The rhythmic clang of the bell chimed as Brett lumbered out of the shop. Estella watched him disappear down the dusty street, a wry smile playing on her lips.Turning, she saw Devon standing in the doorway with his brow furrowed. Unlike most children his age, his expression at this moment wasn’t one of childish curiosity, but something deeper which surprised Estella.“Mama,” he began, his voice surprisingly deep and serious for someone so small, “are you sure about that man, Mr. Marrock? He seems suspicious.”Estella knelt before him, her warm smile a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within. She knew that Devon was a smart and perceptive child however, she did not realize that it was to this extent.“He’s not the most pleasant fellow, that’s for sure,” she admitted, choosing her words carefully. “But sometimes, Devon, you need to work with… undesirable ingredients to create the perfect pill.”Devon’s expression remained serious. Unlike most children who might have pictured bubblin
Brett Marrock trudged along the dirt path leading back to the Vesper Pack territory. His vacation was over, and the brief respite from the grueling demands of his life as a low-rank werewolf in the pack had ended.The Vesper Pack territory loomed ahead, a sprawling expanse of fortified barracks and watchtowers. Brett’s position within the pack was far from prestigious; he was a humble soldier, working tirelessly to prove himself worthy in a world that often overlooked him.As he approached the barracks, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, his presence both comforting and exasperating.“Brett! My friend! Back from your grand vacation?” Lucian Grum’s voice was a warm blend of sarcasm and genuine delight. Lucian was also a low-ranked soldier, but what he lacked in rank, he made up for in his vast knowledge of the pack’s intricate social web.Brett’s face broke into a tired smile. “Lucian, it’s been a while,” he said, his tone light despite the fatigue weighing him down.Lucian ch
Estella carefully packed her bag, her skilled hands selecting and arranging various vials, jars, and bundles of tools with precision. As she tightened the straps on her bag, a small figure appeared at the doorway. Devon stood there with a curious gleam in his eyes.“Where are you going, Mama?” Devon asked, his voice sweet and innocent.Estella looked up and smiled at her son. “I’m going to the forest nearby to gather some ingredients.”Devon’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Can I go with you, Mama? Please?”Estella hesitated, her protective instincts flaring. The forest, though beautiful and bountiful, was also filled with hidden dangers. She didn’t want to expose Devon to any risk. “I don’t know, Devon. The forest can be a dangerous place, you see.”Sensing her reluctance, Devon’s expression shifted into an irresistible pout. He widened his big, doe-like eyes and jutted out his lower lip, looking up at her with an expression of pure innocence. “I promise I’ll behave, Mama. Please let
The first light of dawn barely filtered through the small window of their shared room when a persistent knock woke Brett and Lucian. Groggy from sleep, Brett rubbed his eyes and stretched, his curiosity piqued by the early visitor. Lucian, always the lighter sleeper and closer to the door, swung his legs out of bed and shuffled to answer it.Opening the door, Lucian was met with an unexpected sight - the soldier they had seen so grievously injured 2 days before stood there, a broad smile on his face. Lucian blinked in disbelief, still groggy with sleep.“Good morning,” the soldier said warmly. “I wanted to thank you for the medicine you gave me. It was incredibly effective. If not for that, I’d still be in bed, unable to move.”Lucian’s confusion deepened. “But two days ago… you could barely open your eyes,” he stammered. “How are you even standing?”The man chuckled, a sound full of genuine relief and gratitude. “I know it seems unbelievable, but whatever was in that bottle worked wo
Back in the small house in the village, Estella moved with practiced precision, her hands deftly mixing potions and applying bandages to the wounded stranger they had found in the forest. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, most of them centered on her son, Devon.Devon sat quietly in a corner, his big, innocent eyes watching his mother's work. There was an unsettling depth to his gaze that Estella often chose to ignore. Today, though, it is impossible to dismiss them. The way he had insisted on bringing the stranger back, had been so unlike him.Estella glanced over at her son, her brow furrowing with worry. “Devon, why did you want to help this man so badly?” she asked softly, not expecting a complex answer from someone so young.Devon tilted his head, his expression serene. “He needed help, Mama. I couldn’t leave him there,” he said simply, his voice a mixture of innocence and something more profound.Estella sighed, not entirely convinced but unwilling to push further. She retur
Morning’s gentle light filtered through the small window, casting a soft glow across the room. Estella stirred, stretching as she slowly awoke. The previous night's events were still fresh in her mind, and as she opened her eyes, she was startled to find the once-unconscious man sitting upright in the bed, his intense gaze fixed on her.Ariston’s eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. His handsome features were even more pronounced in the daylight, his chiseled jawline and high cheekbones giving him an almost regal appearance. Despite his cold demeanor, there was an undeniable magnetism about him.“Good morning,” Estella greeted, trying to steady her voice despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. “Are you feeling better?”Ariston remained silent, his eyes never leaving hers. The intensity of his stare made her feel exposed as if he could see through every façade she had ever put up. She cleared her throat, breaking the silence.“I should explain,” she began, choosing her words c
Estella moved quietly along the stairs, her footsteps almost imperceptible on the wooden floor. In her hands, she balanced a tray laden with breakfast- a simple but hearty bowl of porridge, its soft aroma wafting up and mingling with the fresh morning air. Reaching the door to his room, she knocked softly then slowly pushed the door open and entered.Ariston sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the world outside the window. His profile was sharp against the morning light, his eyes distant and unreadable. Estella cleared her throat gently, a sound that broke the silence and drew his attention.His eyes, cold and piercing, met hers. Estella offered a warm smile, her demeanor gentle yet confident. “I brought you your breakfast,” she said, her voice steady. “I made porridge for you. It would be easy on your stomach since you’re still recovering.”Ariston’s gaze shifted to the tray she carried. The porridge was plain, a stark contrast to the elaborate meals prepared by the top chi
The moon hung high over the village, casting its silver glow over the cobblestone streets. Inside Estella’s home, Estella, Devon, and Elena gathered for dinner.Estella scooped a generous portion of meat onto Devon’s plate and asked, “How was your day with Aris, darling?”Devon looked up, his face momentarily illuminated by the firelight. “It was fine, Mama,” he replied. “Mr. Aris is interesting to talk with.”Estella’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Interesting, you say?” She exchanged a glance with Elena. “What did you two talk about?”Devon’s eyes gleamed slightly as he chewed thoughtfully. “We talked about drawing,” he answered.Estella blinked, her curiosity piqued. “Drawing? I didn’t know Aris was knowledgeable about the arts.”Devon nodded eagerly, a light of genuine excitement in his eyes. “I showed him some of my drawings, and he commented on them. He even offered to teach me more about it.”Estella’s heart warmed at her son’s enthusiasm. Devon’s interest in drawing had always