AriezelI was lost for words. I didn't know what on earth I could say at that moment to remove the look in his eyes, or the heavy feeling in my heart. It was all too much and I wanted it to stop. I needed it all to end.“I shook my head, my heart raced faster than it did before, this time it wasn't out of any other gut wrenching sensation I was used to him giving me, but out of a strange feeling of panic that ran through my spine. My body and bones felt cold. So cold, I couldn't help but shiver as the seconds passed by.He looked at me, and I hated the sadness I saw in his eyes. They were practically begging, pleading for me to say a word.But I didn't know what to say. I came there to resolve my confusion to make him stop and in turn I was now in this conflict.How had it escalated so badly? I locked my lips, searching for the words to say.I needed to tell him something. Anything.“Asher, it's …it's not like that.” when I spoke, my voice was softer. I didn't know why, but the slig
AriezelSlowly I pushed myself off from him, embracing the cold feeling in contrast to his warmth and comfort. I needed none of that today.My knees hurt from the collision I had earlier, so it hurt even more to stand. It didn't matter to me though. I slowly made myself stand up.Looking down, he remained in the same position as before, not bothering to look up at me.I swallowed at the sight. Although from my position I couldn't fully see his expression, I could tell from his downturned shoulders and his posture alone, that he wasn't taking it okay.What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't have left him while he was in this state. I knew that was the last thing I would ever do.I took a step closer, reaching out to touch him. But I halted on the way, merely an inch away from his skin.Was it alright for me to do this? I didn't know whether I could comfort him, especially after he had done the same to me only moments ago. It should have been a simple thing to do, but it felt like th
AriezelA rush came over me at hearing her title.I had never met a pack priestess before. I had heard of them of course, though only in passing through the maids in my former pack. Bother my father nor Derek ever addressed them, though there were little reasons for them to in the first place.Talented in the magic and witchcraft and connected to the forces of nature, including the moon, they were probably one if the most powerful yet elusive people.In my pack there is was none, only spoken about through rumors-hence my knowledge of them- but they existed in few packs, one of which included Asher's pack.I remembered Asher speaking of the Pack Priestess being the one to break the bond, but never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought of encountering her. Especially not like this.I looked at her, still stunned. I was sure my mouth gaped. She simply smiled at me in return.“I think it was time I had a visitor. Come in.” she turned towards the door.I blinked back to reality. On reflex
AsherWhen I left Ariezel in that hall, I didn't leave with hope or sorrow. No.I left there broken, filled with rage and bearing a thirst for vengeance for the things Serena had done. For the things I ignorantly let happen.Damn it. Damn it all. How stupid was I to have let it fly for so long?The moment she had collapsed, I knew what was coming next. The panic, the harsh breathing, all things I had to recover from on my own after a harsh nightmare years ago. The only person who knew of them was Ambrose, who had accidentally encountered me in my room in the midst of them.He had told nobody of it, never mentioning it right after. It was one of the things that brought us to a trust after the initial master-servant dynamic we had from the moment I made him my personal assistant. The trust.Ariezel never knew about them. It was practically impossible. Her presence alone soothed me so I never had nightmares. It was the other way around with me having to comfort her, bit I couldn't say tha
AriezelIt had only been a few days, but it felt like this event was one worth waiting for.As promised, the public Mating Ceremony between Alys and Ambrose was finally here.Harriet had taken me shopping -Wearing new clothes for this ceremony is a must. Although Alys couldn't join us, the moment was far from lonely. In the end I had gotten a simple black dress with sleeves. It was a simpler dress than Harriet preferred, but I loved it all the same. It was something that was my choice.Choice…I remembered everything the High priestess had told me all those days ago. Then, unable to make a choice, I had told her my one honest truth.Flashback“I don't know." I looked up to her. Her smile was gone and I was faced with a peaceful neutral expression. She watched me patiently, and with the feeling of comfort I looked down.“Do not worry, child."I looked up in surprise to meet her eyes. Even with their innate unnatural nature I wasn't frightened at all.“In time. Everything will come to
AsherMy heart might as well have been bursting with happiness at that moment.I hadn't expected this. Not after the last encounter we had had. After seeing her so heartbroken in tears I was resolute on one thing. If I was the reason why she hurt, then I would give her the space she needed.She couldn't trust me as it was, so I was prepared to take my time and take better care. I was going to take it slowly and not be as pushy as before.But then she came to me and said those words, and I thanked the moon goddess right then and there.Now I stood with her, I still couldn't believe it.“What happened? Between the last few days I mean? What changed your mind?" It was impossible for me to not ask those questions. And now most of all. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused her to quickly shift, to decide to trust me.Yet at the same time I wondered if asking her was the right thing for me to do. a part of me was antsy, afraid of scaring her off with a single question. I didn't want
AriezelIt felt like everything had changed, and perhaps it had.It was akin to the dawn of a new sunny day after moments of storms and clouds with the occasional warmth. It was drifting in limbo, only to finally find what Ive been looking for. It was like the days I spent, tired in the woods as I drifted off from place to place, too unsure of where I was going no matter how long I walked, only for me to wake up the next day and find him. The man who I couldn't have known was going to become my home then, body hurting with old and fresh scars and mind full of desperation and the relief of escape.Now things were different. There had been far too many tribulations we both went through. And now that I had accepted back into my life, it felt like I was breathing new air, finally letting go.When I told Harriet back in the cottage, she hugged me so hard I thought I just might burst. As she separated from me, her face was bursting with happiness.“I'm so happy for you." She said.We had ce
AriezelIt had taken a few days to adjust to everything else. Like trees which were once turbulent suddenly becoming still, it was very unsettling to adjust to. I met Alys by accident, bumping into her on my way out. She looked…well loved to say the least.I revealed everything to her that night, especially my decision to start over again. To my surprise, Alys didn't make a fuss or argue, just as she had promised the last time. Rather, she only rolled her eyes.“Really, I would have preferred you to take some more time to think about it, but," she trailed off for a moment, shaking her head before smiling up at me. It was a heartwarming smile that made me feel safe.“The way you looked at my wedding was enough to tell me that you were sure about whatever decision you made. And Asher or not? I'll stand by you." She said,Looking up at her at the moment I stared in wonder. What had made her change in a few days?I asked her the same question, boggling my mind only for her to laugh in tu