Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Chapter 175

ARIA

白

Emished

The moment hung awkwardly between us. Kael clearly aware that I’d noticed his slip, me trying to pretend I hadn’t, both of us uncertain how to move past it gracefully.

“Did you hunt much in Blackwood?” Kael asked, deliberately changing the subject as he cast the line into the water. “When you had time, I mean. When you weren’t being kept isolated p>

I was grateful for the shift in conversation, even as part of me wanted to press about what he’d almost said. About Ivory and fishing and memories he still carried.

“When I had time, yes,” I said. “Though I mostly used my wolf form for traveling to gather herbs rather than actual hunting. I was faster in wolf form, could cover more ground when I needed specific plants that grew in particular locations p>

Kael’s attention sharpened immediately. “Herbs? You know about medicinal plants p>

“Some,” I said carefully. “Nothing like Ivory’s knowledge. Just basic things. Common remedies for minor ailments. I learned from observation mostly, and from a book I found in Blackwood’s library about local flora and their properties p>

“But you’re a healer,” Kael pressed, and there was something like excitement in his voice. “Or you have healing knowledge at least. That’s more than you’ve mentioned before p>

“I’m not a healer,” I corrected quickly. “Not really. I can identify some plants and know their basic uses. That’s not the same as what Ivory does. She’s a prodigy-creating compounds, understanding complex interactions, developing new treatments. I just… I know some plants. It’s not comparable p>

Kael was quiet for a moment, watching the fishing line. Then he said, “Maybe that’s something you two could bond over. Shared interest in medicinal herbs. You could work in the herb gardens with her, learn from her, contribute to her research p>

My stomach clenched at the suggestion. “I don’t think that’s a good idea p>

“Why not?” Kael asked, genuine curiosity in his tone. “You both have knowledge in this area. It seems like a natural connection point p>

“Because the pack wouldn’t like it,” I said carefully. “It would feel like I was overstepping. I’m already Luna- a position many think I don’t deserve or haven’t earned. If I start trying to involve myself in Ivory’s work, in her domain, it’ll look like I’m trying to overshadow her. Or worse, like I’m trying to compete with her p>

“You wouldn’t be competing-” Kael started.

“But that’s how it would be seen,” I interrupted. “Think about it, Kael. Ivory is beloved in this pack. Her work saves lives. Her contributions are invaluable. And I’m the newcomer who stumbled into being Luna through political necessity. If I start working in her gardens, using her resources, involving myself in her research- people will see it as me trying to claim credit for her work. Or as me trying to replace her in yet another way p>

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Chapter 175

“That’s not how I’d see it,” Kael protested.

Firashed

“Maybe not, I conceded. “But you’re not the only person whose opinion matters. The pack’s perception is important. And right now, their perception is that I’m barely adequate as Luna. Adding trying to muscle into Ivory’s territory to that perception won’t help.

Kael was silent, clearly wanting to argue but unable to deny the truth of what I was saying. The pack’s opinion of me was fragile at best. Adding complications to my relationship with Ivory-their precious healer who they trusted absolutely-would not improve that situation.

“Besides,” I added more quietly, “I couldn’t compete with what Ivory does even if I wanted to. Her knowledge, her skill, her brilliance-it’s on a completely different level from my basic plant identification. Working alongside her would just highlight how inadequate I am by comparison p>

“You’re not inadequate,” Kael said firmly.

“I’m adequate enough,” I corrected. “I can settle disputes. I can handle administrative tasks. I can perform the basic functions required of Luna. But I’m not exceptional. I’m not remarkable. I’m not someone whose contributions fundamentally change things the way Ivory’s do p>

The fish bit then, saving us from continuing the uncomfortable conversation. Kael pulled in the line with practiced ease, landing a decent-sized trout that would make a good meal. He dispatched it quickly and humanely, then began preparing it for cooking.

“I’m going to teach you how to do this properly,” he announced. “Catch and cook. Essential survival skills that every wolf should have p>

I watched as he demonstrated how to clean the fish, how to prepare it for the small fire he built, how to season it with wild herbs he gathered from nearby. His movements,were efficient and confident, someone who’d done this countless times.

“Your turn,” he said, handing me the fishing line once the first fish was cooking. “Let’s see if you can catch dinner p>

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Mark