Knot The One They Want

Chapter 46: Young and Dumb

Lorali Pov | One week Later

It has been a week, yes, you read that right, a full week of pure bliss. For the first time in what feels like forever, I haven’t felt like trash. Torin has been with me every second of the day, his presence steady, his scent wrapping around me like a shield.

My own scent feels freer than the word free itself, unburdened by the weight of all those dissenting lotions. Honestly, I half expected the witch to pop up out of nowhere, to laugh at me for being so naïve, for daring to believe anyone could ever love me. But that hasn’t been the case. In fact, I haven’t seen her in what feels like forever.

I know it’s too soon to celebrate. It’s not the first time she’s disappeared for long stretches, vanishing into whatever shadows she calls home. She’s probably spending time with her pack, or scheming against my life. The only thing that feels different this time is me, not being straight‑up mentally abused while she’s gone. That alone feels like a miracle.

"Would you like this one?" Torin’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. He holds up a blue blanket, shaking it lightly in the air. "Or this one?" he adds, lifting a white one for comparison.

The action jolts me back into the present, reminding me that I am at a mall. An actual mall. Torin surprised me this morning, saying he wanted to buy me nest supplies after realizing I didn’t have any. Which isn’t entirely true. I do have nest supplies, they’re just not in that house. I think. Honestly, I have no idea what they did with the things Alma sent over. I should probably ask what happened to them, but not now. I don’t want to ruin my mood. If I find out they threw everything away, I’ll be furious, and I don’t want to feel that way right now.

"Sugar Plum, blue or white?" Torin asks again, ever so patient, shaking both blankets in the air like a man determined to get an answer.

"Oh yes, I forgot about that," I laugh nervously, scratching the back of my neck. "Is there a red one? Red is my favorite color, and I’m used to having a red nest—the one I had back at Alma was red."

"Alright, red. I’m sure I can find a red blanket in a nest store. Give me ten, I got this." Torin grins, determination flashing in his eyes before he disappears into the crowd, off to hunt down the perfect blanket.

I watch him go, my chest tightening with something warm. I never thought of him as the kind type when I first met him at the gala. He seemed so reserved, so untouchable. But from the week I’ve spent with him and from the affection he’s shown me, I know now he’s anything but reserved. He gives me butterflies with a single look, and he’s been patient enough to take things slowly, just for me. We haven’t even kissed yet, and somehow that makes it all the more intense.

A sudden cough breaks through my thoughts, sharp and unwelcome. Oracle. The sound makes me flinch, my shoulders stiffening. I stop myself from turning to look at him where he stands behind me. Augh... is it bad of me to wish he wasn’t here?

I roll my eyes hard internally, frustration bubbling. Torin insists on bringing him along every time we go out. Like three days ago, when we went to the movies and Oracle came along, a third wheel shadowing us. I know it’s for me, that Torin is only following the doctor’s orders. The doctor said any sort of distance between me and Oracle is bad for me, so we go everywhere he goes.

It’s suffocating.

I grip the strap of my bag tighter, forcing myself to breathe. Torin’s kindness, his warmth, the way he makes me feel, it’s all so new, so fragile. And Oracle’s presence, constant and heavy, feels like a reminder of everything broken.

I glance toward the direction Torin disappeared, my lips curving into a small smile despite myself. He’s searching for a red blanket just because I said I wanted one. He’s trying, in ways I never expected. And for the first time in a long time I feel love bloom in my heart.

"Found it!" Torin announces, popping back out of nowhere with a triumphant grin, waving a red blanket high in the air as though he’s just won a prize. He looks so proud of himself, his eyes gleaming, his posture tall and confident.

My heart swells at the sight. "You actually found it," I say, my voice filled with awe. "Torin, you’re amazing. I can’t believe you went through all that trouble just to find me a red blanket. You’re incredible."

He smirks, clearly pleased with my praise, and steps closer, holding the blanket out like an offering. "I told you I’d get it. Nothing is too much trouble for you, Sugar Plum."

I laugh softly, shaking my head, my cheeks warming. "You’re ridiculous. But thank you. Really. This means more to me than you know."

Torin tilts his head, his eyes narrowing playfully. "If it means that much, then I think I deserve a reward."

"A reward?" I echo, my brows lifting.

"Yes," he says, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "A kiss. Just on the cheek."

My breath catches. My hands fidget nervously with the hem of my shirt, my heart pounding so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. "On the cheek?" I repeat, stalling, my voice trembling.

"Yes, on the cheek. Nothing more." His smile is gentle, coaxing, his eyes soft yet expectant.

I hesitate, my lips pressing together, but then I lean forward quickly, brushing the lightest kiss against his cheek. My face burns crimson, my stomach twisting with nerves.

Torin inhales sharply, his eyes widening as though something just dawned on him. His blush deepens, the tips of his ears turning red. "Your scent... it’s vanilla."

I blink, startled. "Yeah, it’s vanilla. Why are you shocked? Do I not look like I smell like vanilla?"

He shakes his head quickly, his expression earnest. "No, the scent is perfect for you. It suits you completely. It’s just... I’m confused. What are the chances one of your friends from Alma could forget your scent?"

I lift a brow, chuckling at the question. "High. Very high. Most of my friends were anything but observant."

