Rowan stood up, dusted his clothes, and offered his hand to me. I looked up and saw him smiling. I took his hand as he pulled me up. "Where are we off to?" I couldn't help but ask because he didn't let go of my hand as we walked. "Let's go for a walk. I saw Robin and Ericka going to the maze garden," he said. "What? I don't want to!" I protested and pulled my hand away. "Do you want to take back your mate or not?" Sigh... Oh, Rowan. I was not even sure myself. The only connection I have with Robin is our bond and nothing else. Rowan pulled my hand, and we walked into the maze garden. Now, it would be troublesome if Robin and Ericka saw us together... Ericka might get the wrong idea. But who cares what she thinks, anyway? Well, let's do this. Perhaps I should take my mate back like what Rowan said. But it was easier said than done because Robin was glaring daggers at me right now like he wanted nothing but to tear me apart. We meet Robin and Ericka halfway through. "Rowa
"Robin, I think you should refrain from having contact with me. If others see us being together, I'm afraid, things will get complicated." I said and stepped away from him. He frowned and tried to reach me, but I raised my hand to stop him from moving closer. "Ar—" "Robin, please do me a favor. Please also consider my feelings. I feel uncomfortable with this setup. We were hiding like we did something illegal. Is being your mate illegal?" I said in an aggrieved tone. I feel... wronged, and it's like a bitter pill to swallow. Robin stared at me in silence. His jaw clenched as if he was having inner turmoil. His expression slightly changed, but he quickly masked it with iciness. This is the Robin I knew from the rumors... a cold-blooded person. My hands tremble as I compose myself. "Please, Robin, you have to choose between your mate and your fiancé. I can still bear the pain of losing you when I still haven't caught feelings towards you." I said in a solemn tone. But what a l
The horse, Astrid, came to a stop and neighed. The surroundings had me taken aback slightly at how magnificent it was. The rain had already stopped, and the sun shone brightly through the beautiful meadow filled with blooming flowers and overlooking the entire territory of Golden Crest Pack. The sight was to behold. I jumped off the horse and rubbed Astrid's face with a smile. Astrid seems to enjoy my touch. "Thank you for bringing me here, Astrid. It was such a fantastic view up here." I sat on the grass with a carefree movement while looking at the field of beautiful flowers. To my surprise, Astrid lay down beside me. Astrid was looking at me as if telling me to lean into her. I feel strange how I could seem to understand the horse. I shook off the thought and leaned my back on Astrid. She seemed satisfied with my action. We stayed for an hour while enjoying the peaceful view. For some reason, my mind became calmer and clearer. I couldn't even help but talk to Astrid like sh
After the talk with Rosie, we went our separate ways to do our daily tasks. In my situation, I dreaded every step I made going to Ericka's chamber. Ericka will find fault again and punish me after. Hah, poor me. However, a figure blocks me before I reach Ericka's chamber. Rowan had a sulky expression and stood there glaring daggers at me. He was acting like a child who didn't get what he wanted. Hmm. What did I do to receive this treatment? I raised an eyebrow and squinted my eyes. "Are you avoiding me yesterday?" he said in a defeated tone. For some reason, I feel guilty. I cleared my throat and said indifferently, "O-Of course not! I was just busy all day yesterday." He raised an eyebrow as if he could read me and that I was bluffing. "I don't believe you." he sulked like a child. I cringe. Nevertheless, I shall appease this devil, or he'll think of something absurd again. However, he uttered before I could say what was on my mind, "If you don't give me an explana
When we arrived at the clinic, the doctor quickly examined my injury. It's not that bad, since I have self-healing. Also, since the crystal appeared on my forehead, my self-healing was much faster than ever. By tomorrow, I'll be strong as a bull. So, I don't really mind getting injured by Rowan. However, Rowan was very guilty and wouldn't leave my side, which irked the possessive Robin. "Robin, aren't you busy? Why are you still here?" Rowan asked dubiously. I sneered inwardly and rolled my eyes. I know Rowan is trying to agitate Robin. And just what I had thought, Robin's face turned glum and silently seethed. However, Robin has no reason to be here, so he can't rebuke the devil, Rowan. Robin eyed Rowan sharply and said, "Aren't you busy as well, Rowan? You haven't done your task today. The Lumen Family is waiting for you..." Rowan looked stunned, and his face turned sour. He looked at me with hesitation, as though there was something he wasn't telling me. However, it's not
At the sight of Ericka approaching with a gloomy look, my heart beat faster in nervousness. What bad luck! Ericka stopped in front of us, her face darkened as though she saw something unpleasant. I followed her line of sight. My eyes widened because Ericka was looking at my arm that Robin was still holding. As a response, I yank my arms away nervously. I feel like Ericka caught us having an affair. Wait—why would I feel nervous? Robin is my mate, and it's not like we did something outrageous in front of Ericka. "Robin, why are you with her?!" Ericka questioned with a glum expression. "It's just a coincidence. I saw her arms had a bruise, and I was just curious." Robin replied nonchalantly without even looking at me. I clenched my fist, silently aggrieved at his nonchalance. Ericka sighed in relief and glared at me secretly. Her hostility towards me was visible through her actions. She smiled at Robin and approached him. Then she clings to Robin's arm affectionately and p
As soon as our eyes meet, my instinct tells me this man is dangerous, and I should go away as far as possible. His eyes narrowed into slits as he eyed me with scrutiny. My heart beats faster as I try not to tremble and be intimidated. Why do I feel like this stranger could see through my soul? I sighed in relief when he averted his gaze to the crowd. Upon the arrival of the group of people, the warriors immediately strengthened themselves. "Welcome back, Sir Octavio!" the warriors greeted in unison with reverence and fear. But there was admiration in their eyes while looking at the imposing man in the middle. The man in his late twenties only nodded in response. He had a frosty countenance, and he looked regal as if he was born to conquer the world. From his countenance, he oozes confidence and screams power and authority. The man squinted his eyes at Rowan, who was still stabbing the dead cat in front of the trembling burly man. Rowan only scoffed as though he didn't care at
The next day. I accompanied Rowan to the Archery Field with Bradley Octavio in the morning. They were competing, and I just watched on the side while holding towels. I would wipe Rowan's sweat after the round. They were both at it for an hour now, but they were even. I can say their skills are just so-so. For the record, I could shoot ten arrows or more in one go, if it was me. "Arielle, you've been staring at us for a while now. Do you want to play with us?" asked Bradley as he grabbed an arrow. I just shrugged my shoulders as I watched Rowan pull the string. Rowan releases the two arrows at once. The arrows flew at a fast speed with great accuracy towards the two target boards. It struck at the bullseye. "Nice, Rowan!" Bradley praised as he handed me a crossbow. "How did I do, Ari?" Rowan asked with an eager expression like a child who wanted praise for their hard work. I pursed my lips into a thin line and smirked. "Well... just so-so." "What?!" both Rowan and Bradley r