The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 204: A Sapphire Ring

As the trio pressed onward, Donovan’s gaze wandered over the landscape, absorbing the grandeur of towering stone that loomed around them. Their ancient facades were dusted with frost, while the steep, peaked roofs shimmered under the pale winter sun. The light danced across the icicles hanging from the eaves, giving the illusion of a city crowned in silver.

"After what happened last time, the damages have already been fixed," Leo murmured. "I wonder how Esme was able to pull this off. The Northerners are quite stubborn, and to think Esme was able to work with them like this..."

"Didn’t you witness what happened the last time they tried to act smart?" Acheron scoffed. "She handles them quite well. It sounds unbelievable, but most of them are actually scared of her at this point. I think it’s a combination of both fear and respect, considering she’s their new Luna now."

While Leonardo and Acheron conversed behind, Donovan rode ahead of them. The air surrounding the capital was sharp and biting, and it was infused with the smoky scent of burning wood that curled from chimneys above.

Beneath the cold, the faint, tantalizing aroma of spiced cider drifted from bustling market stalls. The main roads had been meticulously cleared of snow now, revealing cobblestones worn smooth by countless travelers. Yet, along the edges, stubborn patches of snow remained, compacted into slick ice by the relentless march of boots and the rhythmic clatter of hooves.

Amidst the busy avenue, Donovan’s mind was far from preoccupied. However, his brooding thoughts faltered when something from the corner of his eyes drew his attention, pulling him sharply back to the present. His steed slowed to a halt, his companion’s following suit, as their curiosity got piqued by his unexpected pause.

Nestled between a fur trader’s stall, piled high with pelts of arctic white and dusky gray, and the vibrant canopy of a spice merchant’s tent, stood a modest jewelry shop. Its weathered wooden sign bore the intricate carvings of delicate filigree, masterfully depicting a gemstone encased in swirling northern ivy. The artistry was subtle, yet exquisite, one made from skilled hands and patient crafting.

The lanterns hanging from the eaves above, spilled warm light softly over the window display, the glasses and jewel catching the light with a mesmerizing shimmer. Each trinket seemed carefully arranged, displayed not merely as adornments but as treasures.

Meanwhile, Acheron and Leonardo shared confused glances as they observed Donovan, noting the sudden shift in his demeanor. They wondered what had truly captured his attention so abruptly, and if it had anything to do with the girl he seemed intent on finding.

"Did you see something?" Leonardo questioned as soon as Donovan swung down from his dark steed.

"Wait here," he instructed, his voice leaving no room for argument. Without another word, he strode toward the jewelry shop. Acheron and Leonardo watched him go, bewilderment etched on their faces, but they remained by their horses, silently complying with his command.

The bell above chimed softly as Donovan entered the shop, the faint scent of polished wood and velvet lingering in the air. His head tilted slightly, as if listening to something beyond the realm of normal hearing, and he sighted no one in the shop. Stepping closer, his eyes locked unerringly on a display case near the back.

Resting on a plush velvet cushion was a delicate ring of white gold, its surface gleaming with a soft, silvery sheen. A small but striking sapphire nestled in the center, whilst the blue stone was deep and intense, reminiscent of the ocean before a storm.

Just like Esme’s eyes.

His thumb grazed the cool metal as he imagined it on her hand. The way it would contrast against her skin, the way it would catch the light when she moved. It was not the most extravagant piece in the shop, not the rarest, but it held a simplicity that made it look charming, elegant, understated, and perfect for her.

"Will she like it?" he murmured, the question barely escaping his lips as he continued to gaze at the sapphire. A flicker of uncertainty passed through him as he debated whether to buy it for her or not.

"A fine choice, Alpha," said the merchant, who’s eyes gleamed as he approached. The man was older, with white beards, and his stopped shoulders were wrapped in thick furs to ward off the usual day’s chill.

He came to stand beside Donovan, lowering his head in a polite bow. "That sapphire was mined from the frozen caverns of the North itself, polished to perfection by the finest hands. They say it holds the clarity of winter’s first frost, untouched and pure." His gaze shifted to Donovan’s face, lingering just long enough to catch the faintest reaction before facing the jewel. Not a flicker of judgment or curiosity broke his professional demeanor.

Although Donovan was piqued by the information, his breath escaped in a soft, unimpressed sigh. "Merchants like you will say anything to make a sale."

A knowing smile curved on the old man’s lips– it was shrewd, but kind. "Perhaps," he admitted. "But truth still holds power in our trade. I wouldn’t dare offer anything unworthy to an Alpha like you. This piece was crafted with white gold, ensuring its luster endures with tarnish or flaw."

Donovan’s eyes narrowed. "White gold?"

The merchant nodded, his expression growing earnest. "Yes. It is pure and safe, even for those whose skin rejects silver’s touch. A rare find, I must say."

Donovan’s gaze returned to the ring. "It’s a modest piece," he murmured, almost to himself.

"A modest beauty," the merchant replied smoothly, his voice practiced and persuasive, "for one who doesn’t need a grand jewel to shine. This ring would look exquisite on her hand. Even more perfect if it were meant for a proposal." His eyes twinkled as if he could see right through Donovan’s guarded exterior.

In response to that, Donovan’s shoulders automatically tensed, his posture stiffening. A proposal? Would she think him presumptuous if he did so? The last thing he wanted was to overwhelm Esme or rush her into something she wasn’t ready for. Yet, despite his hesitation, he couldn’t deny himself the will of imagining it. The look of surprise in her eyes if he gave it to her, the faintest blush coloring her cheeks. He could almost hear her voice.

The vision was too tempting, too dangerous, and with a sharp breath, he pushed the thought away. "Wrap it."

The merchant’s smile only widened, a triumphant gleam flashing in his eyes. He moved with practiced efficiency, wrapping the ring in a box lined with soft velvet. "Of course, Alpha. A gift worthy of the North’s most esteemed. It will be thirty gold coins."

Donovan simply took the box, feeling its lightweight resting in his palm, deceptively insignificant compared to the heavy promise it would carry. Without a word, he tossed a leather pouch onto the counter, the clink of coins echoing in the quiet shop. Then, without another glance, he turned and strode out the door.

Meanwhile, the merchant’s fingers danced eagerly over the drawstring, curiosity getting the better of him as he wanted to confirm the amount. As he counted the coins, his eyes widened in disbelief when he realized the gold coins were thirty-five in number. Five more than the price.

"Pardon, Alpha–" he called, his voice rising, but the door was already swinging shut, and Donovan was gone.

Donovan walked back to his horse. He tucked the box securely into his coat, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. He stopped short when he caught Leonardo and Acheron watching him with amused expressions, their eyes narrowing with unhidden curiosity.

His gaze hardened at their uncomfortable scrutiny. "What?"

Acheron’s lips curled into a sly grin as he regained his posture. "What’s in the box?"

Donovan’s gaze flickered dangerously. "Wanna find out?"

A knowing hum escaped Leonardo’s lips, and he crossed his arms. "So, you’re finally making your move, huh? Took you long enough. Can I be there to witness the grand confession?"

"Mind your own business," Donovan growled slightly as he mounted his horse. He settled into the saddle, his grip on the reins firm. "Let’s go."

He then urged his horse forward, and Acheron leaned his own mount closer to Leonardo to whisper, "He’s definitely going to propose."

"Then we’d better make sure we don’t miss it," Leonardo responded, nudging his horse onward.