Serena played with a strand of her hair, twirling it slowly around her index finger until it snapped. She let the broken piece fall from her fingertips. A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips, he was making an effort. That had to count for something.
Though she wished he had asked her something else. She had only been a rogue for roughly two years, and the remainder of her life was spent in a pack, but Darius did not know that. And he did not have to.
An idea flickered in her mind, suddenly. She nearly jolted in her seat. She could tell him the truth, but not all of it. And add some experiences from the last two years. Thankfully, there was no one to verify any of it.
"It was hard," Serena began, curling her fingers into her lap. "Every day felt like a gamble, especially when I ventured too far from home."
She didn’t have to lie about that. Her heart had pounded with every step past the invisible line she’d drawn around her ramshackle territory, her breath catching at each rustle in the brush.
"But I’m glad the few wolves I’ve met weren’t the worst," she continued, her voice softening. "I had to trade something for coin so I could get things from the black market."
Darius leaned in slightly, the cushions dipping beneath his weight, brows raised in curiosity. "They have black markets out there?"
Serena shrugged. "Well, they have to have something like that. Everything is harsh there. For a while, I had to grow my own food. Then Hollowgale came."
Her first house had been a crooked thing made of scavenged wood and stubborn hope, half-standing and wholly hers. She had been proud of it. Until the skies turned an unnatural black, ink pouring over the clouds until it swallowed the light.
She remembered it like yesterday. That was the first time she felt like Mother Nature was angry. The wind knocked around the trees, producing an eerie whistling sound.
Serena had run out of the house, her mouth open when she saw the sky. To this day, she could not imagine how she survived that storm.
Feyra being silent on her meant she had lost nearly a third of her heightened senses. With minimal light, Serena was a sitting duck.
The storm had clawed through the land for three days. She’d awakened beside a riverbank, mud in her nails, blood crusting the scratches along her limbs. All around her was destruction, large trees had toppled over, the bodies of animals strewn all over.
"I lost my first house then, due to the storm," she finished.
"It must’ve been hard," Darius said quietly. "I’m sorry."
Serena shook her head. "It’s not your fault. You had no hand in it. I’m just unlucky."
Hollowgale came every twenty years and stayed for three years, ravaging the land in late fall.
. It was the reason why Lupine Hollow and the areas around it were not owned by packs. It would be too dangerous, and moving around was not an option.
Unlucky, indeed. If she had been exiled maybe a year later, she would not have been in Ironshade.
"I doubt that," Darius said, his voice low, a smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.
Darius shrugged and gazed into her eyes. "Just a hunch."
Serena chuckled and returned his gaze. "I cannot argue with that."
Darius shifted slightly in the seat and looked to the window. He had to do it now, it was long overdue, and Serena deserved it.
"Yes?" she answered. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel·fıre·net
"I want to apologise for Oakspire... for practically forcing you to accept a rejection."
Serena’s heart rang loud and clear in her ears. That happened weeks ago, yet he was apologising? Her lips parted in surprise.
"Really?" she said, her voice coming out softer than she intended.
Darius nodded slowly. "Really, I am. I realise that it was so ungentlemanly of me to do."
A heartbeat passed between them before Darius continued. "I am also sorry for going back on my word after we were alone. I understand if you do not want to forgive me."
Serena looked down at her hands in her lap. She curled them close and exhaled. It was not a dream, and she was inclined to believe his reply.
She let out a relieved sound, like a laugh that was not quite complete. All in all, this was the best thing she had heard this week.
"I forgive you," she said at last.
Darius’ shoulders relaxed, and he exhaled and then laughed. "I thought you would make this much harder for me."
Serena raised a brow and her lips lifted in a smile. "Oh?"
"Yes, perhaps tell me to get on my knees and beg for a chance," Darius teased.
"You have such a fascinating mind... and maybe you should."
Darius’ mouth dropped open in mock offense before he barked a laugh. Then, without warning, he rose from the seat and sank dramatically to his knees, clutching at her feet with exaggerated sorrow.
His voice took on a dramatic tone, like he was one of those passing entertainers in Kaldora.
"Oh please, my lady. I beg for forgiveness... how would I survive if you look at me with those eyes?"
Serena laughed, lifting her hand to cover her mouth. Her shoulders shook, and she leaned forward slightly, barely able to contain the grin spreading across her face.
Darius pressed his forehead to the wooden floor, still groveling. "Oh, please give me an answer or I will weep."
Serena’s laugh turned breathless as she shook her head. Tears threatened to gather at the corners of her eyes from the ridiculousness of it all.
"I have forgiven you, my good sir," she said in a deep, exaggerated voice, playing along.
Darius raised his head, his hazel eyes wide. He swiped at his dry face with the back of his hand, pretending to wipe away tears. "My heart rejoices."
Darius rose and dropped back onto the seat beside her. "Well, I’m glad you accepted my apology," he said, his tone now genuine.
Darius turned to her and smiled. "Really, I am sorry. And I want you to know that I want to get to know you more. I promise I will."
Serena turned her head to meet his gaze, her breath catching slightly at the warmth in his eyes. A small blush crept across her cheek. Oh, how beautiful he was.
"I want to get to know you too."
Darius reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin. "Have I ever told you that your eyes are like precious gems?"
She turned away briefly and offered him a smile. "No, but thank you."
"They’re beautiful- like emeralds."
"Thank you. I have nothing to say about your eyes," Serena said.
Darius threw his head back and laughed. "You don’t have to."
Silence filled the small house. Their eyes never left each other. Darius’ breathing grew uneven, each inhale deeper than the last. He flexed his fingers and ran his thumb over his damp palm, his nerves betraying him.
He leaned forward and closed his eyes. It was an unsuccessful attempt. They bumped noses, and his eyes flew open. Serena had practically turned red from embarrassment.
"Oh dear," she muttered.
Serena glanced at Darius, who had looked elsewhere. He cleared his throat and looked at her.
"Serena... can I kiss you?"
His words rang loud and clear in her ears. Serena’s heart thudded wildly against her ribs, twisting in both nerves and anticipation. She closed her eyes for a second, breathing in through her nose. You’re not a girl anymore. Get a grip.
"Yes... please," she murmured.
Darius placed his right hand on hers and leaned closer. As he leaned closer, Serena could feel the heat radiating off him. His breath ghosted across her cheek, and her body trembled, not from fear, but from the sheer thrill of it.
Serena leaned forward and kissed him. His lips were softer than she expected, and when they parted slightly, she deepened the kiss, slipping her tongue forward with gentle insistence.
She was numb to the whole world, except him. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her impossibly closer.
Serena wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his hair. She pushed herself closer until even the space between chests disappeared. They parted briefly, just long enough to breathe, and then Darius surged forward, his kiss more urgent.
She gasped when he bit her lower lip, the sensation electric. Caught in the moment, Serena pushed against him, and suddenly, they tipped. The pair tumbled to the floor in a graceless heap. Serena landed on top of him, her elbow barely missing his side.
Her eyes widened. "I’m sorry," she said quickly, glancing away in embarrassment.
Darius chuckled and wrapped his hands around her body, enveloping her in a hug. "You’ve done nothing wrong."
Serena let herself relax against his chest. She could hear the way his heart beat wildly in his chest. It comforted her, knowing she was not the only one experiencing palpitations.
"That was lovely," she said.