather stiffly.

Her eyes find me for a split second and I sense a hurt there before she looks away.

Does she know?

Has she guessed?

I lower my head and try to focus on the tasks Jamina has given us but I can’t. Thoughts of Alnilam disturb my peace. The mindlink buzzes in my head. I have to try to at least speak to him.

"Alnilam!" I call him but I only find static silence from his side.

With a crushed heart, I call him again and in response he shuts down the mindlink. Like a brick wall, my efforts bounce off it, making my eyes moist.

I understand his life is tough, and this development must be difficult for him to comprehend, but we have to talk.

After the session, I need to.

Luckily, they have their session with Professor Ewine after Jamina’s. The one which I don’t attend.

"We will catch you in the evening. You should rest up." Both of them are still worried about my health. Giving them a nod, I watch them leave.

Rigel also gives me a confused look but I smile at him.

"I will come to meet you after the session," he says and I give him a hug.

"Do that."

Once Rigel is gone, I take that as an opportunity to sneak off and see Alnilam.

If only I could speak to him, make him see that we are meant to be. I hurry towards his office.

Nearing, I find myself shaking and sweating. Nervousness grips my whole body.

Slowly, I knock with my knuckles but receive no answer.

"Please, be there," I beg and continue to knock.

No response.

Where is he? Where has he gone? Is he alright? The alpha males become highly volatile when they spot their mates and are unable to connect with them, touch them and mate.

That’s exactly what Alnilam is going through and he is alone. He needs to be with me, not fight off these new feelings and deny that he is even experiencing them.

Leaving his office I try to look for Alnilam in the staff room and other places he frequents. A brick seems to crush my heart every time I am unable to locate him.

All my efforts go to vain when I can’t find him. I do wonder if the curse has been lifted off me? Since all of my mates have recognised me.

Will Huradis be questioned, brought forward and made to confess to his sins? Will I be able to speak freely to my mates about what happened?

I do find Saiph speaking to a few other staff members. Moving nearer with a bleeding heart I return his gaze.

Saiph observes me. He tries to excuse himself but I shake my head, telling him to stay out. Being a man of few words and surrounded by others he doesn’t say much. I know he will speak to me later because he understands something has happened.

I return to Alnilam’s office. Standing outside his office I hear footsteps. As I turn around I find myself face to face with Jamina. She appears slightly surprised. She is the very person responsible for my mate not accepting me. He is trying to stay away because of herm

At times, I want to hate Jamina, but I can’t.

"Is everything alright Amaia?" She questions softly. Her eyes gaze from me to the door behind.

"Yes, I was looking for Sir Alnilam."

Her mouth forms an "O" shape.

"Ohh! I also came to check up on him. I visited earlier but I guess he is out."

"It has been a very long wait. Do you know where he might have gone?" I desperately question her, the worries and restlessness in my heart keep gnawing at my soul.

Jamina sadly shakes her head. "No, he usually stays in his office during Academy hours."

That makes me worry more.

"Anything particular you want to talk about?" She asks, curiously.

"Yes!" I quietly say.

"I will go find him. I have a hunch where he might be. Stay put and don’t follow me." With that, Jamina walks away, leaving me hanging and feeling inadequate.

She knows his habits, but I am not going to just sit idly. He is my mate and I need to find him.

I begin to wander until my footsteps lead me towards the Tozan Forest.