Reflections
1252 Words
As Iyani and her guards walked away, Beta Justice hesitated. For a fleeting moment, his gaze met hers, and something unspoken passed between them.
You’re different, Justice thought, realizing for the first time the significance of the subtle power emanating from her.
Iyani’s lips barely moved, but her voice was clear in Justice’s mind. You’re more perceptive than your Alpha. But be careful. This connection isn’t something to flaunt.
Justice’s wolf stirred uneasily. He realized she had deliberately linked with him, an ability far beyond the capacity of most wolves. He swallowed hard, his respect for her deepening.
You’re a Mystic Healer, Justice acknowledged silently.
Iyani’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she gave a faint nod before breaking the link.
The market square’s vibrant energy was a stark contrast to the tense encounter that had just unfolded. Allen walked away, his Beta Justice at his side, the scent of his mate still lingering faintly in the air. Around them, the festive sounds of the market seemed muffled, as if the world itself was retreating into a haze of his frustration and regret.
His mind replayed every second of their meeting—her defiance, her power, and the overwhelming connection that had threatened to unravel him entirely. His chest tightened at the memory of her words. “I may never accept you.”
Zor growled low in his mind, the weight of their bond pressing heavily on Allen’s conscience. We need her. She’s everything.
Allen clenched his fists. “I failed her,” he admitted, his voice barely audible. “What was I thinking, grabbing her like that?”
Justice shot him a side glance but didn’t speak immediately. It wasn’t until they were out of the market square that he broke the silence.
“Alpha,” Justice began cautiously, “there’s more to her than just being your mate.”
Allen stopped abruptly, turning to face his Beta. “What do you mean?”
Justice hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the distant crowd where Iyani had disappeared. “She’s not just powerful, Allen. She’s something... unique. I don’t know how to describe it, but I felt it. When she linked with me—”
“What?” Allen’s eyes narrowed. “She linked with you?”
Justice nodded slowly. “It was subtle, almost like a whisper in my mind, but it was deliberate. She warned me to be careful, to protect the knowledge of her abilities.”
“What abilities?” Allen’s frustration was clear, but beneath it lay curiosity and a flicker of concern.
Justice met his Alpha’s gaze. “She’s a Mystic Healer, Allen. That’s not just rare—it’s sacred. Her presence in this kingdom could change everything.”
The weight of the revelation settled heavily on Allen’s shoulders. He sank onto a nearby bench, running a hand through his hair. “How do I make her see that I’m worthy of her?” he asked, his voice thick with remorse.
Justice crossed his arms, his tone firm but not unkind. “You start by apologizing. And I don’t mean some half-hearted excuse. A genuine apology. Then you listen. Let her lead, Alpha. She’s not like other she-wolves—you’ll lose her if you try to control her.”
Allen nodded slowly, Zor’s growl echoing in his mind. We’ll prove it to her. She’s ours.
As Iyani and her guards returned to the hotel, her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. Shantee was unusually quiet, her normally jubilant energy subdued.
“You’re thinking about him,” Breona said, breaking the silence.
Iyani sighed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “He’s insufferable.”
“But he’s your mate,” Breona countered with a knowing smirk.
Iyani shot her a glare. “Then he’ll have to prove he’s worthy of that title. The bond doesn’t mean I have to accept arrogance and entitlement.”
Trimni, walking a few paces behind, finally spoke. “Iyani, the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes.”
Iyani turned to face her head guard, her brows furrowed. “What are you saying, Trimni?”
Trimni’s expression softened, but her tone remained steady. “I’m saying that while the Alpha clearly has much to learn, the bond is there for a reason. You’ve seen how the Moon Goddess works—her plans are often beyond our understanding. But they always serve a purpose.”
Breona chimed in, her voice more playful. “Besides, you have the upper hand, Yani. Make him sweat. If he really wants you, he’ll show you he’s worthy.”
Iyani rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “You two make it sound so simple.”
“It’s not simple,” Trimni admitted. “But it’s worth it. If he’s meant to stand beside you as your mate, he’ll rise to the challenge. And if not... well, you’ll still be the queen this kingdom needs.”
Iyani fell silent, her thoughts swirling. The memory of Allen’s hazel eyes—intense, yet vulnerable—lingered in her mind, along with the undeniable pull of the bond.
Iyani sat in her quarters, her emotions a swirling storm. Shantee was quiet but watchful, the bond to Allen simmering in the background.
“You’re thinking about him,” Breona said, breaking the silence.
Iyani sighed. “He’s insufferable.”
“But he’s your mate,” Breona countered.
“Then he’ll have to prove he’s worthy of that title,” Iyani said firmly.
Her grandfather entered, his expression softened. “Iyani, the summit begins tomorrow. Are you prepared to face him again?”
Iyani lifted her chin. “I’ll do what I must—for the pack and the kingdom.”
Ezuna nodded, pride evident in his eyes. “Good. Remember, you hold the power in this bond. Make him earn it.”
As Iyani prepared for the next day, a quiet resolve settled over her. She wouldn’t let anyone—not even her destined mate—undermine her strength or her legacy
Later that evening, Iyani sat in her quarters, staring out the window as the moon cast its silvery glow over the village. Shantee was restless, her presence humming faintly in the background.
“Why does it have to be him?” Iyani whispered aloud.
Because he’s ours, Shantee replied gently.
Breona, lounging on the bed, watched her closely. “You’re still thinking about him, aren’t you?”
Iyani turned to face her friend, her expression conflicted. “I can’t help it. The bond won’t let me.”
Breona grinned. “That’s because he’s meant to be yours. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”
Iyani crossed her arms, her gaze defiant. “If he wants to be my mate, he’ll have to prove it. I’m not accepting anything less than respect and partnership.”
Trimni, who had been silently observing from the corner, stepped forward. “And you’re right to demand that. But Iyani, don’t close yourself off entirely. The Moon Goddess chose him for a reason. Trust her plan, even if it doesn’t make sense now.”
Iyani’s resolve wavered slightly, but she nodded. “I’ll give him a chance. But only if he earns it.”
Her grandfather’s voice echoed in her mind from earlier that day. You hold the power in this bond. Make him earn it.
As she prepared for the summit, Iyani steeled herself. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but one thing was certain—she wouldn’t let anyone, not even her mate, define her worth.
- Writer
