Chapter 185
Elle’s POV
“Why don’t we all got Sophia said, her voice brightening with fent cheerfulness. “We could use some fresh air and a distraction
Abigail nodded immediately. That sounds like a pest idea.”
I looked around at their expectant faces and felt a wave of gratitude mixed with exhaustion. They were all trying so hard to help me move past the devastating revelations about my birth, about being the twin that Eleanor Blair had deliberately discarded
“Sure,” I said quietly. “A walk i
As we stepped outside into the mixed district’s bustling street, Sophia fell into step beside me while Abigail and Susan walked slightly ahead, chatting about
the local herb shops.
“Elle” Sophia said carefully, “are you still angry about… everything? About your bloodline?”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Angry? I don’t even know if I have the night to be angry anymore.
I paused, watching a group of human children playing in a small park while their parents kept watchful eyes on them. I mean, whats the point of being angry about it? My whole life has been one big mess from the start, I can’t even call it my life anymore–it feels like someone elses discarded script.
“But you understand now why you look so much like Dakota, why there was that blood connection you felt with her,” Sophia pressed gently.
Wah,” I said, my voice flat. Because we’re identical twins. Because we shared the same won until Eleanor Blair decided one of us had to go.”
Sophia studied my face. “Are you going to go back to the Blair family? Take their name?”
I shook my head firmly. “I’m fine being a West. Susas raised me, loved me when my biological family threw me away. Why would I want to chase after people who never wanted me in the first place?
Abigail had been listening and tumed back with a sigh, ‘Elle, you’re so strong. But I can see where that strength comes from now–growing up facing all those challenges from such a young age.”
Before I could respond, Susan ved enthusiastically at a middle–aged woman approaching us. Ms. Patterson“”
pin that family.
The woman, wearing a floral dress and carrying a large canvas bag, hurried over with a warm smile. “Susan, dearl And you must be the laughter she mentioned.” She turned to us with sparkling eyes. “Oh my, what lovely young people! Especially you, dear,” she said to me, “you have such striking wyest
Thank you,” I managed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.
“Now, Mrs. Patterson, Susan said, “they are Sophia, and Abigail. They wanted to come along to the herb shop!
“Wonderful!” Mrs. Patterson clapped her hands together. “The more the merrier!
As we walked toward the herb shop, Mrs. Patterson chattered away, making us about gift preferences because she was preparing for her son to bring his girlfriend home for the first time.
When we arrived at the herb shop, I was surprised by its size and elegant appearancĖ.
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Chapter 185
A young human girl at the reception greeted us politely. “Welcome to Moonhaven Herbs. How may I help you today?”
“We have a reservation for moonlight grass tea,” Susan said. “Under Patterson,”
The girl checked her ledger and nodded. “Yes, everything is ready. But our proprietor would like to invite you to sample a new
developing. Would you like to go sapstairs to one of mu tasting rooms?”
Mrs. Patterson and Susan exchanged excited glances. That sounds lovely!” Mrs. Patterson said.
herbal blend weve been
We followed the girl up a beautifully carved wooden staircase to the third floor. She led us to an elegantly appointed room with comfortable seating and soft
lighting
lar, though I couldn’t place why. The color scheme, the patterns on the
As I settled into my chair, something about the room’s décor struck me as wallpaper, even the style of the furniture seemed to trigger some distant memory.
This is a beautiful room,” I commented to the girl. The style is quite distinctive.”
Thank you,” she said with a small smile. “Our proprietor personally designed all our private rooins.
Abigail leaned forward, studying the intricate wooden panels on the walls. Her expression suddenly grew alert, and I caught her shooting a meaningful look
at Sophia
Sophia had been examining a decorative tapestry, but I noticed her pasture stiffen slightly. As a werewolf, she would be more sensitive to scents and atmosphere than the rest of us.
Another young woman, this one wearing an elegant long dress, entered carrying a tes service. She moved with practiced grace, preparing the tea with what appeared to be a formal ceremony
“This is our signature blend,” she said softly, pouring the fragrant tea into delicate cups. “It has calming properties and is particularly beneficial for expectant mothers.”
Mrs. Patterson and Susan looked increasingly uncomfortable as the service became more elaborate. I could see them mentally calculating how much this
night cost
But as the aroma of the tea reached my nose, my eyes sharpened with recognition. This wasn’t just any herbal blend–this was a specific formala. I’d encountered before. The combination of herbs was designed for human unnen carrying mixed–blood children, meant to strengthen the mother and support
the pregnancy
Only one family would have access to such a specialized blend.
I looked directly at the girl performing the tea ceremony. “Who is your proprietor? Since you’ve called in here, they must want to see me,
The girl’s composed expression didn’t change, but she inclined her head respectfully, “Yes, Miss Blair.”
Susan went pale and started to rise. “I think we should probably-”
Since this is about me,” I interrupted calmly, it might be inconvenient for others to be present, don’t you think?”
Susan immediately understood and grabbed Mrs. Patterson “You know what, this seems much more expensive than we thought. Maybe we should just fel our regular order downstairs.”
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Chapter 185
Mrs. Patterson, looking confused but trusting Susans judgment, allowed herself to be led toward the door. “Oh, of course, dear. We don’t want to overspend
After they left, I turned back to the tea ceremony girl. “Who wants to ser me?”
Sophia and Abigail had both temed, clearly wanting to give me privacy but sure if they should leave.
“No need to go anywhere,” I said coolly to them. “There’s nothing here that can’t be said in front of others, is there?
The girl
I gestured toward the door. “If you would please follow me, Miss flair. We have another room prepared.”
I stood, feeling Abigail discreetly trace letters on my palm as we
walked. I–L–E–A–N–O–R.
The girl led us down a hallway to another door, outside of which stood several women in matching uniforms. They bowed to me respectfully, each one addressing me as “Miss Blac.”
We were about go what appeared to be a suite. The outer area was a sitting room, while the inner area was concealed behind beautiful silk curtains, cr an air of mystery and importance.
Here goes nothing
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
