(ORION’S POV)As I ventured deeper into the pine forest, the familiar tranquility of the glade beckoned me. Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy, painting ethereal patterns on the lush greenery below. The air was thick with the sweet scent of wildflowers, enveloping the glade in an otherworldly calm.But tonight was different. Tonight, the peace of the enchanted glade was disrupted. Behind the tangle of vegetation and ancient ruins, a weathered stone square lay exposed, hinting at secrets long forgotten. Bathed in the gentle glow of the crescent moon, I stood at the edge of the clearing, witnessing something extraordinary unfold before me—a werewolf wedding ceremony.The sky, laden with heavy clouds, seemed to echo the solemnity of the occasion. The shaman, a figure reminiscent of a priest in more conventional rites, chanted ancient invocations, invoking the very essence of the forest itself. Torchlight cast elongated shadows across the clearing and the crumbling ruins, shroudi
(SHEILA’S POV)Orion and I shuffled back into our humble hut. We sat onto the bed's edge with relief evident in our eyes. The day's events had left us drained, but now, nestled together, we could finally decompress."Wait, the Old Lady won three regional archery championships?" Orion's disbelief jolted me from my thoughts. I nodded, a wry smile forming. "And you said she never went further because she simply didn't feel like it?" His curiosity lingered, eager for more of Willowhart's legend.I couldn't help but chuckle softly as I dabbed at the last remnants of blood on Orion's neck with a damp cloth. "That's what Madam Runa always told me during our days in the haven," I reminisced, the memories flooding back. Putting aside the soiled cloth, I reached for a fresh one from the basket at my feet. "Let me clean your hand," I offered, turning my attention to the gash on Orion's palm and tending to it with care.Orion seemed speechless. He was clearly perplexed by the revelations of my m
(KING RAGNAR’S POV)In the Harvestia Monarchy, nestled within the grandeur of the Magnaheimer Continent, our kingdom stands as a humble yet vital presence in this vast land. Though we may not match the towering might of the three dominant superpower monarchies, Harvestia boasts a richness that sets it apart — a richness born of our abundant natural resources, which pulse with a unique vitality.Surrounded by expansive pine forests, our kingdom thrives upon the mastery of forestry and woodworking, utilizing timber in myriad ways to bolster our economy and enrich our cultural tapestry. These forests, with their towering sentinels and whispering boughs, are the lifeblood of Harvestia, sustaining us with their bounty.Just as veins carry life-giving blood, so too do our rivers flow through the heart of Harvestia, binding communities and facilitating vital trade that fuels our prosperity. These waterways, weaving through the land like threads of connection, are the arteries of our kingdom
(SHEILA’S POV)As Orion and I made our way back to the village, the scent of pine still lingering on our skin from our afternoon gathering of herbs and medicinal plants, we noticed a group of soldiers passing under the wooden beam of the haven's doorless gateway. Their presence immediately drew my attention, the emblem on their shields—a majestic werewolf head crowned by a crescent moon, entwined with vines and leaves—marked them unmistakably as soldiers of the Harvestia Monarchy."Why are the palace's soldiers here?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion, my brow furrowing as I watched them move."Is that a bad thing?" Orion's response was quick, his tone reflecting his own concern.I exchanged a glance with him before admitting, "Honestly, I don't know." My gaze lingered on the soldiers in the distance, a sense of unease settling in. "It's just... unusual." My words trailed off, my thoughts swirling with questions and apprehension.After waiting for what felt like an eternity unti
(SHEILA’S POV)As I prepared to tend to Willowhart’s herb garden beside the community healer hut, the tranquility of the morning shattered under the heavy tread of soldiers arriving at the haven. Their ominous presence sent a shiver down my spine, quickening my pulse with a sense of impending danger.The sight of their increased numbers only heightened my concern. Hurriedly, I abandoned my gardening tools and rushed back to my modest hut, my mind racing with the need to protect Orion.I burst through the door, my heart hammering in my chest as I scanned the room. Relief flooded through me as I found Orion still peacefully asleep on the bed, unaware of the imminent threat lurking outside."Orion, wake up," I whispered urgently, my voice barely audible as I gently shook him awake. "We need to leave, now.""Sheila?" Orion's voice was thick with sleep-induced confusion as he struggled to rouse himself. But as realization dawned on him, he began to stir, albeit still clouded by drowsiness.
