Veronica pov....
I opened my eyes, and my vision initially blurred but gradually sharpened. Taking in my surroundings, I observed the white walls and neatly arranged chairs. The closed door indicated my confinement within the hospital walls. To my right, I noticed a machine, and as I looked down, the presence of a drip in my hand confirmed my location. Attempting to sit up proved unsuccessful, causing me to reluctantly lie back down.
After some time, the door swung open, revealing Sophia's familiar face as she entered the room, a joyful smile spreading across her lips. "Thank goodness you woke up!" she exclaimed, taking a seat beside me. "How are you feeling? Is it painful? Would you like some warm water?"
I nodded, and with a swift motion, she filled a glass with water before gently assisting me in sipping it. After I had finished, she helped me settle back into bed. "You have been in the hospital since yesterday evening. The doctors have examined you, and fortunately, everything seems fine. Your unconsciousness was the result of weakness and a lack of proper nutrition."
She placed her hand on top of mine, her eyes appearing swollen from evident distress.
"Thank you." I expressed my gratitude, acknowledging that her presence had contributed to my survival.
"Why?" she pondered for a moment. "Well, you might think I brought you here to the hospital." I nodded, prompting a smile to grace her face. "However, you should express your gratitude to someone else, not me."
"S-Someone else?" I inquired, curious about her statement.
She smiled once again, finding amusement in my curiosity. "Remember how I always told you that one day your prince would come and whisk you away?"
I nodded, the memory of our conversations resurfacing. "Well, Veronica, that time has come."
she stated, her eyes locking with mine. "Your prince has finally arrived, and he is here to rescue you from this hellish existence."
I continued to gaze at her, my eyes filled with questioning uncertainty. "Crazy girl, your mate has arrived," she proclaimed. My eyes widened in disbelief.
"M-Mate," I whispered, my voice trembling. Sophia confirmed my thoughts with a nod.
"Yes, your mate. And do you know who it is?" I nodded, and my response was swift and knowing.
"Alpha Alexander." My mouth dropped open, and my breath caught in my throat.
"Alpha Alexander, the leader of the Haethon kingdom, is your destined mate, Veronica."
*
The journey from the hospital to the grand mansion proved to be a tumultuous one. Feelings of happiness, worry, and astonishment overwhelmed me as I contemplated the sudden discovery of my mate, Alpha Alexander, whom I had never met before.
Alpha Alexander, the most powerful alpha, revered by his pack and feared by others, was now mine. The thought of being the mate of a weak slave like myself evoked tears of both joy and apprehension. Fear gripped me as I questioned the uncertain future that awaited me. I dreaded the confrontation with Katrina, knowing full well that she would seek revenge.
However, I had no choice but to complete the journey from the hospital to the palace, a task entrusted to Sophia, my faithful companion.
"Sophia, why do I go to the palace?" I inquired while gazing at her, who in turn peered outside.
She exhaled deeply, fixing her eyes on me. "You have asked this question countless times, and my answer remains the same... I do not know why you are afraid, Veronica. You are no longer alone. Your mate is by your side now. Please shatter the idol of fear." She shifted her gaze outside once more, embracing the silence.
*
In the midst of the gathering hall, I found myself standing with my head lowered, unsure of the reason for being summoned here. Sophia stood beside me, and we exchanged glances before returning our focus to the floor upon hearing footsteps.
"Veronica," a velvety voice called out to me. I lifted my head and beheld Alexander standing before me, the leader of the Haethon Kingdom and my potential mate. I observed him, then my eyes wandered to the woman standing behind him—unfortunately, she was my luna, staring at me with anger. Once again, my gaze shifted downward.
Alexander cleared his throat. "I hope you know who I am and what our relationship is."
I nodded.
"Then you must also understand the purpose of our gathering."
I shook my head negatively, for I was clueless as to why we had been assembled.
"Allow me to enlighten you," he said, stepping closer. "You and I are fated mates," he continued, and I looked at him expectantly. "I wish to take you with me." Questioning eyes met his, and he smiled. "My dear, I long to bring you from this place to my Haethon Kingdom. You are my mate, which means that as the luna of Haethon Kingdom, you must reside by my side in my realm."
I listened attentively, then directed my gaze to the floor. I felt a surge of happiness, knowing that today marked the end of my loneliness.
"I understand that this decision may be difficult, and I am aware of your love for your people and your pack. But, Veronica, I also know so much more." Surprised, I met his gaze; his eyes were tinged with red. "And I desire none of that," he said, glancing around. "Now, the cruelty, the injustice... my mate, who is the daughter of the leader of this pack, Jeon... I do not wish for my mate to endure such suffering."
Tears welled up in my eyes. "So, I wish to take you with me." I began scrutinizing my hands. "I am not in a rush. Take the time until tomorrow to consider and inform me of your decision. If you choose to accompany me, we will embark on this journey together. And if you decline, I will arrange an alternative for you. But remember, Veronica, I will wholeheartedly accept your choice, and you shall not be wronged."
They fell into silence, our eyes locked, until finally I shook my head.
"Henceforth, your place of residence shall be within your parents' bedroom. It has been conveyed to me that the designated room I currently occupy is, in fact, the room belonging to your parents." I observed them and refuted the notion.
"I shall not reside there; my dwelling lies within that humble abode. It is there that I shall dwell."
"So be it; you shall remain there." Feeling disheartened by their response, I expressed my dissent.
"Go now." Katrina unexpectedly interjected, causing me unease, yet Alexander turned and reprimanded her.
"Lower your voice, Luna, lest the consequences be dire." His voice carried a harsh and enraged tone that frightened Katrina. I glanced at Sophie, who wore a smile directed at me, then shifted my gaze back to Katrina, who appeared to be on the brink of terror.
'Sophie was correct; my prince possesses tremendous power. I continued to observe my mate with a sense of pride in my eyes.
*