His Silent Luna (Verity and Felicity) novel Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: MY TEACHER

Verity’s Perspective

By the time we returned to my room, the chill of the night had settled deep into my bones, a cold that crept beneath my skin. Yet, strangely, I didn’t mind it. King Cassian silently helped me into bed, his fingers lightly brushing the exposed skin of my arm. The touch sent unexpected shivers rippling through me—both startling and oddly soothing. His hands moved with care, as if I might shatter under too much pressure. I found myself wondering if he felt the same delicate tension, this fragile connection between us.

Lying back, I felt the comforting warmth of the sheets envelop me, and sleep began to pull me under almost instantly. I barely noticed the soft footsteps retreating from my bedside until his voice, barely audible, broke the silence.

“What are you doing to me, Verity?”

My breath hitched. I wasn’t sure if the words were real or simply a whisper born from the dream already claiming me. I remained still, unable to move, surrendering to sleep with his voice lingering in my mind like a haunting melody.

Morning light filtered slowly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow that warmed the cold stone floor. I stirred reluctantly, muscles protesting as I shifted. A dull ache pulsed through my body, a faint reminder of yesterday’s strain, but it was far less intense now.

Then, a noise caught my attention.

It made me freeze instantly.

My eyes opened slowly, landing on a familiar figure that somehow calmed my racing heart.

Caleb.

He sat quietly by the small table, arms folded across his chest, a plate of steaming food resting beside him. His gaze was fixed on me, silent and observant, as if I were a puzzle he was carefully studying.

Unlike his brother, Caleb’s face lacked hardness. He didn’t carry the weight of silent burdens or command the room with brooding intensity. Instead, there was a calmness about him—a quiet steadiness that felt almost reassuring.

He nodded toward the food. “You should eat.”

I didn’t need to be told again.

The aroma reached me before I even touched the fork—warm bread, eggs cooked just right, roasted potatoes. Real food. My stomach growled loudly, and without hesitation, I dug in, ignoring the fact that he was watching me. It wasn’t until halfway through that I realized crumbs clung to my lips and my hands moved a little too eagerly.

Embarrassed, I paused and glanced up.

He chuckled softly. “It’s okay. Eat.”

I lowered my head and slowed my chewing.

When I finished, Caleb leaned forward slightly. “Cassian told me about you. Said you can’t read or write.”

A sharp pang went through me. Even after all the days I’d spent here, the reminder that they discussed me—analyzed me—while I remained silent still stung deeply. I simply nodded in response.

He must have noticed my reaction because his voice softened. “I’ll be teaching you.”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Him? A teacher?

A flicker of excitement sparked inside me, brief but undeniable. I’d never had anyone formally teach me anything. I’d learned bits and pieces by watching others, overhearing whispered conversations, or from my sister’s quiet lessons when no one else was around. The idea of someone actually teaching me was foreign—but also… welcome.

Caleb wasted no time. A man of few words, his intentions were clear.

“Okay,” he said, standing up. “You should get ready.”

I blinked in confusion.

He pointed toward the bathroom door. “The water’s ready. It’s hot.”

I jumped back, startled, letting out a sharp gasp.

Caleb laughed quietly.

“Relax,” he said with a grin. “It’s just water. That’s the shower. You can choose to bathe in the tub or stand under the water.”

He walked over to the tub and pointed. “This one’s ready. I thought it might be easier for your first time.”

I stared at the water, still trying to grasp the magic of it all.

He stepped back toward the door. “I’ll wait outside. Take your time.”

Then he was gone.

I stood alone, eyes fixed on the closed door. The warmth of the room, the scent of lavender soap, the sheer luxury of the tub—it was overwhelming.

No one had ever treated me like this before. No one had cared whether I bathed in cold water or didn’t bathe at all. No one had prepared anything for me without expecting something in return.

Slowly, I stepped toward the tub and dipped my hand into the water. Warm. Not scalding. Perfect.

Sliding into the water, I let it soak into my skin. I tilted my head back, closing my eyes.

Maybe… just maybe… Caleb was different from the others.

Maybe he wouldn’t hurt me.

Maybe, for now, this place was safe.