Page 52 of Eternal Mate

I shuffled around, letting out a shuddering breath as I spotted Mikey.

He was standing among the onlookers, his familiar features wistful as he stared up at his mate.

Seeming to feel my gaze, his eyes slid to mine for a moment, then widened in shock. The next moment, someone inched forward and blocked him from my view.

I quietly moved a few steps to the side, searching for him, only to come up empty. The shock of seeing him had sent a jolt through my entire being that was still making my limbs shaky.

"Did… did you see Mikey? Over there?" I asked as I turned to Aria, my voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty weaving through each word.

I had to have imagined it, right?

Aria followed my gaze, her brows furrowing with concern. She scanned the faces in the crowd, searching for any resemblance to my brother.

I'd never felt so unhinged when her sad eyes met mine again, slowly shaking her head. "I don't see him, Sariel," she replied gently, her voice laced with sympathy.

"Are you sure?" I couldn't help but ask, and she nodded, reaching out to lace her fingers with mine and give them a squeeze.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, my mind grappling with the impossible notion. Could it be that my eyes had deceived me? That my longing for Mikey's presence had conjured a mirage in the sea of faces?

With a flicker of doubt, I pushed aside the vision, forcing a hollow smile to my lips.

"It must have been my imagination," I said, my voice strained. "Let's just… focus on Lucia. This is her moment."

But even as I spoke those words, a knot of yearning and sorrow twisted deep within me.

Mikey would haunt me forever, I realized. His death would weigh on me just like Auren’s had, and this time, there were no surprises waiting for me years down the line. He was confirmed gone.

Losing him had left a void in my soul, an ache that would never truly fade. The mere suggestion of his presence reopened the wounds that had scabbed over with time.

I would just have to get used to it.

Throughout the ceremony, my gaze wandered occasionally, involuntarily seeking out Mikey's phantom image among the throngs of well-wishers. The pang of my heart intensified with each futile search, a reminder of the brotherly bond that death had severed prematurely.

When Lucia's rightful ascent to the throne unfolded before me, I knew I had to bury my anguish and embrace the joyous occasion.

Aria's hand gently squeezed mine again, offering a silent reassurance amidst the turmoil in my heart. Her unwavering presence grounded me, reminding me of what we shared together as a family.

As the ceremony drew to a close and the applause filled the air, I clapped fervently, masking the bittersweet emotions that threatened to consume me. This was Lucia's moment, a culmination of her strength and drive. She deserved all the accolades and support for the role she’d played in freeing the fae from Tarragon and Blossom's insanity.

With the event coming to an end, the reality of our impending departure loomed before us.

Reluctantly, I acknowledged the necessity of leaving, understanding the risks and responsibilities that awaited us beyond the castle walls. However, the thought of leaving Mikaiah behind—even for a moment—gripped my heart with an unease that surpassed any rational reasoning.

As the cheers subsided, Lucia approached us, a regal smile adorning her face. She had shed her ceremonial attire and was now wearing a simpler gown befitting her role as Queen. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

"Thank you both for being here," she said warmly. "Your presence means a great deal to me."

Aria smiled back, her gaze filled with affection. "We wouldn't miss it for the world, Lucia. We're so proud of you and everything you've accomplished."

Lucia's smile widened, and she looked down at Mikaiah, who was gazing up at her with curious eyes. "And little Mikaiah, my dear daughter. You are the light that will guide us towards greatness and prosperity."

Aria gently transferred Mikaiah into Lucia's arms, their bond evident in the way they looked at each other. "She's lucky to have you as her mother, Lucia. She'll grow up to be as strong and compassionate as you are."

Lucia held Mikaiah close, a tender expression on her face. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that she has a peaceful and prosperous kingdom to call home."

As we exchanged words of gratitude and well wishes, the crowd continued to celebrate Lucia's coronation. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation for the future that laid ahead.

Eventually, as the festivities drew to a close, Aria and I prepared to depart for our home. We knew that Lucia's capable hands would guide the Free Kingdom towards the end of this darkness.

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