(SHEILA'S POV)Feeling utterly drained, both physically and mentally, I quietly made my way up to the second floor of the barn, a familiar retreat where I sought solace in the past few days. Nestled on a pile of hay beneath a makeshift cover out of jute sack, I found a semblance of comfort. The familiar sounds of cows lowing and sheep bleating acted as a balm to my troubled spirit.Unexpectedly, amidst the symphony of animal noises, I detected the rustle of footsteps. Initially, I assumed it was the old farmer and his nephew going about their evening chores. But as the sound drew nearer, I realized that wasn't the case."I'll tell you again, Emberlyn, you're completely out of your mind." Echoing through the air with a tone heavy with resignation, it was the familiar voice of my stepmother, Vespera. I knew her well enough to recognize the sincerity behind her words, particularly when directed at Emberlyn.Emberlyn remarked, her tone hinting pride. "But this plan turned out even better
(ORION'S POV)As the woman in the rugged cloak and auburn hair stepped forward, her gentle demeanor took me by surprise. "My name is Sheila," she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of familiarity that made me pause. "I know this might sound strange, and I understand if you doubt my words... but I've actually known you for quite some time, Orion."Her revelation caused my skepticism to surge. How could this stranger claim to know me? My eyebrows twitched at the casual use of my name by someone I'd never met before. Yet, despite my reservations, there was something about Sheila that intrigued me. There was an authenticity in her mannerisms, a sincerity that I rarely encountered in my dealings with nobles or tricksters.Despite my instincts urging caution, I couldn't shake the feeling that Sheila meant me no harm. Perhaps it was the earnestness in her eyes or the way her words carried a weight of truth. Whatever it was, I found myself leaning in, curious to hear more.My guard bega
(SHEILA'S POV)Standing in the pathway to the hidden garden's pavilion, I can't help but feel the weight of Orion's recent rejection pressing down on me. His words echo in my mind, telling me to leave and never return. The pain of his dismissal pierces through me, leaving my heart heavy with sadness.But even in the midst of this despair, a glimmer of hope flickers within me. As I wipe away my tears and gaze at the humble stone structure next to the pavilion, I find solace in what I've confirmed. One, was the fact that Orion truly has lost his memory of me. And second, despite his amnesia, he still reached out to wipe away the tears that spilled from my eyes.Recollections flood my mind, memories of a time when we lived together in the former Silverthorn. Orion always had a way of comforting me, of drying my tears no matter the cause. Whether it was a petty argument or a heartfelt conversation shared under the moonlight, he was always there, his jet-black hair brushing against my sk
(SHEILA'S POV)Peering from where I hid, I observed Emberlyn, my sister, and Prince Orion engaging in conversation."Shall we go to the dining hall, Prince Orion?" Emberlyn's voice oozed with honeyed charm as she invited the prince to return to the main area of the royal residence. At that, Orion, ever the gentleman, acquiesced with a smile. They started to stroll toward the hidden garden entrance from the modest stone structure behind them.Summoning every ounce of courage within me, I knew I couldn't let this charade continue unchecked. Thus, I stepped out from my hiding spot, I positioned myself squarely in their path, blocking their way with a firm hand. "Sister, please, stop this," I implored, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. With a calm demeanor, I raised my palm, a silent plea for them to halt their progress.Recognition flashed in Emberlyn's eyes, the intensity of her gaze locking onto mine with a jolt of realization. Her complexion paled as if she had seen a gh
(ORION'S POV)In the dimly lit dining room of the royal residence, I sat, savoring the last bite of my meal. Across from me, Emberlyn and Vespera chatted animatedly, their laughter echoing softly against the walls. They held glasses of wine, the ruby liquid catching the light in delicate swirls.Setting down my utensils with a soft clink, I signaled the end of my dinner. "That was quite a feast," I remarked, addressing my companions. "I hope you both found it as enjoyable as I did. The chefs truly outdid themselves tonight.""Prince Orion, these delicacies are positively divine," Vespera said as she smile softly, she seemed impressed. "It's truly generous of you to extend such a gracious invitation to folks like us. We're thoroughly enjoying ourselves, aren't we, Emberlyn?"Emberlyn seemed positively thrilled, practically glowing as she shared her thoughts. "Absolutely spot on, Prince Orion. That meal was simply divine! Thanks a ton for having us!"With a soft laugh, I observed Emberl
(SHEILA'S POV)As I stood before Orion, trying to quell the rising tide of fear threatening to consume me, I forced a smile to my lips and summoned every ounce of courage I could muster. But beneath the facade of bravery, my heart pounded in my chest, a constant reminder of the stakes at hand.I listened intently to Orion's words, his warning resonating within me. He was right—any misstep on my part could lead to dire consequences, perhaps even capital punishment. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as I grappled with the reality of what I was about to undertake.Yet, despite the fear gnawing at my insides, I remained steadfast in my resolve to uncover the truth. With a determined shake of my head, I lightly slapped my cheeks, a physical gesture to steel my nerves. Then, meeting Orion's gaze, I took a step forward, my resolve unwavering. As I reached out to adjust the loosened ties of his cloak, a quiet sense of defiance settled within me."I heard the royal palace is l
(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
(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 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