Page 43 of Eternal Mate

In a swift motion, Sariel yanked the spare blanket over us, concealing our intimate moment. Zuzanna’s cheeks flushed pink, and she seemed determined not to look in our direction as she delivered the remainder of her message. "We've got a situation."

Aware of the urgency in her voice, Sariel and I quickly scrambled to get dressed, exchanging a knowing glance that spoke volumes about our shared understanding. We understood that there were pressing matters that demanded our attention.

With a sense of purpose, we followed Zuzanna's lead, moving swiftly behind her as she led the way to the meeting room.

The atmosphere in the room was charged with concern as we joined the rest of our group. A large table stood at the center, covered with maps, documents, and scattered notes that reflected the gravity of the task. A tense silence enveloped the space, broken only by the shuffling of papers and the occasional deep sigh.

As we took our seats, Zuzanna wasted no time revealing the grim reality that had unfolded in our absence.

"Blossom and Tarragon have escalated their hunt for us," she began, her voice steady but laced with worry. "They're showing no mercy, killing and abducting innocent people."

As the heaviness of our situation settled, I realized that confronting the Free Kingdom was inevitable. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, for we were about to challenge an entity of immense power and influence. We had to face them head-on to reclaim our freedom and escape their control.

While we came to grips with the volume of the task we were about to undertake, Auren broke the silence, his voice resolute. "There's no other option," he declared, his eyes reflecting his drive. "After what they did to Mikey and who they are, we can't allow them to continue reigning unchecked."

Sariel, courageous as always, stepped forward without hesitation. "I'll go," he offered, his voice steady. "We can't let them continue their tyrannical rule. I’ll face them."

Auren scoffed at his words, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Obviously," he said, his tone filled with amusement and admiration. "It wouldn't be an adventure without you, brother."

“I’m going too,” I chimed in. “Also obviously.”

With our volunteering, we gathered together to share information and ideas. We were determined to devise a plan to infiltrate the palace and end Tarragon and Blossom's reign without alerting the entire kingdom or incriminating Lucia.

We analyzed their patterns and vulnerabilities, seeking every possible advantage we could exploit. It was a delicate balance, as we had to strike swiftly and silently, ensuring our actions didn’t expose our intentions or implicate the innocent.

After hours of intense discussion and strategizing, we finally had a plan. Auren, the cautious leader, decided to run it by Elias and Ashe, seeking their input and approval. If we were to succeed, we needed every ally's support and cooperation.

Elias and Ashe listened attentively, weighing each detail of our plan, and when Auren finished explaining, they exchanged a glance filled with concern and confidence.

"It's risky, but it might work," Elias finally said, his voice tinged with apprehension. "We must trust in our abilities and have faith in each other."

Ashe nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "This is our chance to take back what they've stolen from everyone and make sure they get what’s coming to them. I'm with you all the way."

With their approval secured, we dispersed to prepare for the upcoming mission. Before delving into the intricacies of our plan, however, I stole a moment with Sariel, cherishing the quality time we had together.

Underneath the moonlit sky, we wandered through the tranquil gardens, hand-in-hand, finding comfort in each other's presence. Our worries and fears faded in those stolen moments, replaced by a shared sense of serenity.

The garden was an oasis of peace, with colorful flowers blooming in vibrant hues, their delicate scent perfuming the air. We strolled along the winding paths with the moon casting a soft glow on our faces, reveling in the tranquility of the night.

As we walked, we spoke of our hopes and dreams, fears and vulnerabilities. The fear of our impending mission lifted temporarily, allowing us to bask in the beauty of our connection. We found comfort and strength in each other's arms that fueled our resolve to face whatever lay ahead.

"I worry for you," Sariel whispered, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "This mission is dangerous, and I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

I squeezed his hand gently, my gaze locked with his. "I worry for you, too," I admitted, my voice filled with sincerity. "But we’ve got this, Sariel. It won’t be like last time."

A soft, wistful smile tugged at the corners of Sariel's lips, his eyes sparkling. "You're right," he murmured. "We’ve got this."

With Sariel, I felt invincible, ready to face all challenges.

As the night wore on, we found another secluded spot beneath a towering oak tree. Its branches swayed gently in the breeze, casting a dappled shadow on the ground. We settled on the grass, leaning against the sturdy trunk, and watched the stars adorning the sky like twinkling diamonds.

Time seemed to stand still as we shared whispered conversations and stolen kisses. We basked in the warmth of each other's presence, savoring the fleeting moments of tranquility before the storm.

Eventually, we knew we had to part ways and return to the reality of our impending mission. With one final lingering kiss, we separated, our steps carrying us back to the realm of duty and danger.

But the flame still burned bright in our hearts, illuminating the path before us.

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