Saving My Rejected Mate의 모든 챕터: 챕터 41 - 챕터 50

Cecil moved cautiously down the dim hallway, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. Her heart beat a little faster as she approached the only open door at the end, wide and welcoming, but oddly out of place for a guest room.  A faint breeze brushed her skin, carrying with it a scent so distinctly 'Mason' it made her freeze for a second. Peeking inside, she spotted Mason crouched near the bedside table, unspooling a long extension cord while holding a hair dryer in his other hand. The sight was so strangely domestic, it made her blink twice. Without even turning his head, Mason spoke with a deep voice.“No need to sneak around, Cecil. I could hear your steps the second you hit the hallway. And your scent’s

 The knock was soft, followed by the quiet creak of the door opening. A maid entered with a tray, steam rising from the food as the savory aroma filled the room.  Mason nodded, and she gently placed it on the table before disappearing with silent efficiency. Nina was still curled on Aria’s lap, her tiny arms looped around her neck like she was afraid she’d vanish again if she let go. “Nina,” Mason said gently, though there was an edge of authority in his voice, “Aunt Aria needs to eat. How can she do that if you’re glued to her like a baby koala?” He reached out to scoop the child into his arms, but she clung tighter, burying her face against Aria.

Aria pulled away the moment Mason deepened their kiss, her breath hitching as she broke the connection. His brows furrowed, confusion flickering in his eyes. “I—I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “That was… beautiful. Too beautiful. But we shouldn’t… not here. Maybe… maybe not at all.” She quickly shifted from his lap, sitting upright on the edge of the sofa, her hands trembling slightly as she brushed them over her thighs. Mason blinked, trying to ground himself. “Is something wrong?” he asked, carefully, not pushing, just wanting to understand. Aria gave a bitter, quiet smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You

 Aria stirred awake to an unfamiliar scent, earthy, sweet, and sharply peppery, that stung her nose and made her eyes well up with sudden tears. She blinked rapidly, her vision adjusting to the smoky room. As her senses returned, she spotted a figure moving rhythmically around the room.  It was Shaman Orun, gliding silently with a bundle of burning sage in one hand, murmuring words in a language she didn’t recognize. The smoke curled like ghostly ribbons through the air, swirling around the edges of the room. Then her gaze landed on Mason. He was standing quietly in one corner, his eyes closed, a similar bundle of sage in his hands.  Aria slowly pushed herself upright, but the moment she

Aria waited, watching Mason closely, expecting him to elaborate on his earlier statement. But the answer never came.Instead, he nodded toward something behind her.She followed his gaze, turning slightly in her seat to glance over her shoulder. Down by the shoreline, Shaman Orun was surrounded by several people, all busy unloading bundles and crates from a long wooden cart.“What are they doing?” she asked, as she brought her fork to her mouth again.“They’re setting up for your ritual,” Mason replied calmly.Aria blinked, chewing thoughtfully. “I didn’t think it would require that much effort and preparation.”“They rarely are,” Mason said, watching with her as the scene unfolded below. “But your case is… unique.”They both silently observed as the group began arranging stones into a large circular formation. In the center of the circle, they built a small bonfire, layering different types of leaves and flower petals in a careful, almost ceremonial pattern around it. Two other peopl