(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
(SHEILA’S POV)As we worked on repairing the storm-damaged southern part of the haven's outer wall, I was focused on the task at hand, hammering away with Orion and the two Silverthornians by my side. The air was filled with the scent of fresh wood and sweat, but suddenly, amidst it all, another fragrance wafted to me. Lilac and rose, intermingled with the earthy essence that was unmistakably the signature scent of our haven's chief.I paused, lifting my head to locate the source of this unexpected scent. There, before me, stood a woman with flowing chestnut hair that stirred memories of our chief. Her amber eyes held a familiar intensity, and her jawline bore a graceful strength that echoed that of the figure I had been searching for."Orion! I finally found you!" The words rang out, drawing more of my attention as the chestnut-haired woman strode confidently towards Orion.As the daughter of the chief, Nova's presence often drew the attention of the haven's inhabitants, but Orion re
(SHEILA’S POV)I stood next to my herb cabinet, where I had meticulously stored my home-made concoctions. Turning my face towards the window, I observed the darkening sky outside. An audible sigh escaped my lips, signaling to me that the moment I had been anticipating had finally arrived.I reached for the small container of salve I had prepared, tucked away in the cabinet. Upon unscrewing the cap, a potent aroma reminiscent of damp earth filled the air. Carefully, I dipped my fingers into the balm, applying it to the scent glands located on each side of my neck, just below the base of my jawbones, as well as to my wrists. I knew Orion possessed a keener sense of smell than my own, so I took extra care to mask my scent while watching him from a distance, ensuring he wouldn't detect my presence.Fixing my veil and adjusting my cloak, I ensured they would withstand the cool breeze of the night as I stepped out of my hut. The sounds of the forest surrounded me, a familiar comfort. With d
(SHEILA’S POV)"Move, Orion," I demanded calmly, hiding my frustration and desperation behind a mask of composure.Orion stood still in his spot, his tired gaze locked with mine. He seemed adamant about not moving, seeking clarification for my words. "You said about ‘holding me back’, for what exactly?" Orion questioned, his tone tinged with exasperation. "You hold me back for nothing, Sheila."I opened my mouth to answer, but I couldn’t rebut with anything. His words hit me like a blow, and for a moment, I faltered. Did I truly hold him back for nothing? In a millisecond, I could feel Orion’s sincerity, yet the very next millisecond, I pondered about it. There was this nagging feeling that forcefully pulled my attention towards distrust. A reminder of Orion staying out of a sense of obligation, that he felt sorry for my fragile state of mind and was merely trying to appease his guilt, kept popping up.My mind spiraled back to my earlier encounter with Nova. The dimly lit room seemed
(SHIELA’S POV)I ran past the rustling leaves and jagged rocks, my movements almost causing me to stumble, yet I managed to maintain my balance along with the cloth sack in my possession. My eyes remained fixed ahead, searching for a hiding spot within the woods, convinced that nobody was close behind. Spotting a large fallen tree, I quickly veered off my path, finding it spacious enough to conceal both my body and my bag, granting me a much-needed moment of respite from my frantic sprinting.Just when I prepared to finally catch my breath and rest, a haunting howl shattered the silence around me. Its resonance, both powerful and desperate, carried an air of majesty that commanded attention without demanding obedience. Before I could fully process the sound, a sudden loud thud followed by the rustling of leaves nearby startled me.I closed my own mouth to stifle any screams. My heart raced as I crouched low behind the fallen tree. I clutched the strap of the cloth sack tightly against
(SHEILA’S POV)My heart pounded in my chest as I gazed at the fang-shaped sapphire pendant resting in my palm, a token of Orion’s sincerity. My thumb traced the smoothness of the sapphire stone, feeling the weight of its value pressing against my doubts and insecurities. ‘How could he possibly think I deserve something like this?’ I wondered silently.Yet, despite the sweetness of his gesture, I couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness within me. I knew I wasn't beautiful like the other girls, and surely someone like Orion, with his commanding presence and determined personality, deserved better.Tremors coursed through my body as I struggled to discern Orion's honest reaction to my appearance. Peering through my veil, I watched as his gaze met mine, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before settling into an unreadable expression. The silence stretched between us, thick with uncertainty, amplifying my emotional turmoil."Can you really stay with me, Orion?" I questioned, my
(SHEILA’S POV)Normally, the scent of herbs in Willowhart's living space would have brought solace to my troubled soul. However, today, even the soothing aroma failed to ease the searing pain in my heart. Guilt and self-loathing consumed me, fueled by chronic insecurities and trust issues that seemed to repel the gentle calmness offered by the herbs.I found myself wailing in the warm presence of my mentor, Willowhart. I was on the ground, clinging to Willowhart's lap as she sat on a low stool. Willowhart offered gentle pats on my back, a silent gesture of understanding as I cried.As the tears subsided momentarily, I looked up at Willowhart with eyes red and puffy from crying. “I... I love Orion. I've actually fallen for him, Elder Willow,” I confessed, despite my trembling voice laced with a sense of resignation. “But he... he deserves someone better. Someone who won't bring him shame in public.”Feeling Willowhart's comforting hand on my shoulder, I met the elder healer's gaze. He
(SHEILA’S POV)From my hiding spot, I observed Orion sitting alone in the room. Almost immediately upon his arrival, a faint smell of alcohol permeated the air, mingling with the atmosphere. His posture, normally composed and assured, now appeared unnervingly unsteady, his form swaying almost imperceptibly as if caught in an unseen current. His gaze, once sharp and focused, now seemed to drift aimlessly, lost in the depths of his own thoughts, fixed downward as if seeking solace or escape in the worn-out marks of the floorboards.Minutes had passed before Willowhart returned while carrying a tray adorned with steaming chamomile mint tea and delicate biscuits. She set it down on an empty low wooden stool before taking a seat across from Orion. The elderly woman poured him a cup of tea which the latter accepted with gratitude.Turn the scenario into 1st POV, Sheila's POV, use past tense for narratives:"Thank you, Willowhart," Orion murmured, his voice carrying a soft tone of appreciat