The clinic bustled with life as villagers came and went. Soft laughter echoed from the corner where Ethan and Emma played with a set of carved wooden toys. Their bright giggles filled the air, momentarily lifting Luna's heart as she worked, bringing a sense of comfort not only to her but also to the patients.
As the afternoon approached, Luna realized there were no patients to attend to. The children had mentioned they wanted to have lunch with her, and Zane had given his permission. Wondering what to cook, she decided to ask them what they'd like to eat. Just as she was about to ask, a knock came at the door.
She saw a man standing in the doorway, tall and broad-shouldered, with a quiet confidence that was hard to miss. His dark, slightly long hair was combed back, though a few strands had fallen loose, softening his sharp features. But it was his eyes that stopped her in her tracks, a vivid purple that seemed to glow, locking onto hers with such intensity that everything else faded away. He hesitated, as if surprised by the strong connection in their shared look.
"Uncle Adrian!" Ethan and Emma shouted together, their faces lighting up with joy. They dropped their toys and raced toward him, squealing with delight.
Adrian crouched, arms open wide, ready to catch them. "There's my favorite duo," he said, his voice full of warmth. The children crashed into him, giggling, as he scooped them up with ease, one on each arm.
He spun them around, their laughter echoing through the room like the happiest melody. Adrian grinned, their joy infectious, as they clung to him, their tiny arms wrapped around his neck. "Missed me, huh?" he teased, his heart full.
As Adrian set them down gently, Ethan grabbed his sleeve, his eyes shining with excitement. "Uncle Adrian, one more time!" he begged, bouncing on his toes.
Emma quickly joined in, clutching his hand with her tiny fingers. "Please, Uncle Adrian!" she added, her voice sweet and full of hope.
Adrian couldn't help but chuckle, crouching to meet their eager faces. "Alright, alright," he said, giving them a playful wink. "How can I say no to you two?"
He scooped them up effortlessly, one on each arm, and spun them around once more. Their laughter filled the room, pure and contagious, as Adrian's warm smile mirrored their joy.
Once he set the children down, Adrian's gaze shifted to Luna, his purple eyes warm yet tinged with curiosity. There was a softness in his expression, but his demeanor remained confident. "You must be the healer, I presume?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of genuine interest.
Luna smiled faintly, a quiet grace in her movements as she brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes met his with a mix of kindness and professionalism. "That's right. I'm Luna Brightwood," she replied, her voice steady. "And you are?"
Adrian's smile deepened as he moved closer, the children eagerly following behind him. His presence was calming yet strong, and his handshake was firm but warm. "Adrian Monroe," he introduced himself, a hint of pride in his tone. "Zane's brother-in-law."
Luna stood up, offering a polite smile as she extended her hand to meet his. The warmth of his grip was reassuring, steady, and kind. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Monroe," she said, her voice calm and composed.
Adrian's gaze softened as he held her hand, his smile deepening. "Please, call me Adrian," he said, his voice warm, with an undercurrent of familiarity. His eyes flickered briefly toward the children, who were now excitedly chattering around him, their joy infectious.
Luna returned the smile, her expression genuine, and gave a slight nod. "Then you can call me Luna as well," she said with a warmth that seemed to match his own.
Adrian's smile grew wider at her words, and a flicker of appreciation sparkled in his eyes. "Luna, then. It's a pleasure," he said, his tone rich with sincerity. There was a quiet respect in his voice, something that made the air between them feel lighter, more comfortable.
Luna nodded in acknowledgment, her smile soft and gentle. She could sense the unspoken understanding between them, a shared acknowledgment of their roles. The moment lingered, and it was clear this was only the beginning of a new connection.
The children, still bubbling with energy, tugged at Adrian's sleeves, eager to show him the toys they had been playing with. Their excitement was contagious, their voices high-pitched with joy as they bounced around him, their faces lit with pure delight. Luna couldn't help but smile as she watched them, the simple joy in their little faces reminding her of the innocence of childhood.
Adrian glanced at her, his expression softening with a mixture of affection and nostalgia. "I've missed them," he said, his voice quieter now, carrying a hint of longing. He looked at the children, a gentle smile curving his lips. "They've grown so much since the last time I was here."
Luna nodded, understanding the depth of his words. She could see the bond he shared with the twins, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at them. It was clear how much they meant to him, and the tenderness in his gaze only highlighted the deep affection he felt. She felt a small tug at her heart as she witnessed the connection between them, a bond that was rooted in love and time spent together.
"They seem so happy to have you back," Luna said softly, her smile warm. She knew the importance of family, and it was heartening to see the closeness between Adrian and the children. The moment felt simple, but there was something deeply meaningful about it.
"Ethan, Emma, have you two had lunch?" Adrian asked, looking down at the excited children.
