(Amaia)

Although I want to fly my way to Rigel, I stay put understanding he needs to connect with Saiph. Alnilam has given me the same advice.

TJ takes samples from us for DNA testing. Kacir and Rahria bring us food. We don’t reveal any details to them yet. We need to sort this out first.

"We are glad, Alnitak is awake," Rahria gives me an assuring hug.

"Yes! Me too."

"Where is Aziel?" Kacir questions, ensuring I am eating the food he has brought and finish my plate.

"We arranged a safe place for him to stay." It’s not like I don’t trust them, it’s more like I don’t want to endanger their lives. The less they know, the better.

I don’t trust Kacir’s father and the evil queen can just curse anyone. My friends have to be safe.

"If you need anything, you know where to find us. We are always here," Rahria assures me with a smile and I nod.

They leave and I turn to face my mates. Alnitak is awake and is drinking stew from Mintaka. Alnilam has just returned from somewhere and is deep in thought so I approach him.

"Can we return to your office after dinner? We need a plan."

He focuses his disturbed gaze on me. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Yes, I was just planning my next course of action. Let’s go once Alnitak finishes his food."

We let him finish the bowl. He stands up on his own. "I feel much better. I want to speak with Rigel and Saiph."

Stepping forward, I take Alnitak’s hand in mine, crossing our fingers.

"Let’s."

Min leads the way while Alnilam remains just behind us.

Quietly, we arrive in Alnilam’s office and he opens the partition. One by one we step inside and my eyes desperately seek Rigel. I find him sitting on the sofa alongside Saiph.

His body visibly goes stiff seeing me. The guilt overwhelms the bond, his guilt for hurting me, abandoning me, raising his voice at me.

I don’t blame him for anything. I can never, I would never after everything he was made to endure.

"Go," Alnitak softly says, leaving my hand.

To my surprise, Rigel’s shadows lift, not from him but from Saiph’s arms and shoulders. Like excited wreaths they reach for me, embracing me. A cold but comforting sensation they carry, pulling me towards a stunned Rigel.

"Stay," Saiph sternly instructs Rigel, in case he tries to distance himself again.

"Yes, don’t make me bind you again," Alnilam playfully threatens, making a tiny smile finally creep on Rigel’s lips.

My hands reach for his handsome face. My legs straddle him. He appears calmer, so do his shadows. A reunion with Saiph seems to have done the magic.

His skin is cold against my palms but the relief that I feel holding him again is beyond describable.

"Hey, how are you?" My voice comes out all sentimental.

His glowing ember-like eyes take me in, emotions swimming in them with abundance. His nimble hands hold my waist with delicacy.

"Amaia, I knew you would be able to break the curses on me. But....I have been such a terrible mate."

I press my index finger on his soft lips, making him halt.

"Shhhh! You will not berate yourself. You did nothing wrong..."

He evocatively kisses my index finger. Eyes seeking forgiveness.

I take him in, fully taken in his sharp features and intelligent eyes.

How I love this man....

"But..."

"No buts. I missed you and your touch. I am grateful to have you back."

I let my head rest on his heart and he finally holds me to himself. His hands rub my back, soothing, pacifying, letting the worries I am carrying subside for a while.

"I wish I could show you the endless love I have for you Amaia. You steal my breath." He places his nose into my hair and takes in deep inhales.

Alnitak moves forward and comes to sit between Rigel and Saiph’s legs.

Deep shadows cover his face and it breaks me to see that he has forgotten to smile. He apologetically stares up at his brothers.

"....I don’t have the proper words to apologise for the crimes of my mama." He places both his hands on his heart. "I swear I had not the slightest clue of what was going on." He shakes his head filled with crimson hair. "But I assure you, I will face and ask her why she did all those vile things. I will make her tell us the truth."

Saiph places his large hand on Alnitak’s shoulder but Rigel remains slightly rigid and doubtful.

"Trust him, Rigel. The six of us should blindly trust each other because we are not cursed anymore. These are our true selves." I rub Rigel’s chest so he would mellow down to Alnitak.

It is difficult because Alnitak is his mother’s golden boy and the natural goodness that his heart carries makes it difficult for him to see the evil that people possess, especially someone this close.

"We will investigate the matter but we don’t have the luxury of too much time. I am arranging to replace those voodoo dolls with fake ones but considering her, she will know once she visits her secret room." Alnilam sighs, coming to stand behind Rigel and me. I extend my hand and he takes it, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"What’s the plan?" Min asks, sitting down beside Alnitak, and placing his head on my back.

"I am going to set up meetings with King Xamian Wu and Hathial Kane. I think they can act as our allies against Mama and Istrale. I believe our parents are involved with Natianu’s evil plans atleast mama is and our father is under her spell or curse," Alnilam lays it out for us.

"Kane might agree to help, considering he still cares for Queen Adrnia. But I don’t trust Xamian at all," I bitterly say and Rigel tenderly kisses my hair.

"He doesn’t deserve a single hair on your head but let’s see what he has to say." Rigel tilts his head backwards and tells Alnilam. "I will go with you."

Alnilam nods in agreement and focuses his attention towards Saiph.