The Reaper's Wicked Obsession-Chapter 181: Heartmoon’s Coming

Isadora couldn’t help but marvel at the sight of Mossvale. The denizens were busy, adorning every corner in preparation for Heartmoon—splashes of red decorated the streets, blending with the snow.

At the center of the streets, a large pile of wood was dumped to make a bonfire.

Laughter and chatter filled the air, and hearing these heartfelt noises, the dark cloud hanging over Isadora was reduced.

She allowed herself to be immersed in this peaceful view, a fleeting experience she would enjoy before they left.

But something bothered Isadora. Her eyes had skimmed through every view of Mossvale. It wasn’t a big village, and she could recognise every face.

It bothered her that she hadn’t seen any elders here; they were all so young, and there were many children too. Back at the Raven Court, on several occasions, she had seen the elderly, but this place was a mystery.

’It could be because it’s a small village,’ she thought, trying to convince herself, but she couldn’t help the unsettled feeling that twisted her insides.

Logi’s scout was not successful. According to him, there was no old tunnel, it made her wonder what their next move would be.

Hearing the crunch of snow behind her, Isadora turned and descended her gaze to the little boy who bumped into her yesterday while playing.

"Hello," Isadora said sweetly.

The boy said nothing but smiled in return. He walked closer, his hands rooted to his side.

Isadora crouched to his height. She had a feeling he wanted to say something. But he gave her an apple instead.

She took the fruit and said. "Thank you."

"You don’t have to hide."

Isadora tilted her head to the side in curiosity. "Hide what?"

She was caught off guard when the boy abruptly pulled back her hood, exposing her hair to the cold. But that was the least of her worries.

Startled by his action, Isadora shot to her feet, the apple dropping to the ground. Her erratic eyes skimmed through the others.

But everyone remained engrossed in their decorations. Even when a man walked past her and his gaze briefly caught her exposed ears, he didn’t stare as she expected. Instead, he simply offered a warm smile and continued on his way.

Isadora was stunned, her mind unable to comprehend what had just happened.

He should question her normal-shaped ears and be disgusted, but he did not.

No one paid attention to her deformities.

Isadora had never experienced such a thing before, she didn’t know how to process this.

Could it be that they were so secluded they didn’t know what a mannfae was?

"I told you. You don’t have to hide."

Isadora turned back to the boy, her eyes trembling. He gave a stretchy grin that seemed too unnatural for his face.

Isadora gulped and asked. "Don’t you know what a mannfae is?"

The boy said nothing as he took Isadora’s hand and led her away. "Come on! There’s so much to do before tonight!"

The boy led her to the others, who greeted her with warm smiles and handed her various decorations to help with. Isadora saw no issue lending a hand, but it struck her as odd that no one questioned her for what she was.

Odd... yet so welcoming.

"Isadora!"

She turned and found Solin approaching her with a smile on his lips.

"It’s nice to see you helping out. I hope we’re not imposing." freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"N-No, it’s alright, I’m happy to help."

"That’s lovely to hear." He chuckled. "I hope to see you and your husband tonight. We not only welcome the Heartmoon, but it’s also the lover’s moon."

Warmth burned her cheeks. "Lover’s moon... that sounds interesting."

"Tonight, you get to release all the tension. Dance and sing to the skies! We’ve a lot of celebrations here in Mossvale. I hope you will join us on every occasion."

"I’m not sure we’ll stay that long."

"It’s understandable, but I’ll make sure your stay here is... unforgettable." There was a promise in his tone. "You’ll be amazed at how Mossvale pulls you in... and suddenly you might never want to leave." He laughed.

Isadora forced a smile on her lips. She knew he meant no harm, but he sounded as if they had already decided they would settle on Mossvale.

The offer was tempting.

Isadora had to remind herself they were passing through; this peaceful environment was a fleeting experience.

But there was this lingering desire—It came out of nowhere. A warmth spread through her chest at the thought of settling in a village where no one shunned her for what she is.

The desire intensified when she pondered the possibility of staying with Kraven and Logi.

She blushed heavily, redness covering her cheeks and nose. ’Does this mean I’ll remain his wife here?’

"I know that look," Solin mused.

His words pulled Isadora’s attention—clearing her throat, she asked. "W-What look?"

"It’s not wrong to want a peaceful life. It’s okay to desire it."

"We’re peaceful. I’m happy."

"I didn’t say you weren’t. But sometimes... wanting more isn’t wrong. It’s part of our nature."

Her lips parted at his words.

"I’m sure with your brother, along with your husband. You’ll be happy here. The future will have a happy ending."

"Happy ending," she said, like the words were strange.

It was... because she never once considered it before.

Solin offered her one last smile as he turned on his heels and walked away.

"These will look great on you."

Isadora turned to the woman who handed her clothes. The others nodded in agreement too.

"You should wear this tonight, I’m sure your husband will be bedazzled at the sight of you."

"Thank you," Isadora said with a smile on her lips, eyeing the lovely red attire.

The thought of Kraven’s reaction caused heat in her body. She knew their talk last night didn’t end well, but she was eager to make it right when she saw him again.

She suddenly couldn’t wait for tonight’s festivities.