(SHEILA’S POV)As Orion and I made our way back to the village, the scent of pine still lingering on our skin from our afternoon gathering of herbs and medicinal plants, we noticed a group of soldiers passing under the wooden beam of the haven's doorless gateway. Their presence immediately drew my attention, the emblem on their shields—a majestic werewolf head crowned by a crescent moon, entwined with vines and leaves—marked them unmistakably as soldiers of the Harvestia Monarchy."Why are the palace's soldiers here?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion, my brow furrowing as I watched them move."Is that a bad thing?" Orion's response was quick, his tone reflecting his own concern.I exchanged a glance with him before admitting, "Honestly, I don't know." My gaze lingered on the soldiers in the distance, a sense of unease settling in. "It's just... unusual." My words trailed off, my thoughts swirling with questions and apprehension.After waiting for what felt like an eternity unti
(SHEILA’S POV)As I prepared to tend to Willowhart’s herb garden beside the community healer hut, the tranquility of the morning shattered under the heavy tread of soldiers arriving at the haven. Their ominous presence sent a shiver down my spine, quickening my pulse with a sense of impending danger.The sight of their increased numbers only heightened my concern. Hurriedly, I abandoned my gardening tools and rushed back to my modest hut, my mind racing with the need to protect Orion.I burst through the door, my heart hammering in my chest as I scanned the room. Relief flooded through me as I found Orion still peacefully asleep on the bed, unaware of the imminent threat lurking outside."Orion, wake up," I whispered urgently, my voice barely audible as I gently shook him awake. "We need to leave, now.""Sheila?" Orion's voice was thick with sleep-induced confusion as he struggled to rouse himself. But as realization dawned on him, he began to stir, albeit still clouded by drowsiness.
(ORION’S POV)"We found the warlock, Sir!" The voice pierced the chaos, authoritative and clear. Three of our royal soldiers dragged Angelo into the heart of the turmoil beyond the haven's walls. With precise force, they made him kneel beside Nova's lifeless form, her body cold and motionless on the ground, still smoldering from the arrow wound. Grief and shock overwhelmed Angelo, and tears silently streamed down his face as he hung his head low.As Marcus effortlessly freed himself from his fallen horse, seemingly unaffected by the paralysis magic, I observed his calm demeanor. He brushed the dust off his light armor with practiced ease, revealing his familiarity with combat.With disdain evident in his voice, Marcus soothed his jittery horse, his grip firm on the reins until it settled. Towering beside his steady mount, he commanded, "Take heed, all of you!""Emberlyn," Marcus's voice demanded attention, gesturing towards Angelo. His tone left no room for argument.My gaze shifted
(SHEILA’S POV)"Sheila, when those people arrived today, did you recognize any of them?" Orion's gentle voice reached my ears. It was devoid of any accusation or anger. I understood that he simply sought understanding. I saw concern in his eyes, a silent plea for me to trust him, to let him inPart of me wanted to pour out my worries to him, to let him shoulder some of the burden that weighed me down. But fear held me back, whispering warnings of potential consequences if I revealed too much. Caught in this internal struggle, I found myself speechless, unable to articulate the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions swirling inside me.Perhaps he sensed my distress in my silence. Orion's arm wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me into a comforting embrace. His warmth enveloped me, offering a safe haven amidst the storm raging within me. "It's okay, Sheila," he murmured, his voice a soothing melody. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready. I'm here for you, no matter what."
(SHEILA’S POV)I awoke early in the morning, feeling the gentle touch of dawn's golden rays seeping through the walls of our modest hut. Stretching my arms, I couldn't shake off the familiar ache in my muscles, remnants of yesterday's tragedy. Orion was already up, getting ready to head out for our daily task of fetching fresh water from the nearby stream—a chore imperative for our survival.As I busied myself with breakfast over the crackling fire, my thoughts drifted back to the events of yesterday. The unexpected arrival of soldiers had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, made even more surprising by the presence of two familiar faces among them—my father, Marcus, and my stepsister, Emberlyn.I steadied my nerves, preparing to open up to Orion about my family. "Hey, Orion," I called out, my voice wavering just a bit.Orion turned, a questioning look in his eyes as he paused in his preparations. "Hm? What's up?"Taking a deep breath, I braced myself to reveal the truth. "I d
(SHEILA’S POV)As Orion pulled me into his arms, the warmth of his embrace encased me like a protective shield. His whispered words, filled with determination, echoed in my ears, stirring a mixture of emotions within me. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he vowed, his voice steady and unwavering. "No matter what you choose, I want to be right here with you."His pledge both comforted and unsettled me. I couldn't help but feel grateful for his fierce loyalty, yet I couldn't ignore the danger that lurked around us, especially in defying my father's authority in Harvestia. Marcus, as the kingdom's top farmer, held immense power, his influence stemming from the resources provided by the Alpha King for the Land Enclosure Program. His rule was absolute, leaving little room for dissent. I knew all too well the consequences of challenging him—swift and merciless retribution awaited any who dared to oppose him.I leaned forward, my eyes wide with concern as I reached out to gently
(ORION’S POV)The mention of Harvestia's crown alpha prince sent a jolt through me, my mind spinning as if caught in a whirlwind. Recognition flickered somewhere deep within, but it remained elusive, slipping through my grasp like grains of sand. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through my temples, causing me to wince and squeeze my eyes shut in a futile attempt to ward off the agony.Sheila, ever attentive, rushed to my side, her face etched with worry. Her gentle touch sought to soothe the torment wracking my mind. "Orion, what's happening? Are you alright?" Her concern was palpable, her voice a lifeline in the storm of confusion.Struggling to steady myself, I replied, my words faltering. "I'm... not sure." Sheila's touch was a balm, though the pain persisted, its grip unyielding. With each passing moment, it seemed to tighten, threatening to overwhelm me.Sheila sprang into action, her panic reflected that my distress was beyond her ability to assuage. Without hesitation, she dashed ou
(SHEILA’S POV)I escorted Willowhart to the entrance of her hut, bidding my mentor farewell as she departed. Once Willowhart was on her way, I turned back inside, immediately shifting my focus to Orion.Drawing from my experience in caring for patients with fever, I fetched a bucket of cool water and soaked a fresh cloth. With practiced care, I rinsed it and then draped it gently across Orion's forehead. My expression, etched with concern, remained unwavering as I stayed steadfast by his bedside. The small space was filled with the sound of his labored breaths and the glistening sweat on his fevered brow.Orion's weakened voice broke the silence, his words barely audible as he murmured, "I don't feel well." With a visible effort, he attempted to sit up, but his strength failed him, leaving him slumped against the pillows. Frustration flickered across his face as he struggled to remove his shirt, his movements feeble and uncoordinated.My heart raced as I observed Orion's weak conditi