•Palace hall•
[Ovelia's POV]
Even now, Ace still held my hand firmly, his grip warm and reassuring. His touch was steady, grounding me as we walked through the palace halls.
"Ovelia," Ace said, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. I turned to look at him, my heart skipping a beat as his piercing silver eyes met mine. There was a softness in his gaze that I hadn't noticed before, a tenderness that made my cheeks warm.
He stopped walking and gently placed his hands on my shoulders, his expression serious yet filled with concern. "Don't ever go to the forest alone," he said, his voice low. "The Shadow Pack doesn't need a reason to hurt you. They've already tried once. I won't let them have a second chance."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, the memory of the black werewolf flashed in my mind—its glowing eyes, its razor-sharp claws, the way it had lunged at me with terrifying speed. I swallowed hard, pushing the image away.
"Okay, I understand," I said. I pressed my lips into a smile, but I could feel the strain in my cheeks. My voice was steadier than my heart.
Ace's expression softened, and he gently patted my head, his touch so light it felt like a feather brushing against my hair. "Good," he said, his lips curving into a small smile. "I need to return to my office. The work does not finish itself." He gave my shoulders a reassuring squeeze before letting go and walking away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
I stood there long after he'd disappeared, the warmth of his touch still lingering on my scalp. There was a safety in his care—a protectiveness I hadn't known since… I couldn't even remember. It was unfamiliar, and that unfamiliarity made it slightly terrifying in its sweetness. I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling the steady beat of my heart.
"Lady Ovelia!" Ann's voice cut through my thoughts, bright and teasing. She appeared at my side, her eyes dancing with mischief. "You and sir Ace seem a little closer than before, don't you think?" She was grinning from ear to ear.
I opened my mouth to protest, but she continued before I could.
"Just don't let Lady Eliana take the space you're making for yourself." Her voice softened, losing its teasing edge. "You don't have to win against her, my Lady. You just have to stay true to what you're building with sir Ace."
I couldn't help but smile at her antics. Ann's energy was so infectious it lifted my spirits.
I can feel Ace has grown kinder since our friendly date. Maybe it's because we're friends now. Whatever the reason, I won't give up. I won't scheme. I won't sabotage. I'll just… be present. Be kind. Be someone he chooses to spend time with. If that's not enough, then at least I will have tried without becoming someone I don't recognize.
A spark of determination ignited in my chest. "Now," I announced, "let's go to the kitchen. We should make something refreshing for Ace and Prince Ray. They've been working so hard."
Ann clapped her hands together, the sound sharp and happy in the hallway. "Yes, my lady! A brilliant idea!"
•Palace's Private Kitchen•
The aroma of fresh herbs and spices greeting us as we entered the kitchen. The room was spacious, with pots and pans hanging neatly on the walls, and a large wooden table in the center. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over everything.
We pulled out a cooking book and began flipping through the pages, our eyes scanning the colorful illustrations of various desserts. There were so many options—cakes, pastries, tarts—but one recipe in particular caught my eye.
"Ann," I said, pointing to the page. "How about this? Making sorbet. It only requires a few ingredients, and it's easy to make. Plus, it's perfect for a warm day like today."
Ann leaned over to look at the recipe, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "That's a great idea, Lady Ovelia! It looks so refreshing and delicious. Let's make it!"
We quickly gathered the ingredients: lemon juice, maple syrup, and three different fruits—raspberry, mango, and watermelon. The vibrant colors of the fruits made me even more excited to try the recipe.
Ann and I began slicing the fruits, the sound of the knife against the cutting board rhythmic and soothing. The sweet scent of the mango and watermelon filled the air, mingling with the tangy aroma of the raspberries. Once we were done, we arranged the slices on a tray and placed them in the freezer.
"I'm so excited to taste it, Lady Ovelia," Ann said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
"Me too," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment already.
[Afternoon]
After a couple of hours, Ann pulled the tray of frozen fruits from the freezer. The fruits had hardened perfectly, their colors still vibrant and inviting. We began blending each flavor with lemon juice and maple syrup, the sound of the blender filling the kitchen.
Once the mixtures were smooth, I scooped the sorbet into small bowls, adding a sprinkle of fruit bits on top for garnish. The vibrant colors of the raspberry, mango, and watermelon sorbet looked almost too beautiful to eat.
"Ann, let's taste our sorbet!" I said, unable to contain my excitement.
"Thank you, lady Ovelia," Ann replied, her eyes gleaming with joy as she picked up a spoon.
