Page 78 of Alpha's Exiled Mate
“Focus, Mommy,” Anna instructed. “Imagine light driving away the darkness, imagine life triumphing over death.”
I took a deep breath and did as my daughter said. I poured all my focus into the space beneath my palm, envisioning the power of light and life flowing into Perock. At first, nothing happened, but after a few seconds, I suddenly felt a warm tingling sensation at my fingertips.
Anna’s hand began to glow, a faint golden light seeping through the gaps between her fingers, growing brighter and brighter. The light was warm and pure, reminding me of the first rays of the rising sun, the first flower of spring, and the most primal force of life itself.
“You can do it too, Mommy,” Anna said, her voice gentle, encouraging, her gaze meeting mine with a quiet confidence that steadied me. “Think of your love for Daddy. Picture us together, all three of us, happy and whole.”
I closed my eyes, letting her words guide me, summoning every memory of love, every moment of joy we’d shared, letting them fill the void of my grief. I pictured Perock’s laughter, richand warm, echoing through the palace gardens as he swung Anna into his arms, her giggles a melody that lit up the world. I saw him standing tall, his amber eyes bright with pride, teaching her the ancient legends of our wolf ancestors, his voice steady and warm. I imagined us together, a family unbroken, sharing picnics under the sprawling oaks, watching Anna grow, our hands entwined, our hearts whole, our future stretching out before us. With each image, I poured my love, my hope, my desperation into my touch, willing it to reach him, to pull him back from the edge.
A warmth blossomed in my palm, spreading through my fingers, and when I opened my eyes, a golden light radiated from my hand, shimmering like moonlight on a tranquil lake, intertwining with Anna’s white glow. The two lights merged over Perock’s chest, swirling into a luminous vortex, its energy humming with a power that vibrated through my bones, a force both ancient and eternal, a song of life that resonated in my soul. The glow pulsed, growing brighter, its warmth enveloping us, a tangible promise of hope.
“It’s working!” I whispered, my voice trembling with awe, my eyes locked on the miracle unfolding, tears streaming down my cheeks, no longer born of sorrow but of wonder.
“We need more, Mommy,” Anna said, her small brow furrowing with concentration, her voice strained but resolute, her hand steady despite the effort. “Think of our bond, the three of us, our souls connected.”
I nodded, closing my eyes again, diving deeper into the fated mate bond that had tied me to Perock through years of pain, betrayal, and redemption. It was faint now, a fragile thread stretched thin by his fading life, a whisper of the vibrant connection we’d once shared. But it was there, a pulse of love that refused to break, a lifeline I could still grasp. I seized it, my mind reaching for the invisible tether that bound our family—Perock’s unyielding strength, Anna’s boundless courage, my unwavering love—drawing it into the light, weaving it into the golden-silver swirl that pulsed over his chest.
“Daddy, please come back,” Anna said, her voice small but unwavering, carrying a quiet power that resonated through the clearing, a plea that seemed to echo beyond the physical world, reaching into the very fabric of fate. “We love you. We need you.”
Her words were a spark, igniting the light, and with a sudden, blinding surge, the golden-silver glow erupted, forming a radiant pillar that shot skyward, piercing the night like a beacon, its brilliance forcing me to shut my eyes. The warmth enveloped us, a tidal wave of life and love, its power thrumming through my veins, a symphony of defiance against the darkness that had sought to claim him. The light pulsed for what felt like an eternity, its energy washing over us, cleansing, renewing, a force that seemed to rewrite the very laws of death. Then, as swiftly as it had risen, it receded, like a tide retreating, leaving behind a profound stillness, the air charged with a quiet reverence, the clearing hallowed by the power that had passed through it.
I opened my eyes, my breath hitching, my heart pounding as I saw Perock’s skin, once gray and lifeless, now regaining a faint, healthy flush, the pallor of death retreating like mist before the sun. The black veins, those cruel markers of the curse and soul toxin, were gone, erased as if they’d never existed, his neck and face clear, his chest rising with shallow but steady breaths. The spiral patterns that had marred him vanished, leaving only the man I loved, his features softening, a faint tremor of life stirring within him.
“Perock?” I whispered, my voice trembling with a fragile, desperate hope, my hand tightening around his, my thumb brushing over his knuckles, searching for any sign of response, my heart suspended between fear and faith.
Anna’s hand remained on his chest, her small face radiant with joy, tears shimmering in her eyes as she looked up at me, her voice breaking with relief. “It worked, Mommy!” she said, a sob catching in her throat, her smile bright enough to rival the moon. “I can feel Daddy’s heart beating again!”
I lowered my head, pressing my ear against Perock’s chest, holding my breath to listen. Sure enough, there it was—a faint but steady heartbeat, thumping one beat at a time, firm and powerful, like the most beautiful melody of life.
“Perock,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably, but this time, they were tears of joy. “You’ve come back…”
Perock’s eyelids trembled slightly, then slowly opened. Those amber eyes, so similar to Anna’s, gazed at me once again.
Chapter 26
Lilia
“This wedding gown is stunning, Your Majesty.” Susie said softly, her hands gently unfolding the flowing white silk, its delicate embroidery catching the morning light streaming through the chamber’s windows. “You’ll look like the Moon Goddess herself, radiant and ethereal.”
I turned to her, a warm smile spreading across my face, my heart swelling with affection for the woman who’d stood by me through my darkest days.
“Susie, you don’t need to use titles anymore. You’re one of my best friends, the one who held me together when I thought I’d break.”
Susie’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her lips trembling as she met my gaze. She smoothed the gown’s final fold, then stepped closer, her hands clasped before her, and dipped into a deep, heartfelt curtsy. “Congratulations, Lilia,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “You’ve risen from nothing to this moment through your own courage and strength. You deserve every happiness the world can offer.”
“Thank you, Susie,” I said, reaching out to grasp her hands, my voice soft but brimming with gratitude. “I wouldn’t be here without you and everyone else who believed in me.”
At that moment, the door swung open, and Anna bounded into the room, her pale pink dress swirling around her, a basket of white and purple flowers clutched in her small hands. Her eyes widened, sparkling with delight as she took me in. “Mommy! You’re so beautiful!” she exclaimed, her voice a joyful squeal.
“You’re gorgeous too, my little princess,” I said, bending to kiss her forehead, breathing in her familiar scent of lavender and innocence. “Ready to be the flower girl?”
Anna puffed out her chest, her face beaming with pride. “I’ve practiced so many times! Daddy says I’m the best flower girl ever!”
“His Majesty is absolutely right,” Susie said, chuckling as she adjusted the delicate floral crown nestled in Anna’s golden curls. “You’ll be the most enchanting flower girl in history.”
As we prepared to leave, the maids draped a veil over my shoulders, its gossamer fabric light as a cloud, trailing behind me with every step, shimmering softly in the light. The moment felt surreal, a stark contrast to the wedding five years ago, shrouded in lies and pain. Back then, I’d been a trembling bride, forced into a role I didn’t choose, my heart heavy with fear. Now, I stepped forward with anticipation, my heart full, freely choosing this union with Perock, who knew and loved the real me, every scar and strength laid bare.
Outside my chambers, the royal guard awaited, their ceremonial armor gleaming, their faces solemn but proud. They formed two neat rows, saluting as Anna and I passed, their swords raised in a silent tribute. The great cathedral stood just beyond the palace grounds, its spires piercing the clear blue sky. The streets leading to it were adorned with petals, vibrant flagsfluttering in the breeze, and crowds gathered, their faces alight with celebration.