(Amaia)

I wake up wrapped snugly in Rigel’s cold but comforting arms. The events of the night flash in front of my eyes, making heat creep up in my face.

He is sleeping like a baby, peaceful without all the stress and anger he carries. Even his naughty shadows seem to be resting. Rubbing his smooth forehead with my thumb, I place a tender kiss on his hair.

Slowly, I try to wriggle out of his hold, not wanting to wake him up, but his sleepy eyes open.

"Leaving?" He tiredly questions.

"Yes! We have sessions and I need to shower." With a sigh, he opens his arms, letting me go, but I can see a sadness descending upon him.

"Come meet me at the library later," I say so he can cheer up. I hate seeing him gloomy.

"Okay!"

I leave Rigel’s room and return to mine, carrying my Yeti. I place it on my bed.

After a quick shower, I change into my uniform and head down for breakfast.

The day passes just the same for me. My mates remain by my side, and to my surprise, no one fights. They take turns sitting with me, guiding me through sessions.

Alnilam is not back and our sessions continue without him. The persistent ache in my heart wonders where he is and what he is doing.

Is he staying safe?

Only if I could know.

Jamina has stopped smiling, she appears agonised and forces herself to speak. She is not hostile, but that bubbly personality of hers has dulled and that just breaks my heart.

We have been given tons of assignments so we need to study.

The twins and I sit in the library. I tell them in detail about my conversation with Jamina and how I feel about it. The whole scenario has disrupted my peace, and I don’t know how to not be a reason for someone’s grief.

"Just remember Amaia. It’s not your fault. You didn’t choose your mates, Moon goddess did," Alnitak showers his wisdom and I am thankful to him that he understands this point and doesn’t blame me.

"Yes, none of you is at fault here. When Alnilam and Jamina started this relationship, this was always a possibility," Mintaka points out.

I sigh, placing my head on the wooden table above my clasped hands.

"I want to have dinner with Jamina. Will that be alright with you," Mintaka asks me. I know he is seeking permission to go be with another woman even though he takes her as an elder sister.

"Yes, and for her you don’t have to ask." My words make him smile. He presses his lips on my temple.

"She was always there for me after Kayla. I just don’t want her to be alone at this time. Not that I am choosing her but just being sympathetic."

"I know, Min. Go." Mintaka leaves and Alnitak and I return to our reading when I sense Rigel’s presence.

He occupies the seat Min has left and I turn to offer him a smile which he returns.

Alnitak and he pass a look, but none of them says anything, and they remain by my side.

"I needed help with something." He opens his notebook and shows me his incomplete notes. Usually, Rigel doesn’t bother with assignments given to us, but today he appears interested, so I help him, and together we complete it.

Luthial joins us. He appears a bit apprehensive and he stammers when he speaks. I am guessing Rigel puts him on edge.

He makes small talk, asking us about our assignments but remains on edge.

"I have to go feed." Rigel gets up and places a love-filled kiss on the top of my head.

"See you and be safe." I press his cold hand before he leaves.

Once Rigel is gone Luthial finally relaxes.

"Actually I came here to get your opinion on something." He pauses, appearing sheepish. "No offence but I didn’t want to speak in front of Ezran."

Alnitak bangs his hand on the table and lets out an amused laugh.

"All of you are terrified of him even though he is your guildmate?"

"Yeah, at least I am. His aura is frightening and he speaks to no one except Amaia." Luthial gives me an appreciative smile.

"He is not that scary." I defend him but both boys raise their brows at me.

"Okay, maybe a little bit," I let out a small laugh. "What was it that you wanted to say?"

The tips of Luthial’s ears turn red. Shyness coats his eyes. "Umm...actually it’s about Larissa."

"Ooooooiii!" Alnitak lets out an amused sound making me elbow him. Luthial’s embarrassment reaches its peak.

"Behave," I warn my mate while turning to Luthial. "Ignore him. Continue."

I had seen the red rose in Larissa’s vase and knew Luthial had given it to her.

"I...I want to take her out on a date but dunno what she will like and have no one to speak to about this. She speaks highly of you both so I thought maybe you guys can help me."

Alnitak gets up from my side and goes over to Luthial, placing his arm around him.

"You are the only Pegasus I like, my man. So I will help you. Let’s plan this."

I smile at this interaction. "Me too. Larissa is such a gentle soul. She deserves someone kind like you, Luthial."

Luthial respectfully bows to me. I remember he was the first person I sat with during my first session with Alnilam. And he has always been kind and friendly.

I grab a piece of paper and begin to write the ideas of what they can do on the first date.

Alnitak has known Larissa since childhood so he tells him about her likes and dislikes to the best of his knowledge.

Finally, my heart is happy that two people are coming together and finding love with each other. There is nothing more beautiful than two people in love.