RED EYES

Chapter 39

Narrator POV:

Lucian and Alexander arrived at the village late in the night. Alexander's mate, Luna, spotted him and without hesitation, rushed into his arms. They shared a kiss, while Lucian averted his gaze, trying to push away any negative thoughts about his friend. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and suddenly, the image of Isabella’s smiling face filled his mind. Startled, he opened his eyes and blinked, glancing around.

"Is she here? Do you think?" his wolf whispered as Lucian scanned the surroundings.

"I don’t know… but this feeling… it’s the same as when we first saw her. Everything feels the same," Lucian replied, clenching his fists in frustration.

Without realizing his surroundings, he struck a tree branch in anger. The sudden outburst made everyone nearby stop what they were doing, flinching in fear. Even though Lucian had changed, his reputation still haunted the humans around him, and they remained wary of his presence.

Noticing the tension, Alexander gently excused himself from Luna and approached Lucian.

"Hey, Lucian, what’s wrong? You shouldn’t have come here if it’s upsetting you this much. I’m sorry. If this is too much for you, you can go back," Alexander said with clear concern in his voice. He had hoped to celebrate with both his mate and his friend by his side.

"No, no... it’s not that... It’s just... Ah, Alex, I can’t stand seeing you with your mate! I hate it!" Lucian muttered, turning his head away. Alexander looked at him, confused, then exchanged a glance with Luna before gently pulling Lucian away from the crowd.

"What do you mean, Lucian? Don’t you like Luna?" Alexander asked.

"I haven’t even really looked at her," Lucian replied bitterly. "It’s just... everyone’s getting what they want, everyone’s happy... But why? Why was Bella taken from me? Why can’t I be happy? I lost my mom, I lost my sister, and just when I thought I found a reason to live a happy life... I lost my love too. Why? Why do you get to have a mate, while I’m left searching for Bella? Why can’t I find her, why can’t I get her back?" Lucian broke down, tears streaming down his face as he collapsed to the ground.

Alexander knelt beside him, at a loss for words. He didn’t say anything, just sat quietly next to Lucian, offering silent comfort in his friend’s grief.

Lucian took a deep breath and stood up.
"I'm sorry, Alex. Don't stay with me. Leave me alone. Your mate is probably looking for you. Go, be with her," Lucian said as he began to walk away from Alexander.

"Lucian, I'm your friend. I will always be by your side, no matter what," Alexander said. Lucian glanced back and smiled at him.

"Alexander, is that you? The celebration is about to begin," a soft voice called out.
"Yes, coming, love," Alexander replied. Lucian chuckled, and Alexander frowned.

"Hey, I can be romantic too!" Alexander said.

"So, tell me about your mate. How did you even meet her?" Lucian asked curiously.

"Ah, finally, you ask! Well, I'll tell you some other time. It's a funny story, but honestly, man, I love her like crazy," Alexander said with a laugh, and Lucian joined in.

"She has a beautiful family—mother, father, and a younger sister. Well, actually, she's almost the same age as her. She told me her sister is adopted," Alexander said, looking thoughtful.

"You've never seen her sister?" Lucian asked.

"No, man. Why would I be interested in her sister? I've got my queen," Alexander said with a grin.