His Fallen Mate (Elemental Series #1)

Sad

Seraphina's POV

It's been two days since Hera called and informed me about Naam's condition. The guilt I carry is still with me, as does the fact that my mother forbade me from flying in Oceania. My heart, though, tells me that Naam is still alive, as if there is an unseen thread that connects me to her and has yet to be split. Life is full of uncertainties, but I'm certain that my friend is still alive, despite the evidence, and holding on to a sliver of hope.

My eyes wander to the sky and my skin tingles at the sweet kisses of the wind. It was already 2 in the afternoon, yet Antonio did not come back as he had promised earlier. Slowly, I rose from the shed and decided to visit the packhouse. The sun's light was yet to feel calmer in the skin while a thin line reflected on the road when I paced. People in the pack are busy, with some selling products on the sidewalk and children running around.

A familiar sensation runs through my veins, my feet come to a standstill, and my gaze is fixed on the scene in front of me. A sense of déjà vu overtook me, and a slight grin formed on the side of my lips.

"I promise I'll marry you when we grow up," the little boy said as he sought to comfort the crying little girl in front of him. He attempted to give her candy, but she merely shook her head, turned her back, and began to run away.

"She didn't believe me," the boy murmured before deciding to pursue the girl.

The setting only provided me with a nostalgic sense and allowed me to revisit my last memory with him. Chances to experience joyful, sad, regretful, and guilty lives are all-natural, but longing for full-length bliss isn't that bad either. If only it is within my capability, I would certainly without a doubt grab that opportunity. To feel happy isn't selfishness. It's a blessing one can offer to thyself.

Ah! I spread my arms widely twirling myself on the sidewalk as I enjoyed the wind. My soft curl dances along with my every turn, swaying on its own accord. Life should be lived with a purpose, not too harsh, and forced just to accomplish something.

I immediately stop twirling when I suddenly feel dizzy. A morning reminiscence rings in my brain like a loud tambourine feasting in the depths of it. I've never been called a brat in front of my face, but Dane did. It's a little insulting and rude, but I tried not to mind. Perhaps he wasn't in a good mood, and he said those things in the heat of the moment.

After arriving at the packhouse, I knocked on the door. The surroundings are very peaceful, as though chaos hasn't yet touched this place.

Antonio's solemn and scowling expression welcomed me. For a brief moment, I was taken aback. Then, all of a sudden, a shocked expression appeared on his face, as if I was immediately confronted with his other personality.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered, peering inside before taking a few more steps outside the door. His every action screams caution, as if he's terrified someone will notice.

"I was bored, you said you'd teach me horseback riding, but you never came back, and I even waited four hours in the shed as you said," I whined.

"Shh, you should go back home... we'll do it next time, as you can see Dane isn't in a good mood today and we had a lot of work to do," he said softly. I tried to peer inside, but he quickly stopped my head, preventing me from seeing what was within.

"ANTONIOO!" We both flinched at the unexpected yell, like a lion roaring at his victim. It was the type of shout that might cause an earthquake and is bound to make someone feel fear.

"Go now or else Dane will be angry at you," he continued as he shoved me away. I wanted to object since I knew I'd be bored to death at my place. But I don't want to impose something and then cause havoc. I was about to take a step back when someone else came into view, standing behind Antonio — looking like a raging bull.

"You again!" he yelled.

I bit my lower lip as I humbled myself in front of his glare.

"Alpha, Seraphina just wanted to——" Antonio began to defend me, but Dane cut him off as though Antonio's reason was irrelevant.

"How many times have I told you to go home? I don't care if you're Alpha Maal's daughter; I don't want you here. Is that so difficult to understand? Are you stupid?" he asked, staring directly at my eyes.

His words were like needles piercing my pitiful heart, the goal of which was to adore him. I fell silent as I tried to suppress my tears from falling. I never imagined Dane to be this nasty, rude, and heartless, regardless of whether his remarks were hurtful or not.

