training grounds. Aldrich was already there, waiting for me with his usual warm smile.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing my dour mood.
“It’s the southern Duke,” I admitted, sitting down heavily on the stone steps. “Not just Carolyn he might be under the witches‘ influence too. It was my idea to inform him about Carolyn’s odd behavior and get him to cooperate with us. But if he’s compromised, then all we’ve done so far has probably tipped off the witches. I’ve ruined everything.”
Aldrich sat beside the and gently placed his arm around my shoulders. “You’re being too hard on yourself,” he said softly.
“No, I’m not,” I snapped, my frustration bubbling over. “Do you realize what this means? The witches now know we’re onto them. They’ll be even more cautious, and that will make everything so much harder from here on out!”
“Is it really that dire?” Aldrich asked, his voice calm and reassuring. “Think about it. If things were as bad as you’re imagining, would the Lycan King still be acting so composed? If the situation were truly urgent, he would’ve already gathered you and her Majesty the Queen to discuss immediate countermeasures, wouldn’t he?”
I blinked, his words momentarily halting my spiraling thoughts. “Maybe… maybe they are discussing strategies without me because I messed up,” I muttered, burying my head in my
arms.
Aldrich pulled me closer, his embrace warm and steady. “The Lycan King isn’t the type to hold grudges or lose trust over one mistake,” he said. “He’s an understanding leader and a patient mentor. He knows that young people like us are bound to stumble occasionally. What matters is that we learn from it.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked, lifting my head to look at him.
“Because I’ve been where you are,” he replied, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’ve made mistakes too, but the King didn’t cast me aside. Instead, he guided me, teaching me how to make things right. He’ll do the same for you.”
His words were a balm to my frayed nerves. Perhaps he was right. My father’s invitation to speak with him and my mother later that evening might be his way of offering guidance rather than reprimanding me.
Deciding to shift the mood, I straightened up and said, “Enough about this. Where’s my gift? I’ve been waiting for it ever since I dreamt about it last night.”
A mischievous glint appeared in Aldrich’s eyes. “Ah, a young lady with such unpredictable moods,” he teased, making an exaggerated show of exasperation.
“Don’t dodge the question!” I said, laughing as I reached out to tickle him. “Hand it over!”
“Alright, alright! I surrender!” he cried, laughing as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, slender jewelry box.
Chaplin Shadows of Doubt
My curiosity piqued, I opened the box to reveal a delicate pendant adorned with a black opal that shimmered like the night sky.
“Wow,” I breathed, my fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the gem. “It’s beautiful.”
Aldrich took the pendant and fastened it around my neck.
“From the moment I first saw you, I was captivated by your eyes,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “They remind me of the night sky–deep, mysterious, and full of secrets.”
my heart flutter.
His words made my
“I thought to myself,” he continued, “maybe I’m a meteorite cast down by the Moon Goddess, destined to return to the night sky. That’s the only way I can explain how drawn I am to you.”
Touched beyond words, I reached up to clasp the pendant, feeling its weight settle against my chest. “Thank you, Aldrich,” I whispered. “I’ll treasure it always.”
In that moment, surrounded by his warmth and sincerity, the troubles of the morning felt like a distant memory. For now, I allowed myself to bask in the happiness of the present.
