Chapter 324: Aurora

“I don’t think you will get her, Evander,” I said softly, extending my hand. “You have to let her follow her heart and be with the man she truly loves. Now, give me the photo.”

Evander remained silent, his gaze fixed on the picture. I continued, my voice steady and gentle, “Let her go, Evander. I’m sure you’ll find someone meant for you.”

His voice broke. “I can’t… My whole life, it’s only been her. How can anyone else take her place?”

I sighed deeply, choosing my words carefully. “But Evan…”

He interrupted sharply. “Can you forget Dane? Could you let someone else into your heart?”

His question stunned me. I closed my mouth, gathering myself before nodding. “That’s different. Dane and I are fated. But Piper… Piper has always belonged with Warrick. They’re like yin and yang.”

Evander grunted, his frustration evident. “She suits me more.”

I smiled gently, shaking my head. “It’s not about who ‘suits’ who. It’s about who needs each other. You and Piper could only ever be friends because you’re not meant for each other. Warrick needs Piper, and she needs him—just like Dane and I balance each other. He’s hotheaded, and I help calm him down. And Dane, well, he makes life exciting for me.”

Evander stared, his expression conflicted. “Are you saying I have no need for Piper in my life?”

I shook my head. “That’s not what I’m saying. The Moon Goddess paired us with our mates for a reason. When you find your true mate, you’ll see why you were matched. You’ll understand.”

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. My words had reached him, though I wasn’t sure if they would make a difference.

I left his room and headed to my office. I was surprised to find Piper pacing, her expression fraught with worry.

“Piper?” I called softly, closing the door.

She stopped pacing and turned, relief flashing in her eyes. “Thank goodness you’re here. I need to talk to you.”

I sat down, gesturing for her to do the same. “I’m sorry, Piper. I apologize on Evander’s behalf. He shouldn’t have hurt Warrick like that.”

Piper took my hand, squeezing it tightly. “No, Aurora. I should apologize for slapping and humiliating Evander.”

I shook my head firmly. “You did nothing wrong. Honestly, I would have done the same. Evander humiliated himself.”

Piper sat across from me, her eyes red and swollen. She sniffled, wiping away tears. “Aurora… that photo of Warrick kissing someone else—I knew about it. He apologized, but I never really forgave him. Instead, I got close to Rowan to hurt him back. I thought it would make us even, but I realized too late it was a terrible idea. By then, Warrick already hated Rowan, and I had no real feelings for him.”

I sighed, closing my eyes briefly. “Piper, who do you love?”

She stood abruptly and resumed pacing frantically. My eyes followed her until dizziness crept in.

“I don’t know!” she exclaimed, her voice cracking. “I love him, but I can’t stand him. I care about him, but I don’t want to be near him. I crave his touch, but every time he touches me, all I see is his betrayal. I don’t know what my heart wants, Aurora. That’s why I’m here—to ask you for help.”

I nodded, letting her pour out her confusion.

“How did you know Dane was the one?” she asked, leaning forward.

I furrowed my brows, shrugging slightly. “I don’t know. It’s always been Dane. He’s always been in my heart. I didn’t have to figure it out because I already knew.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I winced. What the heck am I saying? How is this supposed to help her?

Piper tilted her head, her expression contemplative. “I see…”

I blinked. “What do you see?”

Her eyes brightened with realization. “I just have to figure out who has always been in my heart. Who I think of, even when I try not to.”

Before I could ask who she meant, she stood abruptly and waltzed out of my office.

Trajan, about to enter, shifted aside as Piper nearly bumped into him. He raised a brow, catching the files he was carrying as they almost slipped from his hands.

“What’s up with her?” he asked, looking back toward the door.

I shrugged. “How would I know? No one tells me anything about their lives.”

I kept my gaze locked on him, my tone light but teasing.

Trajan paused in the doorway, narrowing his eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

I smirked, stretching my hand toward the files. He stepped inside and handed them to me.

“I’m just saying… if you were in love with someone, would you tell me about it?”

I glanced through the documents, quickly scanning the contents before grabbing a pen to sign them.

When I looked up, I found Trajan staring, wide-eyed and dumbfounded.

I winked. “Well? Would you?”

I knew he loved Joclyn. I just didn’t understand why he couldn’t open up to me about it. Did he not trust me enough?

He cleared his throat awkwardly, packing up the signed papers. “It depends,” he said carefully. “In some cases, yes, I would tell you. But in others…” He trailed off, nodding slowly before continuing. “In cases where my feelings are mutual, unproblematic, and not forbidden, I’d share them. But if it’s otherwise—if the person I love is off-limits—I’d rather take those feelings to my grave than risk creating false hope.”

My smile faltered, his words striking a chord. Does he think Joclyn is off-limits?

“Forbidden, huh?”

Both Trajan and I turned toward the door. Joclyn stood there, leaning casually against the frame, her arms crossed, and her sharp eyes fixed on Trajan.

“You… heard?” Trajan stammered, his grip loosening as the file slipped from his hands.