The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 543

Chapter 543: Let the Flavour Speak

[Meredith].

I moved to the mortar at the centre of the table and selected the first batch of dried leaves.

Azul stepped forward at once, handing me the cloth-lined bowl. "Luna."

"Thank you," I murmured.

Then I slowly, deliberately crushed the leaves. The pestle moved in a steady rhythm, grinding until the herbs released their deep, grounding, faintly sweet scent.

As the fragrance rose, something in my chest eased. This was familiar.

"Deidra," I said without looking up, "heat the oil in a low flame only."

"Yes, Luna."

The soft hiss of fire followed.

"Kira, strain the second batch. Arya, check the beeswax. There should be no impurities. Cora, prepare the binding bowls."

They moved immediately, coordinating properly. Once the oil was warm, I added the crushed herbs, stirring clockwise with the wooden paddle.

My wrist ached, but I welcomed it. Healing demanded patience, and the mixture thickened slowly, darkening into a rich green sheen.

"It smells good," Arya said quietly.

"It should," I replied. "If it doesn’t, we have already failed."

A faint smile crossed her face.

When the infusion was ready, Kira brought the fine cloth. Together, we strained it—her hands steady, mine firm as I pressed every last drop free, leaving nothing to waste.

Next came the beeswax. Arya melted it carefully, watching for bubbles, while Cora held the bowl steady. I poured slowly, stirring continuously until the mixture resisted the paddle just slightly.

"There," I said. "That’s the consistency."

Azul nodded. "It’s perfect."

Next, the small, clean jars, warm from rising, were brought forward. I filled each one myself, pouring carefully to ensure even levels.

Deidra capped them, pressing each lid tight. Kira wiped the rims clean. Arya labelled them neatly while Cora placed them onto the shelves in precise rows.

By the time the last jar was set on the shelf, I stepped back with my hands resting on the table’s edge as my chest rose and fell. "Well done," I said quietly.

They bowed with smiles on their faces.

"Tomorrow," I said, picking up a clean cloth and wiping my hands on it, "we begin packaging the teas into small teabags. We will separate them by purpose: headache, heartburn, and digestion. Make sure the labels are clear. The event is in four days."

"Yes, Luna," they answered in unison.

I nodded in satisfaction. But just then, a soft knock sounded on the double doors. "Enter."

A servant in uniform stepped in, bowing deeply. "Luna, the first batch of children’s candy is ready. The cooks request your presence for tasting."

I straightened slightly. "Very well."

Turning back to my maidservants, I instructed, "Clean up the workstation and secure the balms. Then, you can rest for today."

They bowed, and I followed the servant out.

As we walked toward the kitchen, I asked, "Have the candies cooled?"

"Yes, Luna."

The moment I stepped into the large kitchen—a place I rarely visited—the activity halted. Servants and cooks bowed deeply, the air heavy with sweetness. The smell hit me at once: burnt sugar, cloying and sharp. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

I nodded. "I will be waiting. And I hope I won’t be disappointed this time."

Without another word, I turned and left the kitchen, the scent of sugar fading behind me.

Mistakes could be forgiven, but carelessness could not.

"You handled that well." Valmora suddenly stirred, her quiet presence unfurling at the back of my mind, like a shadow stretching after sleep.

I slowed my steps. "That was just common sense," I replied inwardly. "Children deserve better than tasteless sugar."

There was a soft huff, almost a scoff. "I’m only appreciating the fact that you didn’t scold them. Instead, you taught them," Valmora said. "Power doesn’t always need teeth."

I frowned slightly. "Is that praise I hear?"

"Don’t get used to it," She indirectly admitted.

But there was something approving beneath her words, something warm.

"You are thinking beyond yourself now," she continued. "You’re thinking of the small ones. The vulnerable. That instinct suits you."

I didn’t answer right away; instead, I remained calm and enjoyed more of her praises.

---

Later in the evening, Dennis lay sprawled comfortably on one of the couches, one arm draped over the backrest like he owned the place. While Draven and I were sitting across from him.

I had barely finished deciding if there should be a song playing in the background during the event or not, when two gentle knocks sounded at the door.

Then the two cooks entered, carrying a wide wooden tray between them. Behind them, a young servant followed with her head lowered and her hands folded neatly in front of her.

All three stopped a few steps inside the room and bowed deeply. "Luna. Alpha. Sir."