The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

Saphira’s gaze sweeps across the room, tension coiling in her chest as she takes in the other couples scattered about. Her eyes move instinctively, searching.

for the one face that matters-Amara.

She had entered the same day Saphira did. They had endured the same trials, stepped into this unknown together. The thought of her not making it sends a ripple of unease through her, a sinking feeling she can’t shake. I hope she’s here.

She turns to Nikolas, lowering her voice, careful not to disturb the eerie stillness settling over the space. “What happens now?”

No one has spoken since stepping into this room, as if they are all caught in the same limbo, waiting for something to shift. Waiting for someone to decide what happens next. The weight of uncertainty presses against her, an invisible force thick in the air.

Nikolas scans the room, his stance steady, composed in a way that makes her envy his patience. “I believe we wait until all couples are out-then they should open the doors.”

Saphira exhales, shifting her weight from foot to foot, trying to shake the feeling creeping.up her spine. Okay.

She hates waiting-especially when she doesn’t know what she’s waiting for.

But for now,

Stand there.

Watch.

Wait.

Hope.

that’s all they can do.

The waiting stretches endlessly, each minute dragging with agonizing slowness. Her gaze flickers across the room, scanning again and again, searching for movement, for familiarity.

More couples have joined them, their presence filling the space, the air thickening with their combined uncertainty.

But still-no sign of Amara.

Her stomach twists, dread settling deeper. Where is she?

The sudden sound of the main door opening and closing snaps her attention toward it.

She watches as people embrace, relief and emotion thick in the air.

Then, without warning, Nikolas stiffens, his entire posture shifting before he steps forward abruptly.

Saphira blinks, confused, before quickly rising to follow his movements.

“led!” Nikolas’s voice carries across the room, laced with something unspoken.

Saphira shifts, looking past him-just in time to see Jed sprinting toward them.

Understanding clicks into place.

It’s family-loved ones coming to meet those who survived.

When Jed reaches Nikolas, the hug between them is fierce, unrestrained.

1/3

“Nik, it’s good to see you, man,” Jed says, gripping him tightly.

The brotherly bond between them is undeniable, strong enough that even Saphira finds herself smiling.

In a place like this, moments like this matter.

Jed releases Nikolas and turns straight to Saphira, his expression flooded with disbelief. “No way! You’re alive-I can’t believe it.”

Before she can react, he pulls her into a tight hug, his grip strong, reassuring.

Saphira hugs him back, emotion swelling in her chest. “I am-and thanks to you, might I add.”

The truth lingers between them. If he hadn’t given her the protection, she’s not sure she’d be standing here now.

Jed lets out a short laugh as he pulls away, eyes glinting with amusement. “I find it funny how you ended up paired with my brother-right after I gave you protection.”

He turns back toward Nikolas, a grin spreading across his face.

Nikolas merely rolls his eyes, but there’s an ease in his posture-a quiet familiarity between them.

They might not say it outright, but it’s clear. And you can tell they’re family.

Saphira exhales, shaking her head slightly. “What were the chances? But I’m glad I was.”

Nikolas steps closer, his presence steady beside her. “Me too. We’re both free.”

The weight of those words lingers for a moment, the truth of their escape settling in.

Then, Jed’s voice cuts through the moment. “Oh-I forgot to tell you. Finn was entered into the Matchmaker.”

Nikolas’s head snaps toward him. “What? When?”

His shock is evident, his posture shifting.

Jed quickly reassures him. “Don’t worry-he’s leaving today too. He found a mate.”

Saphira watches as Nikolas processes this, his expression flickering between disbelief and relief.

Jed glances toward the doors. “He should be out soon.”

The room grows more crowded by the minute, the press of bodies making it nearly impossible to move, let alone search for familiar faces. Saphira scans the sea of people but quickly realizes most aren’t participants-they’re family, waiting for loved ones who made it through. The thought settles heavily in her chest. Not everyone had someone waiting for them.

Suddenly, a voice booms through unseen speakers, commanding the space.

“Attention all! Those who have successfully mated, please make your way to the exit where you will be checked and released.”

The air shifts as nearly the entire room begins moving toward the doors. The sheer number surprises her-it seems more people found a mate than she expected.

A voice rings out from behind them.

“Nikolas Arrax.”

The name alone sends a jolt through Saphira, her pulse spiking as she turns instinctively. A part of her already knows-whatever this is, it won’t be good.

2/3

Her gaze settles on the man addressing them. He stands apart from the other workers, dressed in a pristine white suit-authoritative, deliberate. There’s something about him, about the cold precision in his stance, that makes her uneasy.

Nikolas meets her gaze briefly, a flicker of something passing between them-caution, maybe even dread-before he shifts his focus to the man. “Yes?”

The stranger’s face remains unreadable as he speaks. “As you have chosen not to mate with your partner, the rules have recently changed. You now have one final choice to make.”

Saphira’s stomach tightens. What?

Her mind races, trying to make sense of the words. Rules don’t just change-not like this, not at the last moment, not when everything was supposed to be done.

Beside her, Nikolas stiffens, and she doesn’t need to look at him to know he feels the same rising unease creeping through her veins.

“The rules don’t just change,” Jed interjects, his voice sharp with suspicion.

The man in the suit flicks his gaze toward him, barely hiding his disdain. The small shift in his expression is enough to make Saphira’s breath hitch.

This isn’t a mere procedural update.

This is a trap.

And somehow, she knows-whatever choice Nikolas is about to face, none of the options will be fair.