The pack's clinic was a world of its own, a bustling microcosm where I could lose myself. One morning, I overheard a group of Wolf Healers talking excitedly about Ezekiel Ashborne, the Master of the Lotus Tower. The Lotus Tower was renowned for its elite healers, and Ezekiel was its enigmatic leader, a Wolf Healer known for his extraordinary powers and handsome looks. His visits were rare, but they always caused a stir.
“Did you hear? Ezekiel Ashborne is seen around Amberwood these days. Do you think he's going to visit us here?" One healer whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.
“Who knows? But I don't care anymore since I already saw him once at a banquet,” another added, her voice tinged with admiration. “He’s even more impressive in person. Tall, with this commanding presence—and those eyes! Like storm clouds.”
“He’s the best Wolf Healer in the region,” a third chimed in. “I heard he can cure almost anything. They say just being near him feels like a healing in itself.”
Their words piqued my curiosity. I had heard of Ezekiel Ashborne, of course—every Wolf Healer had. His reputation was legendary, but I had never seen him in person. The thought of meeting someone so revered, someone who seemed to effortlessly command respect and awe, was strangely alluring. It was a sharp contrast to the misery I felt in my personal life.
Hours stretched into days. Then, unexpectedly, Dane, my Alpha, appeared outside the clinic one evening. It had been an exhausting shift, and I was trudging toward the exit when I saw his familiar car parked across the place.
“Why are you here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, fatigue weighing down my words.
He opened the car door and smiled at me. “Did you forget that today is our mateship anniversary?”
“Oh,” I mumbled, caught off guard. “Sorry. I’ve been really busy and it slipped my mind.”
“Celeste, you used to care about this more than anything. How could you forget?” His eyes searched mine, a mixture of disbelief and hurt.