Her dark cloak shifted around her like a dark cloud. Like a small bird rushing home, she moved quickly with each step. She really truly didn't want to be late. She could not even consider the possibility of being late for this. The significance of it was too great. Her heart pounded rapidly and frantically within her chest. She soon came to a quiet little path. Compared to the main road, this path was less crowded. It led directly to the large marketplace. However, she had no intention of entering the market just yet. To reach the small cottage she simply needed to stroll past it. Her real destination was the cottage. A soft gentle breeze accompanied the arrival of night. It was cool against her cheek like a feather. She drew her cloak closer to her body. The cloak made her feel warm and protected because it was a little cold. She could still feel something small and hard in her pocket despite the thick fabric of her cloak. A round smooth ring was gently pressed against her skin ins
There was no time left. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she spoke hurriedly. “You may go. Just prepare anything for dinner.”She was preoccupied with other far more important things and didn't care what she ate. Quickly, the maid turned around and rushed to the door to leave.“Wait!”The maid halted in her strides.With wide eyes and a quick turn, she prepared to listen. “Yes, Luna Ravena,” she responded in a quiet submissive tone. Then before she could stop herself, Selene blurted out the words. “Does Ravena have another room?”Immediately, she realized her mistake. Shit! With her eyes wide with surprise, almost shocked, the maid gazed at her. “ What!” the maid exclaimed as she was obviously perplexed by the odd question. In an attempt to conceal her uneasiness, Selene spun around rapidly. And covered her face.She had forgotten herself and slipped out of line.Damn it!Now the maid would undoubtedly be aware that something was amiss. Struggling to be brave Selene inhaled d
Panic started to twist and tighten in her stomach making her feel nauseous. She had quick disorganized thoughts about what she could and should do. Her blood ran cold with fear at the thought of not finding the jewelry and of failing the ritual.Still sitting on the huge bed, she covered her face with her palm. After a few moments, she dropped her hands and exhaled deeply.Then she sprang up from the bed.Her jerky movements were a result of her mounting fear. Selene began to pace back and forth. Her thoughts were scattered in different directions.She stopped pacing and her eyes scanned the spacious room. “What do I have to do? She muttered in dread.With a heavy heart, she moved towards the bathroom.Who knows she might be lucky? Maybe a piece of jewelry was stashed somewhere in the bathroom.It sounded odd but she was willing to explore and check it outShe pushed open the bathroom door and practically ran across the cluttered room. Normally a tidy and peaceful place, the bathroo
Selene unfolded the piece of paper carefully, slightly shaking her hands. Almost delicate, the paper felt light and thin in her fingers. She soon noticed the words that stood out on the page and were written boldly and clearly. She read the words:Tonight, the full moon will appear.Which is the perfect time for the soul-binding ritual. The ritual will be done tonight. Come with the needed item. And meet me in the cottage alone.Instantly she knew it was from Lance. It was the reason she had agreed to come to Ridgewood in the first place. To get the ritual done to stay alive.Glancing up from the paper, Selene looked. Her gaze swept over the grounds of the pack house. The young messenger boy who had handed her the envelope had already left. Engrossed in their own practice were a few warriors who continued to train on the ground, their powerful bodies moving in the afternoon light. Although she could still hear the shouts and metal clashing they now seemed far away and unimportant
Daemon put a soft hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “I have to leave now,” he stated in a quiet yet firm voice. Ethan gave him a glance and nodded. He was aware that Daemon had important tasks to complete.In the lengthy hallway of the pack house, Daemon's footsteps made soft noises as he turned and left. As he got farther away the sound of his footsteps grew weaker. Ethan watched until he disappeared from view.Following a short while, Ethan turned again and left the pack house. He moved swiftly leaving the building behind as his steps carried him farther and farther until he was entirely outside.***The elders' cheerful chatter filled the large hall which was typically a noisy place. All that changed the instant Selene entered the room with Bethar at her side.All of the joyful conversation ceased. The elders fell into utter silence after just a few moments of loud conversation. The moment she walked in, the room was swept in silence. Her gown flowed around her feet as she moved, it re
Warm, rolled bread was placed on a large wooden tray by the maid, who did it with ease and practice. The scene, which was domestic in nature, provided an odd sense of serenity amid the chaos of her present circumstances. Selene wiped her face clean with a damp cloth, washed her hands, and untied her apron.Every second spent in the kitchen gave her solace from the storm she felt inside of her.This was a new phase that came with conflicting emotions, but she was ready to give her best effort going forward.She saw an abrupt movement. A guard entered the kitchen through the open door. Selene turned, a questioning look on her face.The guard bowed his head respectfully. With a steady voice, he spoke. “Luna Ravena. Bethar is here to see you.She let a sigh slip out. Bethar, always with something urgent.“Tell him I will join him shortly,” she said in a slightly worn-out voice. After a short while Selene came out of the kitchen, the maid silently trailing behind her with the big tray f