(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)As I set out to gather herbs for our haven, the bright blue sky lifted my spirits. I took a sip from my leather canteen, the cool water soothing my parched throat. Glancing around, I couldn't help but wonder what delicious breakfast the community would prepare with the fresh herbs I was collecting.Earlier, before dawn had even broken, the head chef had approached me, requesting more nettles for the soup. I made a mental note of it and now, as I surveyed the extra bundles of nettles alongside my herb-filled basket, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Today's gathering had been successful, and I had managed to avoid any encounters with cougars, thanks to the new hunter patrol route established by the haven a few nights ago.With a smile, I sealed my leather canteen shut, then reached for my finely woven pine needle strands veil. Carefully, I secured its strands over my head, hiding the deep burnt scar that marred my face, a reminder of my resilience against the toxic touc
(SHEILA’S POV)In my dimly lit hut, the flickering oil lamps cast dancing shadows across the room. The injured stranger lay on my makeshift bed, his brow furrowed with suspicion as his grip secured my arm.I looked at him with tenderness, devoid of anger or annoyance, understanding all too well the fear and confusion he must have felt waking up in a strange place with someone who could potentially harm him at any moment.‘He must've been terrified,' I thought, recalling my own experience of waking up in the haven's healer hut for the first time—confused and in great pain, with Elder Willow tending to my wounds. Deeply empathizing with the stranger's plight, my heart went out to him."I'm just helping you. You're injured, and I need to dress this wound," I softly said as I met his gaze with sincerity, pointing at the bleeding wound on his leg. It was a big gash on his pale skin, seemingly caused by hitting something sharp as he fell down before. Blood flowed from the wound, running dow
(ORION’S POV)Under Sheila's attentive care for about twenty-two nights, I steadily regained my strength, with most injuries healing significantly. Seven nights ago, I heavily relied on a crutch for walking support, but now, as I walked to the hut's entrance, I stood more steadily on my own. Pausing at the door, I glanced back at Sheila who was seated on the bed's edge, her smile evident even behind a veil, radiating joy at my progress.A surge of warmth filled my chest as Sheila's hands clapped together in praise. Her enthusiastic words reached me like a gentle breeze, lifting my spirits. "It's incredible how quickly you're recovering, Orion," she exclaimed, her genuine amazement evident in every syllable. "You must have been quite the warrior back in your pack," she admired.In the subdued lighting of the hut, my blush remained hidden, a silent testament to my embarrassment. I hadn't anticipated Sheila's praise, and the unexpected compliment left me feeling pleasantly flustered.Try
(ORION’S POV)I walked slowly down the path, my progress impeded by the crutch I leaned on for support. The fang-shaped sapphire around my neck shifted with each step, a constant reminder of both my strength and my vulnerability. Disappointment weighed heavily upon me, dragging down my posture and clouding my thoughts. Sheila’s rejection echoed relentlessly in my mind, each recurrence deepening the sting of defeat.In the middle of deep thoughts, Willowhart's private quarters came into my view, nestled among the vibrant foliage next to the bustling healer hut. Her serene presence was there, in the middle of fragrant herbs and blooming flowers. It was a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.Pausing in her gardening, Willowhart glanced up, her perceptive gaze catching my unrest immediately. "Young alpha?" she murmured softly, concern etched into her gentle features. "You seem troubled." Her eyes scanned the area, noticing the absence of her protege. "Where's Sheila?" she inquired, her voi
(SHEILA’S POV)With a sudden burst of energy, I swung the door to my humble abode open, the creaking hinges barely audible over the pounding of my heart. With trembling hands, I quickly pulled the door shut behind me, the wood meeting with a soft thud as I slid the locking mechanism into place. The room fell into an eerie silence, the finality of my actions echoing in the stillness around me.As the weight of the world crashed down on my frail shoulders, the dam holding back my tears shattered, unleashing the surge of emotion that was lying dormant from within. I leaned heavily against the door, my body sliding down its surface in tandem with my tears. With each passing moment, the pain that had taken residence in my heart flowed out relentlessly, unstoppable. In that vulnerable moment, I knew I had come undone—Orion had seen my horrendous face.However, just as despair threatened to consume me, my anguish was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Orion's approaching footsteps. Summoni
(SHEILA’S POV)Empathy gripped my resolve to waver as I looked at Orion who stood before me with a mix of emotions showing on his face. His hurt and disbelief were palpable, a stark contrast to the determined resilience I knew him for. However, I couldn't afford to waver despite the weight of his emotions pressing against me. Not now, when the stakes were so high.Orion's clenched fist mirrored the intensity of his emotions. His eyes, though clouded with hurt, glimmered with an unwavering determination that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment. This resolve was characteristically Orion—surrender was never an option for him, especially when confronted with a challenge.Orion's touch was gentle as he reached out for my hand, his eyes softening as they met mine. "Sheila, listen," he started, his voice carrying warmth and affection, "I get where you're coming from, and I respect your decision. I'm okay with waiting for you, no matter how long it takes. If you do find your mat
(SHEILA’S POV)I slowly stirred awake, the faint scent of pinewood and herbs lingering in the air greeting my senses before anything else. I noticed that the room was still dimly lit by the early morning light seeping through the window curtains, casting a soft glow that danced across the walls. My eyes soon adjusted to the ceiling, which was in stark contrast to the simplicity of my own hut. The intricate carvings of the moon goddess symbols, mystical runes, and the hanging woven vines and flowers caught my attention. I recalled that I slept in my mentor's private quarters per the elderly lady's request—‘A measure to ensure my awakening safety,’ said Willowhart a few nights prior."Today's finally my birthday," I thought as I stretched my arms upwards. Though my eyes were heavy with sleep, the anticipation of my impending wolf awakening pulsed through my veins, adding a subtle edge to the drowsy haze enveloping my mind.I yawned, slowly pulling myself up, the remnants of sleep still
(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