Luna hesitated for a moment before responding. "I was about to ask them what they'd like to eat so I could cook."
Adrian's eyes lit up. "Oh, so, can I take you all to lunch?" he asked, glancing at the children, who nodded eagerly.
He turned to Luna, his expression hopeful. "It'll be my treat."
Luna looked at the kids, who were waiting eagerly for her answer. After a brief pause, she smiled softly and nodded. "Alright, I'll join too." Her words were met with delighted cheers from the children, and Adrian's smile grew wider.
The village restaurant hummed with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of cutlery. The afternoon sun bathed the room in a warm glow, and a gentle breeze drifted in through the window, offering some relief from the heat. Adrian held Ethan in his arms, and Luna walked beside him, holding Emma's hand. Together, they found a cozy corner table near the window, where they could enjoy the fresh air.
Once seated, Adrian waved over the waiter, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a kind face etched with lines from years of hard work. The waiter smiled warmly and asked what they would like to order.
Ethan bounced in his seat, his face lighting up as he spoke, "I want rice with yummy lamb!" His excitement was clear. Emma, her eyes wide with innocence, added, "I want rice with big meatballs." She said, her voice soft and sweet, her hands clasped together.
Adrian smiled at the children's requests before turning to the waiter. "Two small portions of rice with lamb and rice with meatballs for them, please," Adrian said, looking down at the children, whose faces lit up with delight. He then turned to the waiter and added, "I'll have rice with chicken stew for myself."
Adrian looked over at Luna, who met his gaze with a soft smile. "I'll have rice with fish stew, please," she said gently.
The waiter nodded respectfully before moving off to bring their food.
While they waited for their food, the children's voices filled the air with excitement. Ethan and Emma eagerly shared stories about their favorite toys and their treasured bunny, Snowball, a gift from Adrian. They fondly recalled how Snowball had once fallen ill, and how Miss Luna had gently cared for the bunny, nursing it back to health. Their eyes sparkled as they recounted the tales their grandparents often told them, stories filled with adventure and wonder. Adrian listened intently, his expression serious as he nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging their stories with quiet understanding. Luna, sitting opposite him, smiled softly, her eyes warm as she watched the scene unfold before her, a sense of contentment in her gaze.
Villagers passing by took notice of them. Some smiled warmly at Luna, offering greetings and expressing gratitude for her care. Luna nodded graciously, returning their smiles.
Others whispered among themselves, their eyes flickering between Adrian and Luna. "That's Zane's brother-in-law," one murmured. "And Luna, the healer. Do you think…?" The whispers didn't escape Adrian's attention, but he remained composed, his gaze fixed firmly on the table.
When the food arrived, Adrian helped the children settle in, ensuring they could sit comfortably and enjoy their smaller portions. Luna did the same, gently encouraging Ethan to eat more of his vegetables. She noticed Emma eating hers and nodded in approval, a small smile of pride crossing her face as she saw Ethan follow suit and eat his vegetables too. Adrian chuckled softly, his eyes warm. "You're quite good with them," he remarked.
Luna smiled softly, her gaze fond as she watched the children enjoy their meal. "They're easy to care for when they're so eager to learn," she replied gently, her voice filled with warmth. "It's all about making it fun for them." She glanced at Adrian, her expression thoughtful. "They have big hearts, and they trust us to guide them."
Adrian nodded in agreement, his expression softening as he watched the children. "You're right," he said quietly, his voice filled with warmth. "Their trust means everything." He gave Luna a sincere look before adding, "I'm glad they have you to help guide them."
As they ate, Adrian glanced at Luna, his tone becoming thoughtful. "You know, my younger sister always dreamed of having a big family. When one of her wishes came true, but life... life was cruel, and she..." He stopped, and Luna knew exactly where he was going. She saw Adrian's gaze settle on the children.
"Liana, right?" Luna asked gently, sensing where the conversation was headed.
Adrian nodded, his expression softening. "Yes. She was a gentle soul, an omega who dreamed of studying and making something of herself. But in the end, traditional expectations kept her confined." He sighed, his gaze distant. "She loved learning. I sometimes taught her in secret. She often spoke about how unfair it was that women and omegas were denied the same opportunities as alphas and betas."
Luna's chest tightened at his words. "She sounds remarkable," she said softly. "It's heartbreaking she couldn't fulfill her dreams."
Luna's thoughts turned to the strict traditions of villages like Silver Hollow. Unlike in the city, where women and omegas had the chance to learn and rise to higher positions, villages were stuck in old ways. They still believed that only male alphas and male betas should be allowed an education.
Luna's mother, who had come from the city, once shared with Luna how the villagers had initially rejected her as both her father's bride and as a healer. It had been only her father and Chief Ricky who supported her, standing firm against the harsh criticism. Over time, however, the villagers gradually grew to accept her. Luna wondered if that was why they had eventually accepted her too, despite her being both a woman and a healer.
