Chapter 66

I thought he wouldn't return for several hours, but in just a few minutes, he entered silently, without looking at me. He placed the bowl on the nightstand and approached me.

"Are you going to tell me what you found in the oak woods?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't be this upset with me.

There had to be something behind it. He didn't answer, but silently took my hand and guided me back to the bed. He covered me with a blanket.

"I am not sick," I protested.

He tucked the blanket tighter around me, giving me a stern look. I pulled my knees under my chin, realising it was the first time he had been this angry with me. It was frustrating for him to assume I couldn't go anywhere, as if I would obediently listen.

"This is for your headache," he said, picking up a spoonful of potion and bringing it to my mouth. I had the urge to keep my mouth shut and let him stew in his anger, but I found myself opening my mouth and taking the medicine. He silently spoon-fed me, his expression indifferent and awful.

"Are you not going to say anything?" I asked, unable to bear it any longer after the fourth spoonful. I pushed the bowl away. He sighed, still holding the bowl in his hand.

"Don't be so angry with me," I said.

"If you would just listen to me—"

"I always listen to you."

"Only when you want to."

"I still don't understand why you want to know. Besides a headache, I feel nothing wrong. This can't be just about me crying. Why does it matter so much?"

He looked at me, his silver eyes. My mind reach out and searching through a jumble of memories—both good and bad, hazy recollections. I remembered the first time I met his gaze. I had never seen eyes like his before—filled with warmth and goodness. I tightened my arms around my knees, looking down. The centre of my heart ached, just as it did the first time, drawing me closer to him.

"Have you not yet realised that everything I do revolves around you?" he whispered, disbelief evident in his eyes.

He sounded pained, and I tried to draw closer to him to understand what he might need from me. But as he continued to look at me like that, the hurt remained. Why? Just because of last night?

"I will rest if that will put you at ease," I said.

He let out another sigh. If this is what he wanted. He said nothing. His blank expression didn't change, and after donning his outdoor clothes, he left. It was unlike him; he was a man of few words, but he had never done this before. Could he truly be so worried about me?

I slipped out of bed and looked around. No, I wouldn't stay inside just because he said so. I needed to meet Elder Hilda; understanding more about this village was important. I would make sure to return before he did.

The day with Elder Hilda was uneventful. She seemed to be in good spirits today. Over tea, we discussed other elders and the wolves that had made this place their home. Had they found mates? I wondered why these wolves hadn't returned to Lunar Valley when they found mates.

"Well, you know, a wolf's priority is their mate. They'll do anything to make them happy. Humans have short lives; they want to live close to their family. I believe that must be the reason," Elder Hilda explained.

Her words made sense, so in the afternoon, I decided it was a reasonable time to return before Xen came back. Walking alone back to the guest house, I casually looked around my surroundings. When my eyes met those of a lady, I stopped in my tracks. She gave me a warm smile and bowed. Confused, I blinked, but she turned away and continued walking.

It happened twice more, with a young man and a little girl.

This was strange. I hadn't seen them before. I hadn't seen much of the village either, except for the meetings with the injured. Maybe they had heard about me; after all, it was a small village.

When I returned, a strange sadness clouded my heart as I took off my cloak and sat at his desk. Yesterday, I hadn't gotten the chance to tell him that I missed him.

Should I apologise and tell him about last night's dream? I shuddered. No, I couldn't do that. I had to tell him everything. When I am reliving it already? Did I really have to tell him?

He usually wasn't angry with me. How many times have I refused to tell him? How many times has one thing or another created a rift between us? He always showed patience. My Xen wouldn't lose his patience.

I halted my thoughts. My...Xen? Why was I suddenly thinking like this?

I was breathless. I rushed to open the window, taking a few sharp breaths. What was I thinking?

Xendroite, Crescent Alpha, had truly ensnared me. It felt as if someone was listening to my thoughts. A flash of silver hair caught my eye, and at first, I didn't think it was him. I didn't know where he had gone, but he was entering the guest house. I turned away and quickly slipped into bed, closing my eyes as I heard the door open and he enter. I heard his boots hitting the wooden floor as he moved closer to the bed. Then I realised I was still wearing my boots. Oh, damn!

They were still hidden under the blanket. Maybe he wouldn't notice. My heart raced faster with each step he took towards me. And then he paused. I cautiously opened my eyes, only to see his hand reaching out for me. My breath caught, but his hand began to tremble. He quickly withdrew it and moved away.

I opened my eyes fully and saw him disappear behind the screen. I glanced down at the muddy boot prints he had left behind.

I quickly got up and removed my boots, shoving them under the bed so he wouldn't notice.

Why were his hands shaking? Was it because of the cold outside? But we were on the brink of spring.