(Saiph)

I understand my mother. The things I have seen Rigel go through have permanently scarred him. He is explosive and doesn’t react well to changes.

"Take all the time you need."

"Does Hathial know?" Father asks, lifting his eyes clouded by sorrow.

"Yes, he figured it out by seeing Rigel’s shadow magic. It runs in his family."

"True, that’s unique to Hathial. As much as this breaks me to know that Rigel is not my son. It also makes me feel less guilty that you didn’t lose a chance to have a child with your real mate." Mom nods, blinking away tears at my father’s understanding. Both of them hold mutual respect for the other. Still, the thought of her leaving is unsettling.

"Will you permanently stay there?" I can’t help myself and ask.

"Saiph, no matter where I go. You will always be my child and are free to visit me. I won’t restrict myself to only Fudaria and will come to meet you as well."

I don’t even know what Rigel will choose. But I know he can’t live without Amaia. He is now heir to the throne of Fudaria and me the heir of Orion. We won’t be able to live together and the thought somehow hurts me.

"I know, it’s not easy to wrap my head around it."

My father places his hand on my shoulder.

"We have time to figure everything out. You are free now to make your decisions, your choices. No one will stop you."

I offer him a forced smile but inside my chest is a storm.

"You must rest and not overwhelm yourself. We will speak later." My father pats my shoulder and my mom embraces me again agreeing with my father.

Both of them leave together, murmuring to each other.

Approaching the bed, I drop myself on it and hold my face. This is not going to be easy for us. We will be separated.

Rigel and I. My mom and I. I just found them. And Amaia. Whom will she choose?

I know she loves us all equally so how will these circumstances affect her?

Rigel is definitely not going to take this news positively.

"Hey!" Amaia’s soft and worry-filled voice breaks my train of thought.

She comes to stand in front of me and my arms reach out to grab her waist and place my head on her belly.

She is still here by my side, after I drugged her, spied on her, and delivered her to the enemy. And selfish me is wondering if she will stay with me or leave with Rigel.

"What is it?" Her soft fingers weave into my hair and gently rub. A hum of satisfaction erupts inside my head which doesn’t belong to me.

"I know about Rigel. I don’t want us to be separated." A sigh of exhaustion leaves her at my words.

"I was so occupied with the thought of bringing you back that I haven’t given it too much thought but it’s at the back of my mind. He is not going to react well to this."

"I know, that’s what I am afraid of." I place a kiss on her belly.

"Amaia, I can’t imagine what you must have gone through when you lost me. Your screams are the last thing I heard and they still echo in my ears."

The look on Amaia’s face will forever be etched in my memories when Bellatrix was violating me.

How did she survive that pain? The thoughts return and break me all over again along with all the repressed memories.

"Saiph!" She calls me with such affection that I lift my head and observe her.

There is something different about Amaia, she seems tougher and more in control. A darkness flashes in her eyes, the one I have never seen before.

"When I am done with her, she is going to regret ever laying hands on my mates." Her unwavering words and relentless expression make my heart relax.

"I have a few ideas regarding that and I am going to work on them with you."

Amaia maliciously smiles. Her eyes have a hidden darkness now which I can sense.

Something stirs in my head again.

"Mate! Is strong. I like mate," the whisper erupts in my head, startling me.

"Who are you?" I ask, stunned.

"Your wolf. The spells and curses on you put me into a long sleep. That nasty woman tried to kill me but instead, I went into a hibernation even before I could fully mature and meet you. I have fully healed now and I am ready to meet and claim my mate."

My wolf? I remember her saying that she killed my wolf. She must have done something to me so my wolf would never emerge.

But he is alive.

"What’s your name?’

"Zlatka, it means gold."

Zlatka. Is he golden in hue? Golden wolves are extremely rare and are considered Alphas of the Alphas. They are at the level of lycans.

"You can say hi to her. I am sure she will be thrilled to meet you."

"It’s her belief and efforts that healed me and returned me to you. I am going to do more than just say hi to her."

Damn! He has been here a few minutes and is already bossing me around. Amaia is going to love him.

"Amaia, there is someone who wishes to meet you," I tell her gently, pressing my chin into her belly. She holds my head, her hands still woven deep in my short hair.

I watch her eyes widen in excitement.

"Your wolf?" She enthusiastically asks, smiling widely at me. Her eyes crinkle at the side. How I have missed that smile of hers.

"Yes!"

My wolf takes over, flashing himself through my eyes. Amaia’s eyebrows arch fully and she gasps.

"Carmine, his eyes are so beautiful."

A deep guttural sound escapes me, the sound of my wolf’s approval as he growls in a possessive voice.

"Amaia!"