Werecrest

As the carriage moved deeper into the market's labyrinthine alleys, Vanessa's senses sharpened. An unfamiliar scent, earthy and primal, crept into her nostrils, causing her to wrinkle her nose in confusion. She leaned closer to Claire and their mother, her voice hushed with curiosity, "Do you smell that? It's like... wet earth and woods after rain."

Claire cast a sideways glance at Vanessa, her expression puzzled. "I don't smell anything unusual," she replied, her brow furrowing.

Their mother Jane turned her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she took in Vanessa's words. "I smell nothing out of the ordinary," she stated, her tone measured and cautious.

Confusion clouded Vanessa's features, the scent still lingering in her senses. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something significant about it. As the carriage continued its journey, Vanessa found herself compelled to speak up, her voice hesitant but determined. "You know, I read about this in a book once. A werewolf's mate smell is incredibly wonderful. They can detect each other's scent from miles away."

Claire rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Vanessa, not everything you read in those books is real."

Vanessa persisted, her voice growing animated as she shared her newfound knowledge. "But the book said that werewolves can recognize their mates by scent alone. It's like an unbreakable bond between two people destined to be together."

Jane's face tightened with displeasure, her lips forming a thin line. "Vanessa, enough with these fanciful tales. The palace is no place for such discussions."

"But, Mother, I thought it was interesting! The idea that there's someone out there meant just for you," Vanessa's voice carried a note of longing, her gaze distant as if lost in the possibility.

Jane's stern gaze fixed on Vanessa, her voice commanding and resolute. "This topic will not be tolerated within the palace walls. It is a matter with great consequences."