"Mmm, it's delicious, my lady! It's so refreshing and not too sweet—every bite bursts with the flavors of fresh fruits!" she exclaimed, her cheeks slightly puffed as she savored each spoonful.
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. I took a taste myself, and the cool, refreshing sorbet melted pleasantly on my tongue, washing away the day's heat. It was perfect.
After preparing two bowls of sorbet—one for Ace and one for Prince Ray—I arranged them carefully on a tray.
"Lady Ovelia, would you mind if I tidied the kitchen while you deliver the sorbet?" Ann asked shyly.
"Of course, Ann. Thank you!" I replied, returning her shy smile with warmth.
I took a deep breath and lifted the tray, the colorful sorbet gleaming under the kitchen light. My heart fluttered with nervous excitement—I couldn't wait to see Ace's reaction.
"Lady Ovelia." Ann's voice was soft, almost tender. "You're doing something kind. That's what matters. Whether it reaches his heart or not—you're becoming someone who gives without expecting anything in return. That is a form of strength. Just like Sir Ace showed his care for you back in the garden."
I paused, my cheeks heating up. Ace and I were just starting to see each other as friends. It was only natural that he would care for me in that way. But… what if I was wrong?What if this careful attention was Ace's way of making me fall for him? How was anyone supposed to navigate these confusing signals? My head spun with the possibilities, and I shook it off, trying to focus.
Steeling myself, I headed toward Ace's office, the tray of sorbet in hand.
•Ace's Office•
I pushed the door open quietly. Ace and Prince Ray were hunched over his wide desk, which was buried under scrolls, maps, and scattered reports. The air smelled of ink and parchment. Ray was jabbing a finger at a point on a large map.
"...the caravan route passes through three separate villages before the fork. The delay could be originating from any of them—or from the forest road between them." Prince Ray's voice was tight, controlled, but the tension beneath it was unmistakable.
This was it, then. The reason he had pulled Ace aside last night with such urgency.
"If it's bandits," Ace said, his voice level and measured, "they'll be targeting the weakest links. We need to look at the villages with the smallest militias, the poorest patrols. Those are the ones most vulnerable." His tone was calm, but his fingers had begun to tap a slow, steady rhythm against the armrest. Thinking. Planning. Working.
"I'll send orders by carrier pigeon to intensify the scout patrols in those sectors. This needs to be resolved before the festival," Prince Ray replied, the urgency palpable.
I hovered silently in the doorway, the chill from the sorbet bowls beginning to seep through the tray into my hands. Just as I wondered if I should cough, Ace's head snapped up. His silver eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"Ovelia. How long have you been there? Forgive us, we were buried in this," he said, rising slightly from his chair. His voice was warm, apologetic.
"Wow, is that what I think it is?!" Ray exclaimed, his weariness vanishing as he spotted the tray. His entire face brightened.
I stepped forward, smiling. Ace quickly swept a stack of papers aside to make space as I set the tray down.
They each took a bowl and a spoon. The first bites transformed them. Ray's eyes closed in bliss.
"Ovelia, this is incredible," Prince Ray said, his voice bright with genuine delight. "I've never tasted anything like it. You've outdone yourself."
"Yeah. My brother is right," Ace added, his tone more reserved, but the evidence was on his face. He was trying to maintain his composure, but the corners of his mouth kept twitching upward, betraying his pleasure.
I sighed in relief, saying, "I'm so glad both of you liked it," A smile spread across my face as they both returned my happiness.
"I promise," Ace said, his eyes meeting mine. "Once this is resolved, I'll take you somewhere beyond the palace—somewhere you've never seen. We'll make new memories. I owe you that."
I smiled back, my heart fluttering like a trapped bird. "Really? I'd love to visit the shops again, like yesterday. Or maybe even go outside the palace, like you said." Excitement bubbled in my voice, barely contained.
He blinked, caught off guard by my enthusiasm. Then his surprise melted into a smile—warm, genuine, and unexpected. The sight of it sent heat creeping up my neck.
"Sure," he said, his voice soft but steady. "If I have free time, let's do that again."
I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Ace, Prince Ray… I should let you get back to your work." I said, preparing to leave.
"Drop the 'Prince,' Ovelia," Prince Ray said, his voice warmer than I had ever heard it. "Just Ray. And I am already looking forward to whatever you bring tomorrow—though I suspect I will be disappointed if it is not a second batch of that sorbet."
