Chapter 7

They had been walking for over an hour. Kane realized this was Ophelia’s element, her excitement palpable as she showed him around her small kingdom. She didn’t do this as often as she would like, he knew and couldn’t help the chuckle that flew out of his lips when she giggled childishly.

“My father is the king, as you well know,” she said, meeting his eyes. “And even though he means well, I can’t help but think he’s a little primitive in his ways.”

“Yeah?” he echoed, his eyes roaming the area. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but if there were any signs of danger, he had to be ready. The silver dagger was lodged firmly at his side and he was not afraid to use it. “How so?”

Ophelia frowned. “He wants me to marry his Beta.”

His eyebrows almost entered his hairline. That was not what he had been expecting. “And I take it you’re averse to the idea.”

“Viktor is old.”

“How old?”

“Too old for me, at least,” she said, her frown deepening. “I’d sooner walk on hot charcoal barefooted.”

He chuckled, the sound carrying through the air. Amidst the ancient trees that stretched their gnarled branches towards the heavens, they strolled through the heart of the kingdom. Kane saw that the kingdom was a place of enchantment, where dappled sunlight danced upon the emerald foliage, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and earth. The distant sound of a bubbling stream added to the symphony of nature that surrounded them.

He hadn’t thought he’d like it. Kane couldn't deny the captivating allure of the werewolf kingdom. He was taken aback by the profound connection Ophelia had with the land and its creatures. She’d greeted every single person who’d passed by with equal enthusiasm. His hunter's eyes noticed how the other wolves seemed to sense her presence, unafraid and even friendly. There was something undeniably magical about this place.

And her.

As they walked, Ophelia cast a furtive glance at Kane, hoping that the beauty and serenity of her world would begin to soften his heart. She longed for the day when she could reveal her true self to him, and when that moment finally arrived, she feared his reaction. If her rejected her, she would really have to marry Viktor and it was dreadful to think about.

“Do you see now, Kane?” Ophelia asked, her voice as soft as the rustling leaves. “Our kingdom is not one of mindless savagery, but of unity and harmony with nature. The werewolves here live in peace, respecting the balance of life.”

He didn’t answer. It was either he approved or he didn’t. She had more work to do then.

“So, what about you? What do you like to do?” she asked him, hoping to get a few more words out of him. He seemed like he didn’t talk much.

He met her gaze, a twinkle in his eyes. “I like to draw.”

“Draw?” she was surprised. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t fathom the artistry in him.

“Don’t look so surprised,” he teased. “I have a life outside of killing wolves.”

“It is shocking, I’ll admit.” Biting her lower lip, she wondered if she should ask. “Will you show me something you’ve drawn?”

He shook his head. “I doubt I’ll have that chance. Maybe one day when we’re not at both ends of a sword. Besides, even if I did, I don’t carry my sketchbook about.”

That made sense, thought the part about the sword made her flinch. It seemed his hunter instincts still lingered and he was not trying to put it behind him.

If she told him now that they were destined, he would run with his tails between his legs. A funny sight now that she thought about it but it wasn’t what she wanted. She wondered if he felt the connection between them, if it burned inside him the way it did her.

They passed by a cozy cottage, its thatched roof peeking out from behind a cluster of tall birch trees. Smoke curled from the chimney, indicating signs of life within. Ophelia paused, her eyes filled with empathy. “Wait here for a moment, please,” she said gently, as she approached the cottage.

Rachel, a poor window that Ophelia had recently taken a liking to, struggled to provide for her three young children. She had lost her husband to a tragic accident a year ago—he’d wandered too far outside the kingdom and had been killed by a wolf hunter—and was left to fend for her family. When Ophelia knocked on the door, Rachel opened it with weariness etched across her face. But her tired eyes softened when she saw the familiar face of her friend.

"Ophelia, dear, it's you,” Rachel said, trying to put on a brave smile. "How can I ever repay you for the help you've given us?”

Ophelia had arranged for a basket filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and a warm loaf of bread to be sent to them two days ago. Smiling, she embraced Rachel warmly. “You don't need to repay anything, Rachel. We are all part of this kingdom, and we take care of one another.”

Back outside, Kane watched the scene with a mix of emotions as the two women chattered on. Ophelia’s act of kindness touched something deep within him, stirring the possibility of a different perspective. It had never occurred to him that the werewolves could face hardship like the humans did. In fact, thanks to Eric, he thought they survive on flesh and blood and not actual food. He’d been terribly wrong.

A few minutes later, they were back on their trail. As they continued their stroll, Ophelia introduced Kane to some of the other inhabitants of the werewolf kingdom. He met old Elijah, the wise wolf who had seen generations come and go, sharing tales of forgotten times. Then there was playful Aria, a young werewolf who challenged Kane to a good-natured race through a sunlit glade, their laughter echoing through the forest.

He refused to believe he was actually having fun. He couldn’t be. But yet it was true. They’d spent the entire day walking and talking and sharing stories, while Ophelia had introduced him to people of different personalities. He’d enjoyed them all. The problem wasn’t that she’d offered to take him around the kingdom. The problem was why she’d done it and that it had worked. Now, he possessed a fresh perspective on the wolves and the thought of killing old Elijah or even Aria, it was unimaginable.

At the heart of the kingdom, they arrived at the magnificent Nightshine Lake, where the waters shimmered under the pale light of the moon. Ophelia shared stories of how the lake was sacred to the werewolves, a place of reflection and spiritual growth. Kane couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he observed the reverence Ophelia held for her culture and heritage.

"Kane, I hope you see now that we are not monsters," she murmured. "We are a part of this land, protectors of the balance, just like your role as a wolf hunter. But we believe in harmony and preservation, not senseless killing."

And he saw it. especially her. He saw her. Try as he might, he could not remember the last time he’d enjoyed being in the company of another person. And that was another problem.