The trade fair was alive, bursting with energy. Laughter echoed off the stalls, merchants haggled with customers, and the air smelled of roasted meats and fresh fruit. Irwin moved through the crowd, her senses heightened but her mood surprisingly light. It was rare to feel so free, so detached from the weight of the world outside this bustling market.“I know you’re hiding, Ashina. Come out already. It's very obvious, come on” Irwin called out, her voice tinged with amusement.From behind a fruit cart, Ashina appeared with a smirk, brushing back her auburn hair. “You’re too sharp. I can never sneak up on you peacefully?”Irwin chuckled. “Maybe you should stop trying. You’re terrible at it, Ashina.”Ashina laughed, shaking her head as she stepped closer. “ But That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Keep you on your toes.”The two of them wandered through the market, weaving through crowds of people as they observed the scene around them. Children played in the streets, vendors loudly adver
Dorian’s fists clenched tighter with each step as he paced back and forth in the great hall of his castle, his body trembling with barely controlled fury. His mind raced, thoughts tangled in a storm of frustration and guilt, the weight of every decision bearing down on him.The midday light flooded the room, warm and golden, yet it felt suffocating against the heaviness in his chest. He could hear the faint shuffle of guards retreating, their fear was palpable as they moved out of range. They knew better than to stay close when Dorian was like this.Across from him, Leo sat with his legs crossed, observing with an unnerving calmness. He made no attempt to move or speak, simply watching his best friend unravel before his eyes. After a long pause, Leo finally broke the silence, his voice calm but cutting.“Tell me, Dorian, what's the point of all this anger?” Leo asked, leaning forward slightly. “You were the one who let her go, Dorian.”Dorian stopped dead in his tracks, turning to fac
“It wasn’t always like this, you know,” Ulva murmured, her eyes distant as she gazed out of the grand window. The warmth midday sun bathed the room in soft, and golden light, but the weight of their discussion cast an invisible shadow over the space. Her fingers traced the delicate edge of the porcelain teacup she held, even though she hadn’t taken a sip since she held the cup.Adolphus sat across from her, his broad shoulders still carrying the pride of a former Alpha, even though time had softened the sharpness of his once imposing presence.“No, it wasn’t, my dear ulva,” he agreed, his voice deep and laced with nostalgia. His hands rested on the arms of the leather chair, but there was tension in his posture, something unresolved.Ulva glanced at him, a flicker of sadness crossing her eyes. “Do you think we might have pushed him too hard? You know Dorian never wanted to follow the path we laid out for him. He was always so… different. Strong, yes, but independent in ways we couldn’
"Nice to meet you, Valen," Irwin said, her fingers brushing against his as they shook hands. The bustling trade fair around them seemed to blur, the distant hum of voices fading into the background as her gaze locked onto his. His hand was unexpectedly soft, as his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary, sending an unsettling ripple through her. Valen’s voice was calm, smooth like a river. “The pleasure is mine, Lovethe,” he replied, using the name she had given him in their earlier exchange. His eyes, deep and unreadable, held hers as if searching for something beyond the surface. For a brief moment, Irwin forgot everything. Ashina, the fair, even Dorian. It was as if Valen’s presence pulled her into a different space entirely, one where nothing else mattered.Irwin’s breath hitched slightly as his thumb traced a gentle line across her palm. A strange connection seemed to form between them, though she couldn’t quite place what it was. His presence was both comforting an
Ashina glanced at Irwin, her eyes filled with curiosity as they stood near the bustling market stalls. “Irwin, what was it about Valen that made you so comfortable? You’ve never trusted anyone so quickly, just few days that I have been with you Irwin.”Irwin let out a small sigh, her shoulders relaxing as she thought about Valen. “I don’t know, Ashina. It was just… so easy. Like I didn’t have to pretend or hide who I am around him. I don't really know what just happened, you know.”Ashina raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. “And you don’t find that strange, Irwin? Because it feels so strange to me. You’ve known him for less than an hour, remember.”Irwin shrugged. “Maybe. But for once, I wasn’t being judged, like Leo your brother and the rest of the pack. He didn’t look at me like I was weak. Like I was that little hybrid, that hides during war.”Ashina crossed her arms, her voice growing firm. “Do You think Dorian looks at you like you’re some sort of weak thing?”Irwin f
The tension between them thickened as the market’s hum buzzed around them, but neither Ashina nor Irwin paid attention to the noise. Ashina’s words had shaken something deep inside Irwin, and she didn’t know how to respond.Ashina broke the silence. “Irwin, if you would get something meaningful of what I'm telling you, I’m not saying Valen’s a bad guy, but this connection you’re feeling… it’s dangerous... It might be dangerous. You’re Dorian’s mate remember. How long do you think you can keep this up before things blow up in your face?”Irwin’s jaw tightened. “I’m not doing anything wrong, Ashina. I haven’t crossed any lines yet.”Ashina’s voice was gentle, but her gaze was sharp. “Not yet, but you’re playing with fire. You’re letting your feelings for Valen grow while shutting Dorian out. What if Dorian realizes what’s happening?”Irwin’s chest ached at Ashina’s words. “He wouldn’t care. Remember i told you that, He hasn’t bonded with me, Ashina. Do you know what it feels like to be
The tension in the grand hall of Adolphus and Ulva’s home was thick enough to be cut with a knife. Adolphus stood by the wide window, looking out at the vast expanse of their territory. His mind churned with frustration. The words Ulva had just shared were haunting him, refusing to let go. If Dorian and Irwin weren’t connected soon, there would be no Luna. If both of them are connected, means there will be a Luna, which is absolutely wrong.And, No Luna meant no stability for Dorian.“No. I won’t allow it,” Adolphus finally said, his voice low but filled with determination.Ulva stood nearby, her hands clasped together, her eyes weary but soft. She had expected this reaction. She knew how fiercely protective Adolphus was of Dorian, their only son, but this was a delicate matter. "We’ve already meddled enough, Adolphus. Dorian warned us to let him be, remember."Adolphus spun around, his eyes blazing with anger. “Warned us? This isn’t a game, Ulva. This is his future, our future! We’re
Adolphus stood by the window, his arms crossed, his back straight. His face was a mask of grim determination, and his fists were clenched tightly as if he could physically hold onto control. His jaw was set, and the muscle in his cheek twitched as he gritted his teeth. He had always been the decision-maker, the one who moved first, but this time, the weight of his choices hung heavier than ever before.The sun had long begun its descent, casting an orange glow through the tall windows. The room was quiet, but tension simmered beneath the surface. Ulva, was seated by the hearth, as she watched him in silence. She could feel the air thickening between them, heavy with unsaid words and old wounds. The crackling of the fire seemed distant as if it were merely background noise to the storm building inside the room. Ulva knew her mate too well—Adolphus would not stop until he took action, even if it meant disrupting their son’s life once again.The silence stretched between them, becoming