"Go, Seraphina. I don't like repeating myself. Don't make me drag you out of this pack; believe me, you won't like it," he said as he went back inside.

"Antonio, why is he so harsh? Why can't he feel the bond?" I mumbled, hope began fading before my eyes. Like a rose slowly withered in the summer solstice.

I've already informed Antonio why I've opted to stay in their pack. And he was so willing to help me to get closer to Dane. But why is he treating me as though I did something really wrong to deserve this treatment?

"Don't give up, Sera. But for the time being, just go home; let us not add fuel to the fire; I'm going inside now."

I nodded my head in response as I turned around to take my path. The cheerful mood that had previously existed had been replaced with a dismal emotion. Walking on like a broken vessel with no sense of direction. In hope, I hold...but until when must I keep holding on. To this flimsy fantasy of a happily ever after. My mind was so involved in fiction that I forgot about the reality of love. It wasn't as simple as it appeared to be. Nor was it all about butterflies on the tummy. It was more than just the cover buried down with a string of heartbreak, rejection, and pain. I wasn't prepared for it...for the pain.

I can't give up

I haven't tried hard enough; Dane will soften and give in to me someday. I tried to convince myself by smiling, but I couldn't get rid of the painful emotion within. I'm not used to being told in such a rude manner. I was well-respected, loved, and cared for in my pack. Hearing a bad comment from someone I care about hurts more than hearing it from strangers. Aside from the fact that Dane's perspective on me really matters.

"Tati, do you want candy?"

A touch on my arm brought me back to reality. My mind was so engrossed in the discourse that I didn't notice where I was walking. When I turned around, I saw that I'd already arrived at the location where I was waiting for Antonio.

"I guess she doesn't like your candy, Amori Vios," the kid says. I glanced down and immediately recognized the young girl and boy from earlier. They appear to be okay now, as both of them are holding hands and simply glancing at me. The little boy was still stretching out his hand in front of me, a candy on top of it. I offer them a smile as I accept the sweets.

"Thank you for the candy."

"Tati, are you okay? Your eyes look very sad. You're smiling but it didn't reach your eyes," the young boy said, keenly observing my facial expression, to which the little girl concurred. Somehow, I'm a little envious of the kids in front of me. They can quarrel all they want and yet be okay in the end. So unusual for mature individuals like us, whose pain takes time to heal.

"Uh, yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," I said, masking my face with a smile even though I had got busted already.

I sat down on the shed as the two youngsters followed me like a magnet.

"Tati, you're so pretty, do you have a boyfriend?" the small girl said as she sat near me.

Boyfriend? She seems to be very young, yet she claims to be aware of things that grownups are conscious of. I was contemplating inside whether I should say yes or no. But then I realize I'm quite single right now.

"No," I said as my mind wandered to Dane.

"You have not met your mate, Tati?"

They are highly knowledgeable for their age. I am confident that these kids have a great future ahead of them.

"Uh, I've met him," I admitted truthfully.

"Where is he? Why isn't he your boyfriend yet?" the little girl asked. As if I were looking for a job and being grilled regarding my personal life. For a brief moment, I was perplexed. I'm at a loss for words. I lick my lips, my gaze fixed on the sky. "He dislikes me."

"He must be blind for rejecting such a lovely woman, huh Szachna?" the little boy, whose name is Amori Vios spoke like an old man while asking the little girl. The two look like two old souls trapped in the child's body. They talk like grown-ups but act like kids.

"Yes, don't worry Tati, it's his loss, not yours," Szachna said, rolling her eyes. I giggle at their naughtiness. My emotions had glowed a little. If it weren't for these youngsters, I'd be sobbing and soaking in pain.

"What's your name, Tati?" Amori inquired.

"My name is Ember Seraphina," I introduced myself. They had also properly introduced themselves. Both of the youngsters had stayed with me in the shed until it was 6 p.m. and their parents had fetched them to go home as it was getting dark. As for me, I stayed in the shed for a couple of minutes before I went back to my apartment.