(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

(SHEILA’S POV)Normally, the scent of herbs in Willowhart's living space would have brought solace to my troubled soul. However, today, even the soothing aroma failed to ease the searing pain in my heart. Guilt and self-loathing consumed me, fueled by chronic insecurities and trust issues that seemed to repel the gentle calmness offered by the herbs.I found myself wailing in the warm presence of my mentor, Willowhart. I was on the ground, clinging to Willowhart's lap as she sat on a low stool. Willowhart offered gentle pats on my back, a silent gesture of understanding as I cried.As the tears subsided momentarily, I looked up at Willowhart with eyes red and puffy from crying. “I... I love Orion. I've actually fallen for him, Elder Willow,” I confessed, despite my trembling voice laced with a sense of resignation. “But he... he deserves someone better. Someone who won't bring him shame in public.”Feeling Willowhart's comforting hand on my shoulder, I met the elder healer's gaze. He

(SHEILA’S POV)Nestling into Orion's comforting embrace, I felt enveloped by his familiar scent, reminiscent of crisp oak. Despite the warmth, a pang of longing stirred within me, the auburn-haired woman. "I'm sorry," I uttered sincerely, acknowledging my own shortcomings. Yet, I couldn't help but ponder whether Orion would find it in his heart to forgive me despite my remorse.And it really didn’t take that long for me to get an answer. Orion reciprocated my embrace with the same longing evident in how he held me even closer. “It’s okay, Sheila.”"Clearly, I've caused you frustration," I stated matter-of-factly, referring to his earlier complaints about me to Elder Willow. "Lies," I added, dismissing any other explanations.“Well, that’s…”Still, my smile persisted as I leaned my head against Orion's chest once more, finding solace in his presence. "It's alright," I murmured softly, my warm breath against his chest. "It doesn't really matter." My words were muffled against his chest

(SHEILA’S POV)Orion and I shuffled back into our humble hut. We sat onto the bed's edge with relief evident in our eyes. The day's events had left us drained, but now, nestled together, we could finally decompress."Wait, the Old Lady won three regional archery championships?" Orion's disbelief jolted me from my thoughts. I nodded, a wry smile forming. "And you said she never went further because she simply didn't feel like it?" His curiosity lingered, eager for more of Willowhart's legend.I couldn't help but chuckle softly as I dabbed at the last remnants of blood on Orion's neck with a damp cloth. "That's what Madam Runa always told me during our days in the haven," I reminisced, the memories flooding back. Putting aside the soiled cloth, I reached for a fresh one from the basket at my feet. "Let me clean your hand," I offered, turning my attention to the gash on Orion's palm and tending to it with care.Orion seemed speechless. He was clearly perplexed by the revelations of my m

(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