(Alnilam)

Travelling without Jamina’s help took a lot of time. I have gotten so used to using her magical abilities that this seems like hard work.

A persistent ache remains in my heart. Amaia’s thoughts won’t leave me alone, no matter what I try to think, she seeps in like an addictive mist occupying my very existence.

How am I going to survive this?

My horse clip-clops, reaching near Amaia’s former pack. The two sentinels accompanying me, remain behind.

The border guards take a bow seeing me.

"Your Grace!"

"I am here to meet Alpha Tarian. Take me to him." They don’t question or hesitate, they know better and instantly obey.

I climb down from my horse and march forward. One of the guards takes it away.

It’s a small pack, with wooden, barricaded fences and energy crystals to keep the monsters and creatures out.

The residential area is on the left side, while the community buildings and Alpha’s residence are on the right side.

I do wonder where Amaia used to live when she was here. I have to visit her room, maybe I can take some of her stuff to her.

It feels like the pack has seen a decline since my last visit. I can see litter, flowering bushes are covered in dried plants.

A horn is sounded announcing my arrival and by the time I get there, Tarian and his Luna are standing outside to welcome me.

Big smiles covering their lips, now that I have an idea, they appear fake. Due to my last visit, everyone knows I am the heir to the throne.

"Your Grace! What an honour." Tarian and his Luna bow to me.

Snow howls in my head. "So this is the worm who took Amaia’s virginity. I am going to have fun, tearing him limb from limb."

I exhale. "We are not here to kill anyone just to gather information."

"What brings you to our small pack?" He asks, keeping that smile going.

"I would like a word alone." My gaze wavers to his Luna, who is tightly holding his arm.

She gulps, a slight terror passes over her face and I realise my aura is leaking out. Snow is extra pissed, and he doesn’t even want me to glance in any female’s direction who is not Amaia.

"Of course!" Tarian presses her hand. "Why don’t you have lunch prepared for the Prince while we chat in my office?"

Giving him a nod, she walks away.

Turning around, I tell my sentinels to wait. They obey and remain outside.

Tarian holds the door open for me, leading me towards his study.

Pausing outside a dark brown wooden door, he throws it open, welcoming me inside. I have been here before with Jamina so it’s not a new place for me.

Same old furniture and look, apart from far more alcohol bottles stacked up on his desk and tables.

Does he drink away day and night?

"Please, have a seat." He offers me the leather sofa and I perch on it, facing Tarian.

"Can’t I wipe that ugly smile off his face? Just one swipe of my paw?" Snow keeps pestering me. He hates the man because he has touched Amaia.

Tarian picks up the glass decanter containing amber-shaded alcohol.

"May I pour you a drink?" He respectfully asks.

"No, I don’t drink." A surprise passes over his face, his eyebrows raised. But he puts it down.

"Anything else I can offer?" But I shake my head at him.

"I will not beat around the bush and get straight to the point. I am here to speak about Amaia."

Colour drains from his face and I see the ball in his throat moving.

"What about her, Your Grace. She is dead to me. She decided to run away."

Leaning back on the sofa, I place my arms on the armrest. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Alpha Tarian. I will ask only once and would prefer for you to be truthful with me."

Quickly, he nods like a scared weasel.

"Did Amaia reject you or was it you who rejected her?" I ask in a calm but authoritative tone.

He reeks of fear at my question. Snow can detect it. Someone who has nothing to hide will not be so afraid.

Last time I didn’t observe him so keenly because I didn’t know Amaia was my mate. But today, Snow and I are observing every single movement of his.

"Your Grace! Like I said before. She is an extremely cunning woman. All she wants is to rise high. She never cared for me even though I accepted a mere human as my mate."

Little does he know, she is not a human but a very powerful Fae. I stay quiet and watch him make a mockery of himself. The way his cunning eyes move, and the nonsense he utters.

From all my interactions with Amaia, I know how deeply she cares. She put her life on the line just to save us, while this man, who was her mate, is saying she didn’t care.

It’s time to get the truth from him. Getting up from the sofa, I thrust my hands in my attire’s pocket and take two menacing steps towards the twat.

"Snow, hit him with your aura," I tell my wolf.

Snow is more than happy to oblige. He is waiting for this opportunity. Normally it’s considered rude and is frowned upon for Alpha werewolves to use their aura on other wolves. But, at this moment, I don’t care.

Snow blasts him with a force, my magic mingles with it. It hits Tarian straight in the chest making his body jerk for a few seconds. His eyes roll back, making him fall to his knees and exposing his neck to me in submission. His teeth clatter together, and his eyes bulge out as if someone is choking him.

"I. Asked. For. The. Truth," I emphasise every word. Bending down I bring my face closer to him, "Alpha Tarian," I mockingly say.

His mouth opens in horror as he begins to speak in broken words but they are clear to me.

"I....I reject...ed her. We were attack...ed and I left her there... after rejecting her so that she will... die and I will... get a mate of my...choosing."