Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 54 - Nightmare

Alexander's pov:

As soon as Elektra told me she felt the bond, I didn't think—I just ran. Straight to my office, where Esmeree was already waiting, as if she had sensed everything that had just happened.

I was bursting to share the news, the overwhelming joy of it rising in my chest—until she stopped me mid-sentence with a single look.

"I know," she said calmly, folding her arms across her chest.

I froze.

"You already knew?" I asked, startled.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glittering with that familiar, unreadable knowing. "Of course I did."

Honestly? It didn't surprise me. Esmeree always seemed to know things before the rest of us did. Still, the weight of it hit harder than expected.

I exhaled slowly. "What's going to happen now?"

"And they all lived happily ever after..." she replied with mock drama, lifting a brow.

"Come on, Esmeree. Don't tease me right now." I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. "Will this... this phenomenon stay? Or is there a chance Elektra could lose it again? If it disappears, it'll devastate her."

She sobered, the sarcasm fading. "That's a question only the Elders can answer."

"Then I have to go. Immediately." I stood up abruptly, heart racing. "I need to know now."

"Relax," she said, cool as ever. "You've got a whole day ahead of you."

"I can't wait," I said, pacing. "I won't be able to breathe until I know. I have to see them."

"You can't go without her, Alexander," Esmeree said, stepping into my path. "Elektra must come with you."

"Fine. I'll send a guard to inform her and—"

"She's already asleep. Deeply," Esmeree interrupted. "You should be with her right now."

"I... I can't," I admitted, my voice lowering.

She blinked. "Why not?"

"I just... I can't face her yet," I confessed, the truth heavy in my chest. "Her rejection—it broke something in me. My wolf... he's still heartbroken."

"I know," Esmeree said gently, her voice softening. "But he has to find a way to forgive her. She didn't understand what she was turning away from."

"I don't think he's ready," I said honestly, clenching my fists. "I'm not sure I am."

"Then you'd better start trying," she said firmly. "Because that girl needs you more than ever."

I looked down, conflicted.

"Spend the day with her tomorrow," she continued. "Take her out. Walk by the lake. Ride into the forest. Organize a picnic. I don't care what you do—just be with her. Let her feel that you're here."

"But what about the Elders?" I asked, the tension rising again. "That's still the priority."

"They'll be there the day after tomorrow," Esmeree replied smoothly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Be sure of that." She winked.

"I... I don't know, Esmeree," I said, shaking my head. "What if I wait and it's too late? I can't risk her losing the bond again. I don't think she could take it. I know I couldn't."

She stepped closer, placing a hand gently on my arm. "You risk more by running from her. Don't let fear make your decisions. Not now."

-"I understand. Well, do whatever you think is best," Esmeree said with a small, knowing smile. Her gaze drifted up to the clock hanging above my desk. "Oh—time flies. I have to go," she added, standing up.