Sold to the Cold Lycan King (Gemini and Asher) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Gemini’s POV

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I groaned as I turned my face away from the intrusive rays. My eyes ached, swollen from the tears I’d cried all night. The sting of King Asher’s reaction was still fresh, like it just happened minutes ago.

I sat up slowly, wincing as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. Puffy, red–rimmed eyes gazed back at me, a distinct sign of my weakness. With a sigh. I grabbed a pair of oversized dark shades and slid them on. No one needed to see the mess I’d become

By the time I arrived at the dining hall for breakfast, everyone was already seated and diving into their meals, except for Asher, who remained absent from the table.

Could he have skipped breakfast because of what happened last night?

I shook my head internally: he could never be that petry, or could he?

1 hurriedly made my way to my seat, my eyes avoiding the questioning gaze of everyone seated. Cain’s sharp eyes immediately found me as I quietly slipped into a seat.

“Gem1” he asked, his brow furrowing. “What’s with the shades?”

I offered a weak smile, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh, just a sore eye. Didn’t want anyone to catch it.

Cain raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to believe me or not, “Sore eyes? What does that even mean!”

Before I could answer, Becca’s all–too–familiar voice cut through the air, sharp as ever. “Is it an eyesore,” she paused, smirking, “or have you been crying all night”

1 stiffened, my fingers tightening around my fork. My chest burned with both embarrassment and anger, but I kept my gaze down, refusing to let her see how much her words affected me

“Becca,” Mr Blackwood’s firm voice interrupted, his tone brooking no argument, “enough. Everyone, focus on your food.”

Becca huffed but didn’t push further. I could feel Cain’s concerned gaze on me, but thankfully, he didn’t press,

Asher’s seat remained empty from start to emotions threatening to surface.

to finish. His

is absence only added to the heaviness in my chest, but I forced myself to eat, biting back

my back the

After breakfast, as I made my way to leave, Mrs Blackwood approached me, her expression unreadable, an expression that ran throughout the family.

“Gemini,” she began, her tone deceptively calm. “I need to speak with you”

I nodded, following her out of the dining hall and into a part of the sitting room where there were no guards or maids eavesdropping on our

convenuation

moon, and it’s an important tradition in our

place on the e full moon a “There’s a mutual we need to prepare for,” she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. “It tak family. Aber has chosen you as his mate, so it’s necessary for you to undergo this ritual.”

1 frowned, suspicion prickling at the edges of my mind. “What kind of ritual?”

Mrs Blackwood’s sale was beginning to trouble my mind, the thought of what she was

is trying to achieve lay unresolved in my mind. “It’s meant to strengthen the bond and make you more, suitable as Asher’s mate, It’s nothing to be scared about,”

Her words sent a chall down any spine. I didn’t trust her, but the mention of the ritual piqued my curiosity. If it was tied to Asher and their family. I should most definitely perform it as well

But why did Acher never mention anything of this might to me?

be rude, but why are you bring nice to me?” I asked cautiously

1 shook my chán off her hold, a stare of defiance in my eyes. “Now this is the Mrs Blackwood I know”

“So if I were you, I would hold onto this opportunity with all my might, ‘cause this is the only way that the Lycans can recognize you as Asher’s mate. You may be weak, but I know you’re not stupid. So think about it, Gemini.” She gave me a small back pat before turning to leave, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

As 1 headed back to my room, my phone buzzed. My mom’s name flashed across the screen, and Lanswered quickly.

“Gemini,” her voice was calm, yet I could sense the worry in it. “How are you doing?”

She sighed heavily as if burdened by something “Are you sure you are okay?”

| hesitated, unsure of what to tell her. “Everything is fine, Mom. I’m fine”