As Leah sat in the castle gardens, the night air was filled with the aroma of roses and lavender in bloom. The grounds were illuminated by the moon's silvery radiance, giving the impression that everything was dreamlike. But the internal conflict was all too real.
She was still thinking about what Jacob had said. Although he had apologized sincerely, was that sufficient? She felt the weight of her position in his universe bearing down on her shoulders as the doubt tormented her. She felt as though she was on the periphery of his kingdom despite having put in a great deal of effort to gain acceptance and demonstrate that she was more than just an omega.
Lost in contemplation, she rubbed her fingers across a rose's petals. Would anything ever change? Would she ever be Luna in her heart as well as in her title?
She heard faint footsteps behind her and turned to find Henrietta coming with a worried expression. She replied softly, "Leah, you've been out here for hours." "What's on your mind?"
Leah let out a sigh. "Henrietta, I'm not sure if I belong here. Although I adore Jacob, love is insufficient to create a future. I'm still viewed as an omega by the pack. Jacob still finds it difficult to accept me as an equal. What happens if I never really belong in this world?
Henrietta sat down next to her and held Leah's hands. "You've already shown yourself to be valuable more times than I can remember. However, I can appreciate your fear. However, avoiding it won't provide you with solutions. Perhaps the true query is, "Leah, what do you want?"
Leah turned to face the castle's imposing walls, which served as both a haven and a jail. She desired a family, a home, and an environment where she would be accepted rather than merely tolerated. Could she have that here, though? Alongside Jacob?
Henrietta sat down next to her and held Leah's hands. "You've already shown yourself to be valuable more times than I can remember. However, I can appreciate your fear. However, avoiding it won't provide you with solutions. Perhaps the true query is, "Leah, what do you want?"
Leah turned to face the castle's imposing walls, which served as both a haven and a jail. She desired a family, a home, and an environment where she would be accepted rather than merely tolerated. Could she have that here, though? Alongside Jacob?