The Ivory Queen
Chapter 89

***Aurora’s POV***

Time seems to slow down as I glance over at Javier and I put my mental shield up to guard my feelings from Celina’s cold stare, not wanting her to give away my inner turmoil. To forgive does not mean to forget and I could never forget my nights in that closet no matter how hard I tried. I wanted to trust him again for he had once been my best friend, but trust was not an easy thing to give to someone who had hurt you in the worst way possible. I look down at my hands in my lap, biting my lower l*p to keep it from trembling.

As I’m about to answer, Javier speaks for me.

“No, she doesn’t,” Javier says quietly. “And that’s my fault. I betrayed our friendship years ago. I stopped being her friend the moment Emiliano died….” He sighs. “There is nothing I can say to make you all trust me. I’ll have to earn that right, but I would like the opportunity to redeem Lluvia Blanca. Unlike my father, I don’t think a treaty with Amethyst Lake is the right path for Lluvia Blanca and have decided I will not sign it. I will bear the consequences of that decision with or without your help.”

It’s Wesley who speaks next and he keeps his gaze on Patrick and Jonathan. “I’ve trained for years with Javier. I know what he is capable of and I know Lluvia Blanca is in good hands with him as Alpha. Much like him, at one point I did not care for Aurora either. I came to my senses eventually and I believe Javier has too.” He pauses for a second before letting out a breath of air. “Cerulean Sea votes yes on Lluvia Blanca’s reinstatement.”

I feel a bit of relief but the fear of Jonathan and Patrick rejecting the proposal is pushing me further and further off a cliff into a sea of anxiety. I desperately wish for Oliver’s comforting hug to calm me down. Evan is too busy having his own emotional breakdown to help relieve my angst and Celina is currently refusing to look at me. So, I do what I do best and plaster a smile on my face to thank Wesley.

“I admire your bravery in forgiving your former pack but Lluvia Blanca broke an agreement and that is not an easy fix. To be a part of this alliance is to accept the decisions we make as allies, even if we don’t agree on some issues. Lluvia Blanca did not honor our decision and left. I cannot overlook that,” Jonathan says.

“W-we can address that,” I say, not wanting to give up on the possibility of Lluvia Blanca coming back to the alliance. “What if we revoke Lluvia Blanca’s voting rights for the next 6 months as -as a sort of…. punishment for breaking the alliance in the first place? Any decisions would be made without their input but they would still reap the benefits of the alliance. Does that seem fair?”

“How about this?” Patrick asks, leaning forward. “Lluvia Blanca can return once Javier takes over under the condition that for the next year, they be on a probation. They will have no voting rights and should we believe they are not fulfilling the requirements of the treaty, they must leave the alliance once and for all. No more second chances. Do you accept, Javier?”

Without hesitation, Javier answers. “Yes. Lluvia Blanca accepts these conditions. “

Patrick sighs. “Then it’s a yes from B***d Moon … for now.”

I turn to Jonathan with hope filled eyes and he goes quiet for a moment before releasing a sigh.

“It seems I am outnumbered…. Very well, Jade Crescent votes yes on Lluvia Blanca’s reinstatement. Good luck, Javier. Don’t screw it up.”

“Thank you for this opportunity,” Javier beams with hope.

“We’ll have the treaty drafted by the time of your ceremony. If that is all Luna Aurora, I think we can adjourn this meeting. I’ll be in contact soon once the witch arrives. I bid you well on your search and I will keep Oliver in my prayers.”

I thank the Allies for their help as they leave. Celina follows suit, going for a run with a few guards to check the perimeter, although I’m sure it’s just a ploy to be away from Javier. He and Mia remain in the dining room with me. Shortly after, Valentina, Danny and their pack members arrive, ready with their things for their flights home.

“Aurora if I may, I would like to stay. I don’t like the idea of you dealing with Oliver’s disappearance on your own,” Valentina pleads. “Perhaps I can help in some way.”

I shake my head. “I’m not alone. I have friends and allies helping me. But if you want, I would love for you to stay.”

“Well then I guess I’d like to formally ask to stay in River Moon as well,” Diego says. “Permanently.” I stare at him in confusion and he chuckles. “I found my mate.”

My eyes widen like saucers. “WHO?”

He grins as a few guards come in and tilts his head forward. “Him.”

