로그인The 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
Kael's POVI woke up before sunrise. For a few seconds, I just lay in bed, looking up at the ceiling as sleep left me unwillingly. Serena was sleeping soundly beside me.Everything felt normal.But then I frowned.Something was off.I just couldn't put a finger on what exactly was wrong. The room was quiet. Way too quiet.My mornings for months now used to start the same way, always starting with a gentle knock and a soft voice on the other side of the door: Always an update on one thing or the other. They always had something to say.Or Serena, always wanting something early in the morning. She would say making love was better in the morning. Of course, I always performed my duties, I was always glad to. Well, until today.There was no knocking sound now. No voice, Serena, sleeping soundly. Just complete and utter silence.I slowly sat up as I realized I woke up earlier than the usual time. Empty space on the other side of the room caught my attention long before anything else did.
Draven’s POVThe door shut gently after Aria. For a while, none of those present in the room uttered anything. My gaze did not leave the door from which Aria had vanished.She came looking for some answers.She left bearing a weight she had never requested.It was not hard to decipher the fear in her eyes. She tried to conceal it as much as she tried concealing the trembling of her hands, but I noticed both of these.She was scared.Not of the wolves.Not of me.She was scared of herself.I could relate to that better than anyone else.Having spent years struggling with the curse that made me see my own body as an enemy, I know what it feels like to be afraid of something that dwells inside you.But...There was one thing that made us different from each other. I knew what was haunting me.She did not.A sigh shattered the stillness.Mother Elara slowly resumed her seat. “I wish I could tell her under better circumstances.”“Me too,” I responded.The chief healer crossed his arms. “I







