22

Elyssa's POV

Ever since Caleb and I discovered that we were mates on that fateful day at the town square, my life has been filled with new meaning. I no longer dreaded waking up to a lonely house because now it was not only containing two people but it was also containing companionship and hope for a better future and that was what I have been craving for my whole life. Someone to call my own.

At first, I could sense his shyness and uncertainty around me, but I knew it was because we hardly knew each other yet and it was my duty to make him feel comfortable enough to open up his whole heart to me, after all, we were bounded by the mate bond, a powerful connection that could not be ignored, one given to us by the moon goddess herself and that was why I made it a point to spend as much time as possible with Caleb. Because he was new to the town and didn't know anywhere anyway and also because I wanted to spend some time with him to get to know him also.

We would take long walks around the town with everybody's eyes in us but admist all the mumurring and slurs that were thrown at us most times we kept our head up high as we spoke about our hopes, dreams, and fears. We were just really getting to know each other and I liked that.

Each conversation brought us closer together, bridging the gap that once stood between us. We were slowly becoming more than just strangers and we were becoming friends. And I honestly could not wait for us to graduate from friendship to lovers because that was what we were destined to be. Mates bounded by the moon goddess.

As we strolled hand in hand under the moonlit sky one fateful evening, Caleb hesitantly confessed his uneasiness. "Elyssa, I feel so out of place around you. You're so confident and sure of yourself, and I'm just... well, I'm just me."

I paused, taking a moment to truly understand his concerns. "Caleb, being comfortable with oneself takes time. You're unique, and that's what I love about you. You have your own strengths and virtues, different from mine. Together, we can complement each other and grow. And I'm not even as confident as you think I am. It's just an act I put up due to how much I have endured in my life"

Caleb's eyes flickered with a mix of relief and gratitude. He squeezed my hand, a shy smile forming on his lips. "Thank you, Elyssa. Your words mean a lot to me. I'm lucky to have you by my side."

I smiled back, feeling a surge of warmth and affection within me. "And I'm lucky that the moon goddess chose you to be my mate, Caleb. We'll work together to help each other, learning and growing side by side."

From that moment on, my devotion to Caleb grew stronger. I made it my mission to create a safe and nurturing environment for him, where he could truly flourish. I encouraged him to explore his passions, pushing him to pursue his creative endeavors.

One evening, Caleb timidly presented me with a sketchbook filled with his exquisite drawings. Each page was a window into his soul, a reflection of his hidden talents and bottled emotions. I was astounded by his talent, and yet, the presence of his vulnerability within each stroke moved me even more.

"You're an incredible artist, Caleb," I praised, my eyes brimming with awe. "You have a gift, and I hope you'll continue to nurture it."

He blushed, his cheeks taking on a rosy hue. "Thank you"

Caleb's face lit up with a newfound confidence. Encouraged by my support, he began to dedicate more time to his art. His sketches transformed into intricate paintings, his creativity expanding with every stroke of the brush. It was a joy to witness his growth and see him come into his own.

As Caleb's art flourished, our relationship deepened or so I thought. We became each other's pillars of support, celebrating in each other's successes and offering solace in times of struggle. The bond between us was unbreakable, built on a foundation of trust and unconditional love. But little did I know that all along I was being delusional and caught up in my own world.

One day, Caleb approached me with a gleam in his eyes. "Elyssa, I've been thinking. I would love to showcase my artwork at a local gallery. It's a big step, but I feel ready. Will you come with me?"

I beamed with pride and enthusiasm but a sad smile played in my lips. "Of course, Caleb! I would be honored to accompany you on this exciting journey. But I do not think that this is the right time to embark on such a quest. You know that the people of this pack do not like me at all and that hatred had been extended to you so it will be a foolish act on our own to partake in the art exhibition knowing full well that nobody is going to be interested in us or your drawings for that matter." I explained to him sadly and I could see the flicker if excitement that was in his eyes, die immediately he heard my words.

"It's alright Elyssa, it's not like I did not already know all these prior to my request but I was just being overly ambitious. Please do not think that this is your fault, it was purely mine for being so ignorant " he said in a flat voice and I could not help but feel sad for him. It was my fault cause he was associated with me. If I had not been the one to come to his rescue that day at the town square then he would have had better chances at pursuing his dreams in this town but as usual anything I was associated with always found a way to be ruined.