**CHAPTER SEVEN** *Anna's POV* Joy washed over me as I listened to my chiefs convey the happiness of my people during the birthday banquet. Their words were like a balm, soothing my earlier thoughts and lingering sadness. With renewed spirit, I smiled at them and said, “My chiefs, I am immensely grateful for the memorable celebration you orchestrated for my birthday. Your unwavering support for me and our people drives me to strive even harder. Thus, I wish to prepare gifts for each of you, as a demonstration of my affection and commitment to our community. Let's share this happiness with the people! I want them to know that I am truly honored to serve them.” The chiefs exchanged astonished glances, their faces lighting up with excitement. "May you live long, Queen Anna! May your years be filled with prosperity! We are ever grateful!" they chorused in unison, their voices ringing with genuine affection. Stepping out of the grand wolf dome, I felt like I was floating on a cloud of elation. "Take me to the mansion," I instructed my driver, sinking into the plush seat in the back of the car. Upon my arrival at the mansion, fatigue started to creep in for the day had been long and exhilarating. As I crossed the threshold, I unexpectedly encountered Terri, lingering in the hallway. “Long life to you, my Queen,” he greeted, his voice a mixture of formality and warmth. “Terri? You’re still here?" I asked, surprised. “What brings you back?” He looked at me earnestly, “I need to talk to you. Can you spare a moment?” Uncertainty flickered in my heart. I wondered if he sought vengeance for the hurt I had caused him. “Is there a problem?” I probed. “Can we discuss this now?” he pressed, his eyes imploring. “Very well, let us retreat to my room for privacy,” I replied, sensing the weight of our conversation ahead. We maneuvered through the vast halls of the mansion until we reached my room. As we entered, Zy appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, eyes narrowed as he sized up Terri. “Don’t even think about harming her,” Zy warned, his voice low and menacing. “If you touch her, I swear I will hunt you down.” Terri met his gaze with calm determination, then turned to me. “Queen Anna, why have you allowed him to follow you here? After everything that transpired between you two…” I chuckled softly, grateful for Zy’s protectiveness; it had been a staple of our friendship since childhood. “Zy, there’s no need for concern. I assure you, I’m safe, and he means me no harm— especially with you here beside me.” Terri chimed in, trying to ease tensions, “I’m not here to hurt her. I came because she wanted to see me. I was told she’s been searching for me, yet it seems you want to chase me away.” I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. “No! Don’t go!” I blurted, my urgency surprising both of them. Zy’s brows furrowed at my response, and I couldn’t help but giggle softly at his bewilderment. Deep down, I recognized that we needed to settle our histories, to move forward, hopeful for reconciliation. “Let’s talk,” I said to Terri. “Sure, my Queen,” he nodded. I motioned to Zy. “Could you message Lucy to bring us coffee and some refreshments?” Once in the room, I gestured towards a seat. “Please, take a seat.” “Thank you, my Queen,” Terri replied, his voice slightly softened. “So, what is it that you wish to discuss?” I asked, my heart racing with trepidation. “I know why I’m here, Queen Anna,” he responded, a hint of aggression lacing his words. My expression hardened. “How dare you speak to me like that? Do you forget I am still your Queen? Show me the respect I deserve!” Suddenly, I heard Lucy’s familiar voice at the door. “May I come in?” “Of course,” I replied, the tension in the air shifting as she entered, accompanied by a maid bearing our refreshments. Lucy instructed her to set the tray down and served us coffee, then both women bowed slightly and left the room. I took a sip, attempting to calm my scattered nerves while recalling the moon goddess's ominous words: “You would be mateless for the rest of your life.” I didn’t want Terri to leave—not now, not when I was desperate to mend the fracture between us. “What do you mean by knowing what I’m here for?” I asked, feigning ignorance to buy time to collect my thoughts. “What I mean, Queen Anna, is why you’ve sent people to find me? You are the reason I fled in the first place. Why now are you looking for me?” Terri's voice held bitterness, and I felt the sting of his words cut deep. Shock surged through me as I realized he had seen through my attempts to reach out. “I... I’m sorry for everything I did to you,” I stammered, guilt flooding my heart. “I didn’t mean for it to happen like this. Just please forgive me. I promise it will never occur again.” “Do you even understand everything you’ve made me lose?” he shot back, his pain raw. “I trusted you completely, and you shattered that trust, leaving me with nothing.” Tears pricked at my eyes as I replied, “I’m truly sorry. I made a terrible mistake. Please, can we try to restore what we had? I love you, Terri. I’ll do anything.” His expression softened, but a hard edge still lingered. “I will forgive you, but only on one condition.” “What is it? Tell me! If it’s within my power, I’ll do it. I need you back in my life!” I pleaded, my heart racing with hope and fear.