THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

"I'm an idiot," Isolde muttered, slumped in a chair in Luna's room. Her shoulders sagged, and her face was a picture of misery. The room around them was cozy yet practical, filled with earthy tones and soft lighting that created a warm atmosphere. A leather jacket hung over the back of a chair, and books on various topics were scattered on a wooden desk in the corner, hinting at Luna's eclectic interests.

"He was right there, in danger, but I couldn't even move my feet. I can't even protect my own mate," she lamented, her voice shaking as horror and regret etched across her face. The events from two days ago replayed in her mind like a relentless nightmare. She had met her mate in the midst of chaos, literally. Elias had thrown her mate, and she had been too stunned to move, her mind overwhelmed by the whirlwind of events. Then, another big golden wolf and an unknown woman appeared. Everything happened too fast for Isolde to react, leaving her paralyzed with shock.

Luna sat on her bed, her hand wrapped in a cast and her fingers bandaged, with her arms covered in bruises. Her ankles were similarly wrapped, and though she winced slightly as she adjusted her position, the injuries were mostly just scratches and bruises; her bones were perfectly fine, allowing her to walk without any trouble. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, a comforting reminder of her preferences, adding to the room's sense of calm despite the circumstances.

"He's fine," Luna said, rolling her eyes with a hint of exasperation. "He knew that Silas and Althea were there, watching over them."

"Oh, Silas and Althea? Getting cozy with the in-laws already, huh?" Isolde teased, a sly grin breaking through her earlier despair. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she tried to lighten the mood.

Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "I just call them the way they want to be called," she said, a soft smile spreading across her lips. She remembered how Elias had winced when she called him 'Sigma Silas.' It was a small, amusing moment amid the chaos, and it warmed her heart to think of it.

"By the way, did you meet him already?" Luna asked.

"Nope, not at all, not a chance," Isolde said, frustration evident in her voice. "It's frustrating, you know. I mean, I barely sense his presence, and if I do, he just poofs, gone suddenly. Oh my God," Isolde said upon her realization. "Am I in Elias's position right now? Oh, wow."

"I hate you," Isolde said straight to Luna.

"Suddenly?" Luna chuckled at her friend's abrupt statement.

"Yes, it's been only two days for me, and I'm going crazy. But Elias, how long did he stand you always avoiding him? Wow, you're bad. I hate you. You're not my friend anymore," Isolde said comically.

Luna felt a pang of guilt, remembering how she had really avoided Elias in the beginning. But now, she couldn't imagine living without him.

"Okay, I'll help you find Finn. I'll be going to Elias's home after I meet my father, and I will ask Althea or Silas where I can find Finn for you. Is that enough?"

"How's Elias doing? Still unconscious?" Isolde asked.

"Althea said it could be any day now. He's already stable, though," Luna said, and Isolde just nodded.

"So our friendship is restored, right?" Luna asked with a hopeful smile, her blue eyes softening.

"I'll consider it," Isolde said with a dramatic shrug. Then, she leaned forward, her expression turning serious yet playful. "And I'll come with you to Elias's home. I want to see him for myself. Besides, I still don't trust you properly."

Luna laughed, the sound light and melodious despite the tension that hung in the room. "Deal. You can come along."

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