FATED TWICE

Chapter 5: With You, I'm Ready To Face Anything

SCARLETT'S POV

Nexoria

Standing before Zephyr’s mansion, an uneasy sensation engulfs me as I stare at the ruins of the town.

A nauseous feeling encapsulated me, as my eyes darted from one dead body to another. The town was apparently in a mess, and was just struck by a battle that left nothing but pain to it's member's.

I can’t help but feel shattered as I watch parents and children being hurried to the infirmary. A blonde man carries his little girl on his back while supporting his limping wife, both of them whispering as they head toward the hospital.

The man appears to be in more pain than his wife and daughter. “Cursed wolves! Damned Alpha Quinn and his bloodthirsty army!” The veins on his forehead became vivid as he swore and cursed the wolves who brought so much anguish to him.

His wife sobs, cradling their baby’s head. “I’m so sorry, Rain. Mommy is sorry for letting you endure so much pain. I’m sorry, my love. Zephyr will return soon; we'll get our pound of flesh, sweetheart.”

As they pass me, my master’s name echoes in my ears, spoken by the blonde man’s wife.

I can’t help but wonder, “What does Zephyr have to do with this?”

I sharpen my senses and listen to their conversation, despite being several meters away. The blonde man grumbles, “If it were like before, this could have been avoided. Alpha Quinn and his men would’ve been slain the moment he arrived. We'd have been the victor.”

His wife nods in agreement. “That’s true, but all hope isn’t lost. The king is dead, and Zephyr will soon return. Soon enough, we’ll bid these wolves goodbye; because he'll wipe them out entirely.”

Goosebumps crawl over my skin as I try to piece the puzzle together."Wipe them out entirely?"

“If Zephyr is powerful enough to predict the wolves’ arrival and destroy them, then why do I feel safer with him than with my fellow wolves? Could it be that he doesn’t know what I am?”

The harder I try to make sense of things, the more tangled my thoughts become. I push it aside and am about to leave when I spot Kael from afar.

There he stands, comforting the injured and receiving their gratitude.

Ignoring him, I dash toward the path leading to the river. More confused than I’ve been in years, I lightly grasp the hem of my white chiffon dress and step into the water.

I place my second foot into the river and walk deeper until the water rises to my waist.

There, I stand still, savoring the coolness of the water as it washes over me, desperate to forget my near-death experience.

I shut my eyes and float gently, my mind swirling with countless thoughts. Amid the stillness, I hear the faint sound of water moving on the other side, and I catch the scent of someone like me.

Instantly, my eyes snap open, and I freeze at the sight before me. “Kael?”

For once, he doesn’t seem so serious. “It’s nice to hear you say my name, Scarlett.”

I take a step back, ensuring there’s enough space between us. I stare at him cautiously and ask, “How long have you been here?”

“I arrived before you. You were just too lost in thought to notice me.”

Unmoved, I reply politely, “Thank you for yesterday. I wouldn’t be alive if you hadn’t stopped that arrow.”

Kael responds calmly, “I’m glad I saved you.”

A spark of curiosity, mixed with strange emotions, stirs in my heart. “Why did you save me?”

“I did it because I was in a position to help.”

Our eyes meet, and the word “Mate” echoes in my mind. Tears well up as I stare at my second-chance mate.

Melancholy seeps through me as I whisper, “Mate.” Tears slide down my cheeks, while Kael clenches his fists, his arms trembling as if he’s trying to resist himself.

“No! Not again! Not after everything I’ve endured! I don’t want a mate!”

Our gazes lock, and my heart shatters, the pain worse than the sting of rejection. Through tears, I question him, “Why, Kael? I always believed our encounters weren’t just coincidences. I’ve fought so hard to avoid anyone who could be my mate, but here we are.”

Kael lowers his hands and steps closer. “Scarlett, I’m sorry for hurting you. I’ve suffered too much at the hands of my so-called mate. I won’t go through that again. My life is better without a mate—I can’t bear being betrayed a second time.”

Gently, I reach out and touch his chin, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “My story wasn’t any better. I was rejected on my mating ceremony day and banished. It was the worst day of my life. The idea of love only brings me sadness. But if it’s with you, I’ll face anything.”

My heart feels like it’s about to burst as emotions flood through me. Kael lifts my hand to his lips. “Scarlett, I’m not good for you. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Pushing all my doubts aside, I allow myself to sink into the moment. Kael’s hands settle on my waist as he gazes deeply into my eyes.

“Scarlett, I always knew this day would come. I wrestled with myself, trying to decide what to do. I didn’t want to save you yesterday, but I couldn’t stop myself. I risked everything just to keep you alive.”

Tears flow freely as a sense of wholeness wraps around me. As his breath brushes my skin, I lift myself slightly, my lips inching toward his—

A voice suddenly shatters the moment.

“No! Scarlett! I need you!”

I spin around to see…