(ORION’S POV)"We found the warlock, Sir!" The voice pierced the chaos, authoritative and clear. Three of our royal soldiers dragged Angelo into the heart of the turmoil beyond the haven's walls. With precise force, they made him kneel beside Nova's lifeless form, her body cold and motionless on the ground, still smoldering from the arrow wound. Grief and shock overwhelmed Angelo, and tears silently streamed down his face as he hung his head low.As Marcus effortlessly freed himself from his fallen horse, seemingly unaffected by the paralysis magic, I observed his calm demeanor. He brushed the dust off his light armor with practiced ease, revealing his familiarity with combat.With disdain evident in his voice, Marcus soothed his jittery horse, his grip firm on the reins until it settled. Towering beside his steady mount, he commanded, "Take heed, all of you!""Emberlyn," Marcus's voice demanded attention, gesturing towards Angelo. His tone left no room for argument.My gaze shifted
(SHEILA’S POV)"Sheila, when those people arrived today, did you recognize any of them?" Orion's gentle voice reached my ears. It was devoid of any accusation or anger. I understood that he simply sought understanding. I saw concern in his eyes, a silent plea for me to trust him, to let him inPart of me wanted to pour out my worries to him, to let him shoulder some of the burden that weighed me down. But fear held me back, whispering warnings of potential consequences if I revealed too much. Caught in this internal struggle, I found myself speechless, unable to articulate the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions swirling inside me.Perhaps he sensed my distress in my silence. Orion's arm wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me into a comforting embrace. His warmth enveloped me, offering a safe haven amidst the storm raging within me. "It's okay, Sheila," he murmured, his voice a soothing melody. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready. I'm here for you, no matter what."
(SHEILA’S POV)I awoke early in the morning, feeling the gentle touch of dawn's golden rays seeping through the walls of our modest hut. Stretching my arms, I couldn't shake off the familiar ache in my muscles, remnants of yesterday's tragedy. Orion was already up, getting ready to head out for our daily task of fetching fresh water from the nearby stream—a chore imperative for our survival.As I busied myself with breakfast over the crackling fire, my thoughts drifted back to the events of yesterday. The unexpected arrival of soldiers had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, made even more surprising by the presence of two familiar faces among them—my father, Marcus, and my stepsister, Emberlyn.I steadied my nerves, preparing to open up to Orion about my family. "Hey, Orion," I called out, my voice wavering just a bit.Orion turned, a questioning look in his eyes as he paused in his preparations. "Hm? What's up?"Taking a deep breath, I braced myself to reveal the truth. "I d
(ORION'S POV)As Orion and Emberlyn glided gracefully to the heart of the ballroom, holding their glasses of wine high, I felt the energy in the room shift, anticipation humming through the air like a live wire. Orion's presence alone seemed to command attention, his authoritative stature and demeanor speaking volumes without him uttering a single word.Then, as if on cue, Orion's voice sliced through the hushed atmosphere of the grand ballroom, drawing every eye and ear to him. His words, laced with a newfound humility, carried weight and sincerity that seemed to touch every corner of the room."As I've mentioned before," he began, his tone steady and sure, "tonight's festivities aren't just for the nobility." His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. "Every soul within these walls, from our esteemed guests to our dedicated staff, deserves to partake in this joyful occasion.""To my loyal maids and servants," Orion continued, his gaze sweeping across the room, "your tirele
(SHEILA'S POV)Vespera snatched the moonlit feather earring right out of my hand, hurling them to the ground with all the force she could muster. With a venomous glare, she spat at me, "You think these trinkets hold any value? They're nothing but cheap imitations. You're just fooling yourself and everyone else with them!"Vespera's words cut deeper than expected, stirring a sense of offense within me. To her, these earrings may have seemed like mere trinkets, but to me, they held far more significance. And, on top of that, they were not just 'cheap trinkets'! These moonlit feather earrings symbolized my loyalty and dedication to the Crown Prince of Harvestia. These delicately crafted earrings represented a pledge of honor. As I bent down to retrieve the earring on the ground, I cradled it gently in my hand, recognizing its worth beyond its material value. It wasn't just about preserving an accessory—it was about safeguarding a precious connection. The memory of losing Orion's pendant
(SHEILA'S POV)Taking one last look at my newly received pair of moonlit feather earrings from the head maid, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride coursing through me. It was right after the briefing for the royal ball had ended, and the significance of these earrings wasn't lost on me. The head maid had made it clear that they were more than just mere accessories; they were a mark of passing as Orion’s personal attendance.She explained that these earrings held the Moon Goddess’ blessings, and only the designated bearer could take them off once they were worn. Crafted from rare white feathers sourced from an owl that hunted under the moon's glow, they embodied keen insight and graceful wisdom. Each feather delicately fashioned into an earring offered a unique and striking adornment for the ears, adding a subtle yet elegant touch to any attire.As I held them in my hand, I felt a sense of connection not only to the nocturnal prowess they represented but also to the crown prince h
(ORION'S POV)I growled inwardly, feeling the anger simmering beneath the surface. My alpha instincts surged, commanding authority rippling through me like an electric current."Undress and lie on the bed," I ordered, my voice heavy with sternness. Sheila braced herself, anticipation evident in her every movement. It was as though she had anticipated this moment, knew that I was about to assert my dominance over her. I saw her resistance, the slight drop of her knees before she forced herself to stand straight again.Her defiance only stoked the flames of my anger. "Leave the palace immediately if you refuse my command," I ordered once more, my voice laced with seething fury.As I uttered the second command, Sheila sank to her knees, her whole body folding forward until her forehead touched the ground in a profound act of submission to me, Orion. The sound of her sobs filled the room as she slowly began to remove her clothing, each movement heavy with the weight of her obedience. My h
(ORION'S POV)As Emberlyn sulked upon hearing my request to postpone intimacy until after our marriage, I felt a pang of guilt twist in my chest. But I couldn't risk harming her inadvertently, not when my desires might overcome me during our intimate moments. She was younger, more fragile in a way, and it stirred within me a deep-seated need to protect her, to nurture her. I understood the importance of giving her space to grow her strength, especially in our werewolf society where such qualities were vital.I watched as Emberlyn's gaze shifted to Sheila, who stood at a respectful distance, fulfilling her duties as Emberlyn's personal attendant. "Prince Orion," Emberlyn finally spoke, her tone carrying a hint of frustration, "I understand your reasoning for wanting to postpone intimacy. But must she be here, intruding on our date?" Her finger pointed subtly in Sheila's direction.I stole a quick glance at Sheila, her figure cloaked behind the veil, her expressions hidden from my view.
