The guard who had carried her into the room stepped in, followed closely by two familiar figures, Lucille and her mother, Rose.
Iris lifted her gaze to meet them.
Without wasting a second, they rushed toward her.
"Iris!" Lucille called, dropping beside her and wrapping her arms around her. Her mother joined in immediately, enveloping her in a warm embrace.
Iris buried her face into her mom's shoulder, trying to hold herself together.
Lucille pulled back slightly, scanning her quickly. "Are you okay? Did they touch you? Did they hit you?"
Iris shook her head, her voice soft. "No… no, they didn't do anything to me."
Rose turned to the guard standing near the door. "We'll be down shortly please.
The man nodded and stepped back. "Be down in ten minutes," he said before quietly shutting the door behind him.
Lucille gently touched Iris's hand. "What were you thinking?" she asked, concern mixed with scolding. "Giving a display like that in front of everyone?"
Iris let out a shaky breath. "What could I have done, Lucille? I saw him…my mate. I had to go to him."
"You're still saying that?" Lucille blinked. "You're serious?"
"You think I'd joke about something like that?" Iris asked, lifting her gaze. "I felt it. You know how it Lucille. That pull, that scent. My wolf went crazy."
Her mother crossed her arms, skeptical but assuring. "Then why did he act that way? Why didn't he recognize you?"
"I don't know," Iris whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't understand any of it. I'm so confused."
Lucille sighed. "He's the Alpha of the pack, Iris. You know that, right?"
Iris nodded faintly.
Lucille continued, her voice softer now. "Look… if you say he's your mate and you're really sure, then I believe you. I do. But I still don't think this is the time."
Lucille held Iris' hand gently, her eyes soft with concern. "I'm so sorry, Iris. I know this wasn't how you imagined it."
She gave her hand a light squeeze. "We'll figure it out together, okay? But first… let's settle in. We have to go downstairs and join the others, or we'll be left out."
Iris nodded slowly, though her mind was still clouded with everything that had happened.
Zane's cold voice still echoed in her ears, and the weight of his rejection pressed heavily on her chest. But she stood up, letting Lucille guide her.
The three of them stepped out of the detention room and made their way down the building's winding staircase.
As they exited the structure, the noise of chatter and shuffling feet reached them immediately. Outside, the area was filled with a bustling crowd.
People from Moonstone were scattered across the clearing, some already boarding the large, transport buses that waited like silent giants.
There were five buses in total, each massive and lined with wide windows.
People were climbing in, carrying their bags, herding children, talking in hushed tones about the new place they'd soon call home.
Lucille, Rose, and Iris moved toward one of the buses. Iris didn't say anything, her thoughts still swirling but she followed quietly as they climbed aboard.
The engine of the bus grumbled to life.
And then, the drive began.
Shortly after, the buses screeched to a halt in front of a huge, hostel-like building. The brakes hissed, and the heavy doors slid open with a groan.
One by one, people began to pour out, murmuring among themselves and stretching their legs after the long ride.
Iris stepped off with her mother and Lucille, and the three of them stood quietly for a moment, gazing up at the building.
It was massive, far larger than anything she had imagined. The structure looked newly built, its white walls were spotless, and the clean scent of fresh paint still lingered faintly in the air.
Rows of large windows glinted in the sunlight, and tall double doors stood open, welcoming them in.
A man stood just a few feet from the entrance, raising his voice to address the new arrivals. "Please move in slowly. Personnel inside will guide you to your assigned rooms. Keep your families close and follow the instructions."
The crowd began to shuffle forward, the sound of feet on gravel rising like a low wave.
Iris sighed deeply. This was a new environment, a new home and most importantly, a new beginning.
But it all started with heartbreak the moment she met her mate, the one she'd dreamt about for years, only for him to treat her like a stranger. Like she meant nothing.
She tried to smile, tried to stay hopeful, but the ache in her chest wouldn't let her.
Every step she took into that new building felt heavier than the last.
No matter how bright this place looked, she couldn't shake the darkness settling in her heart and it made her sad.
They settled into their hostels.
Iris, her mom, and Lucille were assigned to one room together. It was surprisingly spacious and big enough to comfortably hold the three of them.
The walls were freshly painted, the beds were neatly made, and the room had a warm, welcoming scent, like it hadn't been used much before.
They dropped their bags and began unpacking in silence. Each of them was lost in their thoughts, especially Iris.
Her mind was still clouded with what had happened earlier, but she moved mechanically, folding her clothes and placing them into the drawers provided.
After a few minutes, Iris walked over to the window.
She unlocked it and gently pushed it open. A soft breeze flowed in, brushing her cheeks and calming her nerves for a moment.
She leaned slightly over the sill, taking in the view of the courtyard below.
And that was when she saw him.
He was standing right outside the building with a few other men, dressed in dark clothing that clearly marked them as warriors or pack officials.
He didn't look up. He didn't sense her gaze. He just stood there, tall and composed, as if nothing had happened earlier that day.
Her heart dropped.
And then ever so slowly, his gaze travelled up and landed on her.