Luna sat on the porch of her family's clinic, watching the morning sun cast golden rays over Silver Hollow. Dew glistened on the grass like tiny diamonds, and the soft chirping of birds filled the air. Despite the peace surrounding her, Luna's mind drifted back to her years in the city. Her hands rested on her lap, still carrying the faint scent of the cookies she'd baked earlier that morning.
The city had been a world of stark contrasts. It was lively, bustling, and filled with opportunities she could never have imagined as a young girl in Silver Hollow. When she first arrived, it overwhelmed her, with the cobblestone streets teeming with carriages, the rows of shops, and the crowds of unfamiliar faces. Yet, the city also became her sanctuary, a place where she could bury the pain of her past and forge a new identity.
Luna had spent years learning the art of healing from an elderly woman named Marissa, a fellow beta who had taken her under her wing. Marissa was a no-nonsense healer with decades of experience and a reputation that made even the most skeptical alphas seek her help. As another beta, Marissa understood the unique challenges Luna faced and guided her with both wisdom and empathy. Luna absorbed everything Marissa taught her: the properties of rare herbs, the delicate balance of body and soul, and the importance of compassion in the healing arts.
But her time in the city wasn't just about work. Luna sought distraction in fleeting moments of connection, indulging in brief relationships with men and women of all ranks. She'd been with alphas, betas, and omegas, each encounter a temporary reprieve from the ache in her heart. These nights taught her about power dynamics, vulnerability, and the complexity of emotions, but none of them filled the void left by her parents or the unspoken goodbye she'd shared with Zane.
Luna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter. She looked up to see Ethan and Emma, Zane's children, running up the dirt path toward her. Ethan held a small bouquet of wildflowers, while Emma clutched a larger bundle of blooms. Both children's faces lit up when they saw her.
"Miss Luna!" Emma called, her little legs propelling her forward. She nearly stumbled but quickly regained her balance, determination shining in her eyes. Luna pulled her and her brother into a quick, warm hug before looking at them.
"Good morning, Emma. Good morning, Ethan," Luna greeted them. "What brings you here so early?"
Ethan grinned, holding out his small bouquet. "Grandma sent these for you, Miss Luna. She said thank you for the cookies you made yesterday!" he said proudly.
Emma nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up. "And she wanted to make sure you knew how much she loved them too!" she added, handing over her larger bundle of flowers.
Luna gently took both bouquets, smiling at the sweet gesture. "Thank you both," she said, touched by their kindness. "Tell Grandma she's very welcome, and I'm so glad she enjoyed the cookies." She inhaled the fresh scent of the flowers. "You two have made my morning even more beautiful."
Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling. "We're glad you like them, Miss Luna!"
Emma nodded enthusiastically, her small hands clasped together. "Grandma says we should bring you more next time!" she added, bouncing on her toes.
Luna laughed softly, feeling the warmth of their affection. "I'd love that," she replied. "You two are always so thoughtful."
As Luna sat there, smiling at the children, she noticed a figure approaching down the dirt path. Zane. His tall frame cut through the morning mist, and his confident stride seemed to command the land around him. Luna locked eyes with him, and her heart skipped a beat. He nodded in greeting, a subtle gesture that still held meaning between them.
"Good morning, Luna," Zane said, his voice low and steady, carrying a quiet warmth.
"Good morning, Zane," Luna replied softly, her heart fluttering a little as his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary.
He then turned to the children, who had been eagerly looking at him. "Let's go," he said, urging them to follow him.
Emma and Ethan looked at each other, their small faces scrunching in thought. They hesitated for a moment before looking back at their father. "Can we stay with Miss Luna?" they asked in unison, their voices full of hope.
Zane's expression softened as he knelt down to their level, his gaze full of affection but tempered with authority. His children were both his strength and his weakness, and he could never quite say no to them. Still, he needed to make sure they understood the reality of the situation.
"She's going to be busy, little ones," he said gently, his voice a bit firm. "Let's go. Grandma and Grandpa will play with you two."
Emma pouted slightly. "But Grandma always cooks, and Grandpa sleeps all the time," she said with a small frown, her voice full of disappointment.
