Chapter 17
Nesta’s POV
I stirred from the depths of sleep, the soft light filtering through the curtains cast a gentle glow upon the room, illuminating the breakfast tray that awaited me on the bedside table.
The tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, coaxing me awake with its irresistible allure. My eyes shone at the thought of food, saliva thick in my mouth
My stomach grumbled in anticipation, a reminder of the hunger that had gone unnoticed in the depths of slumber. I don’t think I have ever been not hungry in my life. I always want more food no matter how much I eat.
I get
shyeating so much in front of Rowan, and Nolan at some point but they reassured me that I could eat all I want. That was all a lie. To get me comfortable to do their bidding then reject me.
a wave of
Brushing away the thought, I focused on the breakfast before. But as I reached out to take hold of the tray, a emotion washed over me, threatening to overwhelm me with its intensity.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I recalled the events of the day before, the raw ache of rejection still fresh mind from other packs that wanted nothing to do with an ugly boney pregnant rogue.
till fresh in my
And yet, here I was, greeted with such kindness and hospitality by the Crescent Moon pack, a stark contrast to the cruelty that had been inflicted upon me by others. Moon Goddess sent.
With trembling hands, I reached out to pick up a pastry, the flaky crust crumbling beneath my touch. The sweetness of the treaty was a balm to my soul, soothing the ache of loneliness and despair that lingered within me.
I savoured each bite, the tears that had threatened to spill over began to recede, replaced instead by a sense of gratitude and hope. I know I shouldn’t trust them too much after what happened with my own second chance mate but I can’t help it.
For in the embrace of the Crescent Moon pack, I had found not only acceptance but also a glimmer of the warmth and belonging that I had longed for all my life. My entire existence.
I finished my breakfast with a newfound determination welled up within me, driving me forward with renewed purpose. now have a family. I have a pack I belong to. That I am not a servant anymore.
I made my way to the bathroom, the familiar routine of my morning shower provided a brief respite from the tumult of my thoughts. The maid had taught me the complicated machines the night before so I think I’m good.
Well… not too good with those many attempts,
The warm water cascaded over my skin, a comforting embrace that washed away the remnants of sleep and uncertainty. That washed away bad dreams and nightmares.
But as I passed by the mirror on my way back to the bedroom, a sudden pang of self–awareness washed over me like a cold wave crashing against the shore. I stopped in my tracks, my gaze drawn inexorably to the reflection staring back at me.
The figure that met my eyes was a stark contrast to the image I laid once held of myself. Many years ago. My frame appeared gaunt and emaciated, the sharp angles of my cheekbones and jawline casting long shadows across my features.
My once vibrant blonde hair hung limp and lifeless, its golden strands dulled by the weight of exhaustion and despair. There is not a single gold strand in my hair now. I can’t tell which colour it is anymore.
Even my icy blue eyes, once a light of strength and determination, now appeared dull and listless, the spark of vitality dimmed by the trials and tribulations of the journey I had endured
For a moment, I stood frozen in place, the harsh reality of my reflection a bitter pill to swallow. How had I allowed myself to reach such a state, to become a mere shadow of the person I once was?
But as I met my own
e in the mirror, a flicker of determination sparked within me, a silent vow to reclaim the strength and vitality that had been lost along the way.
They might have taken the remaining strength I have, but my child has brought me more. I refuse to let them win. Especially not the royal brothers.
With a deep breath, I turned away from the mirror, the echoes of my reflection fading into the recesses of my mind.
I knew that the journey towards self–acceptance and healing had only just begun.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
After staring at myself for eternity in the mirror, I emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed yet still weighed down by the lingering echoes of self–doubt.
But as I entered the room, my gaze fell upon the maid from the day before, her warm smile a light in the darkness that threatened to engulf me. She is such a vibrant girl around my age or maybe older.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted me with a gentle nod, her eyes twinkling with kindness. “Thope you slept well”
Returning her smile with a small nod of my own, I followed her as she led me towards a door nestled in the corner of the
Toom.
With a soft click, she opened it to reveal a closet stocked with a few garments, their colours muted yet comforting in their simplicity. This room must have belonged to a female before me?
thought you might appreciate having a few options to choose from, the maid explained, her voice soft and soothing. “Feel free to take your time and find something that suits your fancy
I stepped into the closet, the scent of freshly laundered fabric enveloped me like a warm embrace, banishing the last vestiges of tension from my weary muscles.
Running my fingers over the soft textures of the garments, I felt a sense of gratitude welling up within me for the thoughtfulness of the maid’s gesture. Or is it the Alpha’s!
Though the selection was modest, I knew that within its confines lay the promise of a fresh start, a chance to shed the weight of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future.
1 sifted through the clothes, searching for something that resonated with my spirit. I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope flickering within me, a silent reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found
I found mine in the Crescent Moon Pack.
it to me. I
I surveyed the selection of clothes in the closet, my eyes fell upon a simple yet elegant dress that seemed to call out to have always loved simple things. Never been given the choice.
Its loose, flowing fabric promised comfort and ease, yet as I slipped it on, I couldn’t help but frown at the way it hung from my frame, the material draping loosely over my still–slender form.
Sensing my hesitation, the maid offered a reassuring smile, her voice gentle as she spoke.
“Don’t worry, ma’am,” she said, her tone soothing. “It’s normal for expectant mothers to experience changes in their bodies. You’ll fill out in no time.”
Her words were like a balm to my troubled mind, and yet a flicker of uncertainty lingered in the depths of my gaze as I met hers.
Uh.. expecting? How had she known? And more importantly, how had she guessed the truth that I had yet to reveal to anyone? I never told anyone and my stomach is still very much fat.
Seeing the question in my eyes, the maid merely shrugged, a knowing glint dancing in her gaze.
“It’s not hard to tell,” she said with a small smile. “Everyone around here can hear the second heartbeat within you.
For a moment, I was speechless, my mind reeling with the implications of her words. Why are we not given knowledge on all these things? How could they hear another heartbeat? Is that how it is?
But as the truth settled over me like a warm blanket, a sense of wonder and awe washed over me, mingled with a deep- seated gratitude for the kindness and understanding that surrounded me.
And so, as I stood there in the simple yet elegant dress, my hand resting gently on the no- swell of my belly, I knew that I was not alone. In the Crescent Moon pack. I had found not only acceptance but also a sense of belonging that filled me with hope for the future.
And as I looked to the maid with a newfound sense of trust and gratitude, I knew that together, we would navigate the journey ahead with courage and grace. They won’t mind educating me.