Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 435

**TITLE: Attachment 435**
**Chapter 435 Lanterns.**

**ELIAS**

The lantern festival had finally commenced, a vibrant celebration that marked the culmination of my time in Montrose. This event was not merely a festival; it represented the final act of a grand transition, the passing of the torch from my hands to Aiden Knight’s. For weeks, we had meticulously planned every detail, and now, all our efforts were manifesting beautifully before our eyes.

Yet, despite the festive atmosphere, Aiden and I barely exchanged a word throughout the day.

In truth, we didn’t need to engage in conversation. Each moment of silence underscored the stark differences that lay between us. Aiden was so proper, so meticulously polished, that he often reminded me of Cade from my past. Back in our Elite days, Cade’s very presence could irritate me to the point of wanting to punch him for merely breathing wrong. It felt almost cruel that the universe had decided to gift me a second version of him as a colleague.

Nevertheless, we were efficient together.

As dusk settled over Montrose, the town seemed to come alive, exhaling a collective sigh of relief. Families wandered through the streets, their laughter echoing like a long-forgotten melody of joy. It was as if they had just remembered how to live without the weight of fear pressing down on their shoulders. Lantern stalls lined every pathway, casting a warm glow that beckoned everyone closer. Children dashed about, clutching unlit candles, while couples posed for photographs beneath the long, shimmering canopy of glass lamps we had strung across the square.

I couldn’t help but smile at the scene unfolding before me.

I had once taken peace for granted, a lesson Fenra had taught me, though I had never truly witnessed the depths of despair that many had endured. Standing here, surrounded by people who had lived under the oppressive reign of the Roses for decades yet still clung to hope, was humbling in a way that stirred emotions I wasn’t prepared to face.

As I strolled through the celebration, my eyes roamed over the crowd, searching for familiar faces. After a few moments, I spotted Rowena, her children trailing behind her like little shadows. Her smile was unusually broad tonight, almost unsettling. There was always something about her that made me uneasy, but tonight, her demeanor felt even more disconcerting.

Perhaps it was the absence of Mina that heightened my unease.

Before I could think it through, my body moved instinctively. I approached Calista and seized her wrist, causing her to gasp in surprise. Rowena’s smile widened further upon recognizing me, though she quickly pursed her lips, attempting to mask her joy. “Please do take my daughter, Alpha,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness as she bowed and pulled her son along.

Calista’s excitement bubbled over. “This is amazing, Alpha! The celebration is absolutely to die for! I haven’t felt this happy in ages,” she gushed, her smile brightening as she bit her bottom lip.

“By the way, are you staying here longer? Have you fallen in love with Montrose?”

My patience waned, and I interrupted her. “Where’s Mina?”

A flicker of something passed through her eyes—an emotion that wasn’t annoyance, which was typically the case when Mina was mentioned.

Instead, it was satisfaction, leaving me more perplexed than before.

“She ran away,” she replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“What?” I snapped, my brows knitting together in disbelief.

A look of feigned pity settled on her face, as if she had rehearsed this moment. “We don’t know. Maybe she tasted freedom and wandered off. She’s always been ungrateful.”

I could sense the lie hanging in the air, thick and suffocating.

Then, to my disbelief, Calista had the audacity to take my hand.

“Say, Alpha, this celebration is quite grand. You must be exhausted from all your hard work. I give wonderful massages, and perhaps… something more—”

I shoved her away with such force that she staggered back, her expression morphing into one of disbelief.

But I didn’t care.

Without another word, I plunged into the heart of the celebration, pushing through the throngs of people, ignoring their greetings and the curious glances cast my way. My heart raced as I scanned every alley, every bench, and every vendor stall.

Nothing.

No trace of her.

I glanced at my watch.

7:30 PM.

Half an hour until the lanterns illuminated the night sky.

Half an hour until the moment we had agreed to meet.

Determined, I searched again—this time with more urgency. I even approached a few festival-goers, asking if they had seen Mina, but they all shook their heads in confusion, some not even recognizing her name.

A gnawing feeling settled in my gut. Something was terribly wrong.

I sprinted down the path lined with willow trees, the cold wind whipping against my face as I reached the overlook—the very spot where I had instructed her to meet me.

It was empty.

My heart plummeted.

I checked the time again.

7:43 PM.

I told myself she might simply be running late. Mina never struck me as someone who rushed. Perhaps Rowena had detained her, or maybe she was caught up with chores. Maybe she was just nervous about our meeting.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify