Chapter 293
293 Revealed
****************
CHAPTER 293
She kept still and did not make a sound.
“Who is Asteria?” Asia asked again, sensing she knew not just a little about it but a lot.
“I deserve to know,” she probed further.
Once her racing heartbeat calmed down, Astoria inhaled sharply before turning to face Asia. “How did you come to know of her?”
She did not want to make mention of hearing him say it in his dream so as not to make Astoria flash it off as a mistake. So she remained silent.
Asia’s eyes narrowed, causing her brows to furtow lightly. “Did he speak of her?” 𝘧𝑟𝙚ew𝑒𝒃n𝒐𝘷𝑒𝚕. c૦𝙢
“Yes but unintentionally, in his dream while we slept.”
.....
“I see. So that is why you hesitate. You think Aramis has another woman.”
“Does he?” Judging from the look on her face, Astoria could tell this particular news was hurting her so much.
In fact, it ate her up not knowing if he lied to her or not. “I believe he loves me but I cannot do this if another lady occupies his mind.”
At that moment, the tough Asia and the tough out look she wore was shredded. Leaving her in just her plain self of a lady who was in love.
“Asteria was his mate,” she watched as Asia’s face went from confused to utter shock before it relaxed. “Let’s have a seat,” Astoria offered.
Together, they grabbed a sit and say down on it. Once fully seated and comfortable, she began but bit before Asia picked out the most important variable. “Was?”
“Yes. She died during an attack on the house of Avi five years ago and Aramis wasn’t there to save her.”
Asia lowered her gaze when she heard that. She could not believe she was jealous or sad of a late woman who was his mate.
Now she understood why her name or her memory plagued him. She was his mate.
“Out of us all, the council, only Aramis got his mate when he was a baby,” Astoria explained. “So, he had years of growing up to do with her. In fact, they were more of the twins than we were as the two were literally together every time and day.”
“I see. At least I can rest assured about any mate bond then,” Asia chuckled but the sad look Astoria whipped her way gave her the chills.
“If only you know. If only you knew, Asia. You would be more believing in Aramis.’
“I am sorry for making a joke out of this. I just wanted to do release the tension.”
“No, it is okay. I understand. She was just like you but much calmer. An introvert you can say.”
She sucked in a deep breath and continued as her gaze trailed off in the distance. It was like she was recalling past events and with one look in those eyes of hers, Asia could feel the pain emanating from them.
“Aramis was never the same after that. She was his life. His love and his very existence. No one ever thought he would be able to find love again with the way he shut everyone out. And surprisingly, he found you.”
“You mean five years he bore his grief?”
“Yes. He did not let go of her memory, holding unto it but the moment he met you, I guess that changed.”
“I see.”
“It is not a wonder he mentions her in his sleep. It may take some time but I believe when finding love again, it can eradicate the pain of the past, giving him a new hold on the future and present.”
“Thanks for that. I never knew he went through such.”
“It is okay. You would never had known had he not mention her. We all have our past, Asia. Anyways, I need to leave. The ,en would be needing me for their plan. All dragons must be on deck.”
“Sure. You have been a great help. I cannot keep you. Please feel free.” A sad smile etched around her lips and eyes.
It was a sadness that helped compassion and sorrow. She did not know Asteria but Astoria could tell she already felt connected to her somehow.
Returning her smile with a brighter one, Astoria rose to her feet and took her leave. Now alone, Asi had the time to properly think of what she was going to do.
Now that she knew the truth, it was only logical that she made the next move.
However, she waited for a while but still did not see Aramis. When she inquired from one of the attendants in the house, she was informed that they were still in Xander’s meeting room.
Not wanting to be useless, she sought Jade out and assisted her with her plans for the fight.
They had picked the next two days for their attack. Seeing as a lot of things would be needed to put in a place and proper check on Zane activities both offshore and his warehouses would be needed.
Not to mention the movement to another city under the cover of night to prevent snooping eyes and ears.
By the time it was night, she had not still seen Aramis and she had begun to wander if all was well.
They finished their meeting and proceeded to make preparations, leaving everyone behind. It was faster as dragons in the natural form to scout places and their sharp senses to spy without being found out.
That was why they were given that job and Jade worked on the ground level, in terms of moving their weapons.
Soon it was the next day before Aramis returned and even at that, Asia could not meet with him. When he was at the mansion, she, Jade and Minerva went to the city to discuss with Artic.
Hours passed and soon it was night.
Returning exhausted, she went over her plan with the ladies and returned to her chambers when all was done.
The next day was going to be hectic. It was a good thing their meeting ended at 8 pm. She could sleep in to get her body healed. At that moment, Aramis was not what was on her mind. Only sleep clouded her thoughts.
Just as she was about getting to her room, she felt a presence behind her and stopped. “These past hours have been torture for me, Asia. I’m glad I saw you.”