Chapter 163: 163

Vanessa's POV

The palace lay quiet, enveloped in the hush of night. After a taxing day navigating court intrigues and the fallout of Cyrus's betrayal, sleep eluded me. Hunger nudged me awake, prompting a quiet stroll to the kitchen for a late-night snack.

The corridors were dim, echoing my footsteps against the stone walls. Approaching the kitchen, I caught the faint clink of glass and muted murmurs. Pushing the door open gently, I was taken aback to find Amelia seated at the island, a bottle of whiskey before her.

"Amelia?" I called softly, concern prickling as I observed her flushed face and unsteady movements.

She looked up, eyes widening in surprise. "Vanessa? Is it really you?" Her words slurred slightly, betraying her state.

Rushing to her side, I placed a hand on her shoulder, heart aching at her condition. "Amelia, what's going on? Are you alright?"

She blinked, as if trying to focus, then surged up with unexpected energy, enveloping me in a tight embrace. "Vanessa! I've missed you so much!" Her words, tinged with emotion, muffled against my shoulder.

Returning her embrace, relief washed over me. "I've missed you too, Amelia. I'm sorry we haven't had time to catch up since we returned. It's been chaotic."

Amelia drew back slightly, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know," she admitted, voice wavering. "But... you kept something from me. You mated with my father and didn't tell me. I had to figure it out myself. How could you, Nessa?"

Her accusation struck me deeply. I struggled for words, guilt and regret flooding in. "Amelia, I... I never meant to hurt you. It all happened so fast, and I didn't know how to bring it up. I was afraid..."

She shook her head, tears flowing freely now. "You're my best friend, Vanessa. I deserved to know. Instead, I had to piece it together."

I reached out, but she recoiled, intensifying my ache. "I'm so sorry, Amelia. I handled this poorly. You're right. I should have told you."

Taking a shuddering breath, she picked up the whiskey bottle, her hands trembling. "I've been trying to forget, you know? To forget how my best friend betrayed me. To forget that my father is with you now, and I wasn't even part of that conversation."

"Amelia, please," I pleaded, gently setting the bottle aside. "Don't do this to yourself. You mean everything to me. Your father and I... it wasn't planned. We struggled against the mating bond, but it didn't relent. I'm sorry."

Her gaze searched mine, torn between hurt and understanding. "I need time, Nessa," she whispered. "Time to process this, to come to terms with the fact that you're with my father and my uncle now."

"I understand," I said softly, reaching for her hands. "Take all the time you need. Just know that I love you, and I never intended to hurt you. Your friendship is invaluable to me."

She nodded slowly, squeezing my hands in return. "I know you didn't mean it," she murmured. "But it's a lot to digest."

Pulling her into another hug, I felt some of the tension ease from her shoulders. "Thank you, Amelia. We'll figure this out together, I promise."

Though repairing our bond would take time, I was determined to set things right. As we held each other, I knew there was more she needed to hear, painful truths that would further shape our understanding.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled back gently to meet her eyes. "Amelia, there's something else I need to tell you. Something important."

She looked at me, curiosity and apprehension mingling in her red-rimmed gaze. "What is it, Vanessa?"

"Alfie was my first mate," I confessed, watching her reaction closely. "He rejected me on my eighteenth birthday. That's why I left the pack back then."

Amelia gasped, hands flying to her mouth in shock. "Alfie? My brother Alfie? He never told me."

"I didn't want to cause friction between you," I explained softly. "You and Alfie mean so much to me. I thought it was best to keep it to myself."

Her expression softened, sadness and compassion in her eyes. "That must have been incredibly difficult for you."

"It was," I admitted, voice trembling with old wounds. "But finding Alexander, your father, brought a different kind of love into my life. It was unexpected and overwhelming, but it felt right now I also have a second mate and I finally feel complete and whole."

Amelia nodded slowly, a hint of understanding dawning. "I see how much you care for both of them," she said gently. "And I believe you didn't intend to hurt me. It's just a lot to take in."

"I know," I murmured, squeezing her hands. "I'm sorry for keeping this from you. I wanted to shield you from pain and confusion."

She nodded thoughtfully, silence settling between us. Finally, she took a deep breath and managed a small, tentative smile. "Thank you for being honest with me, Vanessa. It means a lot."

Relief washed over me as I returned her smile. "Thank you for listening, Amelia. From now on, no more secrets between us. We'll face everything together."

She nodded again, her smile growing stronger. "Together."

As we embraced once more, a sense of peace settled over us. The road ahead would be challenging, but with honesty and love, I knew we could navigate it. Amelia wasn't just a friend; she was family. And family stood by each other, through thick and thin.