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Three

Alana

Relief, happiness, and fear surged through me, my heart pounding as if it might burst. After two years of wondering about my mate, I finally found him. He was none other than Damien, a powerful alpha. My gaze was fixed on the handsome man before me, with his striking green eyes and very dark hair.

The restaurant might have been bustling around us, but in that moment, it felt as if we were the only two people in the world. My disbelief was palpable; the notion that Damien, the revered alpha, was my fated mate seemed like a dream.

He was even more handsome than the pictures and portraits I had seen. I heard my wolf purr in acknowledgment which was surprising because she had been silent for a long time now.

The anticipation of meeting my mate had painted numerous scenarios in my mind, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality. I thought I had found peace. Smiling at him, I was met with a look of disgust. Without a word, he stood and left the restaurant.

Rooted to my spot in shock, I tried to comprehend what had just occurred. We had never met before, so why did he look at me with such hatred and disgust?

Recovering from my shock, I ran after him, hoping for some explanation for his behavior, but he had already driven off. Dejected, I walked back to the restaurant.

Joyce had informed Felicia of the incident, as she had been beside me with another tray of food and had overheard everything. Felicia called me to her office. "Oh, Alana, don't be sad. He was probably as surprised as you were. I'm sure he has his reasons for storming out like that. Trust me, he is a very kind boy. I watched him grow up, so I know he will come to find you soon," she tried to comfort me as I cried.

In the following months, I pondered my next steps, whether to seek him out in the capital. Ultimately, I decided against it and continued with my daily routines.

One evening, after finishing my chores, Felicia called me. "Alana, here is an invitation card for the annual moonlight ball held in the capital. I want you to go in my place," she said, winking at me.

Overjoyed at the prospect of seeing Damien again, I thanked her profusely, aware she was just trying to help. Excitement overwhelmed me, and I could hardly sleep that night.

The next day, I set off for the capital, leaving a week early due to my eagerness. After three days, I finally reached the capital city of Exteros.

The city was even more beautiful than I had imagined from pictures. Though I wanted to explore, I first needed to report to the palace.

As an invited guest, I was to stay at the palace until the ball concluded. Upon arrival, I was greeted by staff waiting to receive guests. Showing my invitation card, I was led to my room.

Fate had its own plans. On my way to my room, I saw Damien from afar, speaking with a lady. My heart leaped at the sight of him, and I was about to approach and inquire about his abrupt departure from the restaurant.

However, just as I took a step towards him, I saw him kiss the lady.

Shocked, I couldn't believe my so-called mate was with another woman. Mating lore suggested that once you found your mate, attraction to others diminished unless you rejected your mate. Yet, Damien hadn't rejected me, so what was happening?

Then, as if answering my silent question, the lady turned around. It was the famous, beautiful, and powerful alpha and sorceress, Verly. Recognizing her from stories and pictures, an inferiority complex washed over me.

Who was I compared to Verly? Tears involuntarily streamed down my face.

I quickly wiped them away and walked off quietly, not wanting to draw their attention. Unbeknownst to me, Damien already saw me, and that was the only reason he kissed Verly.

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