WCMBI - Chapter 210: Consequence Of The Past (Patreon)

As Ian returned to his own chambers, he soon stirred from his slumber. An irritable vexation overcame him as he dreamt of a familiar face he could not identify. How vexing it was not to remember even the content of his dreams!

"Good morning, Your Grace," intoned Henry, who had approached him with disconcerting stealth. Perceiving a glimmer of relief in the knight's countenance, Ian sensed there was something of greater import at hand.

"Any word?"

"Not yet."

"Hmm, why on earth haven't they found anything yet? Are they thoroughly combing through that area?"

"The surrounding villages are quite distant due to the treacherous ravine. In fact, there are quite a few villages in the vicinity. Might this not be a favorable sign? It means there's a higher likelihood of finding the Lady."

"Hmm, well then, I suppose we shall have to increase the size of the search party."

"Yes, I shall summon the captain of the knights."

Upon hearing Henry's rationale, Ian could find some solace. After appointing the captain, he immediately proceeded to the study.

"Shall I prepare breakfast, Your Grace?"

"No need. My Omega might be wandering between life and death, how could I possibly stomach food?"

"But, perhaps just a small bite?"

"Forget it. She could be requesting a final dose of pheromones before she leaves forever, and I refused her..."

The throbbing headache returned, and Ian covered his eyes with his palm. The pulsating pain grew in intensity, and dizziness ensued. His conditioned heart yearned for his Omega's pheromones with every fiber of his being. Only now did he comprehend why she had demanded them while in the midst of divorcing him.

Contemplating that she might have sought a final pheromone request, he felt a suffocating sensation. The air seemed to be escaping him. In a daze, his vacant gaze fell upon a vision of vibrant green tresses.

"Mel!"

The verdant locks seemed to ride the breeze, dancing fleetingly beyond the window's reach. Driven to pursue her in haste, Ian was thwarted by restraining hands, constraining him.

"Your Grace, regain your senses!"

"Let me go!"

Shouting with fervor, he forcefully pushed away, and the sound of something breaking reached his ears. Slowly, he turned his head in the direction of the noise.

One of the aides was sprawled on the floor, groaning in pain, surrounded by others. Ian, with an expression of bewilderment, surveyed the scene and then looked in my direction.

He stood by the window, his upper body almost outside. If he had leaned a bit further, he would have plummeted.

Ian could only watch in horror as the aide hit the desk and groaned in agony. He continued to observe until the fallen aide left with his colleagues.

One of the aides' glances sent shivers down his spine. It was a gaze he had never encountered before in his life.

A gaze that thoroughly regarded him as a stranger. Though subtly masked with caution, it exuded an undeniable air of disdain, which was shocking rather than novel. Finally, Ian became aware of how others saw him in their midst.

Though he had managed to hide his aristocratic identity, it seemed that people around him already regarded him as anything but ordinary.

Now, he understood Melissa's heart. It was embarrassing to have mistakenly believed he knew her solely through her family background. She must have faced such glances not only from dukes but also from earls. As an uncertain and unwanted newcomer, she must have endured sharp, judgmental gazes.

Paying the price for ignoring her heart for so long.

Even as his hard-earned achievements crumbled one by one, Melissa mattered more. He would willingly seek her forgiveness every day if that would lead her back to him.

No, perhaps it would take her heart to be shattered and utterly broken before she could return. Ian suddenly found himself pondering such a notion.