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1121 Words
The hall became quiet. Maddy’s loud yelling were now blocked by the double doors of the hall.
Aurora looked around the room silently daring anyone to question her decision. One by one the guests looked away and went back to their talks like nothing had happened.
Felix walked over with a small smile on his lips.
“What was that about, Aurora?” he asked with a small smile even though the moment was serious.
“Maddy was being a pain in the butt.” Aurora said in a short and cold voice. “She had to go.”
Felix laughed and shook his head.
“Wow, Aurora. Sometimes you really surprise me.”
Aurora gave a small smile.
“I try, brother.”
“But really.” Felix said in a softer voice, “was that kindness? Were you helping someone weaker again?”
Aurora’s smile faded a little. It's been just two years and Felix already knew her so well.
“I couldn’t watch her treat that young servant so badly. It wasn’t right.”
Felix patted her on the shoulder.
“That’s nice, Aurora. You’ve always been kind.” He gave her shoulder one more squeeze. “I have to meet the Alphas now. Take care.”
He walked away not knowing the deeper story between Aurora, Rowan and Maddy. She hadn’t told Felix about that part of her past. He wouldn’t understand.
Across the room Rowan stood still looking at Aurora with a mix of worry and longing. He thought something big might happen tonight when he came but her presence simply shook him.
Was he next? Would she shame him in front of everyone for what he did in the past?
He wanted to talk to her, to explain but he knew words wouldn’t be enough. She was already surrounded by many Alphas and Lunas all wanting her attention. He couldn’t reach her at the moment.
His eyes stayed on her. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. She was glowing with strength and confidence. He felt a strong attraction toward her. He still loved her. He always had. The wolf inside him felt excited to be near her.
Soon it was time to sit at the table. The Alphas and Lunas sat at the big table in the center of the hall. Rowan sat alone. The seat beside him where Maddy should be was empty.
His eyes searched for Aurora. He couldn’t stop looking at her. Her beauty, her power and her presence. She was all he could see. He had to speak to her. He would speak to her.
The evening went on with speeches, toasts, and polite chats. Rowan barely noticed any of it. His mind was full of thoughts about Aurora, about getting her back and about the deep regret inside him.
At last the event began to end. Rowan saw Aurora making excuses and walking toward an exit. He quickly followed while feeling desperate to speak with her.
“Aurora!” he called out loudly.
She didn’t look back. She kept walking at the same pace.
Rowan walked faster.
“Aurora, please! Just a moment!”
She turned a corner and vanished. He ran to catch up and found two guards standing there grimly.
“I'm sorry, Alpha Rowan.” one guard said kindly. “You can’t go through here.”
Rowan stopped. He was upset and beaten.
“I need to talk to Aurora. It’s important.”
“Alpha Felix gave clear orders.” the guard said firmly. “No one can pass through here. Sorry Alpha.”
Rowan clenched his fists wanting to argue or push through. But he knew it was useless. Felix’s guards would not let him pass and to force himself would be rude and uncalled for.
He sighed and turned away. He had failed. He did not get to speak with Aurora.
Outside the hall his carriage waited. He got in and no surprise Maddy was already inside with her face twisted in anger.
The driver noticed the mood and quickly started the horses. The carriage began to move.
“THAT WITCH!” Maddy shouted. “That proud, rude witch! How dare she embarrass me like that?”
Rowan closed his eyes. He was tired of Maddy’s anger and jealousy. He was tired of pretending to care.
“Rowan, are you listening?” Maddy yelled while grabbing his arm. “Did you see what she did? And you just stood there! You didn’t do anything!”
Rowan sighed and rubbed his forehead.
“What did you want me to do, Maddy? Fight in the middle of Felix’s hall? That wouldn’t help.”
“You should have defended me!” she shouted. “You’re my Alpha, my mate! You should have stood up for me!”
“Maddy, you were wrong.” Rowan said in a tired voice. “You were mean to that servant. Aurora was right to stop you.”
“Right?” Maddy laughed bitterly. “Right? She has no right! Who does she think she is, coming in here and acting like a queen?”
Rowan didn’t answer. He was already thinking about Aurora. He saw her in his mind strong and brave with eyes full of fire. He remembered how she used to look at him with love. He had thrown all of that away!
“You’re not listening, are you?” Maddy said loudly. “You still want her, don’t you? Even after everything, you still love her!”
Rowan opened his eyes and looked at her.
“It’s over, Maddy.” he said softly. “It’s been over for a long time.”
Maddy’s face changed. Her anger turned into fear.
“What are you saying?” she whispered.
“I’m saying I'm tired of listening to your shouts and moans everyday.” Rowan said firmly. “I can’t pretend we have something real. I can’t pretend I'm happy listening to you.”
Maddy stared at him with wide eyes.
“What are you insinuating?!” She demanded.
“Duty matters, Maddy.” Rowan sighed, avoiding her question. “But it’s not everything. I’ve lived by duty too long. Now, I need to live for myself.”
He turned away and looked out the window. The carriage bumped along. His mind was clear. He was done with Maddy. Done pretending. Seeing Aurora again had brought back feelings he had pushed away.
He made a quiet promise to himself. He would bring Aurora back into his life no matter what. He knew it would be hard. He knew he had made big mistakes. But he was ready to do whatever it took. He was going to win her back….
- Writer
