I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 6

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**Chapter 6**

**ARIA**

It had been four long days since I first set foot in the Shadowmere territory, and still, Kael remained elusive. The last time I had seen him was that fateful night when he had collapsed at my feet, a haunting image that refused to leave my mind.

Nina, my steadfast companion, assured me that his absence was entirely normal. “He spends most of his time in the depths of the forest now,” she explained, her voice soothing. “It’s where his wolf can run free, away from any risk of harming others.” Yet, despite her comforting words, I couldn’t shake the memory of those desperate gold eyes or the way my wolf had responded to his anguished howl with a cry that echoed my own heartache.

To my surprise, the pack had welcomed me with an unexpected warmth. They were curious, yes, but their interest was not laced with the cruel judgment I had grown accustomed to in the Blackwood pack. Here, curiosity was accompanied by shy smiles and open arms, with offers to help me settle in and invitations to share meals that felt like a celebration of community.

Among them, the children stood out as the most curious of all.

These brave little wolves trailed behind me wherever I went, their wide eyes sparkling with excitement and their minds bubbling with questions. They giggled and whispered among themselves, scattering like startled birds whenever I turned to acknowledge their presence. It was utterly adorable, a stark contrast to the cold isolation I had known before.

Nina had truly been a beacon of light during this transition. From the moment we arrived, she took it upon herself to guide me through the intricacies of pack life, her enthusiasm infectious.

“This is the healer’s lodge,” she said on that first day, her hand gesturing toward a cozy stone structure nestled by the riverbank. “And over there is the communal kitchen—everyone contributes to the meals, and trust me, you haven’t truly lived until you’ve tasted Marcus’s venison stew.”

“Is he the same Marcus who guided me here?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“Very different,” she chuckled. “Our Marcus is the pack’s head cook, and he’s about as threatening as a puppy.” Her grin was contagious. “The other Marcus? Well, he’s more of a lone wolf these days. No pun intended.”

Nina took me to the training grounds where young wolves honed their combat skills, the library housed in a converted cave system, and the sacred grove where the pack held their moon ceremonies, each location steeped in history and significance.

However, it was my living quarters that left me utterly speechless.

“We’ve prepared Kael’s personal chambers for you,” Nina said, leading me up a winding stone staircase carved into the mountainside. “He insisted on this before… well, before he lost the ability to communicate clearly. He wanted his future mate to feel his presence, his scent surrounding her. He thought it might aid in the bonding process.”

As I stepped into the room, my breath caught in my throat.

It was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking view of the valley below. The bed was enormous, draped in furs and thick blankets, fit for a wolf in either form. But what truly captivated me were the personal touches that adorned the space.

One wall was covered in detailed, hand-drawn maps of territories I did not recognize, each marked with bold, slashing notes. A bookshelf stood proudly, filled with volumes on pack history, strategy, and surprisingly, poetry. On the windowsill, a collection of carved wooden figures caught my eye—wolves, bears, eagles—each one crafted with intricate detail.

“He made those himself,” Nina said softly, noticing my fascination. “Before the curse, he used to carve when he needed to think. It helped him clear his mind.”

I picked up one of the wooden wolves, running my fingers over the smooth surface. The craftsmanship was exquisite; every detail was perfect, from the individual strands of fur to the fierce intelligence captured in the carved eyes.