Ethan nodded in agreement, looking up at his father. "We want to stay with Miss Luna. We won't disturb her," he said earnestly, his tone hopeful.
Zane's expression softened slightly as he looked down at his children. "Grandma cooks for all of us, little ones," he said, his tone firm yet gentle. "And Grandpa drinks his medicine, that's why he's sleeping so much."
Luna, who had been quietly watching the exchange, couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "What happened to your father, Zane?"
Zane stood up slowly, his eyes distant, and his face remained impassive. "He's been ill for a while," he replied, his voice low and controlled. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
Luna thought for a moment before speaking, her voice soft but determined. "Can I see him, as a healer?" she asked, her gaze steady on Zane. Since her return to Silver Hollow, she had not yet met his parents.
Zane met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I don't know. My father's a proud man, a person who holds grudges," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I'm not sure if he'll want to meet you or even accept your treatment... after everything that happened."
Luna nodded, understanding the weight of what she had done in the past. "I understand," she said quietly. "But as a healer, I can't turn my head away." She paused for a moment, then added softly, "Also... you are like your father."
Zane's eyes flashed with irritation, his jaw tightening, but he didn't deny it. The anger was more subdued now, a mere echo of the emotions that had once driven him.
"Can't we still be friends, Zane?" Luna asked, her voice tentative, almost fragile.
Zane's gaze hardened, and he shook his head slowly. "Friends? Never again," he said firmly, the finality in his tone like a door slamming shut.
Luna lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of his words. But she didn't press the issue. After a long, tense pause, Zane exhaled deeply, and the anger in his features seemed to soften, just slightly.
"If you have time today, you can go take a look at my father," he said, the reluctance in his voice clear. "He really needs a healer."
Emma, sensing the shift in the air, tugged on her father's pants with an innocent smile. "Father, we will stay with Miss Luna, then we'll take her to Grandpa's house!" she said eagerly, her words full of innocence and hope.
Zane glanced at his children, then turned his gaze to Luna. After a moment, he nodded. "I will leave my children with you," he said, his tone soft but firm.
Luna watched Zane for a moment, noting the slight change in his expression, the hardness in his demeanor slowly melting away as he spoke. She offered a gentle smile, feeling the weight of his words.
"Of course," she replied softly, her voice warm and reassuring. "I'll take good care of them."
Zane gave a final nod, then, without another word, he turned and began walking down the dirt path toward the council. Emma and Ethan, their faces alight with excitement, sat next to Luna, one on each side of her. Their small hands rested in their laps as they eagerly looked up at her.
"Shall we go pick herbs?" Luna asked, her voice bright and steady. Emma and Ethan exchanged excited glances, nodding enthusiastically.
With a basket in hand, Luna led Ethan and Emma into the woods near the clinic. The children followed eagerly as a cool morning breeze rustled through the trees. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.
"We're looking for chamomile, lavender, and yarrow," Luna explained, kneeling to pluck a small, white flower from the ground. She held it up for the children to see. "This is chamomile. It helps with sleep and soothes the stomach."
Emma's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "It's so pretty! Can we keep some for our room?"
Luna chuckled softly. "Of course, but let's also gather enough to dry and use for tea."
Ethan crouched next to her, his brow furrowed in concentration. "What about this one?" he asked, pointing to a cluster of tall, purple flowers.
"That's lavender," Luna said, her voice warm with encouragement. "It's wonderful for relaxing and calming nerves. Good job, Ethan!"
The boy grinned, his chest puffing with pride as he carefully picked a few sprigs and placed them in Luna's basket. Emma soon joined in, her tiny fingers plucking delicate flowers while Luna showed her how to avoid crushing them.
As they made their way deeper into the woods, Luna pointed out yarrow and explained its ability to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation. The children listened intently, their enthusiasm filling the air with a joyful energy.
Once their basket was full, Luna led them back to the village market. The cobblestone streets were bustling with activity, stalls brimming with fresh produce, handmade goods, and the chatter of villagers.
"We need eggs and bread," Luna said as they approached a stall. The vendor greeted them warmly, his gaze lingering on the children.
