Music recommendation: Wind's Caress by Mattia Vlad Morleo on Spotify.
The next day was closer to their departure—a new chapter awaited Lyra. After successfully escaping with her life, she could finally breathe a little easier. Until she was in the safe boundaries of Eden, she would remain vigilant and close to her savior. She puzzled at the title and considered him more like a warden in her opinion.
Speaking of Leo, she noticed his absence. She couldn't figure out if he ever slept in the same room or even slept at all. Her hand grazed the bed sheets, and the crisp coldness of it was evident. He never returned.
Thinking back on last night's conversation, the slight ache in her heart lingered there. Ever so secretive, but trustworthy. It contradicted itself on its own.
Regardless of his secrets, it's his alone. Her prying would do her no good. It's not like they were a couple or anything, but his insistence on sharing a room with her gave her the wrong impression. She shook her head at the impure thoughts that surfaced and chided herself internally.
'Pull yourself together, woman.'
Without delay, she immediately ran to the bathing chamber to freshen up. She wore a simple lilac dress, courtesy of the maids who provided it. The embroidery was elegant but simple to admire. She didn't know how long her stay would be and assumed she wouldn't be able to keep these luxury items. She thought she would have to enquire with Viktor on the matter when she sees him.
A knock was heard on the door, and when she answered, she was surprised by the figure she had in her mind. Viktor. Dressed in his simple attire, wearing a charming smile. The golden retriever dog she envisioned popped into her mind, and she couldn't help but hold back a giggle.
"Good morning, Lyra. I hope I didn't intrude on anything?"
"No. Not at all. Come in," Lyra invited Viktor. She lowered her head in a short bow.
"What brings you here?"
"Ah. I was about to head to the town and wondered if you would care to join me?" Viktor offered with a small smile. His hands were in his pockets as he stood before the door, waiting for her response.
Lyra blinked at him as she looked at him. She was hesitant, and Viktor took notice and continued, "Leo is currently in disposed at the moment, and having you cooped up must be stifling in here," as he looked at the room like it was a gilded cage.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Besides, I will be your guide, and I am more than capable of keeping you safe," Viktor assured Lyra, extending his hand. "Shall we?"
She smiled at his enticing invitation, sliding her hand around his firm arm like it was meant to be there. His brows rose slightly, but he decided not to comment. Oh, if only Leo could see this. Getting a reaction out of the angel was his favorite challenge. Right next to sparring.
They left the room, and Viktor straightened his posture as they made their way out of the packhouse. His temperature was warm, and she snuggled closer to him to escape the cold front. Wolf shifters had many perks, including supernatural strength and body heat, and she couldn't help but envy their abilities that surpassed those of humans.
The path to the town wasn't far, and the weather was pleasant. The bustling town came into view with shops and stalls filled with customers and traveling merchants. The buildings varied in height, with elaborate archways connecting them. The river flowed through various tunneled networks before leading to the center of the town. An ornate fountain with a statue as its centerpiece.
Lyra marveled at the vibrant colors of the stalls and the diverse array of goods on display. Merchants called out to passersby, showcasing wares, and the aroma of various foods filled the air. It was lively and crowded. It reminded her of Sparrows Peak's market, only multiplied.
Viktor led Lyra through the town, showing her essential shops and landmarks. As they walked, they arrived at the town square. The heart of the city. The massive statue was not what she expected, as it was not a man but a wolf. The sculpture was intricately detailed, with a crescent shape on its forehead. The wolf sat on its haunches, staring down as if guarding its territory. The sprinkle of water trailing around the carved stone shimmered in the light, casting a majestic glow.
"I see it caught your eye," Viktor chimed in.
"Is the statue not of you?" Lyra assumed the grandeur would be his style, drifting her curious gaze to Viktor. He chuckled as he smiled at her remark.
"No…This is the statue of Artemis," Viktor responded, rubbing his neck as he looked at the statue and explained further. "He is the guardian of Evrax."
Like a curious cat, Lyra tilted her head as she continued to admire the display. Viktor chuckled at her expression and began the tale.
"Long ago, when the realm was formed, the Creator made four guardians to protect each domain." He spoke and held four fingers in front of her.
"Each guardian for each territory—Evrax, Umbra, Carbia, and Ozend. Artemis, the guardian deity of Evrax and the moon goddess's confidant, takes the form of the wolf. He holds the strength and essence of what makes us wolf shifters hold our form. The guardians all have their place in keeping the balance in the realm."
"Artemis vows to protect all life that lives in prosperity in Evrax. By hand or claw we stand in unity as pack. That is the oath I hold as the alpha of my home. However..."
Lyra noticed his ashen expression when he trailed his explanation. She placed a comforting hand on his forearm.
"I'm glad to know the history of a place I am from, even though I'm human. It's comforting to know someone is upholding the peace."
Viktor closed his eyes in regret. "I apologize for what happened to you, Lyra. I failed to protect the many lives from your home, the lives in others, and am ashamed of not upholding my role as the alpha." He sighed, "I'm sure Artemis would also be ashamed of me."
"That's a load of horseshit!" Lyra exclaimed.
Startled by her profanity, Viktor's eyes widened in shock.
"Don't let the gods decide what you are as an Alpha. You have protected countless lives and continue to do so despite the disadvantages," Lyra asserted sharply. "You should give yourself some credit, Alpha Viktor."
"The prosperity you have shown to me outweighs the losses you have placed on your shoulders. One man can only do so much alone, and I know it's not your fault; give yourself some credit." She pursed her lips as if she were scolding a child. The man was tall and muscular, towering over her short height. That didn't stop her from voicing her thoughts.
Viktor blinked as he stared at her, who seemed to scold him like a child. He felt a little embarrassed, but her comforting words widened the curl of his lips.
'Leo, you have no idea how lucky you are…' Viktor thought.
It was as if the sun's warmth had melted the cold winter snow, warming his heart. Viktor was convinced Lyra was more than just a cursed being. How can such an innocent soul harbor darkness and calamity? Her aquamarine eyes bore truth.
"I see my words of wisdom have returned to comfort me in the end," Viktor remarked jokingly.
"Well…Did it help?" Lyra stammered. She didn't mean to come off harshly to Alpha Viktor and blushed. Her sharp tongue always has a mind of its own.
"A bit. Thank you, though," Viktor said sincerely. Lyra beamed at him as she smiled in contentment.
"Alpha! —" A voice called out to Viktor.
A fellow warrior with sandy-colored hair held a concerned look as he approached Viktor. His eyes flashed silver as he mind-linked to him, and Viktor's expression darkened.
Lyra furrowed in worry, but Viktor turned to her remorseful. "Apologies, Lyra, some—"
"It's fine. I can find my way back to the packhouse," Lyra assured him with a small smile. Viktor initially hesitated but nodded reluctantly and followed the warrior until they were out of sight.
Lyra peered at the clear sky and basked in the sun's warmth. The day was still young, and she wanted to explore the stalls and shops that caught her eye. As she walked around the lively area, someone bumped into her from behind.
Having a sense of déjà vu, she twirled around, only to find no one in particular. However, she recognized a woman in the sea of people before her. A shiver crawled up her spine as her eyes widened.
"…Anna?" Lyra murmured, her voice hitched.
The next moment, as a stranger crossed Lyra's view, the figure was gone. She contemplated whether she was being haunted or if she was imagining things. Without a second thought, she ran to the spot where the woman stood. Her eyes darted around to see if the said woman moved, and sure enough, Lyra caught sight of her. Her retreating figure dashed down an alley.