(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.
(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
(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
(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
(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