"And so when everything was calmer, my mom and I scavenged through the forest helplessly until we found this village. It became our home." He narrated.
"We were happy to see people like us here." He exhaled sharply. "Apparently most of them shared the same fate, casted away, rejected, unwanted folks and no matter our differences. We have learnt to stay in unity and peace for as long as I can remember." He narrated.
Tears gathered in my eyes and I felt their pain. Imagine if I didn't have anywhere else to go or if he hadn't rescued me from Thane's men. What would have been my fate?
Perhaps, one day I will read about the founders of this village or probably I could get someone to tell me about its history and then I would write it down in a book so everyone else who comes into this village would know how it became and appreciate those who had come together to make sure the outcasts have a place in the world.
"Sorry about that, Luca. You and your mother have been through so much together and have been so strong through it all." I said, placing my hands on his back as I patted him, he turned to me.
"Thank you." He said with a faint smile. "One day I would like to hear your story too." He said. "About the incident with your parents."
I shrugged. I wish there was something to tell. All I remember is growing up in the library, it is as if my memory of them were wiped clean.
"All I know and can remember about them is this beautiful necklace my mother gave me." I showed it to him.
The locket in the pendant has a picture of me, my father and my mother and that's what I remember them by.
"Your mother was beautiful." He said, looking into my eyes, searching it intently.
"You have her eyes and smile." He said, admiring my face.
"Thank you." I replied, putting the necklace away underneath my top. "I wish I had the chance to see them both once again." I said looking at the faintly lit sky.
"Yeah…" he looked up at the stars too.
"Well, " He reached out for my hands and squeezed them gently.
"I'm lucky Thane was such a coward." He said and looked at me. "I'm glad he was stupid enough to lose you because without that, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet someone with such a pretty soul." He smiled gazing upon my face.
I giggled, pink flushes colouring my cheeks. "Do you really feel that lucky?" I asked.
"I do." He replied in a loud whisper. I searched his eyes and saw the sincerity in them and that's when I realized his face was approaching mine.
Oh my god! What is he doing?
Is he trying to kiss me?
Oh my God. What do I do?
His face was just a few inches from mine, I could feel his warm breath caressing my face. His eyes stayed shut and I looked down at his parted lips, albeit, still confused on what to do and how to escape this.
I cleared my throat and looked sideways. He opened his eyes and realized I didn't give in.
His face flustered with embarrassment. He pulled away and looked sideways, running his hand through his hair.
The minutes that followed shortly after the fall were awkward. I felt nauseous.
We sat there with nothing but silence between us. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…" he finally had the guts to say, while trying to suppress the shame and guilt.
"It's fine." I cut in, not wanting the situation to be any more awkward than it already was. "We should probably head home now." I said, getting up on my feet.
"Yeah. We should." He agreed, getting on his feet as well, dusting himself.
"So…" I said with a wild smirk, "Let's race!! and see who would make it to the village square first." I announced turning into my wolf.
"What's in for me?" he asked, looking less interested in the race."
"I don't know…"I shrugged. I was only trying to make ease of the situation, there was too much tension between us now.
Now I had to think of something.
Aha! I stumbled upon an idea.
"The loser will give out five dinner dumplings to the winner!" I said cheerfully.
"No! " he blurted. "That doesn't sit well with me." He said, his eyes half closed.
Ughhhh!!! I groaned inside. Why was he being so annoying!!!
"Fine!" I gave in. "What do you want?" I asked, the fuel to partake in the race decreasing by the minute.
"What about that kiss?" he grinned.
"Ughhh." I grimaced and rolled my eyes.
He's such a pervert!
"Very well then! I accept it!" I smirked widely. "…but that is if only you win."
"You bet!" He said, shifting form and getting on all fours.
I smiled satisfactorily at the result. Glad I was able to bring out that fire and spark in him and it dazzled through his eyes. I could see the drive to win and though I knew I was no match for him, I would still do my best.
I yipped and wagged my tail, setting my paws on the ground while stretching the rest of my body.
"Are you ready?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Yeah…" he replied, his voice hoarse and determined. "I was born ready." His eyes darkened, his gaze aligned with the structure of the thick woods before us, his night vision giving him guidance, his red pupils dilated.
His poise proved that he was set for this and I believed for sure that I wouldn't win. I smirked, a crazy idea crossing my mind.
I took off before he knew what was happening. "See you at the finish line, loser!" I yelled from the front, already gaiting up ahead totally taking him off guard.
Before it dawned on him what had just happened, I was far ahead of him.
"You play dirty." his tone was hoarse and livid, a smirk curled to his left cheek. "I like it!" he barked and ran immediately after me with great speed.