Chapter 79 Herbalists Come to Visit
Aelira’s POV
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Daelor’s lips break into that confident smile that makes his silver–gray eyes shimmer. “I start recording
the instant I see her step out of the elevator.”
“That’s fantastic,” I whisper, hope igniting within me. “We have her denying any knowledge of Jornic,
despite having clearly seen them together.”
“Exactly,” Daelor responds, sliding his phone into his pocket. “And with the evidence regarding her
pregnancy, we possess undeniable proof of her infidelity.”
I lean back against the car seat, my thoughts racing. “We must show this to Jornic. He needs to realize
what Cyrinne truly is.”
Daelor nods, his expression serious. “Tomorrow. Let’s allow him some time to cool down first.”
The idea of confronting my brother again churns my stomach, but I recognize its necessity. I cannot
allow Cyrinne to manipulate him any longer.
The next day, I reach Verdant Moon Herbalists earlier than usual, hoping to bypass any awkward
encounters with colleagues who likely have seen the viral video of my encounter with Cyrinne.
As I set up at my workstation, arranging my dried herbs and tools, my department manager suddenly appears, her expression unreadable.
“Aelira, may I have a word with you in my office?”
My heart sinks. This is it–I am probably about to be reprimanded for the incident involving the protest that Cyrinne instigated.
“Certainly,” I respond, following her down the corridor.
Once inside her office, she motions for me to take a seat, then surprises me by placing a glossy
brochure on the desk between us.
“Are you acquainted with ‘Healers‘ Voice‘?” she asks.
I nod, momentarily puzzled. “The herbal remedy showcase. It’s quite popular.”
“They want you,” she states simply, sliding the brochure toward me.
I blink, convinced that I must have misheard. “I’m sorry?”
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She leans forward, suddenly energetic. “The video of you and Cyrinne Wynthor has gone viral! You’re a celebrity now, Aelira. Your social media followers jumped to three hundred thousand overnight.”
“What?” I exclaim, genuinely surprised. I hardly engage with social media.
“Someone found an old university image of you gazing at Alarion Riven with admiration during a pack event,” she elaborates. “This unveiled your identity as his Luna to those who weren’t already aware, and the contrast with Cyrinne’s actions in the video… let’s just say public sentiment is definitely in your
favor.”
I sit there, shocked. “I don’t see how this relates to ‘Healers‘ Voice.”
“They’re planning a special episode that highlights promising herbalists,” she responds. “Your sudden fame makes you an excellent fit for the show. It would provide amazing exposure for Verdant Moon.”
Initially, I feel a spark of excitement, but reality quickly dims it. “Who else will be invited?”
The manager’s enthusiastic grin falters for a moment. “Several herbalists from across the territory. Cyrinne Wynthor, included.”
Naturally. I realize I’m not being invited for my abilities but for the potential conflict. They wish to capitalize on the drama.
“I don’t think that’s a wise decision,” I say cautiously. “Cyrinne and I in the same room, on live
television?”
“Consider it, Aelira,” she implores. “This could elevate your career significantly. Verdant Moon would even compensate you with a bonus for the exposure.”
I run my fingers across the glossy brochure, feeling tempted despite my concerns. The bonus would certainly help with my escalating expenses–preparing for a pup can be quite costly.
However, the idea of confronting Cyrinne in such a public arena, knowing she would attempt to provoke me, causes me to hesitate.
“I appreciate the offer,” I finally say. “But I must decline.”
Disappointment flickers across the manager’s face. “Are you certain? Opportunities like this don’t
come around often.”
I nod resolutely. “I’m certain. I’d prefer to be acknowledged for my herbal expertise rather than my
personal turmoil.”
She exhales but doesn’t press the matter further. “Alright. Just let me know if you change your mind.”
As I make my way back to my desk, I notice a shift in the behavior of my colleagues. Their whispers
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<Chapter 79 Herbalists Come to Visit
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come to an abrupt halt when I walk by. Some avoid eye contact while others watch me intently, their interest suddenly piqued.
They are now aware–not just of my connection to Alarion Riven, but of the controversy surrounding,
our mate bond’s dissolution and Cyrinne Wynthor’s part in it.
I keep my head high and concentrate on my task, methodically grinding silver moonflower petals for a healing salve. The repetitive action proves calming, allowing me to ignore the curious stares.
As lunchtime nears, my phone vibrates with a message from Jastor Halden:
“Can you meet me in the break room? I need to ask you something.”
I hesitate before responding with a simple “OK.” Jastor has always been considerate, never prying into
my personal matters even as we work closely together.
Upon entering the break room, I find him alone, nervously toying with a cup of herbal tea.
“Hey,” I greet, causing him to look up in surprise.
“Aelira! I appreciate you coming,” he says, motioning to the chair across from him. “I, um, wanted to
ask you something. It’s personal, though, so feel free to say it’s none of my concern.”
I sit down carefully. “What do you want to know?”
Jastor takes a deep breath. “Is it true? About your mate bond severance with Alarion Riven?”
The straightforwardness of his question catches me off guard. I anticipate hearsay from the office
rather than a direct query.
“I’m sorry,” he quickly adds, noticing my expression. “It’s just… There are so many rumors circulating, and I wanted to hear it from you.”
At least I appreciate his honesty. “Yes, it’s accurate. We’re currently in the process of ending our mate
bond.”
His expression brightens. “That’s wonderful!”
The excitement in his voice surprises me.
Jastor immediately blushes. “I mean, it’s not wonderful that your mate bond is finishing, but wonderful that… um…” He trails off, clearly feeling awkward.
“Wonderful that I’m starting anew?” I propose, sensing his discomfort.
He gratefully nods. “Exactly. Everyone deserves to find happiness.”
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His sincerity resonates within me. “I agree. Sometimes it’s better to move on than to hold onto something that’s fading away.”
“Like clinging to a crooked tree,” Jastor softly remarks.
That phrase makes me grin. “Exactly that.”
Our gazes lock, and for a brief moment, a peculiar understanding passes between us. Then, as colleagues enter the break room, the moment shatters.
“I have to return to work,” I state, rising from my seat.
Jastor nods. “Me too. I appreciate you trusting me with this, Aelira.”
As I gather my things to leave for lunch alone, my phone rings. Daelor’s name lights up my screen.
“Hello?” I respond, moving toward the lobby.
“Hungry?” Daelor’s deep voice sends an unexpected thrill through me. “I thought we could grab lunch
together.”
My wolf stirs with joy at the idea. “I would love that.”
“I’m outside your building,” he informs me. “Just pulling in now.”
The prospect of not dining alone instantly boosts my mood. As I make my way to the exit, Jastor falls
in step beside me.
“Heading out for lunch?” he asks with cheer.
“Yes,” I reply, unable to dampen his enthusiasm with a dismissive response. “How about you?”
He nods and dives into a conversation about a new herbal compound he’s developing. We engage in discussion as we move through the lobby and out the main doors.
There, right in front, is Daelor’s luxurious SUV. He steps out, his strong physique demanding immediate
attention. In his tailored suit, he embodies the powerful Alpha he is.
Our eyes connect, and something warm flickers in his silver–gray gaze.
Then, his gaze shifts to Jastor, and the atmosphere seems to chill noticeably. The two men exchange a glance, and I observe as Jastor’s earlier cheerfulness fades away.
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