Wait did he say ‘Him’?

I turn around to see Eric blushing back at me.

My eyes shift between the two men. “You’re…”

Diego’s grin widens and he shrugs. “Yup.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you found your mate!” Valentina squeals, pulling her son into a hug. “Ay! Que lindo!” she beams, gesturing towards Eric. “Come here mijo, let me get a good look at you!”

Eric timidly steps forward before being engulfed in bear hug by Valentina.

I’m so happy for Diego. We needed some good news in the midst of all this chaos. I steal a glance at Danny who is desperately trying to contain his emotions, but I see the faint smile on his face.

“So can I stay, Luna?” Diego asks, holding Eric’s hand and kissing it.

“Of course you can,” I reply, bouncing on my toes excitedly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I turn to Valentina and Danny. “Well then let’s get you all settled in the house,” I say. “I’d much rather keep you close than in the guest house all by yourselves.”

“Vale, go get settled. I have something to take care of. Be right back,” Danny calls out as he runs towards the door and leaves.

We all stare at the door, confused but decide to let it slide. I ask a few omegas to help Valentina and Diego get settled on the second floor. Turning my attention to Mia and Javier, I ask what they’re doing here.

Mia smiles. “We just came to help in whatever shape we can.”

“And to make sure you’re okay,” Javier adds. “You must going through a lot right now. I’m sure you could use the company.”

“Thank you,” I say, giving them a small smile. “How’s Chava doing? Are things okay at Lluvia Blanca?”

They both exchange glances and I know things must be tense at home.

“Chava is not important right now,” Mia says quietly.

So Chava still doesn’t believe me, huh?

I’m slightly disappointed but not at all surprised. I had held on to the hope we could move forward but I guess his heart is too angry for that. Perhaps it was better for us to go our separate ways. I can’t keep expecting him to somehow understand that I was not lying after all these years and I deserve to move on without feeling guilty about it.

“I see,” I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Well that’s….. Ahem.. Never mind. Anyways, I have this letter that confirms the witches have Oliver and right now the only thing left to do is figure out their next move.”

Mia perks up. “I can do that! I’m pretty good with researching.”

“Perfect. Oliver’s office is upstairs and I have a book with some Ivory twin history that we can use.”

“What can I do?” Javier asks.

“Please check on Celina for me,” I say, grabbing Mia and dragging her upstairs. “Don’t bug her or talk to her. Just watch. Make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble while we work,” I call out before disappearing around the corner.

***Mia’s POV***

In Oliver’s office, Aurora and I are hard at work searching for possible clues on the properties of their b***d. After about an hour of research though, I notice Aurora struggle to stay focused on the task, staring off into the distance.

“Are you thinking about him?” I ask, tentatively putting the book down.

When she doesn’t respond, I wave my hand in front of her eyes, snapping her out of her daze.

“Hmm,” she replies, shaking her head and wiping her tired eyes. “Did you say something?”

“You okay?” I ask.

“Yeah,” she lies. “I’m just-“

She’s interrupted mid sentence by a yawn.

“Tired?” I chuckle. “How much sleep did you get last night?”

She shakes her head. “I’m not tired.”

“No, you’re clearly exhausted. You should get some sleep.”

“Ugh, not you too! Look I can take care of myself. I don’t need you or anyone else telling me what to do!” She snaps, slamming her fists on the table.

I slump back in my chair and shake my head. “I know you don’t need my help. I just think it’s not a crime to take a break and take care of yourself too,” I sigh, closing the black book.

She lowers her head and apologizes. “I can’t sleep.”

“You are clearly sleep deprived-“

“No, I mean I can’t sleep….. I’m afraid too…” she finally admits. “Oliver kept all the nightmares away.” She wraps her arms around herself and closes her eyes. “Even when I did have them, Oliver would hold me close so I could feel safe again. He’d coax me back to sleep with a lullaby and run circles on my back or play with my hair. Just his scent brought me a sense of peace. The bed feels so empty without him. I can’t sleep,” she whimpers quietly into her sleeve. “I just can’t.”

My heart shatters as she explains her turmoil. She forgave me for the pain I inflicted but that could not erase the damage I caused. I spent years taking advantage of her vulnerabilities and I did not think about the lasting effects of the torture. How long would she struggle with this pain and more importantly, was there anything I could do to fix it?

