The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 80

Cory's POV:

*Before the Present*

Have you ever had one of those moments where you replace yourself rooted in the same spot, unable to move? That's exactly how I feel right now. I continued to stare at the lifeless bodies of our saviors - one of whom was my best friend. As I kneeled, I could feel the weight of the moment. I reached for Lola's hand, holding it tightly in my own. The warm hands that supported me since we were young, those that cared for me and patched my bruises, and those that protected me and my pup were so cold. My heart ached for her. I couldn't hold back anymore as tears cascaded down my cheeks, leaving me vulnerable and exposed. I sobbed hard because of the loss of my dear friend.

"Your Majesty..." I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears.

As I lifted my head, there he was one of the guards. "What is it?"

"We've got news from the outside."

Immediately, I was on high alert. Did something happen to Lucas? to Silas? Oh, Silas! How am I going to tell him about Lola? I breathed deeply and asked, "What news?"

"It has gotten worse. There are now fireballs and tornadoes.

The ground started to crack open."

Oh, goddess! "Do you have news about the well-being of everyone out there?"

"Unfortunately, we have none, Your Majesty."

"I, uh, understand."

As soon as the guard stepped away, an eerie silence filled the air, and I found myself standing there all alone. I felt like my thoughts were in an endless maze with no clear path to follow. What should I do? Should I send the guards to help fight out there? But what if we face another attack?

My head was spinning from the whirlwind of events happening around me. I lay beside Lola - my head on her chest. "What should I do, Lola?"

I couldn't help but ask the question, even though I knew deep down that no answer would come from her. If only Lola were here, she would be the one to help me through this. She always knew the right words to say to make everything better. The thought consumed my mind, and I felt my emotions erupt like a volcano. I could feel the tears streaming down my face again as I began to brawl with my inner turmoil.

I lost track of time as I gazed into the abyss of the unknown, my mind racing with endless what-ifs. All the tears have dried up, but the hollowness in my heart still lingers. Out of nowhere, the hideout door burst open. I exited the room to see the commotion. The crowd was on edge, ready for anything, when suddenly a man appeared at the entrance. But as soon as they laid eyes on him, their tension melted away, and they relaxed. I was frozen in place, my hand instinctively reaching up to cover my mouth as the shock washed over me.

quietly called out his name, "Lucas...

*The Present*

My legs nearly gave out, and I nearly collapsed as I caught sight of him standing right before me. Lucas immediately caught me in his arms. And as he got near me, my nose caught his scent - the aroma I've grown to love and the one that never fails to soothe me. As I raised my head upwards, my eyes met his, and I couldn't help but wonder.

"Is this for real? You're here. I am dreaming, aren't I?'

"This is not a dream, Cory. I am here. I came as quickly as I could."

"How about the witch and the rogues? The kingdom?"

"It's over now. Elisha is dead. The other rogues met the same fate as her, but the rest managed to escape. Those who are unconscious will be apprehended and thrown into the dungeon."

The moment the news broke out, an overwhelming feeling of joy and excitement swept everyone. The room erupted with a thunderous cheer, drowning out every other nearby sound. I am glad, truly. As the war finally ended, everyone was filled with a sense of relief and joy. People could finally reunite with their loved ones, and Lucas, who had been at the forefront of the battle, was finally safe.

"I'm glad you're OK, Lucas..." Am I turning into a bit of a crybaby? Because I burst into tears again.

"Shhh, dear. I am OK now. Everything's fine." I felt a warm embrace as he held me tightly. He doesn't know yet.

"Lucas, have you heard from Silas?" Curiosity filled his face.

"No, not yet. I haven't heard from him since. Maybe he is on the way here to reunite with Lola." I couldn't take my eyes off him, my heart pounding as I summoned the courage to recount what had just happened. "Rogues came here..."

"I was aware." He said it so quietly that I thought I misheard it.

"What do you mean?"

