Vivian and Avery were obedient enough that they gobbled down every last bit of food on the silver tray. The Lycan Alpha nodded with an approving smile, setting the tray aside.
He seated himself at the foot of the bed, half turning around to meet Vivian's gaze.
"I want to take the both of you to visit the garment shops," Ronan announced, supporting his statement with a glare to ensure that the two female omegas wouldn't dare to object. "We will get other supplies that you both need as well."
Vivian couldn't express her gratitude for Ronan's generosity enough. She wasn't deserving of the Lycan Alpha's sponsorship, especially since she had begun to doubt his intentions.
In God's name, Vivian prayed fervently that she could bar out the negative allegations her mind conjured up about Ronan; however, she had cruelly learnt never to trust Alphas.
She was always lured in by their feigned kindness and that often resulted in more woes and pain for herself.
Nevertheless, she needed to be strong for both herself and Avery.
Vivian complied with a nod and began to wake up from the bed, but her niece's tug on her wrist restrained her.
"Avi? What's wrong?" Vivian asked with concern for her niece, her brows furrowing.
"I'm…a little tired. Can I stay back and rest?" Avery pleaded, letting out a small yawn as she stretched her body. "I'm not used to running for so long. You can pick anything out for me, Vivi."
Ronan eyed the child suspiciously, but when Vivian looked at him with pleading eyes, his gaze softened, and he nodded.
"She should rest," Ronan agreed reluctantly. "I will lock the door so that she's safe. I know the owners of the inn so they'll take precautions if you're worried."
"Thank you, Ronan," Vivian displayed her gratitude, accompanied by a pleasant, sweet smile that made the Lycan Alpha avert his gaze sharply.
With the arrangements made, Ronan guided Vivian by the waist outside the room, promptly locking the door behind them. The she-wolf briefly glanced over her shoulder at the shut door, her expression solemn.
"Are you worried about her?" The Lycan Alpha posed the obvious question hanging in the air between them, his strong hand warmly perched on the side of Vivian's waist. "I told you she'll be sa—"
Vivian interrupted him by shaking her head.
"I raised her since she was a baby. I will always be worried about her," the she-wolf explained, sighing a moment later. "But if you say she's safe here, then so be it."
Ronan nodded reassuringly, placing his hand on the small of her back to prompt her to walk with him.
Outside, Vivian couldn't conceal her prominent excitement. Her worries vanished in a heartbeat once she was exposed to the exuberant life of Clawveld.
It was almost as if the little girl that was constrained deep within her soul surfaced to relish in the scenery and interesting activities. She was mindful of not appearing too childish; hence, she simply glanced at each stall they passed by.
Her attention was drawn to a shiny glint she caught from the corner of her eye. Vivian stopped, craning her head to the side to spot a shiny emerald glow emitting from the stall to her left. The sun's rays were reflecting off the item.
Strangely enough, Vivian eyed the item without even blinking for a second. Citizens brushed by her, but she never took her eyes off it. Ronan stopped alongside her, silent as he observed her curiosity.
Slowly, she left his side and approached the stall. The Lycan Alpha followed behind quietly, anticipating her next actions.
When she drew closer, Vivian denoted that the emerald glow belonged to a beautifully designed pendant. The chain and locket were striking silver with a deep emerald jewel embedded into them.
The jewel's glow reflected off the glassy emerald of her own eyes as she slowly reached out her hand to touch the pendant.
Vivian couldn't quite comprehend why she fancied the pendant, but the colour represented a symbol of hope for her.
"Do you like it?" Ronan asked, startling her. She shook herself out of her thoughts and then pulled her hand back. "No, not really. I just haven't seen pendants like this before," Vivian quickly justified.
She was lying.
"We should go," she said a moment later, hurrying away from the stall.
Buy it for her. The Lycan suggested, rather demanded. It's beautiful, just like her eyes.
Ronan didn't argue.
He swiftly conversed with the vendor of the stall to wrap up the pendant for him. He paid for the purchase and pocketed the box in which the pendant was stored before leaving the stall to catch up to Vivian.
Ronan wrapped his arm around her waist again, shortly arriving at the garment store he selected. The building itself was carved from obsidian with grand decor framing the shop name, which read, 'Madame Sunny Shu's Atelier.'
Sounds quite elegant. Vivian thought, gazing up at the gold and black decor. I don't think someone like me should even enter this kind of shop.
Reluctant to go inside, Vivian remained still but it wasn't long before Ronan pushed past the doors, alerting a bell that rang to indicate the arrival of customers and she was forced to follow him inside.
Vivian gasped inaudibly when she saw the interior. There were soft velvet curtains draping the windows and the racks were packed with beautiful gowns and dresses. Brocade, silk, velvet, and even many with lace or pearls hung on the iron racks.
Vivian's gaze widened in awe, amazed that such a shop could exist. She'd always seen female alphas or betas adorn such extravagant garments, but she never imagined she would visit a place where they were stitched and sewn.
Buy her everything. The Lycan demanded again and Ronan resisted an eye roll.
Don't be ridiculous. I'm not buying the whole Atelier. The man argued back.
If you cannot afford it, just say so. The Lycan mocked.
Now that struck a nerve.
The entire worth of this place is just pocket change to me. Ronan bit back, guiding Vivian to the wooden furnished countertop.
A distinguished, aged lady, occupied with her long cigar pipe, stood idle, paging through account journals. She wore a simple, striking red silk dress and black gloves encased her hands. Her brunette hair was styled into a twisted side braid.
"Ah, Ronan," the lady greeted without lifting her head from the journal. "How rare of you to visit my atelier."
"And ah, I see you have company." Madame Sunny Shu spoke again, taking a long drag from her cigar pipe. "Now, where did you steal this frail little lass from?"