Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Ivy’s Point of View

I didn’t remember falling asleep.

One moment I was sitting beside Dominic’s bed, planning his treatment. The next, I was waking up to sunlight streaming through the curtains and Nell’s voice calling my name.

"Miss Ivy, you need to wake up. It’s almost time."

I blinked, disoriented. My body felt heavy, still drained from the spiritual assessment I’d performed on Dominic last night. I’d pushed myself too hard, too fast. My limbs ached and my head throbbed with a dull pain.

"Time for what?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.

"Your weekly visit to Luna Helena." Nell was already pulling clothes from the wardrobe, her movements quick and efficient. "You can’t be late on your first official visit as the young madam. It would look terrible."

Right. The weekly visit.

Every wife in the Silvermoon Pack’s main family was expected to pay respects to the Luna once a week. It was tradition. Protocol. A way for the Luna to keep tabs on all the women in her household while maintaining the appearance of familial harmony.

Missing it would be seen as disrespect. And right now, I couldn’t afford to give anyone ammunition against me.

I dragged myself out of bed and let Nell dress me. She chose a simple blue gown, modest but elegant. Nothing that would draw too much attention. She braided my hair and pinned it up, then added a touch of color to my lips.

"There," Nell said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look like a proper young madam now."

"I feel like I haven’t slept in days."

"You did fall asleep." Nell’s voice carried a hint of worry. "You shouldn’t push yourself so hard, Miss Ivy. You need rest too."

"I’m fine." I stood and smoothed my skirts. "Just not used to all this excitement."

Before leaving, I stopped by Dominic’s bedside. He looked the same as always. Pale. Still. Peaceful. His chest rose and fell in that slow, mechanical rhythm. His totem markings remained dim against his neck.

But I knew what lay beneath that stillness. The blood clots. The bone fragments. The damage that was slowly killing him from the inside.

‘Three months,’ I reminded myself. ‘Just hold on for three months.’

"Marcus, Theo," I called.

The two guards appeared instantly, standing at attention.

"Take good care of him while I’m gone. Make sure to massage his limbs regularly. Don’t skip any sessions."

"Yes, young madam," Marcus replied. "We’ll follow the usual schedule."

"Good. And if anything changes, anything at all, send someone to find me immediately."

"Understood."

I took one last look at Dominic, then left.

The walk to Luna Helena’s residence took about fifteen minutes. The central wing of the Silvermoon estate was grand but tasteful, decorated with fresh flowers and soft silks. Servants moved quietly through the corridors, heads bowed, eyes averted. The kind of place that felt warm despite its size.

When I arrived at the receiving room, I was surprised to find I wasn’t the only visitor.

Seraphina was already there.

She sat on one of the embroidered cushions, dressed in pale pink silk, her hair arranged in an elaborate updo that must have taken hours. She looked every inch the noble Alpha’s daughter. Beautiful. Refined. Completely at ease.

Our eyes met.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

"Cousin." Seraphina smiled. It didn’t reach her eyes. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Seraphina." I kept my voice neutral. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

"Luna Helena invited me for breakfast. After all, I’m still family now." She tilted her head, her smile sharpening. "Even if the circumstances are... unusual."

"How kind of you to come."

"I’m always kind." Her eyes glittered with barely concealed malice. "Unlike some people."

Before I could respond, Luna Helena entered the room. Her presence immediately commanded attention. She wore deep green today, her silver hair pinned back elegantly.

"Ah, wonderful." She looked between us, perhaps sensing the tension. "Come. Let’s eat together. I’ve had the kitchen prepare something special."

We followed her to the dining room, where servants had laid out an elaborate breakfast. Fresh fruits glistening with morning dew. Warm bread still steaming from the oven. Delicate pastries dusted with sugar. And several steaming dishes arranged in the center of the table.

Luna Helena sat at the head of the table. Seraphina and I took seats on either side of her.

"It’s good to have company," Luna Helena said, picking up her tea cup. "This house gets too quiet sometimes. Especially with Dominic..." She trailed off, her expression flickering with sadness.

Seraphina jumped in quickly. "We’re honored to join you, Luna Helena. Truly. Your hospitality is legendary throughout the kingdom."

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