Chapter 17
Marina had been utterly abandoned.
Moira no longer had the will to stay by Marina’s bedside, her mind wandering in a constant haze; she was taken home the very next day. Cedric, too, withdrew his attentions, using business as an excuse to avoid the constant reminders of their grim reality.
Thorne’s mental state deteriorated rapidly.
He refused to believe that Selene was truly gone. Every day, he searched desperately, pleading for answers from the Moon Goddess, seeking any sign that their bond still held.
Eventually, even his closest friends grew concerned, urging him to join them for a drink to escape his obsessive grief. While sitting at the pub, his gaze drifted across the street, where beneath a streetlamp stood a young woman whose graceful movements and gentle eyes mirrored Selene so closely that his heart nearly stopped.
Thorne sprang to his feet, rushing forward without thought. His friend barely managed to grab him, pulling him back from the speeding vehicles.
But by the time Thorne regained his footing and looked again, the woman had vanished.
Desperation surged within him; Thorne raced across the street without regard for his safety, determined to find her.
At that exact moment, Selene–now known as Nia–sat quietly in a café, awaiting her new fated mate. The Moon Goddess had granted
her a younger, stronger form and promised an easier path this time, a consolation for past suffering.
But before her new destiny arrived, a sudden shadow fell upon her, causing her heart to stop.
“Selene!”
Thorne had tracked her to this café, the days and nights of longing overwhelming him as he pulled her into an urgent embrace.
Selene–now in her new identity as Nia Elowen, her body stiffened instinctively before she quickly gathered herself, firmly pushing him away. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.”
Ever since receiving her new form, she had deliberately avoided any news or trace of Thorne, never imagining the proud Alpha she once knew could descend into such desperation. His appearance was now disheveled, his eyes hollowed by grief, dark circles stark beneath his gaze. His eyes glistened with tears as if he’d found a long–lost treasure.
Nia stepped back, bewildered by this transformation.
She never imagined Thorne would sink into such profound despair following her departure. Wasn’t this what he desired? A chance to be with Marina openly?
Nia didn’t understand and wasn’t sure she wanted to.
Swiftly regaining her composure, she calmly stated, “You must have mistaken me for someone else. My name is Nia, not Selene.” Thorne froze in confusion, shaking his head. Impossible. He knew her every movement, every subtle gesture. From across the glass, the way she sat, how she held her cup–everything was Selene. How could she not be?
Before he could question further, Nia rose from her seat, gracefully preparing to leave.
Thorne moved to follow but was swiftly blocked by her attending guards. Nia entered a Waiting carriage, her expression cool and distant as she repeated softly, “I’m truly sorry, but you have mistaken me for another. Please don’t seek me out again.” With that, the carriage door closed.
As the world quieted once more, Nia leaned back against the carriage seat, massaging her temples. “Moon Goddess, how did he find
me
The gentle whisper responded, “He has tirelessly searched for you, frequently placing himself in cto
places to increase the chance
of encountering you. This was merely a coincidence.”
Chapter 17
Nia sighed deeply. If the former Selene had known of Thorne’s devotion, she would have rejoiced endlessly. But now, his delayed
affection felt meaningless, cheaper than dust.
It was too late for regrets now, Thorne.
