Someone better than her

Luna Liora's soothing voice eased Elowen's fear. "There's no need to be scared of him," she said in a calming tone. "I'm fully aware of what he did, and that's why he's being punished." 

Cassian looked up at Luna's words, and his dark eyes locked onto Elowen's. The vigor of his gaze made Elowen flinch, and she quickly averted her eyes, focusing instead on the intricate patterns of the carpet beneath her feet. 

Luna guided Elowen to a sofa. As she settled Elowen into the seat, she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I promise you, once he finishes his punishment, he will apologize to you."

Elowen doubted it. She knew their mate bond was broken, and even if Cassian did apologize, nothing would change the damage already done. She dont know but she could still feel eyes on her, piercing through face and making her uncomfortable. 

Instead, she tried to divert her attention and bought it on the main topic she chose to come here against her will. Taking a deep breath she spoke with a trembling voice. 

"Madam Luna, I need to find my brother. Please, can you help me find him? That's why I came here." 

She quickly explained everything to Luna Liora. 

Luna's expression softened as she wiped away Elowen's tears with a gentle hand. "Oh, dear," she said with a sympathetic smile. "You don't have to worry. I'll make sure you're reunited with your brother."

She called for Cassian and Darius. Within minutes, both appeared before her, Cassian standing stiffly with his hands still bound behind his back and Darius at his side, his gaze downcast.

Elowen watched with relief and awe as Luna, with her commanding presence, addressed them. "Cassian, Darius," she said firmly, "before morning, Elowen must meet her brother. Ensure this happens, or there will be consequences."

Both men nodded in unison, their compliance evident. "Yes, Luna," they said together.

Elowen's heart soared at Luna's promise. "Thank you, Luna," she said repeatedly, her voice choked with gratitude. "Thank you so much."

Luna's smile was warm and reassuring. "It's my duty to take care of you now, Elowen. You are part of our pack, and soon, you'll be taking my place as Luna. This is how we care for our own, dear." 

A click of annoyance escaped Cassian. Luna's gaze snapped to him. "Cassian, enough. Leave us now."

Cassian's eyes met Elowen's once more as he turned to go, his gaze piercing and filled with frustration and something Elowen couldn't quite place. Her heart raced, and she quickly looked away as well. 

As Cassian departed, Luna said. "Don't worry about him," she said softly. "Focus on reuniting with your brother. Everything will be fine. 

Elowen nodded, her eyes still damp but filled with a glimmer of hope. 

As the mission was assigned and Cassian and Darius left, Luna gently placed a hand on Elowen's shoulder. Her touch was soft, but there was a firmness to her gaze that told Elowen she wasn't about to let her argue.

"You look exhausted. You should rest and change your clothes," Luna said kindly. 

"I'm fine, Luna. Really, I—" Elowen began, but Luna cut her off with a sharp look.

"I won't hear another word of it. You need to take care of yourself. Maids," she called, gesturing to two women standing nearby, "escort her to Cassian's room and make sure she's comfortable."

The two maids exchanged uneasy glances at the mention of Cassian's room. Their eyes darted from Elowen to Luna, hesitation clearly written on their faces. One of them opened her mouth to protest, but Luna silenced her with a single raised hand.

"No objections," Luna said firmly. "Cassian won't mind. Elowen needs a place to rest, and it's the safest and most comfortable room we have."

Elowen wanted to protest again, to say that she didn't need to invade Cassian's personal space, but she was too weary to fight. Instead, she followed the maids, her body feeling heavy with every step.

When they finally arrived at Cassian's room, the maids stopped just outside the door, looking uncomfortable. They hesitated, glancing at each other before speaking.

"We…we're not allowed inside," one of the maids said quietly, looking at Elowen with a mixture of pity and fear.

Elowen frowned in confusion. "Why…not?"

"Alpha Cassian doesn't like anyone entering his room," the other maid explained, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, it hit Elowen where she was actually standing. She was about to step into Cassian's private space. Anxiety curled in her stomach, and she shook her head. "I don't think this is a good idea either," she said. "I don't need to shower. I'm fine."

The maids exchanged uneasy looks again. "You should shower," one of them insisted. "Luna will scold us if we don't make sure you've cleaned up and rested."

Elowen hesitated, glancing at the door. She really didn't want to go inside, but she knew Luna wouldn't take no for an answer. With a resigned sigh, she pushed open the door and stepped into Cassian's room.

As soon as she entered, the first thing that hit her was the scent. It was overwhelming—strong, masculine, and distinctly Cassian. Even though their mate bond was weakening, the scent was familiar. Comforting, in a strange way. For a moment, Elowen felt like she could finally breathe again, her body relaxing in the presence of his scent.

But then, outside the door, the maids' hushed voices drifted into the room, snapping her back to reality.

"Can you believe she's supposed to be his mate?" one of the maids whispered harshly. "An Omega like her? It's disgraceful."

The other maid snickered softly. "No wonder he rejected her. I mean, look at her. She's so weak. Alpha Cassian deserves someone like Aria."

"Exactly," the first maid continued. "Aria's strong, beautiful, and powerful. She's everything a real Alpha should be. That Omega doesn't stand a chance. No wonder Alpha Cassian can't stand her."

Elowen's heart sank, their words cutting deep. She felt a sharp sting of humiliation wash over her. She never asked to be an Omega, and certainly didn't ask for the mate bond that tethered her to someone as powerful as Cassian. 

But the maids made her feel like it was all her fault—like she was the problem.

Then, their words struck another chord in her. Aria. Who's Aria? Why were they linking her name to Cassian's?

Her chest tightened, and a sick feeling twisted in her stomach. She could barely breathe, her mind racing with questions she didn't have the answers to. Was Aria the reason Cassian rejected her? Did he already have someone in his heart—a stronger, better-suited mate?

Elowen sank into the nearest chair, her hands trembling. The comfort she had briefly felt from Cassian's scent was gone, replaced by a gnawing sense of inadequacy and dread.