Chapter 22

AURORA

Lana seemed unsure about how to respond to my question. I was about to apologize, realizing I was prying into something deeply personal. But before I could, she spoke up.

“I was,” she confessed. “It’s a bit complicated, but yes, I was allowed to sleep with both Jekia and Sage. It was an agreement they had, so Sage could look after me when Jekia couldn’t. But it wasn’t supposed to be that I’d have a Kit with Sage. I was only meant to have Pups with Jekia. But someone higher up decided it would be better if I had twins, a Kit and a Pup. I don’t know why. I was just told it would prevent any fights over who would be Jekia’s heirs.”

“It seems like that plan didn’t work out. Rin doesn’t even want to be an heir,” I pointed out.

“No, he doesn’t. But I think it’s because he feels he should defer to Rayne. We don’t know why. They grew up together and are very close. I sometimes wonder if Rin feels inferior because of the cruel things people have said,” Lana admitted.

I nodded, understanding all too well. “I know how he feels. My parents never accepted me. That kind of thing really gets to you when you’re young,” I said.

“It does. We tried so hard to protect Rin, to make him see that he belongs here and is just as valuable as his brother. But it’s been so hard to make him believe us,” Lana sighed.

I was about to reply when the door opened. A beautiful young girl walked in. I was sure she was Selenia, Rin and Rayne’s younger sister. She looked about thirteen, with white ears and a tail. Her long hair was white with black streaks and slightly curly. She wore a pretty dress, like her mother’s, but hers was light blue.

“Good morning,” she greeted us, her golden eyes immediately landing on me. “You must be Rin’s beta! You’re as pretty as Rayne said!”

Lana gave her a knowing look. “It seems you and your brother have been keeping secrets,” she said.

Selenia looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Mama. Rayne asked me not to say anything. I’ve been worried about Rin too. But it’s so exciting that he has a beta now.”

“You’re Rin and Rayne’s sister,” I said.

“Yes. I’m Selenia,” she said, smiling.

“I’m Aurora. Nice to meet you.”

“Same here.” Selenia sat down next to me. I noticed her nails were white claws. “Can we show Aurora around the palace today, Mama? I’m sure Rin wouldn’t mind.”

“That might be a good idea. Your father and Rin have a lot to discuss,” Lana agreed.

I looked around. “By the way, where’s Rayne? I haven’t seen him this morning,” I asked.

“He’s not here. He went to a nearby village, Jumal, yesterday. Sometimes he stays overnight if it gets too late. But he’ll be back soon,” Lana said.

I wasn’t sure I was ready to see him when he returned. If I was being honest, I wanted to be with Rin again, even though we had a lot to talk about. But for now, I’d make the most of where I was and hope that Rin’s family would continue to make me feel welcome, no matter what Rin’s true intentions were.