Taran's POV
I stopped a few times on the way to rest, as well as on the snow line. Willa needed to put on heavier clothes as the temperature reduced much with every mile we climb.
It took us a few hours to reach the mountain top.
Willa put tiny force on my shoulder blades to hold her position on my back as if worrying that would hurt me. Little did she know her soft touch was more dangerous because instead of hurting me, she was tickling my heart.
The longing for her got more and more unbearable as I spent more time with her.
When we got the peak, the sun was almost up.
There was a hidden cave on the top, not too far from the edge. I let Willa down at the entry of the cave before I went in to put my cloth on.
Willa was pouting when I stopped her from following me in.
She was NOT making the two months waiting any easier for me.
I could hear her pacing around at the entry, waiting impatiently. Or maybe she was jus
Will you die for me?That's too easy. Will you... Would you live for me? -- Joker (Batman)
Willa's POV Al knelt on one knee, gazing at me with a defeated smile. I waited, my heart pounding fast. He sighed and hesitated, but then he reached out and grabbed my fingers before he pressed his lips on them: "I'm at your command, my queen." I giggled and pulled him up: "Also I promised granny no sex before my 18th birthday, so you were never in danger from me." I already went against the first rule of no relationship before 18, but Al didn't need to know that. Besides, what harm could love to bring? Al let out a surprised laugh before sighing as he followed my lead to the edge of the mountain: "I told you, I never stood a chance protecting myself against you." I burst into laughter. Though to be honest, I didn't know any soul-stealing spell for real. "Then you are in luck that I'm in love with you." I sat on the edge of the mountain, and Al followed, not one step away. "Pretty sure I lured you to fall in lov
Willa's POV [Kirsch!] I got the mind link through right away, [I'm alright! Al is in pain though--] I looked up, and Al smiled bitterly after one glance at my eyes to know I was mind linking. "Is it Kirsch?" Al asked, his voice hoarse and shivering, "Ask him whether his torture turned better or worse." I felt like he said it as a joke, but I couldn't understand it. [He will be fine, don't worry about it. Just give him a minute.] Kirsch's voice was hoarse as well, as if he just shouted at the top of his lung for a very long time. That was understandable though, he had been suffering a wolfsabne attack. [Hmm, Al said to ask you...] I hesitated for a second, feeling kind of bad to tease Kirsch when he was in pain. But just then, Al's voice kicked in the mind link-- [Cerise, enjoying the splash of color there?] Al's voice sounded tired, but he seemed to be in a joking mood. It was the first time I mind linked Al. When he mi
Willa's POV Al chuckled at Kirsch's embarrassed escaping. I buried my face in his chest, my head steaming. "You could have pushed me away..." I murmured, my voice muffled because I wouldn't let Al see my burning face. "I didn't want to do that," Al sighed with a defeated laugh, nipping me on the ear tip, adding, "I could never." "I wouldn't want to cause you pain if I had known!" I protested in shock, staring at him with disbelief. "I know," Al chuckled, "But there's also the fun part--" I buried my face back into his chest again, somehow blushing even more. Al burst into laughter. Though it was freezing cold on the snow mountain top, it was bearable after the sun came out. We stroll around the mountain top for hours, exchanging stories. Well, it was mainly my stories when Al just smiled and listened, asking questions that made me spill more of my past. Until-- My stomach rumbled before I even re
Willa's POV Cerberus's hunting style made me feel like the rabbit. [Is it worth it? To struggle for life when you see no hope? In the end, it might only prolong the suffering. If the prey just gives up, it would only be a quick death.] I mumbled, suddenly lost faith in granny's fairytale. I had been under the dark claw of the poison my whole life. I got away with its claw every month yet I never felt I could escape. Al fell silent with me. [It's worth it.] Kirsch's sudden rose of voice pulled my mind back, [Every second, every split of second with your heart beating, your blood pumping in your veins for the chase of life is much colorful and brighter than death. If the eternal rest is the destination for all, then why rush into it?] [Thanks, Kirsch.] I could feel that Al also relaxed at Kirsch's comfort. "Cerberus. Did you kill it?" I slid off his back, and Cerberus rose his head, searching for me with his paws still pressed on
Willa's POV Al planted a kiss on my head before he gazed into my eyes. The dim light in the cave painted his blue eyes a shade of grey, like the sea under the night. I wished he really could summon thunder, like the cursed story. But I knew he couldn't. I couldn't even do that, not without granny. "Don't look so sad, little one," Al tugged the edge of his mouth. He tipped my chin up and pecked lightly on my lips, "I promised to live for you, didn't I?" "You did! You are not allowed to die!" I blurted and buried my face in his chest. He would see my tears if I didn't. "And I won't. I will always come back to you, I promise." Al stroked my hair. His rough voice soothed my fear. I nodded and Al finally let go of me, heading for the entrance of the cave. I had never wished I had my wolf more than that moment. I wished I could fight by his side instead of hiding behind him, watching him risk his life for me. I gripped on the
Willa's POV [I have to help him!] I told Kirsch as I pulled out my knife. I could help, at least for a little bit. There was no way Al could defeat seven warriors in their full wolf forms. [Willa, you might not want to see this part.] Kirsch suddenly warned, [I think it would better if you--] [I can't hide away and let them kill Al!] I shouted, realizing my body was shaking in fear at that thought. My whole life, I had been in this horrible situation where people have to fight for me while I hide behind them doing nothing! [They can't. In the worst scenario, he would just shift.] Kirsch sighed. His tone was heavy. I failed to understand him. [What?] I murmured, a cold shiver ran down my spine as my brain understood his words faster than me. [Willa...] Kirsch sighed, closing his eyes, [If they know he is the mad rogue, they would...] [Hunt him down.] I murmured, finishing his sentence as horror took over me. So...what? Al was ju
Willa's POV I could see through the mindlink that Al grabbed the bottom jaw of the wolf and landed his right foot on its upper jaw. The wolf realized his mouth was going to be torn open and he let go of Al immediately, jumping back with his lips pulled back and baring his teeth. Blood was dripping from Al. Only one wolf left outside, it was the one with his throat kicked in by Al a moment ago. Al was safe. I thought in relief, and that was when I felt hot breath reaching the back of my neck. I turned as I swung my wounded hand at the wolf. I wanted to throw my blood at his face but he was too close. I hit him right on the face and my wrist snapped backward. But I got his mouth and nose! That was it! I got him! Though Kirsch might see through my secret, I could always explain. I took my broken wrist into my left hand as I stepped backward slowly, ready to face Kirsch's questions when that wolf falls down and whimpers in pain.
Willa's POV [Nice to hear from you again, Cerise.] Al's teasing came through when I put through the mind link. [It wasn't nice to shut me out like that! You almost give me a heart attack!] Kirsch looked pretty shaken up as he shouted at Al. Al laughed at Kirsch's outburst as he put me over his lap. I took off the coat around me and covered Al. His shirt was soaked in blood. His body was steaming hot after the battle. He must felt colder than usual. I snuggled into Al, licking him around the wound. It wouldn't heal him even if I had my wolf. I just wanted to comfort him. "Tickle." Al suddenly grunted. I looked up in surprise, only to see Cerberus's silly smile on Al's face. "Cerberus!" I threw myself into his arms, bursting into tears, "You saved me!" "I can do better." Cerberus snorted with pride on his face, apparently displeased that Al didn't let him out. [He was really good today!] Kirsch rose his eyebrow in