Aysling had a hard road ahead to reclaim her place as the rightful mate, but for now, she was simply heading back to the inn. To her relief, the kind Mrs. Petra had genuinely helped her without deceit.

“Aysling! Where have you been? The innkeeper told me you didn’t return after you left for work yesterday!” Charlie exclaimed as she nearly bumped into him upon entering the room.

“I… had something to take care of,” she replied, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

Charlie gave her a once-over. Her clothes were tidier, but there were concerning signs, like the bandage around her neck and her overall disheveled appearance.

He sniffed the air. There was a strong herbal scent clinging to her, but underneath it was something oddly familiar about her natural scent.

“Charlie, please, just drop it. Don’t ask me any more questions. When you left to handle your business, I didn’t ask you anything either,” Aysling said, trying to deflect his curiosity.

“I want to leave this place. I need to get