Page 51 of Eternal Mate

Auren nodded slowly in agreement.

"Fair enough," I said with a sigh. Aria yanked all three men into hugs before pecking my cheek and scurrying off.

Ashe brushed his messy hair back, grinning a little. "I’ll warp us back. I couldn’t warp in because I didn’t know this place, but that’s not the case anymore.”

"We'll see you soon, then. I want to be here for the coronation and to spend some time with Mikaiah."

Auren swallowed thickly, radiating nervousness I couldn't really understand. His conflicted emotions were masked behind his shades.

Ashe's dark eyes focused on him for a long moment. "I want to meet her," the shapeshifter declared abruptly. I was even more surprised when he looped his arm through Auren’s. "Show us the little angel, Sariel."

Auren scoffed at his mate's antics, but I smiled, glancing at Elias. After the old wolf nodded slowly, we all took off after Aria.

She was already cooing over the baby when we reached Lucia's room. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I watched her gently bounce the baby in her arms. Mikaiah, wide-eyed but calm, seemed captivated by her aunt's presence.

Lucia, who was sitting nearby and observing the scene with a soft smile, beckoned us closer.

Aria turned her attention to us as we approached, her face lighting up with joy. "Look who's here, little one," she said, her voice filled with affection as she turned Mikaiah toward us. "Your family’s here."

Auren's features softened as he reached out to touch Mikaiah's tiny hand.

"She's beautiful," he whispered, his voice carrying a mixture of awe and tenderness. Ashe, ever observant, stood beside him, his eyes fixed on the precious bundle in Aria's arms.

We gathered around Lucia and the baby, both excited and reverent. I found myself sitting next to Lucia, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the family we had become.

Gently, I extended a finger toward Mikaiah, and she wrapped her tiny hand around it, her grip surprisingly strong for such a small thing. The touch filled me with a sense of connection; I knew that this precious life was a part of our journey, our hope for a better future.

Auren leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on Mikaiah's forehead. "Welcome to our world," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

We sat together for a long time, basking in the presence of Mikey's only child. There was something beautiful and terrible about that knowledge.

When Auren finally left with the others, he was so clearly devastated that it took my breath away.

We'll tell her about him.

Aria's promise was a whisper as she passed the now fussy baby back to her mother and gave me a small smile. We'll tell her about all of it one day.

It only took two days for Lucia's coronation to arrive.

Aria and I stood side-by-side, surrounded by the regal splendor of the throne room. She cradled Mikaiah as her mother was being dressed in her room, her eyes filled with love.

Meanwhile, the fae scurried around to finish last-minute preparations. The room buzzed with all sorts of emotion; each person presented eagerly, awaiting the moment when Lucia would officially be crowned as the new Queen.

The throne room was adorned with intricate tapestries and shimmering chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the scene. The air was thick with a sense of hope and optimism, the people's affection for Lucia evident in the cheerful whispers that filled the space. She had garnered their trust and admiration, having clearly proven herself to be a compassionate and just ruler during her time as the Princess.

Blossom—as Lucia had predicted—had disappeared from the scene. It seemed she’d come to terms with her loss and was now seeking comfort in solitude.

The absence of her presence in the throne room spoke volumes, for it signified a new era under Lucia's reign. The people had already embraced her wholeheartedly, finding comfort in her leadership and seeing her as a beacon of hope for a better rule.

We watched as Lucia, radiant in her ceremonial attire, ascended the dais at the front of the room. Her confidence was palpable, her eyes gleaming with resolve as she prepared to accept the crown that symbolized her authority.

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers reverberating through the hall as the crown was placed upon Lucia's head, signifying her official ascension to the throne.

Aria's grip tightened around Mikaiah. I could feel the swell of emotions coursing through her; she glanced at me, eyes shining.

We shared a moment of silent celebration, grateful to be witnessing this historic occasion together as a family.

My gaze darted over her shoulder to take in the crowd out of habit, and then my heart leaped into my throat.

---