PTE

ON'S

ghts ago, I heavily relied on a crutch for walking support, but now, as I walked to the hut's entrance, I stood more steadily on my own. Pausi

ike a gentle breeze, lifting my spirits. "It's incredible how quickly you're recovering, Orion," she exclaimed, her

t testament to my embarrassment. I hadn't anticipated Sheila's praise

the subject. "Ah, well," I mumbled, clearing my throat to compose myself, "Who knows? I suppose I just got lu

as she spoke. "Luck can only take you so far, you know," she said, em

's unexpected praise. Judging by her words, I was certain

to meet Sheila's gaze, replying with sincerity this time. "Your healing skills have truly made

lay waiting. She picked them up with purpose, her actions deliberate. "Just to be safe, I believe it's wise to seek Elder Willow's counsel about you

n was predominantly comprised of omegas-if not entirely. My keen senses picked up on the faint citrus scent unique to omegas permeating the damp soil of Silverthorn Haven. Perhaps it was a hunch molded by my forgott

e strolling around, Sheila?" Despite not caring about whether people hated me-om

d, Orion," she began reassuringly. "But please trust me, Elder Willowhart is one of the kindest souls you'll ever come

netheless, I made sure Sheila's gesture of kindness was greatly app

illowhart conducted her examination. Sheila, standing nearb

t with precision. Our proximity allowed me to observe the details of Willowhart's aging features-

hts, before she carefully leaned back in her

terjected, "How is O

e, my dear," she said, pausing to glance at me with keen interest. "I must admit, your recovery is quit

e to cover all that's needed for Orion's ongoing recuperation," she stated. Turning her attention to me, she offered some advice, "Now, young alpha, do keep working on

pect of soon being able to discard the crutc

owhart turned towards Sheila and spoke with genuine warmth, "You've

trembled slightly, reflecting her tears of joy. "Thank you, Elder Willo

and I ventured slightly away from the haven's

ught my attention as she dipped her feet into the water, the sunlight filtering through the trees casting a war

ld with her authenticity. When I had stepped outside her hut that morning, I couldn't help but notice she was the only one in the ha

her veil, an unspoken question lingering in my mind. 'What kind of smile hid behind your veil, Sheila?' I thougt a

stinctively drew back from his outreaching fingers. "Orion,

ood with a joke, though it fell somewhat flat. "Sorry about that. Couldn't resist reaching out in a

ng at the corners of Sheila's lips. "My, why the sudd

ty. "I've always wondered what lies behind this veil of yours. May I?" I a

y, Orion," she softly rejected, her voice tinged with sadness. "Some things are meant to remain veile

ge to assert my alpha's authority tugged at me, tempting me to command Sheila's

my feelings. "Fair enough. But there's something I need to tell you, S

. I detected a subtle shift in her scent, a

fessed, my words hesitant yet sincere.

r a moment, silence stretched between us

," Sheila's voice ca

s. "But why, Sheila? Can't you give us a chance?

le. "It's complicated, Orion. There are thin

ift movement, Sheila rose from the rock and disappeared into t