Chapter 35: You Do Shine Line Gold
"Is this a good book?!"
Lynsandra’s brows tightened briefly, her eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity. Gareth stood a short distance away, holding the book with both hands; his face was beet red. He couldn’t hide his trembling shoulders or the bead of sweat trickling down the side of his neck.
Clearly, he was scared of her, and yet, here he was.
"Pfft—" she stifled a laugh, resting her arms on the table. "Are you asking for spoilers?"
He paled, eyes dilating in horror. That was definitely not what he was asking.
What... what did I do? Gareth mentally screamed at himself for acting before he could think. What in the world is my problem?
The corners of her eyes squinted slightly as a subtle smile formed on her lips. "It’s good."
"Huh?" He paused for a second, snapping out of his thoughts.
When Gareth refocused on her, he found himself holding his breath. There, Lynsandra was looking at him with a faint smile, her eyes softer than usual. She still felt distant, but right now, she didn’t look... impossible.
If he had to put it into words, Lynsandra didn’t look like someone from outside this world.
Which was strange, considering she was glowing like a goddess.
"It’s too sweet for my taste, but you’d enjoy it," she added calmly. "Have fun."
Lynsandra cupped her cheek again and looked away, her gaze drifting to the window as if waiting for the sunset. She hadn’t expected him to linger, though she vaguely appreciated the interruption before her mood sank further.
Meanwhile, Gareth pursed his lips, his brows lifting in surprise.
She didn’t spoil the story, he thought, eyes wavering slightly as he studied her side profile. She... she’s smiling now.
It wasn’t a big smile, but compared to earlier, the air around her felt lighter. Above all, she looked... kinder.
What am I thinking? he scolded himself, shaking his head. I just thought she looked a little sad, so I foolishly tried to cheer her up. I should be grateful I’m still alive. That’s it! She’s fine!
Nodding to himself, Gareth turned on his heel, convinced he shouldn’t push his luck. He had come here for one reason: freedom. Even though he felt freer here than ever before, he knew it was only because the cage was larger. More room to move, to breathe, but still a cage.
So he planned to stay quiet until he figured out how to leave his pack without stirring drama. These books helped him decompress—kept him from drowning.
I shouldn’t draw her attention any more than I already have. If she stops tormenting me, she’ll probably — no, she’ll eventually forget I exist.
There were six other members of the harem. Every one of them wanted her attention. Surely they’d do anything to make her happy.
Slowly, his steps faltered as he lifted his gaze. He looked around the library, then—almost unwillingly—his eyes drifted back to her.
[Where are they, then?]
His wolf’s voice was quieter than his own, calm and rare. It almost never spoke—but today, it echoed clearly as Gareth stared at her.
He clenched his jaw, mentally fighting the ridiculous thought forming in his head. It was foolish. She was royalty—someone impossibly out of reach.
And yet, despite every reason he gave himself, his feet carried him back toward her.
Before he realized it, he was standing beside the table.
"Hmm?" Lynsandra raised a brow, looking up at him. "Didn’t you leave?"
Gareth forced a smile, lowering his head slightly. He fidgeted with the edge of the book, unable to speak even though he knew what he wanted to say. Still, asking if he could join her might give the wrong idea, making him come off as rude—or worse, like Cassian had accused him of: a two-faced opportunist.
Lynsandra studied him for a moment before her lips curved upward. "Sit."
"Y—yes?"
"I don’t like repeating myself," she said calmly. "Sit down."
And just like that, he was seated across from her.
She chuckled, tilting her head. "That was fast."
"Heh..." Gareth smiled awkwardly, sinking deeper into his seat.
Not long ago, he’d been doing everything he could to avoid her. Now, he had sabotaged himself.
He kept his gaze low, fixed on the book in his hands. When he finally mustered the courage to look up, he found her still resting her arms on the table, head turned toward the window.
From this angle, he could see what she’d been watching.
The vast sky stretched endlessly, the setting sun painting the blue with soft shades of orange. It was still early, but the warmth had already spread.
"It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" she murmured, eyes still fixed on the view.
He glanced at her, then nodded, feeling himself relax.
"It makes me wonder how many people would stop what they’re doing just to watch the sunset," she continued, eyelids drooping. "Probably not many. Everyone’s too busy living."
Gareth stayed quiet. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d stopped just to look at something. But before he could think, his question slipped out.
"Do you like the sunset, Luna?"
"Not at all." Her answer was immediate as she turned to him. "It’s beautiful, but I don’t like anything more beautiful than I am."
"Excuse me?"
She chuckled. "Worse still, sunset means the moon comes next... and I don’t like the moon."
Surprise flickered across his face, then he smiled before he realized it.
"Hmm?" she hummed. "You’re smiling. You don’t like the moon?"
"Heh... well," he hesitated as he finally met her eyes. "I just thought everyone did... except me."
"That makes us two now," she said, smiling faintly.
Her brows twitched as an orange ray slipped through the glass, casting a soft glow over him. Amusement flickered in her eyes as she cupped her cheek, studying him.
"Oh?" she mused. "Is this why they call you the golden boy of your pack?"
"Huh?"
"You..." Her gaze swept over him slowly, her smile widening. "...do shine like gold. Pretty."
And as stupid as it was, Gareth just had to... hiccup.
