THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER NINE

"You seem deep in thought, Luna," Magnus greeted her in the castle hallway, a space with high vaulted ceilings and walls lined with ancient tapestries. Luna had lost herself for a moment while gazing at the sky from the window, her mind adrift with worries. She turned, a sheepish smile playing on her lips as if she had been caught doing something naughty by her parent.

"Is it about Lukan, I suppose?" Magnus asked, teasing her gently. Luna shrugged at the mention of Lukan's name. After their initial meeting a few days ago, they hadn't really met again-just exchanged a couple of random texts, most of which she ignored. But of course, it wasn't Lukan she was solely thinking about; Elias was her bigger concern. She wondered if she could confide in Magnus about Elias.

Magnus Talbot, with his tall, broad-shouldered frame and piercing blue eyes, studied her intently. He wore a tailored dark blazer over a simple white shirt, paired with jeans and polished shoes-a modern look that still commanded respect. His dark hair, streaked with a few strands of silver, gave him an air of distinguished authority. Luna admired his ability to balance sternness and compassion, qualities that made him an effective advisor for her father.

"Magnus, if, hypothetically, either Rafe or I were to meet our mate, what would happen to our partners?" Luna asked carefully, her voice barely above a whisper.

Magnus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her question. "In your and Rafe's case, your partnerships would be annulled. Mating is sacred in our tradition, especially for leaders. The rite is too difficult and dangerous; if your partner is not your mate, it will tear your wolf instincts apart, making you weaker than you're supposed to be."

"But what if the mate is on the weaker side and not suitable to participate in the rite?" Luna asked again, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"In that case, it'll be even more risky for both of them. The mate would be in a dangerous position and could become a target if their mate partners with someone else. I believe you've already thought about the fact that when one mate dies, the other one grows weaker and weaker until they die as well," Magnus explained, his tone serious.

"Why do you ask, by the way? Have you heard that Rafe has mated with someone? If it's true, you need to tell me and your dad so we can plan something," Magnus inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"No, I just read some book, and I'm a bit curious if that happens. I'm not that low; I don't want to hurt anybody just because of the rite," Luna responded, shaking her head.

"Finding a mate is too rare right now, so the chance is low. But it would be nice if you found one," Magnus said, winking playfully. Luna saw this as a sign; maybe she could talk to Magnus about Elias.

"Eeerr..." she hesitated to talk, her fingers twisting nervously, she really consider talking right now.

"There you are. I've been looking for you everywhere!" Suddenly, a booming voice interrupted their conversation.

"Damien!" Magnus welcomed his friend, while Luna straightened her posture. Even though Luna is a pack leader candidate, for now, she was just Damien's subordinate.

Damien, with his rugged appearance, looked every bit the seasoned warrior. His hair was a sandy blond, kept short. It was funny to Luna how she always saw her best friend, Isolde's resemblance in Damien-perhaps because of their eyes. Both of them had steely gray eyes, always alert and intense. Damien, as usual, wore a casual leather jacket over a plain shirt and cargo pants, practical and comfortable for training.

"Alpha Luna," Damien greeted her curtly, giving her a respectful nod.

"I need your help to pick a car," Damien said to Magnus.