“The dream I gave you…. Did it help?” I ask.

“It was beautiful,” she smiles, opening her eyes to look at me.

“Well what if I gave you another dream. You could go to sleep right now and I could make sure you don’t have any nightmares… only good dre-“

“No!” She says, shaking her head furiously.

I stare back at her, stunned by the fear in her eyes. She softens her face and tinges red.

“I mean, no thank you,” She starts shivering and pulls her knees to her chest. “It was a lovely dream… but done against my will nonetheless.”

“I understand,” I sigh, picking up the book again. “I was just trying to help you that night and give you some relief.”

She nods her head. “Thank you. That was kind but Mia? I have one request to make from you…”

My face lights up instantly. She wants something from me!

“Please don’t ever use you gift on me… ever again. Even if you think it will help me. I don’t want you in my head without my permission.” She looks up at me, holding back tears. “It’s the one thing I ask of you. Please.”

My face falls but I quickly force a smile and nod.

“Of course, anything for you.”

She frowns and her face fills with shame. “I’m sorry, I’m trying to trust you, it’s just-“

“You don’t have to explain,” I say. “I hurt you and you lost faith in me. It’s up to me to earn your trust back. You have nothing to apologize for.”

She offers as weak smile and nods. “Thanks…”

We sit awkwardly for a while, unsure how to move on.

“So …. Evan?” She asks nervously.

I stare at her. “How did you-“

“He told me….”

“Well that’s not … it’s not going to happen,” I shrug. “He hates me.”

“No, he’s angry, but can you blame him?” she sighs and I swallow hard. “Evan is confused. He thinks he has to give you because of what you did to me, but I would love nothing more than for you two to be together. It’s going to take some time for him to figure things out, thought. Just give him a chance.”

“Doesn’t matter. I don’t want a mate who doesn’t know what he wants.”

“Hey!” She frowns. “Evan is one of the best people I know. Give him a chance to figure it out. I promise, he’s worth it. He has a heart of gold. You’re lucky to have him.”

I roll my eyes but decide not to argue with her anymore. Another awkward silence engulfs us before her yawn sparks a yawning fest between the two of us, making us both break into laughter.

When the laughter dies down, she smiles sheepishly. “Mia?”

“Yeah?”

She gulps loudly and I notice her trembling. “You can’t earn my trust if I don’t give you a chance, right?”

I stare at her like an i***t as I dissect her every word. She continues to shiver in her seat and her fists are balled up at her side, her knuckles turning white.

She’s afraid to let me in so why is she forcing herself to do this?

Because she loves you more than she fears you, Inez whispers.

“Aurora, you don’t have to let me in,” I urge. “You don’t have to do this to prove anything to me. I know you forgive me and I can earn your trust some other way. I promise I’ll work hard-“

“N-no,” she trembles. “I ha-have to do this. If I want to trust you, I need to lose fear of you… So I’ll let you in.” She gets up from her seat, still shaking and grabs my hand. “Come on.”

She leads me to her bedroom and sits on the edge of her bed to remove her boots before curling up under the covers. She closes her eyes and hugs a pillow, clinging to it for dear life. Aurora inhales deeply, releasing the air slowly and relaxing her shoulders. When she speaks, her voice is so small and shaky.

“I-I’m ready,” she nods, keeping her eyes closed.

“Are you sure?”

She nods again. “I-I trust you.”

“What do you want to dream?” I ask, suddenly nervous with my task.

She remains silent for a moment, lost in thought, before she starts giggling. “C-can I have a snowball fight with Oliver? I never got the chance to have a snowball fight with him.”

I smile. Such a simple request and yet by far the most important to me.

I will give you a winter wonderland.

“One snowball fight coming up,” I say as I activate my powers. I take a deep breath before conjuring up a beautiful snow covered forest with a castle in the distance for her and Oliver to explore.

She snuggles up with her pillow. “Wow,” she sighs.

I take a seat on the edge of the bed and watch her breathing start to slow while her muscles begin to relax. A small smile tugs on the corners of her lips as she slowly drifts off into a peaceful sleep.

“Good night, sister,” I smile as I stoke her hair gently. I watch her sleep for a while, content that for this brief moment I can give her some peace when I suddenly hear the door open. A menacing growl breaks the peaceful quiet.

“What do you think you’re doing?”