(SHEILA'S POV)"Ouch, Orion!" I winced, feeling the sharp pain shoot through my arm as his grip tightened."Prince Orion," he corrected firmly, his voice dripping with authority. My heart sank, his commanding tone weighing heavily on me."Prince Orion, please, you're hurting me," I pleaded softly, hoping he would ease up.Pausing for a moment, he loosened his grip on my arm, but then gently took hold of my shoulders, forcing me to face him directly. "Answer me," he insisted, a hint of annoyance lacing his words, "who is this guy you're likening me to?"As the argument with Orion escalated, I sensed a shift in his demeanor when the servant's voice pierced through the tension. The interruption was abrupt, but it seemed to offer a reprieve from our disagreement."Prince Orion, Miss Emberlyn has come to visit. She inquires if you'd care to join her for breakfast at your convenience," the servant announced from outside the chamber, breaking the silence that had settled between us.Orion's
(ORION'S POV)"Sheila," I called softly, hoping to catch her attention. I noticed the redness creeping up her cheek, extending to her ears. She looked at me, and for a moment, I dared to hope that she might feel the same desire as I. "I want you," I confessed, the words hanging heavy in the air between us.Sheila swallowed hard, her heart rate betraying the silence that she was displaying. I could see the subtle shift of her feet, pressing together as if she was grappling with her own desires. In that moment, a familiar scent filled the air, a blend of ripe grapefruit and soft jasmine. It teased my senses, triggering a wave of longing from deep within me.I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself against the rush of emotions. The scent was intoxicating, stirring up a potent mixture of want and need within me. With careful movements, I stepped out of the bath, determined not to let desire cloud my judgment, yet unable to ignore the pull I felt towards Sheila.I gently pulled Sheila
(ORION'S POV)My senses pricked up the instant the servant mentioned Emberlyn seeking me out in the chamber. She was always a delightful disruption to my solitude. As her footsteps approached, I could feel her energy permeating the air. The door clicked shut behind her as she entered the chamber."Prince Orion, where are you?" Her voice, playful and light, danced around the chamber outside my private bathroom."I'm bathing, Emberlyn," I called out, letting her know I was present, though hidden behind the curtain and the steam from the bathtub. With practiced ease, I adjusted my position, ensuring that Sheila remained concealed. My heart pounded in my chest as I fought to maintain composure, to keep up the facade of solitude despite the closeness between us. The sound of water splashing against the porcelain tub echoed in the small space, masking any hint of unease in my voice.Emberlyn opened the door and glided into the bathroom, her steps light and almost skipping—I could see her s
(ORION'S POV)As I stood there, facing Gunter in my office in the royal residence, I knew I was about to ignite a storm. Declaring Sheila as my personal attendant was a move I anticipated to receive resistance from Gunter, my loyal steward and advisor. And indeed, he did as I have anticipated. His objections were like waves crashing against a rocky shore, relentless and forceful.What if Sheila's intentions weren't pure? What if she posed a threat to the palace, or worse, to you me? And there were many more of Gunter’s questions that went past my ears.With a wry smile and a sharp wit, I countered his arguments, laying out my reasoning like pieces on a chessboard. I told Gunter that making Sheila stayed within our immediate presence would mean an easier way for us to uncover the truth behind her actions. I did that especially because Gunter was struggling to get the truth out of her too.Gunter sighed, I could see he wanted to rebut, but digging out information from Sheila was indeed