A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 84: Glowing Pocket, Glowing Hearts

Ace’s POV

Ovelia rested against me, her breathing slow and even as the night wrapped around us like a comforting blanket. I gently wrapped my arm around her waist, ensuring she wouldn’t slip from the saddle. I wasn’t sure how she could sleep while riding, but I figured the late hour and exhaustion had finally caught up to her. The first light of dawn was still a few hours away, and the forest was quiet except for the rhythmic clopping of hooves.

I’d noticed a strange scent coming from Ovelia’s pocket for a while now—something I’d never smelled before. My curiosity grew as I glanced down and saw a faint glow from her pocket. Suddenly, the fabric rustled and stirred, rousing Ovelia from her sleep.

"Ace?" she murmured, her voice a sleepy melody.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, concern threading my tone.

"Nothing, you’re just warm," she replied, leaning into me, her soft warmth a balm that soothed my anxiety. She still hovered in the clouds of dreamland, her eyelids heavy.

I glanced at her pocket again, the glow now shifting into a rainbow of colors. My curiosity peaked. "Ovelia, are you hiding something?" I asked, but she didn’t respond, her breathing steady as she drifted back to sleep.

Carefully, I opened the pocket of her dress and saw a fairy nestled inside. Its rainbow-colored wings shimmered faintly, and its white hair glowed softly in the dim light. My wolf stirred but didn’t feel hostile toward the creature, which reassured me. Still, I knew others couldn’t find out about the fairy—they might experiment on it or worse.

"Don’t hurt him," Ovelia whispered, her voice still thick with sleep as she grasped my wrist, her grip light yet firm. Then, almost instantly, she released me and fell back asleep.

"It’s cold; close the door," the fairy murmured, still half-asleep, his tiny voice barely above a whisper.

"What door?" I asked, baffled.

The fairy blinked awake, his wings glowing brighter as he looked up at me. "You’re the useless prince who can’t save his mate," he said, his voice sharp.

I clenched my fists, refusing to let his words wound me. "Are you trying to mock me? You’d better control the glow of your wings before anyone finds out you exist," I said; my tone was sharp, a silent warning lingering in the air.

He glanced at his wings, and the rainbow glow began to fade as if he sensed the weight of my words.

"Sir Ace, I saw something glowing in Ovelia’s pocket," Kai called out from behind us.

"Is that the unique flower you gave her?" Colt asked, his tone curious.

Flower? I glanced at Ray, who was riding ahead. He looked back at me, his expression serious, while Ann, sitting behind him, gave me a knowing smile. It seemed they already knew about the fairy.

"You two are just hallucinating. You need sleep and rest," Ray said, his voice firm.

"What are you all talking about back there?" Philip called from the front, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Nothing. Just focus on the road," Ann shouted back, her tone light but dismissive.

My gaze returned to the fairy. "Fairy, are you the one who saved Ovelia and Ann?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"Yes, how did you know?" he replied, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Ann could’ve deflected the attack, but I didn’t see any wounds on her. And she can’t cast magic strong enough to redirect electric magic into the sky. When I saw you, I figured it was you who saved them. I’ve read that fairies can use strong elemental magic by drawing energy from nature. By the way, thank you for saving them," I said, my voice softened, the weight of gratitude lifting my spirits

"Oh, so you’re not as stupid as I thought. And you’re welcome," the fairy said, his tone still sharp.

This fairy had a sharp tongue, which was starting to annoy me.

"Now that you’re awake, I think it’s time for you to leave Ovelia alone," I said, my voice firm.

"I can do that, but I won’t," the fairy replied coolly, crossing her arms defiantly. "She radiates an aura that rejuvenates my magical power. So, I’m not leaving her side anytime soon."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, eyebrows knitting together as anger bubbled beneath the surface.

He leaned closer and shut Ovelia’s pocket, the action dripping with annoyance. That fairy was really getting under my skin.

"Everyone, I can see the village!" Colt shouted, his voice triumphant and filled with excitement.

I caught faint echoes of relieved laughter from the villagers we had saved. Their joy washed over me like a warm wave, momentarily dulling my irritation.

"I’m upfront; why did you spot the village before I did?" Philip called, disbelief etched in his voice.

"Because you’re a human," Kai shot back, laughter erupting in the air.

"It’s unfair!" Philip pouted, his exaggerated complaint sending us all into fits of laughter.

Ovelia’s POV

Laughter enveloped me like a gentle embrace, coaxing me back to consciousness. Peeking through my lashes, I met Ace’s gaze. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and a warm smile spread across his face.

Heat flooded my cheeks, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

"Oh, you’re awake. Perfect timing—the village is just ahead," Ace said, his voice warm.

I squinted at the road ahead. "I don’t see it," I replied, bewildered.

At that, he urged the horse into a gallop, the wind whipping my hair around us.

"What’s the rush?" Philip exclaimed, his voice tinged with surprise as we surged past him.

Soon, the village came into view, its lights And there it was. As we drew closer, the village emerged from the distance, a tapestry of lights twinkling like stars against the night sky. It was breathtaking, a beacon of warmth and life.

As we approached the village entrance, I noticed figures lining the path, their silhouettes illuminated by the glow behind them. When we finally reached the entrance, I gasped.

•Thunoa Village•

I can see clearly that the villagers stood waiting for us, smiles stretching across their faces, eyes sparkling with joy. It was my first time witnessing so many people eager for our return, and my heart swelled with gratitude and relief.

The villagers we had saved leaped from their wagon, racing towards their families. I could hear the mingled sounds of laughter and tears, the air thick with emotion. They were thanking us profusely, and indeed, I hadn’t done much to deserve their gratitude. Yet, standing amidst this joyful reunion, a warmth blossomed in my chest.

"Our pain and effort are worth it, especially for moments like this," Ace declared, his voice filled with conviction. The others nodded in agreement, their eyes glistening with shared pride.

As Ace dismounted, the others followed suit. He reached out a hand to help me down, his touch sending an electric jolt through me. Just then, I spotted Ann approaching, her smile radiant, lighting up the now bustling scene around us.

"Ovelia! Ann!" I heard Mrs. Melinda call, causing both of us to look up.

She came rushing towards us, arms wide open. The moment she enveloped us, warmth radiated from her embrace, wrapping us in a comforting cocoon. I held her tightly, wishing for a moment that she was my real mother, savoring the love that poured from her heart.