His Witchy Mate

“Oh my, that wasn’t intentional,” Ena’s fake innocence barely masked her hardly contained laughter. I saw her hurriedly leave, her laughter echoing in the kitchen as she left.

Struggling to my feet, I fought back tears that threatened to fall. It was only my first day within the palace’s walls, and negativity seemed to be building on me. A quick note was made to seek comfort in some kind of cleansing process later. I wiped away a tear and gathered the strength to continue cooking. My movements were now hasty, a mix of determination and anxiety guiding my actions.

~ Lucian ~

The tempting aroma of the cooked meal began to spread its way through the corridors of the palace, reaching even the corners of my room. A smile formed at the corners of my lips, one that I couldn’t suppress. My stomach growled in eager delight, a reflex response to the familiar and delightful scent that filled the air. It was her cooking, her ability that was causing my senses to stir.

As the aroma enveloped me, memories flashed back, flooding my mind with a mix of emotions. It was a scent I couldn’t easily forget, a scent that carried a past filled with both joy and complications. Despite the years that had passed, my feelings remained steadfast and unwavering, a truth I found difficult to ignore.

The mere thought of her brought to mind the likely clash that awaited us. I could almost visualize the arguments that would ensue, the fiery exchanges fueled by the sparks between us. The aroma had stirred not only my appetite but also created a storm of emotions that I knew were waiting to be dealt with.

This situation was a reminder of how our paths had crossed in the first place. Memories of our first encounter, the unexpected circumstances that brought us together – they all flooded back with a force that I couldn’t ignore. Those feelings, the connection we once shared, remained as strong as ever. Despite the passage of time, my heart refused to forget her.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Yet, the truth I carried, the reason for the sudden change that one day, remained locked within me. I knew the guilt of my actions rested heavily. The right time for the truth had not yet arrived, and I found myself struggling with the feeling that she deserved to know the whole truth of the story.

With the aroma of the meal filling my senses, I allowed myself a moment of quiet reflection. Our complicated destinies had led us to this point, a moment of shared space even as the silence hung heavily between us. The time for truth would come, and I couldn’t deny the urgency that it carried. Until then, I continued to struggle with the emotions that her presence provoked within me, struggling with a past that seemed determined to remain untouched.

~ Bryan ~

I couldn’t help but question my sense of direction as I walked on what I hoped was the right path. It had been years since I last saw my cousin Lucian, and despite my uncertainty, the road felt familiar. Lucian was more than a cousin; he was a close friend, someone I held dear in my heart. The anticipation of our meeting added a hint of excitement to my steps.

As I continued on, my mind wandered back to an event that occurred three years ago. Thoughts of Alicia came back, the woman who had been a part of my cousin’s life. I couldn’t deny that a certain affection remained in my heart for her. Secretly, I had always had a crush on Alicia, a feeling that had remained hidden in the shadows. However, her relationship with Lucian, though taboo, was undeniable, making any expression of my feelings impossible.

Of course, I had my own set of limitations. Unlike Lucian, I wasn’t destined to be the next Lycan in line. It offered me a sense of safety from the complexities that came with such a position. As my thoughts drifted, I wondered about Alicia’s well-being. Time had passed, and I couldn’t help but wonder how she was getting along. But the thought was quick, pushed aside by the awareness of its impossibility.

The image of Alicia, as she might appear now, lingered for a moment before I pushed it out of my mind. This was about Lucian – my surprise visit to his palace, an unexpected discovery that I hoped would bring joy to us both. The element of surprise made me smile, and the anticipation of Lucian’s reaction fueled my determination to carry through with my plan.

The ride to the palace was filled with a mix of memories and anticipation. I imagined Lucian’s surprise and the laughter that would surely follow. With every step, I drew closer to our meeting. My heart grew with a mixture of affection and excitement as I continued on the journey. The idea of reuniting with my favorite cousin Lucian motivated me forward.

~Alicia ~

I stood there in the hallway, holding a tray in my hands. A sense of discomfort creeped in. Ena’s scowl wasn’t unexpected – her rude looks were a daily occurrence – but the presence of another person raised my curiosity. He looked oddly familiar, his hairstyle triggering a distant memory within me. I couldn’t quite place where or when we might have crossed paths before. But I couldn’t afford to appear lost or foolish, not with Ena around. So, I curtsied slightly and greeted the man with a polite “Hello, Sir,” opting for a polite greeting that hopefully didn’t betray any previous familiarity.

As I turned to head towards the dining area, I froze mid-step when I heard my name spoken by the man. “Alicia. How are you?”

Confusion was evident on my face, but I decided to play along, not wanting to appear clueless. “I’m good, and you?” I responded, going with the flow.

“Come on, Alicia, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already.” His words left me a little confused. Had I truly known him at some point? My mind raced to make connections, but before I could craft a suitable response, Ena’s voice sliced through the air, as caustic as ever.