(SHEILA'S POV)Vespera snatched the moonlit feather earring right out of my hand, hurling them to the ground with all the force she could muster. With a venomous glare, she spat at me, "You think these trinkets hold any value? They're nothing but cheap imitations. You're just fooling yourself and everyone else with them!"Vespera's words cut deeper than expected, stirring a sense of offense within me. To her, these earrings may have seemed like mere trinkets, but to me, they held far more significance. And, on top of that, they were not just 'cheap trinkets'! These moonlit feather earrings symbolized my loyalty and dedication to the Crown Prince of Harvestia. These delicately crafted earrings represented a pledge of honor. As I bent down to retrieve the earring on the ground, I cradled it gently in my hand, recognizing its worth beyond its material value. It wasn't just about preserving an accessory—it was about safeguarding a precious connection. The memory of losing Orion's pendant
(ORION'S POV)As Orion and Emberlyn glided gracefully to the heart of the ballroom, holding their glasses of wine high, I felt the energy in the room shift, anticipation humming through the air like a live wire. Orion's presence alone seemed to command attention, his authoritative stature and demeanor speaking volumes without him uttering a single word.Then, as if on cue, Orion's voice sliced through the hushed atmosphere of the grand ballroom, drawing every eye and ear to him. His words, laced with a newfound humility, carried weight and sincerity that seemed to touch every corner of the room."As I've mentioned before," he began, his tone steady and sure, "tonight's festivities aren't just for the nobility." His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. "Every soul within these walls, from our esteemed guests to our dedicated staff, deserves to partake in this joyful occasion.""To my loyal maids and servants," Orion continued, his gaze sweeping across the room, "your tirele
(SHEILA’S POV)As I set out to gather herbs for our haven, the bright blue sky lifted my spirits. I took a sip from my leather canteen, the cool water soothing my parched throat. Glancing around, I couldn't help but wonder what delicious breakfast the community would prepare with the fresh herbs I was collecting.Earlier, before dawn had even broken, the head chef had approached me, requesting more nettles for the soup. I made a mental note of it and now, as I surveyed the extra bundles of nettles alongside my herb-filled basket, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Today's gathering had been successful, and I had managed to avoid any encounters with cougars, thanks to the new hunter patrol route established by the haven a few nights ago.With a smile, I sealed my leather canteen shut, then reached for my finely woven pine needle strands veil. Carefully, I secured its strands over my head, hiding the deep burnt scar that marred my face, a reminder of my resilience against the toxic touc
(SHEILA’S POV)In my dimly lit hut, the flickering oil lamps cast dancing shadows across the room. The injured stranger lay on my makeshift bed, his brow furrowed with suspicion as his grip secured my arm.I looked at him with tenderness, devoid of anger or annoyance, understanding all too well the fear and confusion he must have felt waking up in a strange place with someone who could potentially harm him at any moment.‘He must've been terrified,' I thought, recalling my own experience of waking up in the haven's healer hut for the first time—confused and in great pain, with Elder Willow tending to my wounds. Deeply empathizing with the stranger's plight, my heart went out to him."I'm just helping you. You're injured, and I need to dress this wound," I softly said as I met his gaze with sincerity, pointing at the bleeding wound on his leg. It was a big gash on his pale skin, seemingly caused by hitting something sharp as he fell down before. Blood flowed from the wound, running dow
(ORION’S POV)Under Sheila's attentive care for about twenty-two nights, I steadily regained my strength, with most injuries healing significantly. Seven nights ago, I heavily relied on a crutch for walking support, but now, as I walked to the hut's entrance, I stood more steadily on my own. Pausing at the door, I glanced back at Sheila who was seated on the bed's edge, her smile evident even behind a veil, radiating joy at my progress.A surge of warmth filled my chest as Sheila's hands clapped together in praise. Her enthusiastic words reached me like a gentle breeze, lifting my spirits. "It's incredible how quickly you're recovering, Orion," she exclaimed, her genuine amazement evident in every syllable. "You must have been quite the warrior back in your pack," she admired.In the subdued lighting of the hut, my blush remained hidden, a silent testament to my embarrassment. I hadn't anticipated Sheila's praise, and the unexpected compliment left me feeling pleasantly flustered.Try
(ORION’S POV)I walked slowly down the path, my progress impeded by the crutch I leaned on for support. The fang-shaped sapphire around my neck shifted with each step, a constant reminder of both my strength and my vulnerability. Disappointment weighed heavily upon me, dragging down my posture and clouding my thoughts. Sheila’s rejection echoed relentlessly in my mind, each recurrence deepening the sting of defeat.In the middle of deep thoughts, Willowhart's private quarters came into my view, nestled among the vibrant foliage next to the bustling healer hut. Her serene presence was there, in the middle of fragrant herbs and blooming flowers. It was a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.Pausing in her gardening, Willowhart glanced up, her perceptive gaze catching my unrest immediately. "Young alpha?" she murmured softly, concern etched into her gentle features. "You seem troubled." Her eyes scanned the area, noticing the absence of her protege. "Where's Sheila?" she inquired, her voi
(SHEILA’S POV)With a sudden burst of energy, I swung the door to my humble abode open, the creaking hinges barely audible over the pounding of my heart. With trembling hands, I quickly pulled the door shut behind me, the wood meeting with a soft thud as I slid the locking mechanism into place. The room fell into an eerie silence, the finality of my actions echoing in the stillness around me.As the weight of the world crashed down on my frail shoulders, the dam holding back my tears shattered, unleashing the surge of emotion that was lying dormant from within. I leaned heavily against the door, my body sliding down its surface in tandem with my tears. With each passing moment, the pain that had taken residence in my heart flowed out relentlessly, unstoppable. In that vulnerable moment, I knew I had come undone—Orion had seen my horrendous face.However, just as despair threatened to consume me, my anguish was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Orion's approaching footsteps. Summoni
(SHEILA’S POV)Empathy gripped my resolve to waver as I looked at Orion who stood before me with a mix of emotions showing on his face. His hurt and disbelief were palpable, a stark contrast to the determined resilience I knew him for. However, I couldn't afford to waver despite the weight of his emotions pressing against me. Not now, when the stakes were so high.Orion's clenched fist mirrored the intensity of his emotions. His eyes, though clouded with hurt, glimmered with an unwavering determination that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment. This resolve was characteristically Orion—surrender was never an option for him, especially when confronted with a challenge.Orion's touch was gentle as he reached out for my hand, his eyes softening as they met mine. "Sheila, listen," he started, his voice carrying warmth and affection, "I get where you're coming from, and I respect your decision. I'm okay with waiting for you, no matter how long it takes. If you do find your mat