Chapter 15
In my third year in The Moonlit Glade, I successfully completed my apprenticeship under the most renowned supernatural couturier in Europe.
“Oh my God, you have to see this!“]]
My fellow apprentice’s excitement caught my attention, and I glanced at the client information on her phone.[]
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A photograph of a ceremonial gown I knew all too well.]
Wine stains across the chest, scattered dark brown bloodstains on the hem–my blood, my pain, captured forever in silver nitrate.
“Alina, do you know how much they’re offering? Enough to commission a hundred gowns like this!“]]
“But they don’t want a new one–they’re demanding this exact gown must be restored! Word is, they’ve contacted every supernatural artisan in their territory, and no one will take the job…”
V
“Master Delacroix went to meet with these clients personally a month ago. She said it was… unsettling. Both clients seemed to have severe disabilities.“]
“One couldn’t speak and his right hand was constantly trembling–looked like nerve damage. The other was covered head to toe despite the summer heat, only showing his eyes. Master said she thought she glimpsed terrible burn scars covering half his face…”
“With that kind of money, they must be powerful Alphas, right? Alina, do you recognize them?“]]
I gently shook my head and smiled as I looked away, my wolf stirring restlessly in my chest before settling into protective calm.[
The hurt from the past had consumed my whole soul once upon a time.]
It made me suffer, made me anxious and paranoid, made me question my own worth.
I hated that version of myself, and I hated the people who broke me even more…]]
But I’d also been learning to heal my fractured soul, piece by careful piece.
Now I had a career that set my soul on fire, and I had–family who loved me unconditionally.[]
All those past humiliations, insults, indifference, and betrayals… the wine thrown in my face, the blood on my gown, the way they chose everyone but me…]
None of it had power over me anymore.]
I wouldn’t look back, and I no longer carried that poison in my heart.]
As for when others would let go of their guilt, their desperate need for forgiveness…]
I didn’t know, and it was no longer my burden to bear.]
“Alina, your grandma’s here with more treats! Oh wow, those little moon cakes look amazing!”
I turned around to see Professor Nessa with her enchanted walking stick, her eyes twinkling with mischief and love.
She stood there, beaming as she picked up the prettiest cake infused with her own protective charms and held it out to me.]
I realized with a fierce joy that finally, I was someone’s first choice. Someone’s priority. Someone’s beloved.]
My wolf practically purred with contentment.
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