His Abandoned Luna Chapter 134

|| Lilac's POV ||

Since our last hangout, things had taken a turn for the better—at least on the surface. Elara had stirred up a storm for Kael, and it was glorious. She didn’t have to do much, just leak a few carefully selected pictures of him and Coco, along with a scandalous video of Coco giving him a lap dance. The images went viral within hours, and the whispers of scandal followed Kael like a shadow. I smiled inwardly, a small, vindictive part of me reveling in his discomfort. Served him right.

But while Kael’s reputation took a hit, our investigation into the Miracle Pills was far from over. I knew it would be dangerous, and I couldn’t let Elara shoulder the burden alone. She was fearless, but even she had her limits. So, I got dressed, ready to meet her and dive deeper into the mess we were unraveling. But as I reached for the door, my father’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Where are you going?” he asked, his tone firm but not unkind.

“I’m going to meet Elara,” I replied, trying to keep my voice light.

“No, you’re not,” he said, his words leaving no room for argument.

I turned to face him, my brow furrowing. “Dad, the election is closing in. Alexander needs all the help he can get.”

“And what about you?” he asked, his gaze piercing.

“What about me?” I replied, my voice tinged with defensiveness.

“Have you forgotten that you have a soulmate as well?” he asked, his tone softening but still carrying an edge.

My world froze. *Elias.* I hadn’t talked to him much in the past few days. Every time he called or showed up, I’d brushed him off with excuses.

“I’m busy.”

“I’m helping Alexander.”

“I have a meeting with Elara.”

“I have to study. Can we postpone?”

I knew I was avoiding him, and somehow, it felt right. But my father’s words cut through my defenses like a knife.

“You do realize he’s a warrior—a classified one. He’ll be gone to the borders soon. Have you thought about what you’re going to do?” Dad asked, his voice steady but laced with concern.

“What?” I gasped, the realization hitting me like a punch to the gut. I hadn’t considered the implications of Elias’s role. I didn’t want to go to the border, not with him, not when my family might need me the most.

“I can’t go with him,” I said, my voice trembling.

“And it’s supposed to be your joint decision,” Dad replied, his tone firm.

“Elias will be here soon. You two better talk,” he added, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I stayed quiet, my mind racing. How had I let things get to this point? How had I become so disconnected from the man who was supposed to be my other half?

“Listen, sweetpea,” Dad said, his voice softening. “I know he’s not an alpha or something, but he’s a good man. He’s seen suffering in life, and he has good morals. He’ll keep you happy and safe.”

“I know,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Then just give him a chance. Stop running,” he said, his words heavy with meaning.

“I’ll talk to him,” I promised, though the thought filled me with dread.

Soon enough, the doorbell rang, and Elias was there, standing on the threshold with a hesitant smile.

“Hey, going somewhere?” he asked, his eyes scanning my outfit.

“Yeah. We’re going for a walk,” I replied, my voice tight.

Elias nodded, though I could see the disappointment in his eyes. He didn’t say anything, just fell into step beside me as we walked toward the river. The air was crisp, the kind of cold that bites at your skin but clears your mind. The riverbank was quiet, the water reflecting the pale winter sky. We sat down on a weathered bench, the silence between us heavy and unspoken.

“You’re leaving?” I asked finally, breaking the silence.

“Yeah, in a few days,” he said, his voice calm but tinged with sadness.

I felt a strange mix of relief and guilt. Relief that I wouldn’t have to see him every day, guilt that I felt that way at all. What kind of person am I? I thought, my chest tightening.

“Dad told me. Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” I asked, my voice softer now.

“I wanted to. But you seemed… busy,” he said, his tone careful but carrying an edge of hurt.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, my gaze fixed on the river.

“Don’t apologize. It’s all good. I just wish we had more time together,” he sighed, his voice heavy with regret.

“Me too,” I lied, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Was I really this heartless? Or did the rebirth do this to me? Why don’t I feel any pain? Why am I happy in a way that he’ll be gone? I must be crazy!

“Really?” Elias asked, his voice cutting through my thoughts. “I thought… you didn’t really care about the bond.”

“Huh? No, it’s not like that,” I tried to justify, but even as I said it, I knew he was right.

“Be truthful, Lilac. Is this because I’m just a warrior?” he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

“No, you’re not just a warrior,” I said, my voice firm. “You’re one of those who keeps us safe. I’m proud of you for what you are. You’re kind, strong, and amazing in your own ways.”

“Then why this distance?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

“I need time,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Just how much time do you need, Lilac? Other soulmates complete the mating right after they find each other, and here we are,” he sighed, his voice impatient.

“Is that what you want?” I asked, my heart pounding.

“Is it wrong for me to want that?” he replied, his tone sharp.

We both fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. I didn’t know what to say. How could I explain the turmoil inside me? How could I tell him that my heart belonged to someone else, even if it shouldn’t?

“Forget it. I’ll leave tomorrow morning,” he said, standing abruptly.

“Tomorrow morning? So soon?” I asked, my voice tinged with panic.

“My mate doesn’t care much. I probably was better off an orphan,” he said before turning to leave, his words cutting deeper than he could have known.

“If I ask you to stay, will you stay?” I yelled after him, my voice breaking.

“But you never will,” he replied with a sad smile, his figure disappearing into the distance.

And he was right. I couldn’t ask him, I wouldn’t ask him. His back looked sluggish as he walked.

Goddess, what do I do? I thought, my chest aching as I watched him walk away. The weight of my choices, my feelings, and my guilt pressed down on me, leaving me breathless and lost.