I smiled, letting their warmth linger as I stepped out of Ace's office and pulled the door gently closed behind me.
The feeling was a quiet warmth beneath my ribs—not a fire, not a flame, but something steady. A sense of being seen. In Timberline, my hands were used and forgotten. Here, my hands were received. It was not love. But it was the first step toward it. Perhaps, piece by piece, I was not just finding a place, but building one.
[The Next Day: Morning]
[Ovelia's POV]
I'm in the forest again, which means I'm dreaming. Just like before, I couldn't move or speak. My body felt heavy, as if an invisible force was holding me down. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered around me. I remembered this place—it was the same forest where Viana had sealed Lady Firera inside the baby. The memory was vivid, almost too real.
The three shadowy figures began to take shape: Oliver, Viana, and the baby. Their forms were hazy at first, like candle light, but gradually they became more defined. My heart ached as I watched them, a strange sense of familiarity washing over me.
"I think… it is a success," Viana said, her voice trembling with both joy and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled the baby in her arms. Her red eyes, so much like mine, glistened with unshed tears. Her white hair shimmered in the dim light, and her face—so much like my own—was etched with a mixture of relief and pain.
"My instincts are screaming. The Fle—werewolf hunters are near. We must hide her, now," Oliver said, his voice urgent. His green eyes darted around the forest, scanning for danger. His blond hair, the same shade as mine, was disheveled, and his handsome face was tense with worry.
Werewolf hunters? The words sent a chill down my spine.
Oliver quickly picked up the crying baby from the basket, his movements swift but gentle. Viana and Oliver began to run, their footsteps muffled by the soft forest floor. They stopped behind a large tree, its gnarled roots providing a temporary hiding spot.
Viana took the baby from Oliver and cradled her in her arms, gently rocking her. The baby's cries softened, and soon she was smiling, her tiny hands reaching up toward Viana's face. Viana's tears fell onto the baby's cheeks as she kissed her forehead.
"Be brave, my love. Do not cry. Be strong," Viana whispered, each word a broken prayer. "Your father and I will love you… forever." The words were torn from her. With shaking hands, she placed the baby back into the basket, tucking the blanket with infinite care.
My chest tightened, and I felt an overwhelming sadness. Why did I feel this way? Why did it hurt so much to watch this?
"Do not fear. Even if our path ends here, you will never be alone. Lady Firera is with you. And we… we will always be watching," Oliver said, his voice thick. He bent, his lips brushing the baby's brow in a kiss that lingered, a final blessing. He placed the basket securely in the hollow of the roots.
"We love you, Ovelia," they said together, their voices merging into a single, tear-choked harmony. They clung to each other's hands, their bodies wracked with silent sobs as they backed away from the basket.
Ovelia? My heart skipped a beat. The baby… was me? The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. Viana and Oliver—they were my real parents.
Oliver and Viana turned and ran toward the sound of approaching footsteps. My heart raced as I watched them. Why? Why are you going toward them? Please, run away! I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. I was trapped, forced to watch as my parents walked toward their doom.
The hunters appeared, their faces grim and their guns raised. They placed a collar around Viana's neck, and without hesitation, they shot her and Oliver. My parents fell to the ground, their bodies lifeless. In their last moments, they looked directly at me and whispered, "Sorry."
The scene dissolved, and the forest faded into a blinding white light. I could move again, but my legs gave out, and I fell to my knees. Tears streamed down my face as I hugged myself, the pain in my chest unbearable.
"Mother… Father…" I whispered, my voice breaking. The weight of their sacrifice crushed me. They had loved me so much, even in their final moments. They had given their lives to protect me.
"Crying won't bring them back," a voice said, cutting through my grief.
I looked up, my vision blurred by tears, and saw a beautiful woman with fiery red hair and piercing red eyes. Her presence was commanding, yet there was a gentleness in her gaze.
I wiped my tears, my voice trembling as I asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Firera. The Goddess sealed within you. The voice in your solitude." She gazed at me, and in her eyes, millennia seemed to pass. "I had forgotten. The sealing… it fractured my memories. But witnessing your dream, your memory, has restored them. I remember my duty."
I stood up, my legs still shaky. "Goddesses are supposed to be strong. You're the Goddess of our tribe—why couldn't you protect the people under your care?!" I demanded, my voice rising with anger and pain.
"The people had already surrendered to their fate. Their acceptance was a wall my power could not breach. I could not save those who no longer believed salvation was possible," she explained, her tone carrying the weight of an ancient, tragic law.
