NathanI strode through the clinic doors exactly thirty minutes before Terra's shift ended, earning curious looks from staff and patients alike at my punctual arrival. But after a week apart, I refused to miss a single possible moment in her presence, however brief.Derek trailed after me, amusement crinkling his eyes as I made directly for the small waiting area by reception I had staked out as my own over the past days."Eager today, are we?" he remarked wryly, lowering his bulky frame into the chair beside me. "Most men only pine so for their actual mate."I narrowed my eyes in warning, not appreciating the implication. "I merely wish to show Terra I intend to keep my word this time. Being here when she's available proves my reliability."Derek held up his hands peaceably, though his grin remained unapologetically knowing. "As you say, Alpha. I'm sure she'll be positively thrilled at your dedication to loitering outside her workplace every day."I bit back a sharp retort, not wishi

NathanI paced anxiously in the courtyard outside my father’s private rooms, pausing every few moments to glance down the tree-lined drive for any sign of Terra’s arrival. After endless torturous days spent negotiating her help from afar, today she finally returned in person to assess my father's declining condition. The prospect of having her near again was both a blessing and exquisite torture.From atop the stone steps, Derek observed my restless prowling with a knowing smirk. “Relax, Alpha. Wearing a trench in the pavers won’t hasten her arrival.”I shot him an irritated scowl, even as his teasing words brought heat to my cheeks. Of course I knew hovering here obsessively would not actually summon Terra faster. But remaining cooped up inside had proven unbearable. Out here, at least the fresh autumn air soothed my frazzled nerves slightly.“I only want to be on hand when she gets here, as any good host would,” I defended. Derek’s grin only widened, clearly seeing through my feeble

NathanSunlight streamed into my father's lavish sickroom, lending false vigor to his gaunt features against the plush pillows.I prayed the dawn's radiance portended hope, not a cruel irony. Father had lingered languidly near death's door for weeks as his mysterious illness wasted his body relentlessly away, always rallying just long enough to kindle fragile hope before the next precipitous decline.But now, miraculously, in the scant handful of days since Terra's arrival, that dreaded pattern seemed to have reversed. No longer did Father lie motionless but for labored breaths, the stillness of a tomb except for the pestilent stench of decay permeating the heavy velvet drapes around his four-poster bed.Now he could sit upright unaided for short periods, lucid enough to hold fragmented conversation or sip broth and weakened tea. The pallid tinge to his skin showed early signs of healthy pink renewal. Even his silver mane and beard gleamed brighter, as if reflecting an inner vitality

TerraGolden dawn light filtering into the solarium made the crystal vials on my worktable glint and shimmer beautifully. But the radiance only darkened my brooding mood further. I should be feeling accomplished finalizing treatment plans today, my task here nearly complete.Instead, melancholy clung more suffocating than the estate's heavy velvet drapes. Each day brought me nearer to farewells I now dreaded making, despite resolve setting me on this course.A brisk knock interrupted my gloomy thoughts. At my call to enter, Derek stepped inside. I frowned slightly, registering his stiff posture and concerned frown. Something more than routine summons had brought him here."My apologies for disturbing you, Miss Terra." Derek ran a hand through his cropped hair, seeming uncharacteristically agitated. "But your...assistance...is required rather urgently."I tensed, chest constricting. Given the unspoken tension since my violent outburst, only one dire situation would warrant my direct ai

TerraFor the past days Lily has been taking me out, catching on old times.Like yesterday we went out today too.The setting sun cast an ethereal golden glow across the sky as Lilly and I strolled slowly back into town after our fun-filled day together.Despite the autumn evening chill setting in, warmth blossomed in my chest. Spending these precious hours with my dearest friend again after so long apart felt like a gift.Lilly chattered away happily, filling me in on the latest happenings around town and her family. I was content to simply listen, interjecting now and then with a laugh or question. Being around her lively, upbeat spirit never failed to lift my own mood.As we ambled down the quiet lamp-lit streets, our conversation drifted to reminiscing about carefree childhood adventures we once shared.Like the summer we were convinced we could fly, so we climbed up on the barn roof with makeshift feathered wings tied on. Thank the goddess our foolish eight-year-old selves only e