Page 59 of My Fated Mate

My apology and the pitiful offering of the moonstone necklace were met with scorn. I understood her anger, but the icy indifference that replaced it is a whole new kind of torment.

"We need Greta's help, Rylan," I say. "There has to be a way to mend things with Elowen."

Rylan sighs. "Alright, alright. But if that bat-winged hermit tries to scratch my face again, I'm out of here."

The entrance to Greta's cave looms ahead, a gaping maw in the side of a rocky cliff. An unsettling aura clings to the place, a mix of damp earth, stale air, and something else —a faint, prickling energy that always sets my wolf on edge.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself. Whatever awaits us within those shadows, I have to face it. Elowen is worth the risk.

As we step inside, the familiar musty smell assaults my senses. The cave is dimly lit, sunlight filtering weakly through cracks in the ceiling, casting long, distorted shadows. In the center, huddled beneath a threadbare blanket, sits Greta.

Her appearance hasn't changed. Age-spotted skin stretches taut over her bony frame, and her eyes, milky white and devoid of pupils, seem to pierce through the gloom.

A faint smile, more like a predatory baring of teeth, twists her lips when she sees us.

"Well, well, well," she rasps, her voice like dry leaves rustling in the wind. "The Alpha returns. And with the little rat, I see."

Rylan stiffens and mumbles under his breath, his voice barely a whisper. I, however, ignore the pleasantries.

"Greta," I say, my voice firm. "I need your help."

Her smile widens, revealing a row of chipped and yellowed teeth. "Help, do you? And what, pray tell, would the great Alpha need help with?"

"My mate, myfatedmate. I found her, Greta," I say. "Elowen. But, I… I messed up. Royally."

Silence descends, thick and suffocating. Greta's smile spreads.

"Love, always the great equalizer," she cackles, the sound echoing within the cave. "Even the mighty Alpha brought low by its power."

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to remain calm. "Is there anything I can do? Any way to fix what I've broken?"

Greta's milky eyes seem to bore into mine. "The path to forgiveness is never easy, young Alpha. It requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to face the consequences of your actions." Her voice drops to a whisper. "I have no way to help you—also, you must leave.”

“But—”

“Leave!”

“Let’s get out of here, Thorne.”

I sigh and then turn to go.

“Wait.”

I freeze and pivot back, not liking whatever game she’s playing.

Relief washes over me as Greta reaches into the folds of her tattered cloak and pulls out a single, delicate flower. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, its petals shimmering with an ethereal glow that illuminates her wrinkled face.

"This," she rasps, "is a Mendshore Bloom. A rare flower with the power to mend broken bonds, especially those between mates."

Hope surges through me. "A way to fix things with Elowen?"

Greta's smile twitches in amusement. "Perhaps. But remember, Alpha, this flower is merely a catalyst. The true mending lies in your actions, in your sincerity, in your willingness to fight for what you've lost."

My grip tightens around the flower's stem, the delicate petals cool against my skin. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good," she croaks. "Now leave. The magic here grows weary, and so do I."

Rylan and I waste no time. We practically scramble out of the cave, the weight of the Mendshore Bloom heavy in my hand, not just from its physical presence but from the hope it represents.

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