ANMELDENDraven's POVI stood right where she had left me. The herb garden was silent once again except for my heartbeat and my thoughts.The wind swirled in the lavender as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened there. Yet everything had changed.Slowly, I raised my hand.The very same hand, which had caressed her waist only a moment ago.The same hand that had gone into the silk of her hair.The same hand that would remember the warmth of her body.My jaw clenched. "What have you done?"The question slipped past my lips before I knew that I was speaking it.It wasn't addressed to her. No. It was addressed to me.Because I had crossed the line I didn't intend to cross.I had kissed her.No.We had kissed each other.She hadn't resisted.She hadn't moved away.Neither had I.Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath as I ran my hand through my hair. Years ago, I had lived by the rules that I'd imposed on myself.Always keep some distance.Never let anyone grow too attached to me.Never forget
My lips touched his once.And again.As if neither of us believed that first brush would be real enough. The warm rush of his breath over my skin made my heart trip. Mine got stuck in my throat. I should have walked away.I knew I should have.Everything that made sense told me to move away before we both went too far and there was no turning back.But instead, my eyelids fell shut only to open up when he leaned away, taking his lips with him.Our eyes stayed on each other’s.Asking.Waiting.No response. But before I knew what was happening again, we were kissing again. I couldn't tell whether it had been him or me who had leaned in.What I knew was that when our lips met the second time, it wasn't a fleeting thing anymore. Soon enough, the gentle touch of his lips on mine turned into something more forceful, something that left me feeling sore in ways I had never felt before.It was a moist kiss, one that slid against my mouth.It was slow.Cautious.As if we were discovering somet
The morning had gone quicker than I had expected.Mother Elara had assigned me the task of sorting herbs gathered that morning, dividing the leaves that could be dried from those that needed to be used immediately. This wasn't hard, but it required patience, which I had realized I had plenty of.I listened more than I spoke.Soon, the older healers had stopped keeping watch over my shoulder, trusting me enough to work alone.It felt...Good.For the first time in a while, nobody treated me like an outsider, either out of pity or suspicion.They just looked at me as I was.A few people visited the infirmary throughout the day. One older lady complained about painful knees. The other little boy had come in because he hurt both his palms after running after some friends through the village.I carefully cleaned his wounds."There," I said, smiling while I wrapped the bandage around his palm. "Like new."The little boy smiled brightly. "Thank you, Miss Aria!" and ran off outside again.Mot
Aria’s POVToday’s morning was different, the sun beamed through the closed curtain while I stretched on my bed. I knew this morning was different because today made it a month since I gave birth to my little Leo.He is not so little anymore.But I wouldn’t be able to tell because it has been exactly three weeks since he had last been in my arms.Since I had last smelt him.Three weeks since he had been in my every dream, holding me tight and then crying when I was about to leave.I wondered if anyone over there would celebrate such a milestone with him. Kael should.Kael.The thoughts of him bring anger to my chest. I do not want to hate him, I have never hated anyone in my life.But the thought of hating him seems justified.He separated me from my lovely child.He set me up to be separated from my child.“Happy one month, my sweet baby,” I whispered as I stood from the bed.Within a few minutes, I had tidied up the room. I had refused to be tidied after, I was treated like a guest
Serena’s POVThe meal was over, yet Kael's words wouldn't let go."Aria..."How naturally did he utter that name, as if for a brief moment he had forgotten that I was sitting right in front of him.He recovered fast.Too fast for anyone else not to believe him.But I knew better.Kael was not a man who spoke without thinking.Each word coming out of his mouth was purposeful.Hadn’t he forgotten about Aria? Then it must mean she was on his mind even before.I wandered slowly down the corridor with my fingers grazing against the smooth surface of the wall as if trying to calm myself.No.I can’t afford to lose.I had been waiting far too long for this. Since childhood, it had always been clear that Kael and I were meant for each other. Even when he was forced to go into some crazy marriage with a human, I knew that his place was with me.He had chosen me.That should have been that.He had spurned her and made me Luna in front of the whole pack. That means I matter and I would continue
Kael's POVBreakfast was already set when I entered the dining hall. Serena was wearing a deep emerald dress that suited her very well.She rose as I approached. "I've asked the cook to make your favorite."I looked around the table. Everything was perfectly arranged.Roasted meat.Fresh bread.Fruit.Tea."Thank you."She smiled brightly.We started eating and she talked in between. I listened and answered if it was required. But all of my thoughts were somewhere else.The maid approached us, holding the teapot.She first poured some into Serena's cup.And then into mine.I drank some tea.It was sweeter than usual.Unconsciously, I muttered some words."Aria..."Everyone went silent in an instant.The maid froze.Serena looked at me. "What about Aria?"I blinked. For a split of a second, I had no idea what was the reason for me saying her name, I just knew she always made sure my tea was to my taste.Every morning.Without exception.But then I looked down at the cup.Aria always re







