Chapter15
1009 Words
Willow’s Pov
It didn’t take long before I started heading back in. This time, I didn’t care about the stares or the whispers. They were probably just uncomfortable having someone different in their midst. Kael told me I wasn’t a werewolf and honestly, I didn’t feel like one.
“Psst!”
I ignored it the first time.
“Psst! Psst!”
Now they had my attention. I turned, scanning the path.
A young girl stood a few paces away, gesturing for me to come closer. She looked like she could’ve been my younger sister if I had one. Petite, with striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. The kind of face that made you look twice.
“You’re her, aren’t you?” she asked, like she already knew the answer.
“Uhm… I’m who?”
I tried to smile, but unease crawled up my spine. I’d had enough stares and whispers for one day.
“The one from the stories,” she said, lifting her hands to the sky. “Like they tell in the tales. Like we read in the books.”
I blinked. Was she... serious?
I glanced around, searching for Kaida or anyone who might help. No one was paying attention.
“You’re the one..the mighty..”
“Melody!”
Kaida’s voice cut through like a lifeline. I hadn’t even noticed her approach.
“What are you doing?” she asked gently. “You need to go back to your wing. Remember, your mate wouldn’t want you wandering like this.”
At the word mate, Melody’s whole expression changed. Her head snapped toward Kaida.
“You’re right. My mate.” She beamed suddenly, stamping her feet. “I need to go now. To go!”
“Run along, baby,” Kaida said softly, coaxing her away.
And just like that, Melody was gone..vanishing down the path like a gust of wind.
Kaida let out a long breath. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she said, relieved.
“I was just talking to her,” I said, nodding after the girl.
“She’s… unwell. She was a Seer once. The gift passed down from her grandmother. But after her mate died, her mind broke. She sees too much now, or not enough. She speaks in riddles.”
I frowned. “Is it really that bad? Losing a mate?”
Kaida’s face changed. Her voice dropped. “It’s worse, Lylah. Worse than you can imagine. To lose a mate… or to never find one at all. It’s a curse.”
“Kael.. I haven’t seen him with his mate since i came. He has one right?” I said with a withdrawn tone hoping for an answer to soothe my heart.
“Well.. fortunately he hasn’t found his mate yet” she said looking at me with a knowing look.
I looked away, smiling. “Fortunately”.
She sighed,Her tone softened. “Axel is my world. I love him so much.” A quiet smile curled her lips. “I’d die if I lost him.”
“I haven’t met him yet,” I said, my curiosity stirring.
“You haven’t,” she grinned. “He’s Kael’s second, so they’ve both been busy. But... I convinced Kael to let us have a family dinner tonight.”
“Uhm... family dinner?”
“Yes!” she said brightly. “You’ll meet my mate, and we’ll all bond. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
“Is it just Axel?” I asked, wary of meeting any more strange villagers.
“Just him.” She giggled. “Come on, let’s get you ready.”
Her happiness was infectious. I found myself smiling too.
We walked back through the halls,this time, no one stared. Maybe it was Kaida’s presence, or maybe I simply stopped caring.
When we reached my room, I showered and changed into a soft purple dress with slits at the sides. Kaida dabbed a bit of makeup on my face while humming.
“I don’t need all this,” I said, squirming.
“Shh. You should always look good,” she said, smirking. “Besides… Kael will be there.”
The mention of his name made my skin warm.
“Kaida,” I said, embarrassed.
“I didn’t say anything.” She grinned. “But I’m sure *he’s a good reason to want to look your best.”
“Why?” I asked, though I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer.
“You’ll find out,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
When I looked in the mirror, the paleness was gone. I didn’t look like a ghost anymore. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought I was a princess.
The dining room was warm with golden light when we entered.
Kael was already seated.
Beside him sat a man..Axel, I assumed. He looked up, eyes sharp. For a second, something flickered there. Recognition? Disapproval?
Kaida rushed ahead and kissed him softly, whispering something into his ear. He didn’t smile.
They looked perfect together like something real and whole. I found myself wishing for something like that. My gaze shifted, almost involuntarily, to Kael.
His eyes were already on me.
He gestured for me to come sit.
I walked slowly toward him, suddenly unsure how to use my legs.
“Hey,” I said, settling beside him.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured.
Those eyes. I forgot how to breathe for a second.
Kaida cleared her throat with a smirk. “Lylah, meet my mate, Axel. Axel, this is Lylah.”
“Hi, Axel,” I said carefully.
He didn’t answer. Just stared. Hard.
“Axel...” Kaida warned gently.
He looked like he had words building inside him, but he swallowed them. Probably because Kael was there.
“Let’s eat,” Kael said, breaking the tension.
We began eating, but Axel never stopped watching me.
I could feel his stare like a blade across my skin.
He didn’t like me. That much was obvious.
And I didn’t know why.
- Writer
