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Chapter 298
~Zara’s POV~
By the next evening, I had made up my mind. It was ti to head back ho to Snow. As much as I loved spending ti with Mom, the thought of guilt-tripping myself into staying longer had beco unbearable.
So I quietly began packing my belongings again, this ti determined to avoid any suspicion. I moved around the room smoothly, folding my clothes and slipping my books and gifts into my suitcase quickly and neatly.
"Just don’t make a sound, Zara," I whispered to myself, glancing toward the door every few seconds.
I had just zipped up the first bag when the door creaked open.
"Zara, darling!" Mum’s cheerful voice rang out, making freeze mid-motion.
I turned slowly, my heart sinking as she stepped into the room, flanked by her ever-present lady-in-waiting, Clarisse. The sight of the suitcase on the bed didn’t escape her sharp eyes.
Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of subtle disappointnt. "What’s this?"
"Mum," I began, trying to sound calm, "I just thought—"
"You just thought you’d sneak away again, didn’t you?" she said, her tone light but with an edge of reproach. She stepped further into the room, gesturing for Clarisse to follow. "Honestly, Zara, what am I going to do with you?"
I sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "It’s not like that, Mum. I’ve loved being here, but Snow—"
"Snow will survive without you for another day or two," she interrupted smoothly, crossing her arms. "I just spoke to him this morning. He told he’d handle things."
I blinked in surprise. "You talked to Snow?"
"Of course," she said with a small smile. "He’s my son-in-law. And as much as I adore him, he understands that I need ti with my daughter too."
Clarisse, ever the silent observer, cleared her throat politely. "If I may, my Lady, tomorrow’s plans have already been set. It would be a sha to cancel them now."
Mum bead at her. "Exactly, Clarisse. Zara, we’ve planned such a lovely outing for tomorrow. We’ll visit the farr’s market, then have lunch at that new café in town. And in the afternoon, I thought we could do a spa day together. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?"
I hesitated, glancing at my half-packed suitcase. "Mum, I—"
"Zara," she said gently, sitting beside and taking my hands in hers. "I know you have responsibilities. I know you want to go back to Snow. But this ti with you—it ans the world to . Please, stay just one more day. For ."
Her words hit right in the chest, and I felt my resolve crumbling. How could I say no to her when she looked at like that?
"One more day," I relented, a small smile tugging at my lips. "But that’s it, Mum."
She grinned, squeezing my hands tightly. "That’s all I ask, darling. Now, let Clarisse and finish setting up for tomorrow while you relax. We’re going to make it a day to rember."
As she and Clarisse left the room, chatting excitedly about the plans, I leaned back on the bed with a sigh.
One more day.
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~Zade’s POV~
The sound of the final shot echoed through the training grounds, followed by a round of cheers and applause from the younger pack warriors.
I lowered my gun, feeling the satisfying weight of it in my hands, and turned toward my trainee with a cocky grin on my face.
"See? That’s how it’s done," I said, tossing the gun back into its holster.
The trainee shook his head in awe. "Damn, Alpha Zade, you make it look too easy."
"Years of practice," I replied with a wink.
As the session wrapped up, I grabbed my water bottle and phone from the nearby bench. I wiped the sweat from my brow and checked the screen.
My heart gave a small jolt when I saw the na flashing across it.
Aira.
I hesitated for a second before swiping to answer. "Aira."
"Zade," her soft voice ca through laced with a warmth that always made smile.
"Missed already?" I teased, leaning against the fence post.
"You wish," she quipped back, though I could sense her amusent in her tone. "Actually, I just wanted to check-in. It’s been a few days since we last spoke."
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Well, here I am. What’s on your mind, Aira?"
"Nothing much," she said. "Just... curious about how you’ve been."
"Flattered," I replied with a wide grin I was sure she couldn’t see. "I’ve been good. Just finished a shooting round with the warriors. What about you? How’s my favourite girl doing?"
"Favourite?" she asked, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "I’m the only one you call like this, Zade."
"Exactly." I lowered my voice. "That makes you my favourite by default, doesn’t it?"
She laughed softly, and I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of victory at the sound.
"Okay, smooth talker," she said. "What are you up to now?"
"Actually, I was just about to grab so lunch. Care to join ?"
"Lunch?" she asked, the hesitation in her voice barely noticeable.
"Co on, Aira," I teased. "It’s just lunch. I promise I won’t bite. Unless you want to."
"Zade," she groaned, though I could tell she was smiling.
"What do you say?" I pressed. "One little lunch. I’ll even let you pick the place."
She was silent for a mont, and I could almost picture her debating with herself.
"Fine," she finally said. "But just lunch. Don’t get any ideas."
"Who, ?" I said, feigning innocence. "Never."
Her laugh ca through the line again, and I felt that familiar tug in my chest.
"I’ll text you the details, mate, don’t be late."
"I wouldn’t dream of it," I replied.
As the call ended, I pocketed my phone, a small smile playing on my lips.
This was going to be interesting.
"Hey guys, I’m out. Keep practising, the world’s evolving warriors!"
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