The memory makes me laugh, recalling the time Vanya and Susie fought because Vanya was convinced Susie had stolen her ribbon. Susie had a track record of stealing things from Vanya, so it made sense. But the truth was hilarious, Susie hadn’t stolen it at all. The ribbon was on her wrist the entire time they were fighting.

Torin listens, his lips twitching with amusement, but his eyes remain sharp, as connecting the dots in some masterplan. "So Arabella Young could possibly mix up your scent to something like mint, perhaps?"

"Oh no," I say quickly, shaking my head. "Arabella is the only one who could never mistake my scent. Come on, we shared a dorm. Even though it smelled like her most of the time—her scent is dominant—she still inhaled enough of mine to never confuse it. Plus, she’s observant. She has this little notebook in her mind where she stores everything. She’s like an owl. Nothing gets past her."

I feel myself fangirling, my voice rising with excitement as I think of her. I wonder how Ella is doing. I’m sure she’s gotten that whole farm in her hands by now, everyone dancing to her tunes.

"Fuck," Torin whispers suddenly.

I freeze, my smile fading. "Is everything alright?" I ask cautiously, my tone careful.

"Oh yes, everything is alright," he says quickly, his voice smoothing over the moment. He exaggerates a shiver, brushing it off. "I just remembered something unpleasant."

His eyes flicker, but then he forces a smile, his tone shifting back to warmth. "Now, back to focusing on you. It’s your day, after all. How about we get you a dress for First Lady Vanya’s engagement?"

My eyes widen, my breath catching. "I’m going to Vanya’s engagement? Seriously?" My voice bursts with happiness, my chest filling with excitement.

"Yes," Torin says, his grin widening. "You know her?"

"Yes! We were friends back at Alma," I say, barely containing my joy. My hands clasp together, my smile stretching wide.

"So Arabella is friends with her too?" Torin muses, his tone thoughtful.

I nod eagerly, my heart racing. "Yes. Arabella and Vanya were close. This is perfect. I can’t believe I’ll be there."

Torin’s tight smile lingers as he mentions Arabella again, but before I can question why she keeps coming up, he shifts the conversation. "So chances are Arabella will be at this engagement as well," he asks, and I nod.

"Of course. She was one for sisterly bonds. She won’t miss this."

Torin says nothing in reply, only nods with that same tight smile, and then he gestures toward the next shop. Oracle trails behind us, his cough echoing faintly, the ever‑present shadow to our outing. "Let us go dress shopping"

The shopping trip begins with Torin leading me into a boutique filled with shimmering gowns. "Try this one," he says, holding up a pale silver dress.

I shake my head immediately. "No. Too revealing. I need something with a high neckline and long sleeves."

Torin frowns. "But it’s beautiful."

"It’s cold," I lie smoothly, refusing to admit the real reason this thing would expose the actual state of my body. "I’ll freeze in that." We move on to another rack. He pulls out a deep green gown, sleeveless, with a plunging neckline. I cross my arms. "Torin, I said no. I won’t wear anything that doesn’t cover me properly."

Oracle coughs again, muttering under his breath, "She’s stubborn."

Torin shoots him a glare. "She’s particular. There’s a difference."

The next shop is no better. Dresses with lace backs, open shoulders, and daring cuts are paraded before me, each one rejected with a shake of my head. Torin grows more exasperated, his patience tested, but he doesn’t give up.

"Fine," he says at last, his tone playful. "If you won’t try these, then I will." He disappears into the men’s section and returns with a sleek black suit. "Rate me."

I laugh, covering my mouth with my hand. "Alright, let’s see." He slips into the suit, straightening the jacket, and poses dramatically.

"Seven out of ten," I say, tapping my chin. "Too stiff. Try another."

Torin groans but obeys, changing into a navy suit next. He spins once, his expression exaggerated.

"Eight out of ten," I declare. "Better, but still not perfect."

We go through suit after suit, me rating each one, Torin growing more exhausted with every change. His hair becomes tousled, his shirt untucked and his patience fraying. Oracle leans against the wall, arms crossed, watching with a mixture of amusement and irritation.

"You’re enjoying this too much," Torin mutters, slipping into yet another jacket.

"Of course I am," I tease, grinning. "You look good in everything, but I want the best."

Finally, after what feels like hours, we stumble into a smaller boutique tucked away at the end of the mall. There, hanging quietly on a rack, is the dress. A deep crimson gown with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a flowing skirt that brushes the floor.

My breath catches. "That’s it." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Torin follows my gaze, his eyes softening. "You’re sure?" freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"Yes. This one."

He takes it down carefully, handing it to me as though it’s precious. I slip into the dressing room, the fabric sliding over my skin like water. When I step out, Torin’s eyes widen, his lips parting slightly.

"Perfect," he says simply, his voice low, reverent.

Oracle coughs again, but even he nods reluctantly. "It suits her."

We pay for the dress and walk back to the car with Oracle holding all the shopping bags of today and finally head home.

By the time we return, I throw myself onto the bed, exhausted but exhilarated. My toes wiggle at the edge of the mattress, dangling freely. "That was the best day ever," I sigh, stretching out.

This is heaven. Why hadn’t Torin come sooner into my life? If he had, everything would have been perfect. I’m happy enough to settle for one mate out of four who doesn’t hate my guts.

"You are a really dumb bitch," a familiar voice scoffs from the doorway.