Chapter Six CHAPTER SIX Elara's POV : Three days ago was my 18th birthday , but nothing happened as it had in my former life . In my previous life , everything changed the moment Damien and I shook hands . The instant we touched , the Mate Bond sparked between us like an electric shock . His deep blue eyes locked onto mine , and he pulled me closer . " You feel it , don't you ? " He asked . The bond was undeniable , and I felt an overwhelming rush of emotions : love , excitement , and longing At that time , every cell in my body had screamed that we were meant for each other . But this time ? Nothing . When we shook hands three days ago , Damien didn't even flinch . No spark , no recognition . Instead , he smiled politely , then drifted away to a comer where a group of girls from my middle school were laughing and chatting Sabrina , ever the bright and optimistic friend , introduced me to Caspian . Tve always dreamed of us being sisters - in - law . " She'd said with a giggle , oblivious to the irritation growing in my stomach . Then , as if nothing was wrong , she flitted off to join Damien on the dance floor , leaving me alone with Caspian Caspian was kind , and he tried to keep the conversation going , but my eyes betrayed me . I couldn't stop watching Damien and Sabrina . Even when Caspian led me to the dance floor , I found myself distracted , stealing glances at them . The sight of them laughing and moving in sync made my chest tighten . I couldn't understand How did Damien not feel the bond between us ? In my past life , it was instant and undeniable . Did something change because I came back ? Has the Mate Bond vanished on his end ? Or … could it be that he simply didn't want me this time ? The thought was both confusing and somewhat joyful . Maybe , just maybe , the Moon Goddess was giving me a second chance -a way out of the heartache and betrayal I endured in my former life . Perhaps she knew I wasn't strong enough to resist him And Caspian must have noticed . Halfway through the dance , he stopped and stepped back . " You like him , don't you ? " He said , not as a question , but as a staternent I froze , caught off guard . " I … I don't- " He cut me off , waving his hand . " You don't have to lie . It's obvious . You've been staring at him all night . " With that , he let go of my hand and left the dance floor , leaving me standing there alone . But , none of that mattered now . Tonight , my parents will die I can already hear the phone call in my head - the cold voice informing me they were in a car accident and bled out before they could be saved . In my past life , that phone call changed everything . It was the start of my nightmares and the beginning of my downfall Not this tume . This time , I will stop them . I don't care what it takes . I will not let them leave the house tonight . If I have to beg , lie , or even lock them inside , I will do whatever it takes to save them +25 BONUS A knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts , " Elara ? " Sabrina's voice called from the other side . " Are you in there ? " I stood up and opened the door to see her standing there . Without a word , she pulled me into a tight hug . " Why haven't you been picking up my calls ? " She demanded , pulling back to look me in the eye . " And why are your texts so cold ? It's like you're mad at me or something " " I'm not mad , " I muttered , stepping aside to let her in . " You can't tell how someone sounds through text messages , Sabrina I've just … I've been in a bad mood . " She frowned . " A bad mood ? For three days ? " I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed , running my hands through my hair . I keep having this nightmare , " I admitted " About my parents . They die in a car accident , and no matter what I do , I can't stop it . It feels so real , Sabrina . It's not just a dream . I have a terrible feeling something bad is going to happen tonight . " Sabrina's brow furrowed . " Elara , it's just a dream . You're stressed- " It's not just a dream ! I snapped , my voice trembling . " I know it's going to happen . Please , Sabrina , I need your help . I have to stop them from going out tonight " Her eyes searched mine , and for a moment , I thought she'd dismiss me . But then she sighed and sat down beside me . " Okay " She said softly . " What do you want me to do ? " If I hadn't experienced what I did in my past life , then I would have been convinced that Sabrina was a good person . Sighing loudly , I quickly outlined my plan We waited in the living room until my parents came downstairs , dressed and ready for their evening out . My mom wore a black dress , and my dad looked dashing as always in his suit . " You two look amazing . " Sabrina qushed , stepping forward to hug them . " But I was hoping we could all together tonight . It's been so long since we've had a family game night ! " My mom chuckled " Oh , sweetheart , that's sweet , but we already made plans . " " And we wouldn't want to cancel at the last minute . My dad added spend some time I stepped in , my voice shaking slightly . " Please , Mom , Dad . I've . I've been feeling off lately , and I think it would help if we all stayed in tonight . Just this once " My mom's smile faltered as she looked at me . " Elara , are you okay ? " " Tve been having nightmares ," I admitted , the words tumbling out in a rush . " About something happening to you both . I know it sounds silly , but .. rd feel so much better if you just stayed home tonight . " My dad sighed , exchanging a glance with my mom " Elara , we understand you're worried , but- " " It's just one night Sabrina cut in . " We can have snacks , play some games , maybe even watch a movie . Please ? " My parents hesitated , and I held my breath , Finally , my mom nodded . " Alright . One night won't hurt . " Texhaled in relief as Sabrina grinned and clapped her hands . " Perfect ! I'll get the snacks . " I managed to stop my parents from going out last night , but the person who killed them in my previous life is still out there . ' How do I find them ? I asked myself +25 RONUS " Elara , focus . " Sabrina's voice snapped me out of my thoughts . I turned to see her frowning at me , gesturing toward the picture frame I was supposed to be holding It was tilted awkwardly in my hands . " Sorry , I muttered , adjusting my grip so she could start hammering the nail into the wall We were in our hostel room , setting up . In my previous life , I didn't start college until six months after my parents ' funeral But since they didn't die last night , nothing was holding me back this time . At least here , I wouldn't have to see Damien . Not for as long as I could help it I was holding the picture steady when suddenly , a wave of noise broke out around us . It was loud and chaotic - screams hurried footsteps , and the thud of running feet on the wooden floors . " What's going on ? " Sabrina asked , turning toward the door . I shrugged . " No idea . " " Let's check it out " She said , tossing the hammer onto the bed without a second thought . floor before following her Before I could object , she rushed out of the room . I sighed , carefully placing the picture on the flo As soon as I stepped into the hallway , I was swept up in a crowd of girls all running in the same direction . It was chaos . I tried to weave through the stampede , my shoulders bumping against strangers as I pushed my way forward . When I finally reached the front of the building . I tapped a random girl on the shoulder . " What's going on ? " She turned to me , excitement written all over her face . " I don't know everything , but I heard some insanely hot guys from Harvard are coming here as substitute teachers ! They're not here yet , but word is they'll arrive any minute . " or some guys ? I scoffed . All this commotion for But before I could say anything else , the noise escalated . The sound of engines revving caught my attention , and I turned just in time to see three cars pulling into the hostel parking lot . The first car door opened , and a guy stepped out . He was undeniably handsome , with sharp features and a cocky smile that made the crowd erupt into screams . Then the second car door opened , and my stomach dropped . Caspian stepped out , looking as charming as ever in his leather jacket . I barely had time to process the shock when the third car door swung open . And Damien Scott stepped out My heart froze