Chapter 21
Travis's POV.
The days had been exhausting, with neverending inquiries and persistent concern about Damon and Emelia's relationship. I was resolved to find out what was really going on with the unidentified letter and the enigmatic person seen by the kitchen on the night of the ball. A part of me, though, longed for something more in the middle of the mayhem—a connection, a sense of belonging, that I had not yet discovered.
Having lost my family when I was young, I never experienced what it was like to actually belong to someone. Seeing Damon so completely enamored with Emelia I worry if I'll ever be able to meet someone I'll love and long for the rest of my life.
I made the decision to go for a walk one evening to decompress after spending yet another exhausting day interrogating employees and going over documents. The storm raging inside the palace was momentarily subdued by the cold breeze and peaceful sound of rustling leaves. A unique scent of honey, combined with something extra sweet and heady, drew my attention as I meandered through the garden, lost in contemplation.
I followed the fragrance, my pulse racing with a strange thrill. It brought me to the garden's edge, near the ancient oak tree where I used to sit and reflect. There, in the beautiful glimmer of the moonlight, stood a woman I had never seen before.
Her beautiful auburn hair cascaded down her back, and her green eyes shone with curiosity as she gazed up at the sky. She turned to face me, and the instant our eyes met, I felt a flood of emotions—recognition, longing, and great tranquility. It seemed as if the world had moved and everything clicked into place.
"Hello," she said. "I'm sorry I didn't expect to find anyone else out here."
"Neither did I," I replied. "I'm Travis."
"I'm Arya," she introduced herself with a warm smile. "I’ve recently started working here as a healer. Lady Marinda thought I could be of assistance."
A healer. That explained the soothing aura that surrounded her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Arya," I said.
As our hands touched, a spark ignited, sending a shiver down my spine. It was as if the universe itself had confirmed our bond. "Are you new to the area?" I asked, trying to learn more about this woman.
"Yes, I arrived just a few days ago," she said, her eyes never leaving mine. "My parents wanted me to come here, to join the pack."
"You've certainly come to the right place then," I said with a smile.
As the night wore on, we found ourselves sitting under the oak tree, sharing stories and laughter. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy. "Arya, I know this might sound strange, but I feel like I’ve known you forever," I confessed and it was the truth but also said it because I had my doubts and wanted to confirm something.
She smiled, her eyes shining with a similar recognition. "I feel it too. It's like we were meant to find each other."
I knew she was lying, she had other plans. I saw her hand swiftly reach for my watch. Careful, not wanting to get caught.
I couldn't ignore the pull I felt toward her. "Arya, I would like to see you again," I said, my heart pounding in my chest and truly did wanted to see her again and again for the rest of my life.
Her eyes widened with surprise, but then she smiled, "Maybe," she said softly. "I'll have to think about it."
As she stood up and was about to leave, I called her name out, "I'd appreciate it if you'd give me my watch back." Her steps halted, and she looked back at me, a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. I could sense that she was impressed I'd caught her. Even though I had left my past life behind, I was a thief myself and could recognize one in an instant. I smirked and extended my hand.
She pulled out the watch from her dress pocket and handed it to me, a playful smile curling on her lips. "You have sharp eyes," she said, not taking her gaze off me.
Her fierceness made me fall for her even more. "And I must say, you have beautiful eyes," I replied.
She laughed lightly, the sound like a melody. "Is that your way of complimenting my skills?"
"Perhaps," I said, chuckling. "But I prefer to compliment the person behind those skills."
Arya's expression softened, and she took a step closer, the playful tension between us shifting into something deeper.
"I'll see you around then," I said, holding her gaze.
She reached out, brushing her fingers against mine as she returned the watch. "We'll see about that," she whispered.
As she left, I couldn't help but smile, feeling a newfound excitement for the future. Lily was unlike anyone I had ever met, and I knew that our journey together was just beginning.