Chapter 81: I Still Had People_A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs

<h4>Chapter 81: I Still Had People</h4>

 {Elira}

 ~**^**~

 The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Alpha’s estate. And without waiting for anyone to open the door, I simply pushed it open and stepped out, feeling heavy and brittle, like ss stuffed with lead.

 I started walking toward the house slowly, the gravel crunching under my shoes. My mind was fogged with too many thoughts—each one jabbing and pressing, like needles beneath the skin.

 I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want to look at anyone. I just wanted to lie down and dissolve into the silence.

 "Elira," Zenon’s deep voice cut through the thick air behind me.

 I froze mid-step and turned slightly.

 He stood beside the jeep, his gaze steady. "It’s time for lunch."

 "Oh." The word slipped out before I could even process it.

 I waited there, awkwardly still, as if waiting for instructions.

 Lennon walked up to me and ced a warm hand on my shoulder, a soft smile brushing his lips.

 "Come on," he said gently, and without another word, he guided me toward the house.

 ---

 A few minutester, I was seated in the dining hall with the three brothers.

 The scent of seasoned meats, spiced vegetables, garlic-butter rolls and roasted potatoes filled the room.

 There was arge bowl of creamy chicken stew, fresh fruit, and even a tter of golden-brown pie.

 I stared at it but my stomach didn’t stir. I barely even blinked.

 I should have been hungry, but my appetite had drowned somewhere in that healer’s living room—sunk beneath the weight of those cruel words: only the witch who did it can undo it.

 "Eat," Zenon said suddenly, his voice sharp, almost clinical. "Don’t waste food."

 I swallowed. I hadn’t even realized I’d been sitting motionless, just staring.

 Rennon, who sat beside me, leaned closer. His voice was softer. "Please eat, Elira. We will find the witch who did this. You’re not alone."

 I nced at him. His eyes were calm, steady with a quiet strength that made it hard to look away.

 "You will get your powers," he added gently, "and you will use them like every other supernatural."

 I nodded, not because I believed it fully in that moment, but because I didn’t want to be the weak one anymore.

 I didn’t want them to look at me as if I were breakable, so I picked up my fork and began to eat slowly, mechanically.

 I didn’t taste much of anything, but I ate because I had to.

 Because wallowing wouldn’t unlock my channels, and being pathetic didn’t help anyone.

 ---

 Back in my bedroom, I stood still for a moment before moving.

 I walked over to the desk, pulled out my notes, and began my assignments; Word after word, line after line.

 I wrote until my fingers cramped and my wrist ached. The pain helped.

 It gave me something else to focus on—something real. Something I could control.

 When I finally set my pen down, I realized the sky outside had turned a dusky blue.

 I rolled my neck, feeling it pop and stretch. Work was the best therapy, at least for now.

 Just then, I remembered the messages I hadn’t checked yet. My heart sank.

 My roommates.

 I picked up my phone and opened the group chat. There were dozens of missed messages.

 Cambria: "Has Elira gotten home yet?"

 Tamryn: "She hasn’t said anything."

 Juniper: "Maybe she got kidnapped or something."

 Nari: "She’s just an ungrateful brat, ignoring us like we don’t exist."

 Cambria: "Maybe she just got preupied. Let’s wait a bit."

 Thest message was over two hours ago—nothing since.

 I pressed my lips together and typed quickly:

 [Sorry, guys, I totally forgot to text. I lost track of time trying to finish up some assignments. I’m home now.]

 The replies came almost instantly.

 Cambria: "There she is! d you’re okay."

 Tamryn: "Wee back."

 Juniper: "At least she’s not kidnapped"

 Nari: "About time."

 I smiled a little. They weren’t actually mad. I don’t know why I expected them to be.

 For a second, I hovered over the chat box. I thought about typing something, telling them what the healer said that my channels were sealed by ck magic.

 That I might never be able to unlock my powers unless we find the exact witch responsible.

 But... the words refused toe.

 Instead, I let it go.

 Cambria messaged again:

 [We will save you a seat at the cafeteria tomorrow morning.]

 And right after that, Nari added:

 [If you’rete, you’re not sitting with us.]

 I snorted softly and typed back:

 [Thanks, guys, but I don’t think I can make it for breakfast. Let’s have lunch together instead.]

 My phone buzzed again with a quick stream of replies—hearts, thumbs-up, andughing emojis.

 I looked at their names in the chat. My chest ached a little less.

 Maybe things weren’t perfect, but... I still had people. And that meant something.

 A firm but respectful knock came at the door not long after.

 "Yes?" I called out.

 "Miss Elira," came a voice—one of the maids, soft-spoken but efficient. "It’s time for dinner."

 Now, this was the part of the evening I wasn’t looking forward to: dinner and Luna Gwenith.

 I let out a deep sigh and stood slowly, stretching my limbs as I moved to the mirror. My hair looked okay.

 As I stepped into the hallway and made my way toward the dining hall, I found my thoughts spiralling.

 I wondered if Luna Gwenith already knew about the healer’s verdict—about my blocked channels. Somehow, I imagined she did. Nothing escaped her.

 And if she did know, I couldn’t begin to guess what sort ofments would fly out of her mouth tonight.

 Part of me wanted to skip the meal altogether. But I wasn’t a child, and avoiding confrontation wasn’t going to help anything.

 I took a breath and told myself I could handle it. ’Just be mature, Elira. Be polite.’

 The dining hall doors were already open when I arrived, warm light spilling out across the polished floors.

 I stepped in quietly and immediately spotted Rennon seated at the long dining table.

 He looked up and smiled at me. A soft, reassuring smile—the kind only he could offer.

17kNovel

Chapter 81: I Still Had People