CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT.

(MELIORA'S POV)


I wanted nothing more in that moment than to lash out and give Selene a proper scolding over her looking down on me.

How dare she have the audacity to insinuate I was a seducer when she shamelessly snatched him from me? My nails bit into my palms as I wrestled with the tide of fury roaring within me.


I remained rooted in place, chest heaving with anger. But soon, a throat cleared nearby, shattering through my thoughts and bringing me to my senses.

I whipped around to see a sturdily-built man regarding me with a mix of wariness and concern etched into his weathered features.

"Everything...okay there? Liora, right?" he asked hesitantly, understanding there was something bothering me.

Forcibly uncurling my fists, I drew a long, calming breath through my nostrils before responding.

"Yes, everything is fine," I managed in as even a tone as I could muster, willing my pounding pulse to steady itself. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met before."

The burly man gave a slow shake of his head, wisps of graying hair escaping the leather thong struggling to constrain them at his nape.

"Can't say we have. I'm Burke, the head combat trainer around these parts."

He extended a calloused hand, which I automatically gripped and gave a firm shake despite my lingering inner turmoil.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, then," I replied, striving to imbue my tone with as much politeness as possible. "I look forward to your upcoming instruction."

Burke's craggy features crinkled with the ghost of an approving grin.

"Likewise. And speaking of which - the Luna has informed me you'll be joining the novice training commencing tomorrow once the ceremonial festivities have concluded."

I felt my shoulders slump with relief at the welcome news. "That's wonderful to hear. When and where shall I present myself for training?"

"You just meet the rest of us on the far training field."

Burke suggested with an affirming nod. "I'll make sure you're seen to and properly equipped then."

"That sounds perfect. Thank you, I'll be there," I assured him with a respectful dip of my chin before the grizzled warrior took his leave.

Watching his retreating form disappear into the swirling throngs of congregating packmates, I felt the last lingering dregs of my anger towards Selene finally beginning to dissipate, replaced by a rekindled sense of purpose and determination.

With my training starting tomorrow, I decided to return to the nursery and help Elder Emma with Marcus.


Upon my return, Emma looked up from where she was gently spooning a bitter-smelling tonic between the unconscious boy's chapped lips.

A flicker of inscrutable emotion flickered across her deeply lined countenance before her expression settled back into its customary stoic mask.

"You're back sooner than I expected," she rasped in a tone laced with mild surprise. "I thought you'd have other chores for the evening."

I waved a hand in a dismissive gesture as I crossed the room to lean against the wall opposite the sickbed, crossing my arms over my chest.

"No. Other chore I signed up for only starts tomorrow, once the prince skims away his princess," I replied dryly. "Besides, I enjoy knowing new things around here."

Emma gave a slow nod of what looked like grim approval, she turned her attention back towards the fitfully slumbering Marcus.

"Well, before night falls, we may need to apply cooling poultices and keep administering this tonic every few hours if his fever doesn't break soon," she stated in a low, authoritative rasp.

"Grab yourself a stool and a damp cloth. I'll show you the proper technique for maintaining his bedside vigil."

And just like that, she refocused me on my newly assigned role and duties without indulging in so much as another probing question.

For that alone, I felt a sudden swell of gratitude and kinship towards the surly, no-nonsense healer.

We passed the remainder of the evening hours in relative silence, alternating between bathing Marcus' sweat-soaked brow and gently pushing some warm soup down his throat, after giving him his dose of medicine.


At long last, with the quarter moon already cresting the midnight hour, Emma rose stiffly to her feet with an audible groan.

Rotating her shoulders in tight circles, she fixed me with a penetrating look that suddenly reminded me of an ornery barn owl.

"Given the boy's greatly improved color and steady breathing, I'd wager the worst has passed for now," she stated in a hushed rasp.

"Elder Morris should be along soon to relieve me for the remainder of the overnight watch. You're free to return to your room and rest up before tomorrow."


With a mute nod of acquiescence, I gingerly rose and gathered my shawl, offering Emma a respectful parting nod before slipping out into the sultry night air.

The pack's main compound was nearly deserted. Ah they must be at the packhouse eating dinner.


About a dozen unfamiliar carriages and fewer cars were parked at the edge of the village green. They must be Prince Luther's arriving pack members.

My stomach gave an insistent growl at the tantalizing scents of roasting meat and baking bread wafting from the pack hall.

Grimacing, I realized I can't go to the overcrowded packhouse for dinner. So I made my way towards the communal kitchen in search of leftovers.

Thankfully, the generous cooks had prepared enough fare to feed a small army in honor of the royal groom's arrival.

I was easily able to cobble together a satisfying repast of thick stew, crusty bread, and a few sweet buns still warm from the ovens.


"No need to get too excited," I murmured in a conspiratorial tone as I settled on one old wooden chair to devour my dinner alone.

"This will keep us full for tonight, but who knows what kind of demanding tasks tomorrow might bring?"

As the familiar sweet, bready flavors melted over my tongue, I couldn't resist letting out a low, contented hum of bliss.

Emma had been thoughtful to shoo me off for the night - allowing me to rest for the night.

Even though attending the sick was not as tiring as cooking three square meals for the pack like I and the other girls did before, I wondered how each of my friends were settling in their new packs.

I'd love to tell them that I got a better menial job just after they all left. At least, I'd take that for progress too.