Chapter 6

AURORA

“Yeah, I think so. Given her dress and where it needs to go,” Rin confirmed.

Kaleem then moved towards the doorway and called out for his wife. She appeared within a few minutes. She was stunning, with skin and hair similar to Kaleem’s, but her eyes were a deep, mesmerizing violet. She gave me a comforting smile as we were left alone in the room.

“Relax, I promise this won’t hurt a bit,” she assured me.

“So, what do I need to do?” I asked her.

“Not much. We just need to lift your skirt to place this where it needs to go.”

I felt a little awkward as we did this, especially since I wasn’t wearing any underwear. But I reminded myself that she was a woman too. She’d seen it all before.

She worked swiftly, placing the grasses on my abdomen. Like the stone, they disappeared beneath my skin without causing any discomfort.

The Elf woman smiled as she lowered my skirt and helped me sit up. “All done. Now you won’t have to worry about becoming a full beta.”

“Thanks.” I slid off the table, cradling my arm and glancing to my left, unsure of what to say next. This Elf woman was breathtaking. They all were. Being in this world felt like living in a beautiful fairytale.

She seemed to understand my unease. “You don’t need to feel self-conscious here. We don’t hold any prejudice against humans who join us, and it’s quite endearing to see you with Master Fox.” She extended her hand to me. “I’m Fai.”

“I’m Aurora,” I replied softly, shaking her hand.

“Aurora. What a lovely name.” Fai guided me towards the doorway as she continued to talk. “I know this world can be a bit much for a young human, but if you’d like, you can visit me anytime. I’d love to get to know you better and show you more about the Veil.”

“You’d do that for me?”

Her offer surprised me. I hadn’t expected any of these creatures to want to be friends with me. But then I thought maybe it was because of my connection to Rin. They saw an alpha as superior, so they’d want to stay on his good side. That thought kept my optimism in check.

Fai smiled at me, her sincerity shining through. “I wouldn’t mind at all. It would be nice to get to know a future Mistress of the Veil.”

“Mistress of the Veil?” I echoed.

“That’s enough, Fai,” Rin interjected.

I hadn’t realized we’d rejoined him and Kaleem.

“There’s no need to discuss that now, and the day’s getting on. I need to take Aurora home.” He turned to Kaleem. “I apologize if I seem rude, but Aurora still needs time to adjust. I’d rather not take her through the forest with nightfall approaching.”

Kaleem nodded. “That’s understandable. You and Lady Aurora are always welcome here. I’d like to see her again to make sure she’s doing well, especially with her new voice.”

“We can arrange that.” Rin stepped over and took my hand. “Until then, I’ll keep in touch.”

I kept my gaze lowered as we left Kaleem’s home and headed towards the village entrance. The splinters didn’t move as we passed, but I could sense their vigilance. They were truly imposing beings. I never could’ve imagined such creatures existed.

Rin paused when we were a safe distance away, turning to me.

“It’s good to hear you speak again. I was worried there might not be a way,” he confessed.

“Is it that important that I can talk?” I asked him.

“It wouldn’t have been a big deal if you couldn’t. I just like hearing your voice. It’s sad to think that no one did for so long,” Rin replied.

I wasn’t expecting that response. “You…felt sad for me?”

“I’m capable of feeling, you know,” Rin teased. He glanced around at the encroaching shadows. “Anyway, let’s head back. I meant what I said about not wanting you out here after dark. Even twilight can be risky.”

“O-okay.” I managed to nod.

Rin held my chin, smiling as he looked into my eyes. “I can’t wait to get back. After tonight, I’ll finally be able to call you completely mine.”