"Good morning, Miss Luna," he said, handing her a carton of eggs. "It's nice to see these two little ones so well-behaved. They're a credit to you."
Luna smiled, her cheeks warming at the compliment. "They're wonderful helpers," she said, glancing at Ethan and Emma, who stood quietly by her side.
At the next stall, Luna purchased a loaf of freshly baked bread and three chicken skewers. The savory aroma wafted through the air, making Emma's stomach growl audibly.
Luna laughed as she handed a skewer to each child. "Here you go," she said, smiling as they bit into the tender meat with delight. Taking the third skewer for herself, she led them to a shaded bench nearby.
As they ate, villagers passed by, some offering kind words and others casting curious glances.
"She looks like their mother," one woman whispered to her companion, nodding toward Luna.
"It's surprising how well they behave with her," another remarked. "I've never seen those two so quiet and content."
Farther away, hidden behind a cluster of market stalls, Hazel watched the scene unfold. Her fingers clenched tightly, her knuckles white with tension. Anger and jealousy churned within her as she observed Ethan and Emma laughing and chatting with Luna.
"They're never like that with me," Hazel muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing. She had tried countless times to win the children's affection, but they always remained distant, their behavior unruly and defiant.
And now, here they were, sitting with Luna as though she were their mother.
Hazel had loved Zane since they were children, though she had never been bold enough to act on her feelings. Seven years ago, she had given up entirely when she learned that her friend Luna was set to marry him. But then, Luna ran away.
With Luna gone, Hazel had hoped she might finally have a chance with Zane. However, those hopes were shattered when his parents arranged his marriage to Liana. When Liana died, Hazel couldn't hide her satisfaction at finally getting the opportunity.
But now, with Luna back in Silver Hollow, watching the children interact so comfortably with her only deepened Hazel's resentment. As she walked away, jealousy festered within her, fueling a steely determination. She would have Zane, no matter the cost.
After Luna had treated a few patients until the afternoon, the clinic settled into a quiet rhythm. The last of the morning's visitors trickled out, leaving Luna with a sense of accomplishment and a moment's peace. Meanwhile, the children, Emma and Ethan, sat patiently, watching her work with quiet curiosity.
Luna looked at them and smiled. "All finished for today, little ones. Shall we go visit your Grandpa and Grandma?"
The children's faces lit up, and they practically bounced on their feet, both nodding in unison. "Yes, please!" they exclaimed, their excitement palpable.
Luna chuckled, closing up the clinic and taking her medical satchel before following them out.
The children led Luna down the dirt path, their laughter light and carefree, blending with the soft rustling of the trees. As they approached the house, the familiar sight of Zane's parents' home filled her with warmth and nostalgia. It was a modest but well-kept place, with the inviting scent of lunch wafting through the air.
When they reached the front door, Zane's mother, Mira, was the first to greet them. With a soft smile and her warm eyes twinkling, she looked down at Emma and Ethan.
"Ah, my little darlings are back!" Mira said, crouching down to their level, her arms open wide. The children rushed forward, embracing her with the energy only kids could muster.
"Did you come for lunch?" she asked, glancing at the children. They nodded eagerly.
"And Miss Luna is here to treat Grandpa," they added in unison.
"I don't need any treatment. She can leave," Zane's father, Ricky, said from inside the house, his voice sharp as he looked at Luna.
Mira sighed softly, standing up to face the children. "Go inside and help set the table, darlings," she said gently, before turning to Luna with a reassuring smile.
Luna hesitated, her heart racing at the tense atmosphere, but she nodded and stepped inside. The familiar scent of home-cooked food filled her senses as she walked through the door, trying to ignore the heavy silence that followed her. Ricky sat in his favorite chair, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Ricky," Mira said softly, stepping into the room after Luna, "Please, just give it a chance."
Ricky's eyes narrowed as he looked at Luna. "I've had enough of 'treatments,' Mira. I don't need anyone's pity, especially from someone like her," he added, his gaze hardening as it settled on Luna. The air around him grew tense, and Luna could feel his alpha scent thick in the room, overwhelming her senses.
