The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 118: Through your letters

The Moon Sighting

"Gregor!" Zenna exclaimed in delight, her eyes lighting up as she spotted him near the fountain, watching the passing festival band.

Radulf, standing beside her, tensed slightly, his jaw tightening. He hadn’t expected to run into Gregor tonight.

Gregor turned at the sound of her voice, a broad smile spreading across his face as he walked toward them. "Zenna! You look absolutely stunning," he said warmly. Then, leaning in with a playful glint in his eyes, he whispered, "Did Radulf pick this outfit for you?"

Zenna beamed. "Yes! We coordinated our outfits today," she said with a pleasing smile. Then, tilting her head slightly, she added with genuine admiration, "You always carry yourself with such poise and elegance, Gregor. You look as handsome as ever."

Radulf shot her a pointed look, his lips twitching in amusement. ’She never complimented me like this,’ he thought.

Gregor chuckled before turning his attention to Radulf. "Good evening, Radulf. It’s nice to see you enjoying the festival."

"Good evening," Radulf replied in a half-hearted tone. He then mocked, "You’re alone. I thought you had a mate?"

Gregor exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck. "I may have... exaggerated." He offered a sheepish smile. "At the time, I couldn’t think of a better excuse. The truth is, if I had found my mate, I would have married her by now."

Zenna’s brows furrowed. "Have you caught any scent tonight?" she asked, scanning the crowd.

Gregor shook his head. "No. Nothing."

"Maybe your mate isn’t in this town," she mused. "What if she’s somewhere else? Another city, perhaps?"

Gregor considered this, his expression thoughtful. "Then I suppose I should start traveling."

"That sounds like a great idea! You could—" Zenna suddenly stopped herself, realizing she was about to mention her own upcoming journey to Herah—something she wasn’t supposed to reveal. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Gregor narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing her hesitation. "Hmm? What were you about to say?"

Zenna shook her head. "Nothing," she murmured, though a pensive look crossed her face. Then, straightening her posture, she added firmly, "Pray to the Moon Goddess tonight when the moon rises in the sky."

"You’re right," Gregor agreed with a nod. He glanced at Radulf and continued, "I heard Princess Aria was punished. What you did was nothing short of impossible, Radulf. But Father wanted me to tell you to stay vigilant. The Luna Queen is furious, and the Alpha King didn’t look pleased either." His tone was laced with caution as he delivered the warning.

Radulf absorbed the information with a calm gaze. "I will keep that in mind, Gregor. Thank you for telling me," he replied courteously. Then, shifting his gaze toward Zenna, he said, "Now, if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to take my mate ahead. There’s still much for us to explore."

Gregor gave a small smile and nodded. "Of course. Enjoy your evening." He waved at Zenna before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

As they watched him leave, Zenna tilted her head and looked up at Radulf. "Gregor is wandering alone. Wouldn’t it be better if we invited him to join us?"

Radulf’s expression darkened slightly, and his green eyes gleamed with a possessive glint. "Don’t even think about it. This time is for you and me. I don’t want a third wheel ruining it," he said. Then he added with a soft tone, "It’s my first time experiencing this festival with you, and I want to make the most of it."

Zenna chuckled and squeezed his hand apologetically. "I didn’t mean to upset you," she said with a smile. Then, pointing toward a lively corner of the festival, she added, "Come on, let’s go over there."

Radulf’s mood lifted instantly. He wrapped an arm protectively around Zenna as they made their way through the bustling crowd.

Eventually, they stopped in front of a quaint, warmly lit restaurant. A gentle stream flowed just beside it, wide enough for two boats to glide side by side.

"Let’s have a light meal until the moon appears," Zenna suggested, tugging Radulf inside the cozy restaurant.

She quickly placed an order for two bowls of rich, steaming meat soup and a bottle of wine.

As Radulf lifted his glass, he glanced at Zenna. "What will you ask the Moon Goddess tonight?" he asked curiously.

Zenna frowned at him playfully, crossing her arms. "I won’t tell you," she declared, her lips pursing in defiance.

The young server, who had just placed their meals before them, chuckled softly at their interaction before bowing and walking away, leaving them to their conversation.

Radulf leaned back in his chair. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips. "For four years, you celebrated this festival alone," he mused. "And yet, your wish remained the same—my return to the capital." His voice carried a confidence, as if he had always known. "I wonder what you’ll ask for now. Perhaps... you’ll pray for me to love you?" He arched a brow. "Since you seem to think I’ll hurt you."

Zenna’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How did you find out what my wish was for four years?" Her mind raced for an answer. ’Was it Pia who told him?’

Radulf took a slow sip of his wine, hiding his amusement. ’Through your letters,’ he thought to himself.

"Eat first and drink the wine later, Radulf," Zenna told him. He smiled, rested the glass on the table, and picked up the spoon.

By the time they finished eating, Zenna drank a full glass of wine. Radulf did try to stop her after half a glass, as he ordered a strong one, but she began scolding him for considering her a kid.

As she finished her second glass, Radulf quickly hid the bottle under the table to the opposite side and gazed at her. She was smiling more vibrantly while her cheeks were crimson red.

"Radulf, when I attended the moon festival for the first time, three men proposed to me. They thought I was unmarried," Zenna revealed to him with a drooping gaze because of the intoxication from the wine. "And then, I told them I was married to a man with green eyes. They didn’t believe me, so I showed them my ring and they left in disappointment," she said, laughing while Radulf was fuming in jealousy.