Chapter 0418

"What in the world—?" Seraphina gasped, her eyes wide with amazement.

I couldn't blame her. I knew they were Sylvan Fae, but I never imagined the plants would react to them like this.

When Luna and Stella returned to us, their faces glowed with satisfaction as they surveyed the garden.

"How did you do that?" Seraphina asked, still staring at the vibrant blooms.

"Plants have feelings too," Luna explained.

"They work tirelessly," Stella added.

"Growing, nourishing, giving life."

"But sometimes they grow weary."

"Or lonely."

"So we shared our light with them."

"And now they're happy again."

"You're hired," I declared without hesitation.

They turned to me, eyes sparkling. "Hired for what?" they asked in unison, practically bouncing with excitement.

"From now on, you're our official garden caretakers."

The twins squealed, clapping their hands and hopping in place.

"This is perfect!"

"We'll make sure every plant thrives!"

"Alistair will be so proud!"

"Maybe he'll give us belly rubs again!"

"Or do that thing with his—"

"ENOUGH!" I cut in loudly before their imaginations could run wild. "You can discuss that with Alistair later. Preferably in private."

"Thank you, Lady Isolde."

"Nice meeting you, Lady Seraphina."

+15 BONDS

"We'll return tomorrow to check on our plants," they announced before skipping away, presumably to find Alistair.

Once they were gone, Seraphina and I exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. "Life here is never dull," she remarked, peeling off her gardening gloves.

"Honestly? I've never seen a garden this lush. They might be eccentric, but their skills are undeniable," I admitted, turning toward the packhouse.

As I approached the flower beds near the back, I noticed something peculiar—a cluster of flowers that kept wilting and reviving in cycles. Peering closer, I spotted Elara crouched among the blossoms. With each quiet sniffle, the flowers drooped, only to perk up again when she touched them.

"Elara?"

She jumped at my voice. "Oh! Lady Isolde. Good morning." She hastily wiped her eyes before looking up.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked, settling onto the edge of the flower bed.

"Am I not allowed here?" She started to rise, her movements hesitant.

"No, of course not," I assured her. "Stay as long as you like. But why the tears?"

She sank back down, fingers brushing a wilting petal. "You saw Luna and Stella?"

"Yes. They've taken human forms since mating with Alistair."

She nodded, avoiding my gaze. "I'm happy for them. Truly. This is what we all dream of—being loved, being whole." Her voice cracked as she touched another fading flower.

"Did something happen between you and Theodore?" I kept my tone gentle.

"No. Theodore is wonderful. Kind, patient... perfect." Her fingers trembled against the blossom.

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm broken," she whispered, and the flower in her hand withered completely.

+15 BONDS

"Oh, Elara." Without thinking, I gathered her into my arms, cradling her like a child. "Theodore knew about your wing before he claimed you. He chose you exactly as you are."

She buried her face in my shoulder, fingers clutching her unusual garments. "But now he's seen what it means to be complete."

Pulling back, her tear-filled eyes met mine. "I'm happy for my sisters, truly. I just wish I could be the mate Theodore deserves. He's been so good to me, but I'll never transform fully without my wing."

"Isolde! Have you seen—" Theodore's panicked voice cut through the garden. He skidded to a halt when he spotted Elara in my arms.

"Elara, I've searched everywhere for you," he murmured, carefully lifting her from my lap.

As fresh tears spilled down her cheeks, he pulled her close. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I didn't realize... Listen to me—I don't care about forms or wings. I only care about you."

"I'll leave you two to talk," I said, stroking Elara's hair. "But remember, Elara, wolves mate for life. To Theodore, nothing matters more than having you by his side."

She nodded against his shoulder as he mouthed "Thank you" over her head.

Walking away, I knew what I had to do.

I needed to speak with King Oberon. There had to be a way to heal Elara's wing.