"Uncle Ricky, I'm not pitying you," Luna said calmly, taking a step forward. "I'm here as a healer, nothing more. Please, for my father's sake, give me a chance."
Her voice held a quiet determination, and she watched as Ricky's expression softened just slightly. She knew the history between their families, her father and Ricky had been best friends, and after her parents died, Ricky had promised to look after her. That promise had led to his decision to arrange her marriage to his son, Zane.
"I'm not asking for anything more than the chance to help," Luna continued, her heart heavy with the weight of both their pasts.
Ricky didn't respond immediately. He just stared at Luna, his brow furrowing deeper as if her words were a riddle he couldn't solve. The silence between them stretched, heavy with the weight of years past. Luna could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as the memories of their shared history pressed in on them.
She could see the doubt in his eyes, the wariness of someone who had been hurt too many times to trust easily. Luna understood that this was no simple task. She wasn't fool enough to think she could erase the past with a few kind words or a promise. She knew Ricky would never fully forgive her for what she had done, no matter how much time passed.
"Fine," Ricky muttered at last, his voice low and filled with reluctance. "But don't expect any gratitude."
Luna nodded, her expression softening as she looked at Ricky. She had noticed the way he seemed to move with effort, his complexion pale, and the faint tremble in his hands. It was clear that something wasn't right.
"You're not well, Uncle Ricky," Luna said gently, her voice filled with concern. "What's been going on with you? How long have you been ill?"
Mira, noticing her husband's silence, stepped forward with quiet understanding. "He's been like this for months," she said softly, her voice laced with worry. "It started about six months ago. Whenever he eats, it all comes back up. No matter what we try, nothing stays down. He's been growing weaker and weaker, and we still don't know what's causing it."
Luna's brow furrowed with concern as she turned her gaze back to Ricky. "Have you seen a healer about this?" she asked.
Mira sighed, shaking her head. "We've consulted with a few, but they all say it's just old age, nothing more. They don't know what else to suggest."
Luna's gaze softened. "I'm not sure it's just old age," she murmured gently. "But I can help. Let me take a closer look."
Luna stepped closer to Ricky, kneeling in front of him. "Uncle Ricky, I'm going to check a few things, but I promise this won't take long," she said softly. He grunted but didn't resist as she gently took his wrist to feel his pulse. Her brow furrowed slightly as she noted its irregularity.
Next, she examined his eyes and skin, looking for any signs of dehydration or deeper issues. "Have you been sleeping well?" she asked. He shrugged. "Not really. Hard to sleep when your stomach's in knots all the time."
Mira added, "He's hardly eating at all anymore. He tries, but it's almost always followed by vomiting. He's barely keeping anything down."
Luna nodded thoughtfully and continued her examination, pressing lightly on Ricky's abdomen. "Does this hurt?" she asked, her fingers moving methodically. He winced slightly but shook his head. "Not pain, just... discomfort," he admitted.
After a few more checks, Luna sat back on her heels, her expression thoughtful but reassuring. "It's not old age, that's for sure," she said, meeting Mira's worried gaze. "From what I can tell, it might be a digestive issue or intolerance to certain foods. Nothing too serious, but it does need attention."
Mira exhaled in relief. "You really think it's not serious?"
Luna nodded confidently. "I do. With the right diet and some natural remedies, we can manage this. I'll prepare a few things to help settle his stomach and rebuild his strength. We'll start small and see how he responds."
Ricky sighed, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. "Fine," he muttered. "But don't expect me to like whatever you're brewing up."
Luna smiled faintly. "I'll try to make it bearable, Uncle Ricky. I'll bring it this evening." With that, she stood up to leave.
"Miss Luna, are you leaving?" Emma asked, her voice soft with concern.
Luna looked at Emma and Ethan, her gaze warm. She nodded, giving them a reassuring smile. "Yes, little ones. I'll be back later."
Mira, noticing the children's disappointment, looked at Luna kindly. "Won't you stay for lunch? It's the least we can do after all your help."
Even Ricky, surprisingly, nodded in agreement. "Stay, Luna. You've done enough already."
Luna shook her head, a gentle smile still on her lips. "Thank you, but I have some things to take care of." With that, she nodded to everyone and made her way out.