"What do you mean?!" I asked, my voice cracking.
"The full truth is a weight you are not yet strong enough to bear," she said, not unkindly. "But I remember something else. When you were an infant, I cast a spell. A binding of sorts, upon your fated mate. I feel it now… that spell is beginning to fray."
"My… fated mate?" The word felt foreign. "Ace?"
"Yes." Her answer was simple, final. Then, before I could demand more, she reached out. Her fingertip, hot as fire, touched the center of my forehead.
I was falling, waking, the dream tearing away like a curtain.
I wanted to ask her more, to demand answers, but the dream was gone. The image of my parents' final moments flashed in my mind, and tears streamed down my cheeks again. It hurt—it hurt so much to see how they had died. They had loved me, even in their last breath.
There was a knock at the door. "Come in," I said, my voice hoarse from crying. I then wiped my tears.
The door opened, and Ann entered, her medical kit in hand. "Good morning, my lady. It is time to change your bandages," she said, her smile warm. Then her eyes, always so perceptive, caught the traces of tears on my lashes, the redness around my eyes. Her smile softened into concern. "Did you sleep poorly?"
"Good morning, Ann," I said, pushing a brighter tone into my voice. "Just a strange dream. I'm fine."
She didn't press, but her touch as she cleaned and re-dressed my wounds was even more gentle than usual, her movements a silent language of care. The salve was cool, the bandages snug, but they did nothing for the deeper ache that had taken root.
"All done! How about we head to the dining room now? It's time for breakfast!" Ann said cheerfully, a warm smile on her face.
I nodded, forcing a smile, and followed her out.
•Dining Area•
As always, the table was laden with an array of delicious dishes, their aromas filling the air. The maids stood in their usual positions, including Ann, who took her place among them. I sat down and ate alone, the silence pressing down on me like a weight.
After finishing my meal, I stood up and left the dining area with Ann.
"Lady Ovelia, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to accompany you today. I need to do the laundry," Ann said, her voice apologetic.
"It's okay, Ann. I'm just going to the library," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Take care, my Lady," Ann said, returning my smile before she walked away.
I made my way to the library, my mind still swirling with questions. Maybe there was a book about humans who could cast spells—something that could shed light on my true parents and what I really was.
•Palace Library•
Upon entering the library, I approached the bookshelves and began searching. I spent hours reading about humans, werewolves, and witches, but I found nothing about humans who could cast spells. Frustration gnawed at me.
As I sat there, I realized I had lost track of time. It was already lunchtime, but I wasn't hungry. Instead, I remembered the strawberry cake recipe I had read in the cooking book yesterday. Perfect. I decided to head to the kitchen to bake a strawberry cake for Ace and Ray. Cooking had always been a way for me to clear my mind, and maybe, just maybe, it would help me find some peace.
[Afternoon]
•Palace Private Kitchen•
As I stepped into the kitchen, the familiar scent of flour and sugar greeted me, a comforting aroma that always helped clear my mind. I gathered the ingredients I needed to make a strawberry cake—flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and, of course, fresh strawberries. The kitchen was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clink of utensils as I worked.
I mixed the ingredients carefully, the rhythmic motion of stirring the batter soothing my nerves. Once the batter was ready, I poured it into a pan and placed it in the oven. The warm, sweet smell of baking cake soon filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
After the cake had cooled, I assembled it, layering it with fresh strawberry filling and topping it with a generous dollop of whipped cream. I placed a few whole strawberries on top for decoration, their vibrant red color a stark contrast to the creamy white frosting.
I carefully placed the small strawberry cake on a plate and made my way to Ace's office, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
•Ace's Office•
As I stepped into Ace's office, the atmosphere was tense. Ace and Ray were hunched over a cluttered desk, their faces drawn and weary. Papers were scattered everywhere, and the room was filled with the faint scent of ink and parchment. They looked up as I entered, their expressions shifting from concentration to mild surprise.
"Ovelia. You're here." Ace's voice was raspy with fatigue. He swept a hand over his face. "Apologies, we are… entrenched."
Ray's exhaustion evaporated the moment he saw the cake. "Is that…? You are an angel of mercy, Ovelia," he breathed, a flicker of his old spirit returning.
"You both look… dreadful," I said, setting the plate between them with a soft click. "You need to stop. Just for a moment. Eat this."
Ray chuckled, and Ace's lips curled into a grateful smile as they started to dig into the cake.
