A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 86: Whispers of Regret

Ovelia’s POV

The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of the villagers’ stares as they fixated on Khaleed. Their expressions were a mosaic of emotions—confusion, pity, and simmering anger. My gaze lingered on a male vendor, and I remembered he was the vendor who sells grilled corn and pan de coco. His weathered face was etched with worry, his hands fidgeting nervously as he watched Khaleed. It was clear he cared deeply for the man despite everything.

I turned to Khaleed, who kneeled to the ground with his shoulders slumped, his head bowed as if trying to shrink into himself. My heart ached for him, but I knew words alone wouldn’t fix what had been broken. Still, I had to try.

"Pan de coco is one of your village’s delicacies, and I love it," I said, my voice warm and encouraging. "If more people knew about it, I’m sure they’d come here just to taste it. Your village has so much to offer."

Khaleed didn’t look up, but I saw his hands clench in his back. Ann stepped forward, her voice steady and supportive. "Lady Ovelia is right. Your village has unique products to offer. If people from other places tried them, they’d fall in love with them too."

I nodded, my chest swelling with pride. "I don’t know all the delicacies and unique products you have here, but I’m certain they’re special. If given the chance, they could make your village famous."

Philip chimed in with a practical tone. "I can help with that. I’ll resell your products and spread the word about this village. It won’t take long before people start flocking here."

Kai, his usual cheerful self, added with a grin, "If you let me try your delicacies and give me some samples, I’ll promote them in the Crimsonheart Kingdom. You’ll have customers lining up in no time."

Khaleed’s head dipped lower, his dark brown hair falling over his face like a curtain, shielding his emotions. But I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his breath hitched as if he were holding back tears.

Chief Gareth stepped forward, his voice heavy with regret. "Thank you, everyone. But I must apologize as well. It’s my fault, too. I shared my dreams with Khaleed, but I never took action to make them a reality. I became too complacent, content with the way things were—our village had enough to eat, and no one went hungry. But as chief, I failed to see what we truly needed. I failed to fulfill my dreams to this village."

Mrs. Melinda placed a gentle hand on Gareth’s arm, her eyes soft and understanding. "Gareth..."

His words struck a chord in me. I thought of my father, who had always prioritized peace and fairness but never sought to improve our village’s appearance or potential. It was a painful reminder of how good intentions could sometimes fall short.

Khaleed finally spoke, his voice trembling with guilt. "I’m sorry for betraying the village. I gave information to the bandits, telling them when visitors stayed here. It’s my fault the werewolf bandits ambushed them from the north, and... and people died because of me."

A man from the crowd suddenly stepped forward, his face twisted with rage. "So it’s your fault my companions are dead!" he shouted, lunging toward Khaleed. Villagers quickly intervened, holding him back, but the raw pain in his eyes was unmistakable. I had never experienced such loss, but I could feel the depth of his anguish.

Chief Gareth raised a hand, his voice calm but firm. "I’m sorry for your loss. But we can’t turn back time. We can’t undo what’s been done. All we can do is move forward. Killing Khaleed now would only free him from his guilt. It wouldn’t bring back the lives we’ve lost."

The man hesitated, his fists still clenched, but he slowly stepped back, his anger giving way to reluctant acceptance. I agreed with chief Gareth. It was hard to accept, but moving forward was the only way.

Gareth turned to Khaleed, his expression stern but not unkind. "Khaleed, even though your intentions were good, they don’t justify the harm you caused. Lives were lost because of your actions. As punishment, you will not eat for a day and spend time in solitude to reflect on your sins. Afterward, you’ll assist the villagers in whatever they need for the rest of your life. This is your chance to make amends."

Ann leaned toward me, whispering, "That punishment seems too light. Khaleed doesn’t deserve such leniency."

Ray, overhearing, added with a dark chuckle, "Torture would be more fitting, don’t you think? Like pulling out his teeth and nails one by one—"

"Enough, Ray!" Ace snapped, his voice sharp. "You’ll scare Ovelia."

Philip raised an eyebrow. "What are you two whispering about? Share with the rest of us."

I couldn’t help but smile at their banter. Despite the tension, their energy was a comforting reminder of the bonds we shared even in a short time.

Chief Gareth addressed the crowd once more. "Does everyone agree with Khaleed’s punishment?"

The villagers murmured among themselves, some nodding in agreement, others shaking their heads. But the majority seemed to accept Gareth’s decision.

Khaleed bowed deeply, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, Chief Gareth. And thank you, everyone. I’m sorry for not thinking twice before accepting the witch’s offer. I was too greedy, too blind."

His face was a canvas of emotions—relief, pain, regret, and self-loathing. It was hard to look at him without feeling a pang of sympathy.

"Everyone," Gareth called, drawing our attention. "Ace and the rest of you have completed your mission and returned alive. I intend to keep my promise. Let’s head to the inn. I know you’re all tired, so rest there. I’ve also prepared a feast and the finest alcohol this village has to offer."

The crowd erupted into cheers, the earlier tension dissipating as villagers began to move toward the inn.

Chief Gareth carried Khaleed on his shoulder and then moved along with the villagers. He looked around 50 years old, yet he still retained remarkable strength.

Philip clapped Ace on the back, grinning. "You were right, Ace. Free, expensive alcohol!"

Ace smirked. "Drink all you want. Just don’t come crying to me when you vomit later."

I laughed softly, and Ann joined in, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Come on, Ray, Ace, Kai, Philip—let’s drink until morning!" Colt said, slinging an arm around Ray’s shoulders.

Ray chuckled. "I’ll make sure you regret it."

Philip rubbed his hands together eagerly. "I can’t wait to taste their alcohol."

As we walked, I noticed a small wound on Philip’s cheek. "Philip, you’re hurt. Does it sting?"

He touched his cheek, looking surprised. "Oh, this? I got it earlier when Khaleed attacked me with his spear."

"Tsk! You noticed his injury but didn’t see mine," Ace interjected, his voice a blend of teasing and irritation. His arm, I noticed, was red and swollen.

"Looks like jealousy suits sir Ace," Kai chuckled, raising an eyebrow as he tried to lighten the mood.

"Ace, I—" I reached out instinctively to touch his shoulder, but he swiftly gripped my wrist, the warmth of his hand sending a surge of mixed emotions through me. "Let’s go," he said, his tone firm yet slightly softer under the surface.

A pang of guilt washed over me, heavy and lingering.

Just as we were about to leave, Mrs. Melinda’s voice rang out. "Everyone with injuries, come to the clinic first! I’ll treat your wounds before you start celebrating."

Ace turned to Ann. "Take Ovelia to the inn. We’ll catch up after the clinic." He instructed, his voice steady; then he gently let go of my hand

Ann nodded. "Yes, Sir Ace."

"Why do you need to go to the clinic? It’s just a—" Philip tried to protest, but Ace shot him a glare that silenced further dissent. The group followed Mrs. Melinda, including Ray, Colt, and Kai, leaving a trail of uncertainty behind.

As they walked away, I couldn’t help but wonder—was Ace upset with me?