Chapter 79

AUBREY'S POV The moment I stepped into Lena's cottage, my senses were overwhelmed. Bundles of dried herbs hung from rough-hewn ceiling beams—sage, lavender, rosemary, and others I couldn't name. Their mingled scents created an earthy symphony that made my wolf stir with recognition. Something about this place felt ancient, as if the walls themselves held centuries of secrets. Crystals caught the light streaming through gauzy curtains, sending rainbow fractals dancing across the wooden walls. Wind chimes made of copper and silver tinkled softly near an open window, their gentle music carrying hints of magic. But it was the curtained-off corner that drew my attention, where glass containers of varying sizes created shadowy silhouettes behind sheer fabric. My throat tightened as I remembered similar vessels in Ivanka's lair, though these felt different somehow—less menacing, more mysterious. These bottles sang with healing energy rather than malice. Still, my hands trembled slightly as me