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Hazel's heart raced as she spotted the figure Aurum was thrilled about. Her steps faltered as she approached, anticipation tingling in her veins. But her eyes locked onto his face, her world crumbled. Clutching the nearby pillar for support, she stumbled behind the decorative plants before fleeing. She cupped her mouth, escaping the painful sight of encountering someone she never expected to see again. The ache in her chest brought back a flood of memories. She never imagined her wolf would lead her to Wyatt. How could he possibly be her mate? 'Hazel, what's wrong?' Aurum asked gently.

Tears filled Hazel's eyes as she ran, her heart pounding with the urgency to escape Wyatt. She dashed into the restroom, breath ragged, collapsing against the door as tears streamed down her face.

'What happened, Hazel?' Aurum's voice was soft, filled with concern.

Hazel struggled to speak through her sobs. "He can't be our mate," she said.

'Why?' Aurum inquired, trying to understand.

Hazel's eyes clos