Chapter 59

AURORA

Two weeks passed before my throat was fully healed. It wasn’t too bad, though. Life with Rin and his family had become peaceful, and I was settling into my new role in this magical world as his beta.

Having Lana around helped a lot. She was human, just like me, and also chosen to be an alpha’s wife. She knew what it was like to be thrust into this world and have to learn everything from scratch. Once I was feeling better, she took it upon herself to teach me everything I needed to know.

“I had to figure things out on my own, and I messed up a lot. I’d rather help you avoid that,” she’d said.

I didn’t mind at all. Spending time with Lana, Selenia, and Vishu, and learning about the Veil was fascinating. I was starting to see how much Lana and I had in common. Even though we were born centuries apart, we’d both had similar experiences growing up, and now we’d both found happiness in a world far from our original one.

The only downside was that I couldn’t speak anymore. I’d never cared about that before I met Rin, but now it bothered me. Maybe it was because I’d had a taste of being able to express myself freely with words to him and everyone else.

But there was nothing I could do about it, so I had to accept it. Unless Emelio could find a way to fix the voice box I’d had to destroy with that stone, I’d never make a sound again.

Still, there was plenty to be happy about. I was excited about today. Since I’d recovered from my injuries, Jekia and Lana decided to throw a small party to officially welcome me as Rin’s beta. I wasn’t sure what they meant by ‘small’, but I was looking forward to it.

I’d never been to any kind of party or festival before.

I was in the wardrobe room, standing on a pedestal as Anika adjusted the dress she’d made for me. Her visit and the gift of this new dress were a pleasant surprise. I never thought I’d be so quick to hug a spider woman, but it felt like forever since I’d seen her.

“Oh, it’s beautiful. I knew this color and style would look good on you,” she said.

“It’s lovely, Anika. What a wonderful fabric. Is it some kind of satin?” Vishu asked as she examined the skirt of my dress.

“I made it with a mix of satin and cotton. It was a bit of trial and error, but I’m glad it turned out so well for our Lady,” Anika replied, wearing the same satisfied smile she’d had since she’d shown me the dress.

I loved it too. Looking at my reflection in the mirrors, the dress reminded me of a wedding gown in some ways. It was white and shimmered in the soft light of the room. The top wrapped around my torso and the lacy sleeves draped over my arms. There were lace patterns on the dress, and the full skirt fell to my ankles.

In other words, it was stunning, and I felt like a bride. Maybe that was fitting, considering this party was to welcome me as Rin’s.

I nodded to Vishu, who handed me my tablet so I could express my gratitude.

“Thank you so much for coming and making this dress, Anika. It’s beautiful,” I typed.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss seeing you again for anything,” Anika replied, helping me down from the pedestal.

The three of us walked into the hallway, where Selenia was waiting. Her eyes widened when she saw me, and she immediately started admiring my new dress.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful! You look like a bride!” she exclaimed.

Vishu giggled. “Well, isn’t she a bride in a way? She’s Rin’s beta, which makes her his wife,” she pointed out.

“That’s true,” Selenia agreed. She smiled at me as she brushed some hair back from my face. “We still have some time. How about I do your hair?”

“Why not? Vishu and I will go see if there’s anything else that needs to be done. We’ll see you soon,” Anika said.

We nodded, watching them walk down the hallway before Selenia took my hand and led me to her room.

“Come. I’ll sit you at my vanity so you can see how beautiful you are,” she said.

That was just like Selenia. She’d been calling me beautiful since the day we met, as had many others. While I still found it hard to believe, I was starting to feel it more and more. Being with Rin had also boosted my self-confidence.

In my old world, no one cared about me. In this one, I was loved and cherished.

Selenia’s vanity was large and ornate, made of fine ivory with three big mirrors. Intricate patterns decorated it, reminding me of vines winding around fences and poles. According to Selenia, Jekia had made this vanity for her when she turned ten. She was becoming a young lady and needed a beautiful vanity.

I thought that was sweet, and it showed what a kind heart Jekia had, especially when it came to his family. He was the perfect example of a ruler: strong and smart, but also compassionate.

“I wonder how big Rin’s eyes will get when he sees you like this,” Selenia mused as I sat on the stool in front of the vanity and she started braiding my long blonde hair.

I gave a nonchalant shrug, my attention more focused on my reflection in the mirror. It was hard to believe that the disheveled girl who had been locked up in a grimy cell just a few months ago was now sitting in a palace, about to become the wife of a destined alpha ruler.

I felt like I had finally become the person I was always meant to be, and found the one I was destined to be with.

Selenia noticed my distraction. “You okay, Aurora? You seem a little lost.”

I snapped out of my thoughts, nodding and offering her a reassuring smile as I showed her my tablet.

“I’m good. Just lost in thought.”

“You’re not nervous, are you? You shouldn’t be. Everyone here accepts you, and many are eager to finally meet you,” Selenia reminded me.

“I know.” I sighed quietly, placing the tablet on the vanity for her to see, my fingers lingering on its edge. “It’s just strange to think about how much has changed. I never thought I’d see myself like this, or that I’d find someone who loves me so much.”

