(Amaia)

My chest opens and expands once the curse is lifted. The bond between Saiph and Rigel becomes two-way, and I truly sense them as my mates.

Their emotions, the love and respect they hold for me.

Not only that, it overlaps, like a single silver thread which binds the three of us. It’s similar to what I have with the twins.

Since they are not werewolves, we don’t develop a mindlink.

That stinging pain that had become an integral part of my thigh slowly evaporates and entirely disappears.

A relief I haven’t felt in a long time settles in me like a peaceful profound silence after a relentless noise that has haunted me for months.

Tears of relief abundantly flow from my eyes. Even though Alnilam doesn’t want me as his mate and is asking for the breaking of the bond, I cannot help but be thankful that he at least acknowledged me. This led to breaking the curse and I am finally free.

I tell him everything I had witnessed at the palace of Huradis. And to my surprise, Alnilam has not only gotten Tarian imprisoned and removed from his Alpha position, but he has also paid a visit to Huradis.

He kept his promise and punished both males who hurt me and tarnished my reputation.

That breaks me emotionally and I don’t hold back. I open up, telling him how his actions have hurt me immensely, how he has intentionally and unintentionally caused me immeasurable amounts of pain, and he still continues to do so.

Not only does his hair form a protective shield around me, but his hands come around my back, and he hugs me, letting me complain.

His touch is so warm, so comforting like a balm on my wounds.

A satisfaction and understanding settle in my heart.

"Amaia, I truly apologise for all the hurt I have caused you, and I don’t want it to continue. I will always protect you, but..." he painfully pauses.

We have to communicate, we have to get this done with...we have to act as adults. So I brace myself.

"But, I can’t be your mate." My eyes tightly shut, the pained tears flow out and down my cheeks they go.

"For me, a mate bond is sacred and my mate is supposed to be only mine. I can’t share her with others."

My insides are being sawed at but I understand. He has a right to his decision, no matter how painful it is for us.

"I am not pushing you so take your time to come to a conclusion. This decision has to be mutual so it’s less painful..." his voice comes out troubled and hoarse.

Something is stuck in my throat, not letting me swallow. His hair tries to comfort me while Snow’s agonised howls echo all around us through Alnilam.

"But, no matter what, I will always protect you."

Alnilam is my protector, he may not want to be my mate because of his reasons and his commitment to Jamina. We will always be important to each other.

"I need to think..." I know it’s inevitable. Rigel has already told me that once Alnilam makes up his mind about something, he doesn’t change it.

This makes me think if he knows Alnilam personally but at the same time, it helps me prepare myself for the inevitable.

I am not going to beg Alnilam for this relationship and this bond between us.

He is extremely stubborn and nothing I will say will change his mind.

Maybe it’s better this way, maybe it’s a test for both of us.

I lift my head and find his disturbed gaze.

"Take all the time you need. And while we are bonded, I won’t be touching Jamina." He shakes his head while cradling my wet face. Tears have smeared my cheeks and I can’t even speak from how badly my throat is clogged due to this emotional turmoil.

"Bringing you pain was never my intention but I don’t know why our lives intertwined like that." The tips of his thumbs slowly wipe away my tears. "Forgive me for that."

Suddenly, he goes stiff and quiet. Seems like he is receiving a mindlink. His eyes with long lashes slowly flutter while his hair recedes.

"I have to go to an emergency meeting. Don’t cry too much." Letting my face go, he severs the connection between us.

But I grab his hand. "Wait!"

He pauses, letting me say what I wish to.

"Before you hear it from someone else, you should know, Saiph is my mate too."

He needs to know that I am not going to hide the truth between us. He is already going to reject me, so what difference does it make who I am bonded to?

A surge of jealousy flows through the bond with us. He can’t help himself; it’s natural to feel that way, especially for Alpha males.

"Does he know?" He asks with a set jaw, trying to hide his emotions.

"Yes, I faintly felt him but I guess the curse was two ways. It didn’t let you and twins scent me as your mate and at the same time I couldn’t feel Ezran and Saiph as my mates. It has been reversed."

He gives a single nod. "Saiph is a protector, I hope he will treat you well."

The way he says those words doesn’t reach Alnilam’s eyes. I know it’s because he is their guard and not a royal. A whole Pandora’s box will open when their parents get involved in it. One doesn’t have to be a genius to know they won’t be very thrilled.

But, if they think I will prefer one mate over the other or reject anyone because of his status they are wrong.

They are all equal to me.

"He already does," I simply say and Alnilam takes a cautious but painful step back from me. Before I can even breathe properly, he opens the door and disappears through it.

Hurling my body back, I drop on the bed and cry my eyes out.