Chapter 4 – Mate
1280 Words
Elara
"Who is Elara?" Seraphina's mother asked. Her eyes went from me to Olivia, curious about our conversation.
I pulled Olivia's dress. "Please," I whispered. "Don't say anything." I'll explain everything later, I promise." I begged.
Olivia furrowed her brow, hesitating whether to go with me or not, but for what seemed like eternity, she let a fake smile, her face brightening.
"Oh Elara, she's just a character from a book we both read before Sera's accident. We were talking about stories to jog her memory."
I gulped when Seraphina's mother nodded, buying Olivia's explanation. She handed me the water glass. "Is everything alright?"
"Fine," Olivia uttered too fast for my liking. "I was just telling Sera how much I've missed her on the past year, and that she has a lot to catch up on." She added.
"Indeed she does," the mother agreed. "But there's plenty of time for that. The important thing is that you're back with us, darling. The Moon Goddess has answered our prayers."
The Moon Goddess. The deity I had begged for a second chance as I died in that wolfsbane bath. Had she really granted my wish by placing me in Seraphina's body? And if so, why this body? Why this girl, engaged to Dominic's twin brother?
"I'm a bit tired," I said, hoping to get some time alone with Olivia. "Would it be okay if Olivia stayed with me while I rested? I don't want to be alone."
"Of course, dear," Seraphina's mother said, moving towards the door. "I'll let your father know you're awake but resting. He'll be so relieved." She paused at the doorway. "The doctors said not to overwhelm you with too many visitors at once, but they'll want to examine you soon."
"I understand," I said, trying to sound like a dutiful daughter. "Maybe tomorrow?"
She nodded and left, closing the door gently behind her.
The moment we were alone, Olivia turned to me, eyes blazing with curiosity and suspicion.
"Start talking," she demanded. "How is this possible?" How are you in Seraphina's body? And why do I know your name?"
I took a deep breath. "It's a long story."
"We've got time," Olivia said, settling into bed. "And you'd better tell me everything, because something tells me you're not supposed to be here."
"I died," I said bluntly. "Isabella Frost, my twin sister, betrayed me and had me executed by wolfsbane bath. With my last breath, I asked the Moon Goddess for another chance. For revenge." I looked down at my Seraphina's hands. "I guess she was listening."
Olivia's mouth fell open. "Isabella Frost? The Luna of Lycandoria?" Her eyes widened further. "Wait—you're that twin? The one who tried to take her place at the bonding ceremony?"
I let a heavy sigh, it seemed the news had spread to other packs. "That's not what happened," I lash out.Isabella begged me to take her place. It was never my idea, but then she blackmailed me."
Olivia sat back, processing this information. "This is... insane." She ran a hand through her red hair. "And now you're in Seraphina's body. My best friend's body." Her eyes suddenly hardened. "Where is Seraphina? What happened to her spirit?"
I shook my head helplessly. "I don't know. I just woke up here."
"She's been in a coma for nearly a year," Olivia murmured. "After falling from a balcony at Blackmoon Pack." She gave me a sharp look. "A balcony at the Blackwood Pack house, where she was visiting her fiancé, Xavier."
"Dominic's twin," I said, recalling the photo.
"Yes." Olivia's eyes narrowed. "Seraphina was engaged to Xavier, they were not mstes though. It was an arranged mating to strengthen ties between our packs. But the night after Xavier and Seraphina's ceremony, she supposedly fell from a balcony."
"Supposedly?" I caught her tone immediately.
Olivia leaned in closer. "I never believed it was an accident. Seraphina wasn't clumsy. And she certainly wouldn't go near a balcony edge during a full moon when her wolf was strong."
"You think she was pushed?"
"I know she was," Olivia said with absolute conviction. "You're not the only one with gifts, Elara. I'm what our pack calls a 'seer.' I can sense things others can't—like the fact that you're not Seraphina." She paused, her green eyes intense. "And I had a vision the night Sera fell. I saw hands pushing her, but I couldn't see whose they were."
"And no one believed you?" I guessed.
"How could they? "I had no proof." She uttered, but before I could respond, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Sera? It's me," a deep male voice called from the other side.
Olivia jumped up. "It's Xavier," she whispered urgently. "Seraphina's fiancé. Dominic's twin."
Panic seized me. "I can't talk to him! I don't know anything about Seraphina or their relationship!"
"Just let me do the talking," Olivia hissed. Then, louder, "Come in, Xavier! She's awake but still very weak."
He opened the door and came in, and I was face to face with Xavier Blackwood.
Their resemblance to Dominic is vivid.
Dominic, my crush the one that sentenced my death.
The same strong jaw, and dark eyes, but somehow he are softer than Dom.
And Xavier's hair was slightly longer, his build a bit stronger, and his face softer.
My breath caught in my throat. It was like looking at a kinder version of the man I'd once loved.
"Seraphina," he breathed, staring at me with a straight face. "You're really awake."
I tried to smile, but my lips trembled. This man thought I was his fiancée. The woman he waited for during a year-long coma. The deception made me deeply uncomfortable—and yet, what choice did I have?
"Hi," I managed weakly.
Xavier moved to approach the bed, but Olivia stepped between us. "She's still very disoriented, Xavier. The doctors said not to overwhelm her."
"Of course," he said, but his eyes never left mine. "I've waited a year. I can wait a little longer."
Something in his gaze made my heart flutter. It feels awkward, since he looked so much like Dominic.
"I should go," Olivia said suddenly. "Let you two have a moment. Sera's been asking about you."
I gave her a panicked look, but she returned with reassuring nod before slipping out of the room, leaving me alone with Xavier.
"I can't believe you're finally back," Xavier said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "The doctors weren't sure you'd ever wake up."
"I... I'm still trying to process everything," I said honestly. "It's all a bit foggy."
"That's understandable." His smile was warm, nothing like the cold mask Dominic had worn when he sentenced me to death. "Your mother mentioned you might have some memory loss."
"Yeah," I said, seizing the opportunity. "I don't really remember... well, much of anything about the accident. Or even before it."
Xavier's face fell slightly. "You don't remember me?"
He sounded disappointed, making me feel guilty. "I'm sorry. I'm sure it will come back. It's just... right now, everything feels new."
He nodded, "It's okay. We have time. I'm just glad you're alive."
I tried to shift positions, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, and as I moved, my hand accidentally brushed against his.
Sending sparks all over my body.
Xavier froze, his eyes widening in shock. And the same happened to me. I feel the bond passing through my entire body.
"Mate," he growled, the word rumbling from somewhere deep inside him.
I jerked my hand away, heart pounding in alarm. "What?"
"Mate," he repeated softly, almost reverently.
I gulped. What the hell is happening?
- Writer