Luna felt a deep yearning as she reflected on the unfair treatment of women and omegas in the village. She envisioned a school where all could learn and grow, regardless of their gender or status as an alpha, beta, or omega.
Luna's gaze softened as she asked gently, "What was she like, Adrian? Your sister, I mean."
Adrian's eyes took on a faraway look as he spoke. "She was beautiful, in a way that took your breath away. Her eyes were the same shade of purple as mine, and her long black hair framed her pale face like a veil. She had a quiet grace, a beauty that wasn't just in her appearance, but in her heart."
He paused, a deep sadness crossing his features. "Many alphas came to ask for her hand in marriage. But when our parents heard about Zane, they arranged her marriage to him. It wasn't what she wanted, but they made the decision they thought was best for the family's future." His tone grew bitter. "She never had a choice. She was just a pawn in their plans."
Adrian looked down, his jaw tightening as the weight of his sister's fate settled back into his heart.
Luna remained silent for a moment, her heart heavy with the pain she could feel in Adrian's words. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I'm so sorry, Adrian," she said softly. "It must have been so difficult, watching her lose her chance to live her own life."
Adrian's gaze met hers, sorrow and frustration in his eyes. "She deserved so much more than that. She had dreams. But in the end, it wasn't about what she wanted. It was about what was best for the village, the pack, and the family's image."
His voice faltered, a crack in his usually controlled demeanor. "I wanted to protect her. I should have done more. But I couldn't, not against our parents, not against the traditions they held so tightly."
Luna squeezed his arm gently. "You loved her, and you did what you could in the circumstances. Sometimes, we can't change the decisions of others, no matter how much it hurts." She paused, searching his gaze. "But I think she knew that you cared, Adrian. That's what matters, right?"
Adrian took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I hope so. I hope she knew." His voice softened further. "Zane... he cared for her, in his own way. I saw it. And Liana told me too. But we both knew it wasn't a marriage built on love. Zane did his duty, but there was no happiness between them. It was just... obligation. I wish things had been different for her, for both of them."
Adrian sighed, pushing the painful memories back for a moment. "I was surprised to hear there's another female healer in Silver Hollow," he added, a small shift in topic, but it didn't take away the lingering heaviness in his tone.
Luna pulled her hand back, looking at him with a curious expression. "Did you ever meet my mother?"
Adrian shook his head. "No, but Uncle Ricky and Aunt Mira told me about her."
Luna gave a small nod. "If Liana were still alive, she'd be so glad to meet you," Adrian said softly. Luna's throat tightened, but she smiled gently in response.
The children, completely unaware of the depth of the conversation, continued to eat happily, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Adrian and Luna exchanged a few more lighthearted words, mostly about the twins and the happenings around the village. As the meal came to a close, Ethan and Emma began to show signs of tiredness, their small yawns becoming more frequent. After settling the payment, Adrian gently scooped them up, one in each arm, and with a soft smile at Luna, made his way back to their grandparents' home.
Later that evening, Luna made her way to Zane's parents' house, a small satchel of medicine in hand. She checked on Ricky and was relieved to see that he was improving. Adrian was there, chatting with Ricky and Mira, while the children remained peacefully asleep. Mira kindly invited Luna to stay for tea, and they enjoyed a pleasant conversation about life in the village. As the evening went on, the children eventually woke up, and Luna spent some time playing with them. As the sky darkened, Adrian offered to walk Luna back to her house, a thoughtful gesture that she gratefully accepted.
As they walked together down the path toward her house, Luna felt a sense of calm in Adrian's steady presence, his quiet confidence offering a comforting familiarity that put her at ease.
"Thank you for lunch today," she said, breaking the silence. "And I really enjoyed learning about Liana."
Adrian glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Thank you for listening. It's been a long time since I've talked about her."
They continued walking in companionable silence. When they reached her house, Adrian paused and gave a small nod.
"Goodnight, Luna," he said softly.
Luna smiled gently. "Goodnight, Adrian. And thank you for walking me back. Are you staying here, or heading back to your village?" she asked.
"I'll stay at Uncle Ricky's house," Adrian replied. "Tomorrow, I'll head back to my village."
Luna nodded. "Then I'll see you tomorrow, Adrian."
Adrian looked at her, a surprised expression crossing his face before it melted into a wide smile, his dimples appearing as he spoke. "Yes, see you tomorrow, Luna."
Luna laughed softly, watching him walk away. A strange warmth settled in her chest. Adrian Monroe was a man of many layers, and today had given her a glimpse of them. She found herself intrigued by him. He was so different from Zane, Luna thought, her mind lingering on the contrast between the two men.