Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 206: CURIOSITY IS A BLADE

Serena laughed at something Verec had said earlier, some dry remark about owls choosing mates better than most wolves. He had a way of seeming harmless, almost bumbling, but she’d caught the sidelong glances he’d given Riven throughout the afternoon. Those were clear quiet assessments he was giving. Gentle nudges that never quite crossed into scrutiny. It made her wonder what exactly had they discussed before stepping into the garden?

"It is a fine day to stay at the castle," Darius said, voice warm with that practiced calm of his.

Riven gave a low chuckle and nodded. "Indeed it is. I suppose fate decided we needed a moment of stillness after so many thorns and stone paths."

Verec snorted, patting his knee. "Speak for yourself. I haven’t had tea this fine in weeks. This is practically a diplomatic miracle."

That drew another ripple of light laughter from the group. The shadows stretched longer now across the lawn, painting soft lines of gold along the stone paths. A soft breeze carried the scent of pine and mint, the fading sunlight dappling the hedges.

"I hope the rooms prepared for you are satisfactory," Darius added after a pause, looking to Riven.

"They are more than fine," Riven said, standing. "We are grateful for the hospitality. I must confess I did not expect such warmth."

"You’re welcome to stay as long as is necessary," Darius said as he rose to his feet, smoothing the sleeves of his coat. "I’ll walk you both back. there are a few things I’d like to speak with you about."

Verec gathered himself slowly, grunting as he pushed from the garden bench. "I can already hear the ledger pages rustling. Come along then."

Riven dipped his head politely to Serena and Charlotte. "Ladies. Thank you for your company. It was...refreshing."

"Do enjoy your stay," Serena replied with a nod.

Charlotte only offered a lazy smile and a half-wave, like she could barely be bothered. Darius lingered for just a moment longer beside the women. His eyes met Serena’s, briefly, but with a softness that made her stomach flutter. Then he turned and led the Dawnbreak wolves away, voices fading into the corridors of the keep.

The moment they were gone, Charlotte’s whole demeanour shifted.

She flopped back in her chair and let out a long, annoyed breath. "I truly dislike when people start poking around in places they ought not be."

Serena glanced at her. "You mean Riven?"

Charlotte nodded, lips twisting slightly. "He asked too many questions about Alpha Darius’s father for someone who’s only here to sample soup and smile politely. It irks me."

"You don’t think he has a right to be curious?"

"Curiosity is a blade," Charlotte said coolly. "Blunted when it’s used for learning, sharpened when it starts digging up bones."

Serena looked down at her teacup, the contents long gone cold. She did NOT press. The thought of the former Alpha’s story still hovered like fog no one quite acknowledged. She had only heard whispers, never facts and perhaps, for now, that was safer.

Charlotte pushed up from her chair with exaggerated flair. "Well, since it appears that everyone’s walking someone somewhere, why don’t I escort you back?"

Serena blinked. "Escort me?"

Charlotte hooked her arm through Serena’s before she could protest. "What are we, chopped meat? Let’s go. I tire of the scent of seriousness and brooding."

Serena gave a short laugh despite herself. "Very well. Lead the way."

They walked side by side down the gravel path, past hedgerows and low fountains. The quiet was companionable, Charlotte said nothing more about Riven, and Serena was glad. The silence gave her space to think about the garden but she wouldn’t ask about the former Alpha. Not when every instinct told her that line of inquiry came with sharp teeth.

They reached her chambers without much else said. Charlotte let go of her arm and gave a satisfied sigh. "Well then. Another walk shared, another moment passed. What a delightful friendship we’re cultivating."

Serena turned to face her, hands folded neatly. "You are strange, Charlotte."

"I know," Charlotte said, unapologetically. "That’s why I am memorable. Good night, my dear."

"Good night."

When Serena closed the door behind her, the calm silence of her room greeted her like a balm. The fire had been stoked, her shawl rested neatly over the back of her chair, and the air smelled faintly of sage. She allowed herself a moment to just stand there, breathing deeply.

Then she moved with purpose.

Serena retrieved a small wooden box from beneath her writing desk, an old keepsake she had found in Ironshade. It had been meant for letters, but it served well for gifts. She set it atop the desk and began gathering little things.

A spool of ribbon, green, Clara’s favourite. A small pouch of sugared fruit she had set aside during a kitchen visit. A few folded pieces of parchment she had pressed flowers into weeks ago.

And then, a carved figurine. A little wolf, no longer than her thumb, which she had whittled herself in one of her sleepless evenings. The shape was not perfect. its ears were a touch uneven but its posture was strong, tail curled, chin lifted.

She added it gently to the box.

Next, a note. Serena dipped her pen in ink, letting it linger before pressing it to paper.

"Dearest Clara,

I hope the days have been kind and that you have allowed yourself at least one sweet a week. I am sending these in hopes they bring a smile to your face. The wolf is not ferocious, I promise...she is merely proud.

With fondness,

Serena."

She folded the letter with care and tied the box with the ribbon. It was a simple thing, but she hoped it would comfort the little girl. And herself in a way, it served as a remainder that she had soon to visit.

The storm might still come. But tonight, she had made a gift and that would have to be enough.