"Mmm, you always make such delicious treats, Ovelia. Just in time, too—strawberries are Ace's favorite!" Ray said joyfully, his eyes lighting up. "You always know how to brighten our day."
"Thank you, Ovelia. It's perfect," Ace added, his gaze meeting mine. The warmth and gratitude in his tired eyes sent a rush of pure happiness through me. This feeling—of being useful, of bringing comfort, of being thanked—was so novel, so precious. It was the antithesis of my life in Timberline.
The office door swung open.
Eliana stood there, a plate in her hands bearing a meticulously constructed multi-layered sandwich. Her entrance seemed to siphon the warmth from the room.
"What's this? Indulging in sweets again, Ace?" Her voice was lilting, almost playful—but the melody felt off, its edges sharpened with something brittle. She smiled, yet the warmth never reached her eyes. "Too much sugar isn't good for your health, Ace. You know that." She tilted her head, her gaze lingering on me for a fraction of a second too long. "Not everyone understands what's best for you."
She glided toward Ace, placing the plate beside the cake. The sandwich sat in three perfect layers—chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cheese. "Here. This is what you should be eating." Her tone carried a quiet finality, as if the cake were nothing more than a frivolous indulgence, unworthy of his attention.
Ace didn't express any annoyance at Eliana's gesture, and a heaviness settled in my chest as I watched them together. I felt like I didn't belong in their world like before. Is this jealousy? The question shamed me.
I turned away, clutching my heart, pausing for a moment. I only see Ace as my friend, so why did this hurt? The question gnawed at me, unanswered, as I took a step toward the door, desperate to escape the tension thickening in the room.
Just as I reached for the handle, a strong hand gripped my shoulder from behind, startling me. "Ovelia, wait." His voice was a low murmur meant only for my ear, tinged with a desperate sincerity. "I need to be honest," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have loved Eliana for ten years. That does not disappear in a week. She is not just important to me—she is woven into who I am." He paused, his grip tightening on my shoulder. "But I am also married to you. And I do not want that to be a prison. I want it to be a choice—if you will let it be."
His words sent a jolt through me, my heart racing as if it might burst from my chest. The warmth of his breath against my ear sent a shiver down my spine, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. The ache in my chest began to dissolve, replaced by a flicker of hope that I couldn't quite suppress. What was happening to me? My heart felt like a room with too many doors—every time I opened one, I found another passage, another question, another feeling I could not name.
Before I could respond, Ray's voice cut through the tension, calm and measured. "Princess Eliana," he began, his tone respectful but unwavering. "Ace has always had a profound weakness for sweets. You know this. And he has a particular fondness for Ovelia's creations—the strawberry, especially." He looked at her, his expression open and guileless. "I'm the one who usually ends up eating the vegetables you so kindly prepare. He never wished to seem ungrateful, so he never said."
His defense was a shield, unexpected and steadfast. He met my gaze, offering a small, almost imperceptible nod. There was a solidarity in it, an understanding that bypassed words, and it anchored me.
Ace released my shoulder and took a step back, a faint, self-deprecating smile touching his lips as he looked at his brother. "Don't paint me as a complete child, Ray. I do eat vegetables. I just… don't prioritize them."
Ray chuckled, the sound easing the last of the suffocating tension.
My eyes found Ray's again. We shared a look—a brief, silent exchange that spoke of complicated loyalties and unspoken alliances. In that moment, I felt seen, and I felt stronger.
I drew a steadying breath and turned to face the three of them. "Ace, Ray, Princess Eliana… I'll take my leave now," I said, my voice surprisingly even.
As my gaze passed over Eliana, I caught it—a flash of pure, unadulterated irritation in her eyes, sharp and hot as a spark. I let my expression remain politely neutral, holding my head high as I stepped out and closed the door softly behind me.
I leaned against the solid wood for a heartbeat, exhaling a shuddering breath. Relief and a tumultuous, hopeful anxiety warred within me.
•Palace Hallway•
As I walked in the hallway, I noticed the window was open. Approaching it, I was struck by the view of the garden and forest beyond, where another exit from the kingdom lay.
Suddenly, a breeze blew in, carrying a familiar voice that sent a shiver down my spine. "Sorry if I frightened you yesterday."
I recognized Wind's voice instantly. Closing the window, I was engulfed by an unexplainable rush of emotions. The wind's presence was both comforting and unsettling, a reminder of the mysteries that still surrounded me. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs.