Lucas' POV
Leo's work had been meticulous, his notes filled with promises of strength and clarity. If I could find him, if I could convince him to perform the procedure, maybe—just maybe—I could reclaim what I'd lost... The connection between me and my precious Leah.
But how? Finn had control over everyone, including Leo. The thought of reaching out to him felt impossible, a bridge too far.
Yet, the Moon Goddess' words echoed in my mind. What you already have. What did I have? Nothing, it seemed. Except for this gnawing determination to save Leah, to protect her no matter the cost.
The next morning, I found myself drawn to the Grove, the section of Mediland where Finn's maids lived. It was an unusual impulse, one that surprised even me. As I approached the small house nestled among the trees, memories flickered at the edges of my consciousness—fragments of a life I couldn't quite grasp.
Through the window, I spotted the girl I met in Finn's study. She was ironing clothes under the soft glow of a lamp. Her movements were deliberate, almost mechanical, as if she'd performed this task a thousand times before. Something about her struck a chord deep within me, though I couldn't place why.
She noticed my presence.
"Why are you here?" she asked with eyes wide open, her voice tinged with wariness.
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I… I don't know," I admitted honestly.
Her gaze softened slightly, though her expression remained guarded.
"Would you like me to sew your clothes?" she offered, her tone unexpectedly kind.
I looked down and realized that I was wearing a torn coat.
I felt a bit awkward, but relief somehow washed over me.
"Yes, please," I said simply.
She stepped aside, allowing me to enter. The house was modest but immaculate, every surface gleaming with cleanliness. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the stale stench of the slave market. It reminded me of Leah—of the way she used to keep our home spotless, her presence filling every corner with warmth and love.
As I undressed to let her mend my coat, she flinched instinctively.
The scene in Finn's study surfaced in my mind. I clenched my fists.
"You're new here, aren't you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
I nodded.
"I used to be a Royal Guard," I said. "I made a mistake, and they sold me to Alpha Finn."
I didn't want her to know that I was Finn's brother. So I had to play along and pretend to be Finn's slave boy.
The girl lowered her head and said in a quiet voice while sewing, "You know, Alpha Finn doesn't like people fighting back while he was... doing it. If you obey him, he wouldn't hurt you that much."
"Thank you for telling me this," I stared at her and said. "Does he often hurt you?"
The girl didn't lift up her head.
"Alpha Finn saved my life," she said mechanically, just like the way she ironed the clothes. "I owe him my entire life. I will do everything he asks me to do."
I felt bitterness in my mouth. These words were obviously beaten into her.
I couldn't help myself but said, "I'll protect you."
The girl took a glance at me and then gently smiled.
Her smile was faint but genuine.
"I can protect myself. Take care of yourself first," she lowered her head and said softly.
Those words stayed with me long after she'd finished sewing. There was something about her—her kindness, her quiet strength—that felt familiar, as if we'd shared a bond in another life.
--
The New Moon ceremony arrived sooner than expected, its arrival marked by bursts of colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Looking at the night sky, I remembered the fireworks on my wedding night.
Leah was standing next to me. She was trying to lean against my chest, but I turned away.
I was such a fool at that time, but she loved me unconditionally.
Suddenly, another wave of excruciating pain exploded in my chest.
The pain hit me hard, sharper and more relentless than ever before. I curled into a ball on the cold ground, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
A gentle hand brushed against my forehead, and for a fleeting moment, I believed it was Leah. But when I opened my eyes, it wasn't her—it was the girl from the Grove. Her presence brought a strange comfort, though she looked terrified.
"What are you doing here?" I managed to choke out.
"I… I heard you screaming," she stammered, her eyes wide with fear.
Another explosion rent the sky, and she flinched violently, covering her ears. Without thinking, I pulled her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. To my surprise, the pain lessened slightly, as if her presence somehow soothed the turmoil within me.
When she looked up at me, there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes—a spark of something I couldn't name. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by sheer terror. She pushed me away with surprising force, her voice trembling as she begged me to let her go.
"Alpha Finn will kill us both if he finds out...," she whispered urgently.
"What?" I asked.
The girl ignored my question and tried to walk away. "We can't see each other anymore. Look for someone else to sew your clothes."
I pulled her arm to stop her. I didn't want to go through the pain again tonight. And it seemed that the pain just mysteriously stopped when she was in my arms.
"Could you please just stay with me for tonight?" I asked.
As soon as I popped this question, I regretted it.
It just sounded so different from the way it sounded in my mind.
The girl threw my arm away and stared at me furiously.
"I don't know you! And I don't think I want to know you! I will not stay with you tonight! In fact, I don't think I want to ever see you in my life!"
Before I could respond, a patrol passed by. I instinctively covered her mouth and pressed her body against mine, shielding her from view. The moment felt charged with tension, our bodies close in a way that defied explanation.
Once the patrol had passed, she abruptly pushed me away.
Then, without looking back, she fled into the night, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering warmth of her touch.