(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.
Trying to deflect the attention away from myself, I shifted my gaze to the floor, feeling the need to change the subject. "Ah, well," I mumbled, clearing my throat to compose myself, "Who knows? I suppose I just got lucky." My attempt to downplay my achievements masked the flutter of emotion stirred by Sheila's genuine words.
Sheila hummed in disagreement, her genuine reaction evident once again as she spoke. "Luck can only take you so far, you know," she said, emphasizing her point. "You’re strong, Orion! There's no doubt about it!"
I shifted uncomfortably, my cheeks still warm from Sheila's unexpected praise. Judging by her words, I was certain she was oblivious to my shyness, a typical trait of hers.
"Well, yeah… thank you, I guess," I mumbled, acknowledging her compliment. I raised my head to meet Sheila's gaze, replying with sincerity this time. "Your healing skills have truly made all the difference. And the food here, it's amazing. It's definitely helped with the recovery."
I watched as Sheila nodded in acknowledgement. "Glad to hear that," she said, her tone soothing as she crossed the room to the table where my clothes lay waiting. She picked them up with purpose, her actions deliberate. "Just to be safe, I believe it's wise to seek Elder Willow's counsel about your condition, Orion," she suggested. As she handed me the clothing, I could sense her silent plea for approval. "If you're feeling up to it, of course."
I silently stared at the clothing for a moment, feeling hesitant about the idea. Despite mostly staying in Sheila’s hut throughout the twenty-two nights in Silverthorn Haven, I couldn't help but notice that the haven was predominantly comprised of omegas—if not entirely. My keen senses picked up on the faint citrus scent unique to omegas permeating the damp soil of Silverthorn Haven. Perhaps it was a hunch molded by my forgotten past, but I was certain that in-pack werewolves harbored a stronger awareness of the diverse dynamics within the werewolf community. My intuition also hinted that some omegas in the haven were wary of my presence.
And so, I accepted the fresh clothes from Sheila. "Think the haven’s okay with me strolling around, Sheila?" Despite not caring about whether people hated me—omegas, or alphas, or whatever—my primary concern was avoiding trouble for Sheila.
With gentle yet firm motion, Sheila placed her palms on top of mine. "I might never know what's going through your mind, Orion," she began reassuringly. "But please trust me, Elder Willowhart is one of the kindest souls you'll ever come across. She treats everyone with compassion. And hey, I'll be right there with you every step of the way. Don’t worry."
I slightly opened my mouth in response, though no words escaped. Nonetheless, I made sure Sheila’s gesture of kindness was greatly appreciated. With a nod, I began to prepare myself before going outside.
--
I maintained a composed posture on the wooden stool while Willowhart conducted her examination. Sheila, standing nearby, watched me closely as she slightly fidgeted her fingers.
Willowhart focused on me, delicately pulling down the lower lid of my left eye and scrutinizing it with precision. Our proximity allowed me to observe the details of Willowhart's aging features—the lines of wrinkles, the darker spots on her cheek, and a healed burn scar marring her forehead.
The elderly doctor hummed, lost in her thoughts, before she carefully leaned back in her log chair. Her expressions were unreadable.
Concerned, Sheila interjected, "How is Orion, Elder Willow?"
Willowhart nodded in amusement as she wrote on her neatly squared dried bark note. "He certainly is fine, my dear," she said, pausing to glance at me with keen interest. "I must admit, your recovery is quite a marvel, young alpha! Your wounds, they've mended up just splendidly, not a single hint of infection!"
As my face relaxed into a small smile, Sheila breathed a sigh of relief, her worry dissipating.Willowhart completed her notes and handed them to Sheila. "I've made sure to cover all that's needed for Orion's ongoing recuperation," she stated. Turning her attention to me, she offered some advice, "Now, young alpha, do keep working on your walking without leaning too much on that crutch of yours. Before you know it, you'll be bidding it farewell for good. But mind you, don't push yourself too hard."
I nodded appreciatively, pleased at the prospect of soon being able to discard the crutch. "Thank you, Willowhart," I said gratefully.
With a glimmer of pride shining through her weathered features, Willowhart turned towards Sheila and spoke with genuine warmth, "You've truly done wonders looking after him, Sheila. Excellent job, my dear."
Sheila nodded in response, her hand slipping beneath her veil. Her voice trembled slightly, reflecting her tears of joy. "Thank you, Elder Willow," she said, her emotions evident. "I'm just glad to see Orion healthy!"
After leaving the community healer hut, Sheila and I ventured slightly away from the haven's inner walls to a serene river flowing nearby.
I settled onto a sturdy rock by the water's edge, joining Sheila who was already there. Her playful demeanor caught my attention as she dipped her feet into the water, the sunlight filtering through the trees casting a warm glow on our surroundings. Sheila's laughter filled the air, her joy palpable as she relished the clear water.
Watching her, my heart skipped a beat. Sheila, with her auburn hair and infectious laughter, seemed to defy the harshness of our world with her authenticity. When I had stepped outside her hut that morning, I couldn't help but notice she was the only one in the haven wearing a veil. It was a silent testament to the hardships she must have faced, compelling her to conceal her face from the world.
Despite my initial reservations, I found myself inexplicably drawn to her. My fingers hovered tentatively towards her veil, an unspoken question lingering in my mind. ‘What kind of smile hid behind your veil, Sheila?’ I thougt as I was captivated by her enigmatic presence, unable to shake the desire to unravel the mystery that surrounded her.
"Orion," Sheila's voice slipped out as a warning, and she instinctively drew back from his outreaching fingers. "Orion, what are you doing?" Her tone carried a note of nervousness.
I withdrew my hand, sensing Sheila's discomfort. Offering a quick apology, I tried to lighten the mood with a joke, though it fell somewhat flat. "Sorry about that. Couldn't resist reaching out in awe of this beautiful place, especially with you here," I said, my words carrying a hint of sincerity.
Through the veil, I caught a glimpse of a smile playing at the corners of Sheila's lips. "My, why the sudden flattery?" she responded, her tone slightly teasing.
Returning her smile, I confessed my earlier intention with genuine curiosity. "I've always wondered what lies behind this veil of yours. May I?" I asked gently, hoping to unravel the mystery she seemed to guard so closely.
Sheila's demeanor shifted, a mixture of apprehension and hesitation evident in her gesture. "I’m sorry, Orion," she softly rejected, her voice tinged with sadness. "Some things are meant to remain veiled." Despite her words, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her story than met the eye.
I paused, my gaze fixed on the veil that concealed Sheila's face. A fleeting urge to assert my alpha's authority tugged at me, tempting me to command Sheila's obedience. But I resisted, determined to approach the situation with fairness.
Uncertainty churned within me as I wondered whether Sheila would return my feelings. "Fair enough. But there's something I need to tell you, Sheila," I began, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.
Sheila remained silent, her gaze fixed on me. I detected a subtle shift in her scent, a hint of spice that betrayed her nervousness.
"I think... I like you, Sheila," I confessed, my words hesitant yet sincere. "No, I know I have feelings for you."
Sheila's breath caught in her throat. For a moment, silence stretched between us, heavy with the weight of my confession.
“Orion, I... I can't,” Sheila's voice came, tinged with pain.
My expression fell, my heart sinking at her words. “But why, Sheila? Can't you give us a chance?” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.
Sheila looked away, her whisper barely audible. “It's complicated, Orion. There are things you don't know... things I can't explain.”
I reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away. With a swift movement, Sheila rose from the rock and disappeared into the woods, leaving me alone and bewildered by the river's edge.
(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
(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