“I get it. I won’t lie, I cried when I found out where you came from. You’ve been so kind since the day you arrived with Rin, and you’ve worked so hard to become stronger than you thought you were. I’ve always admired that. And I’ve always understood why Rin fell for you so quickly. It wasn’t just destiny. You’re an incredible person with a beautiful soul.”

Her sincerity was evident in her soft golden eyes and the warm smile on her face. It warmed my heart to see it.

“I’m so glad to hear that, and to be here with your family and with Rin. I love him so much, and I want to be with him forever. It was a little scary and strange when we first met, but I fell for him quickly, even in those early days, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It feels like it made our love even stronger, just like your mom described with her and your dad,” I told her.

Selenia giggled. “I believe it. Love isn’t always easy, but if you can weather the storms, then it’s meant to be.”

~Meant to be.~

I had stopped believing in anything for a while, but now I believed in those words wholeheartedly; not just because fate had brought me to Rin, but because of the love that had blossomed in my own heart.

Selenia threaded a few white flowers into my braid, then helped me to my feet. Her bright smile never faded as she gently led me towards the hallway.

“Let’s go outside. The celebration has started, and it’s only right for you to be there with Rin.”

I knew what she was really after. She was excited to see Rin’s reaction when he saw me. I had to fight down the embarrassment that was bubbling up inside me. I hoped there wouldn’t be too much of a fuss when I arrived, and that not too many eyes would be on me all at once.

We were almost at the doors leading to the courtyard when we heard voices. We both stopped as we saw Rin and Rayne near the doors. They were talking, and from their relaxed expressions and tone, it seemed like they were getting along well.

It wasn’t surprising. They had been working hard to mend their relationship over the past two weeks, and it showed. They talked more than I had seen since I arrived with Rin, and their conversations were always light, whether they were discussing trivial matters or teasing each other. It felt like their bond as twins had been fully restored.

“You’re serious? You’re going to do that?” Rin asked.

“I think it’s time I did. I’d imagine you’ll have the choice to do so as well. Dad’s felt for a while now that we should be able to do more on our own, and I agree that it would be better for us to experience these things firsthand, even if they aren’t always exciting,” Rayne replied.

Rin shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. I guess it depends on what happens. But you should still be careful.”

“Careful about what? Are you planning on going somewhere?” Selenia chimed in as we approached them.

Both of them seemed startled by her sudden question. It was clear that Rin was also taken aback by the sight of me.

Rayne looked a bit surprised too, but he managed to keep it under control, offering a reassuring smile to his little sister as he answered her question.

“It’s just for a few weeks. Dad has been discussing an issue with Merrick, and I offered to go to the Western Lands and meet with him about it in his place. We both thought it would be a good learning experience for me to see the Western Lands and meet some of the creatures who live there,” he explained.

“Yeah.” Rin finally snapped out of his daze. “He and Dad are right that we should do that sometimes and learn about the other lands. We need to know and understand them so that we can maintain friendly relations.”

Selenia wasn’t convinced. “But we just got our family back together. You can’t leave us now, Rayne!” she protested.

“Relax. I’m not leaving for another month, so I’ll still be around. Besides, how could I leave now when we’re having such a great celebration for our newest family member?” Rayne responded, smiling at me.

I returned his smile and nodded, relieved to hear that he would be staying for a while longer.

“True, true.” Selenia glanced at me before continuing, “Will you come out with me, Rayne? I’m still a little nervous about being around so many people by myself.”

It was clear as day that this was a ploy to give Rin and me some alone time, and Rayne was more than happy to play along.

“Okay.” He shot us a grin as Selenia took his hand. “We’ll catch up with you guys outside.”

I watched them exit through the nearby glass doors. The warm air was inviting, and the distant sound of cheerful chatter was enticing. I was eager to meet the others who had gathered, even if I couldn’t verbally communicate with them.

Rin let out a sigh of contentment, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

“They can’t fool me. They just wanted to give us a moment alone before we join the crowd,” he said.

I moved closer to him, lifting my tablet. “I don’t mind. I was hoping we’d get a chance to talk before we go out there.”

“I’m glad we did.” Rin traced his fingers along my right cheek, gently touching my braid and the flowers entwined in it. “You look stunning. I’ve never seen you in a dress like this, and it suits you perfectly.”

“You really think so?” I asked.

“I do, although I must confess that I love seeing you in anything you wear, or don’t,” he teased.

“You shouldn’t say things like that. It makes you sound like a pervert,” I teased back.

“Perhaps a little,” Rin admitted with a soft chuckle. He glanced towards the nearby doors. “Are you ready to go out and meet everyone? I’m sure they’re all eagerly waiting for us.”

I mirrored his smile, nodding enthusiastically.

It felt like a scene straight out of a fairytale as he extended his hand to me. Rin was everything I could’ve ever dreamed of in a prince charming, even though I’d never anticipated meeting him or becoming a part of his extraordinary world. My heart swelled with joy as I took his hand, walking with him towards the doors.

What awaited us outside was a continuation of this magical day. The courtyard was beautifully adorned and filled with a variety of creatures, all from different parts of the Northern Lands. I hadn’t realized how diverse the population was until now, and these were just a fraction of those who had journeyed here, both to visit our family and bring good wishes from their respective towns, villages, or sects. There were elves, Faeries, nymphs, gnomes, and various animal types; virtually every kind of creature one could think of.