"During my encounter with Elisha, she told me about this. I tried to warn you, but the mind-link got cut off. Are you hurt? Is everyone alright?"

"I am better now. I was saved." But before he could say something, I continued. "Lola saved me. No...Lola saved us all. If it wasn't for her.. sacrifice.. all of us would have been dead." As I recounted the events of the day, I made sure to include every detail and nuance, leaving no stone unturned As soon as I finished, I turned towards him. The look on his face turned pale, and he seemed completely distraught at the news. Lucas quickly gathered himself and pulled me close into a warm and comforting embrace. "I am so sorry, Cory. I am sorry."

I found myself nodding against his chest, lost in the comfort of his embrace. He kept me enveloped in his arms, repeating the words "I'm sorry." He held me close as I cried; time seemed to stand still. As my tears began to dry, he gave me a gentle nudge and softly spoke.

"I will ask someone to look for Silas. For now, I have to move and return to where everyone was. The situation at hand has left me with no other option but to confront the repercussions and manage the aftermath in the best possible way. I will have someone handle things here and let everyone know once they can return home. But will you be alright here?" He was looking at me with concern, worried that I might fall apart again.

"I understand, Lucas. Don't worry about me. I will also take care of things here." I tried to reassure him.

"I will look for Silas immediately, OK? Keep your lines open.

I will update you as soon as I can."

Lucas took charge and began conversing with the guards, outlining the necessary steps for their next action. The guards immediately sprang into action. They swiftly moved around the room, checking the conditions in the hideout - those who were injured and needed to be transferred to the hospital. Meanwhile, Lucas quickly makes his way out of the hideout to handle the aftermath of the war. As I regained my composure, I sprang into action to assist the guards. I must uphold my duty as the King's mate. We scoured the crowd until we were able to discern those who were in dire need of immediate medical attention. We got all the stuff we needed to help anyone who got hurt. We ensured we had first aid kits, stretchers, and other things to help move people who needed them to the medical hub.

And for the lifeless bodies, we covered them with white cloth and moved them to the morgue rather than leaving them lying on the wooden floor. I took one last look at Lola before I pulled the sheet over her head, placing a quick kiss on her forehead. After the guards took everyone to the medical hub, the rest of the group stayed behind in the hideout to clean up and pack their belongings.

While packing up my belongings, I also made sure to gather Lola's items and get them ready if Silas took them.

Aside from her clothes, I couldn't help but notice a few trinkets that she had collected over time. Among them were several hairclips - one we bought when we shopped. I also spotted a couple of bookmarks, one with a tassel and intricate beadwork. Lastly, there were a few accessories, including a delicate bracelet and a small leather pouch fastened with a tiny button. Judging by the initials on the bracelet, I believe Silas gave this. There were also a couple of photos - during our movie night with the girls, the both of us in the library, and of her and Silas staring into each other's eyes and looking lovely. I tried to stop the tears from falling, but seeing all these, I...l just couldn't. Movie nights would not be the same without her and her quick remarks.

And the classes! Her quick-wittedness and her curiosity always brought life to our lessons. As I carefully placed the items back in their rightful spot, Lucas mind-linked me.

"Cory, I found Silas."

"Is he OK? Where is he?" There was a long pause. Oh, my goddess. Please, no. Please!

"Hm, he's OK. He was badly injured, but the doctors were able to treat him. According to reports, he passed out after encountering the rogues and was quickly brought to the medical center. He hasn't woken up yet, but..." "But what?"

"I think he somehow knows, or at least his wolf. The doctors told me that Silas was crying and howling even when he was unconscious. It was a painful sight to see, according to everyone. They felt it, Cory. They may have not mated yet, but the bond was already so strong."

My heart ached with empathy for Silas and his wolf - the harsh reality would hit them soon. The pain of discovering Lola's fate would be unbearable for him and everyone else.

I have known the feeling of emptiness and pain when I lost my parents, but losing your other half, your mate? Just the thought of it breaks my heart.