Perhaps I’m imagining this, or perhaps the lessons with Dad showed him that we’re not that different.Changing someone’s mind is never easy, but one step at a time is better than nothing; that’s what Mom always says.
And for the first time, I’m starting to get a vague understanding of what she meant by that.
Reality hitsme like a ton of bricks, slamming me down hard. Standing at the doorway, blood dripping from my nose, surrounded by faces carved with worry. The weight of the stares stings, knowing that despite everything, these people care, and that makes me feel vulnerable.
It’suncomfortable.
I’m not used to it. Not since I can remember, opening the door to a great sadness. Swallowing me like a heavy cloak.
For the first time… The vision didn’t completely fade away, and I am slowly realizing what I really lost that day.
“Freya,” I murmur, silent tears streaming down my cheeks. I lock eyes with Wyll, and understanding washes over him. Without a word, he pulls me into a tight hug, warm,familiar. I’m still reeling, caught between the sting of the vision and the comfort of Wyll’s hug, when Kai steps closer.
“You should sit,” he says quietly, brushing a gentle thumb against my nose. His hand lingers, cupping my cheek softly, and everything else melts away. For a brief moment, it feels like it’sjust the two of us in the room. His usual hardness softens in a way I’ve never really seen before.
And suddenly I see him differently. More real, more... LikemyKai. As if the world around me were a blur, but now a clearer, sharper vision takes hold.
Vanessa stands, sliding out a chair, “Sit down. I’m not letting you pass out on me.” I roll my eyes, but do it anyway.
The stillness in the room deepens.
“You can all breathe, I’m okay,” I say, more impatiently than I intended. My left leg jumps up and down nervously under the table. I hate being the center of attention, and Van picks up on it, coming to my rescue, as always.
“You couldn’t stop talking about the guys, but somehow you forgot to mention the women. They’re fucking gorgeous,” she says, winking at Nalaka with a slow, knowing smile.
The elf blushes, and it’s stunning. Her dark skin seems to glow, while the tips of her ears flush a gentle rose. It feels intimate, a secret only someone truly paying attention would notice, quietly confirming Vanessa’s words.
“You’re right,” Wyll says, his usual cocky smile shifting into something more deliberate as his eyes lock onto Vanessa’s. He leans in slightly, “The guys are hot, the girls are gorgeous, but… You.” He gestures casually toward her. “You’reperfection.” He clears his throat, and a slow grin spreads across his face.
“Flattery,” Vanessa replies, her tone flat and unwavering. She tilts her head, voice low and cool. “Charming, but you’ll have to do better than that to get my attention.”
Coming from her, that’s actually a compliment, which leaves me speechless. I’m used to Van’s sharp tongue, the way it can unsettle people or reduce them to tears. Seeing her be kind to anyone but me and a guy,no less, is definitely something. She catches my curious gaze and quickly clears her throat. Foldingher arms with that cool, unreadable expression she wears so well.
Wyll chuckles softly, clearly enjoying the game.“Fair enough. I like a challenge.” He leans back, eyes locked on Van, that slow smile still tugging at the corners of his lips. “So, what does it take to get your attention, Vanessa?”
“Really? Not the time, dude!” Caleb snaps, crossing his muscled arms over his chest.
“Nah, Lyna doesn’t mind,” Wyll says with a grin. “She’s my sister, after all.”
“Well, that makes me your sistertoo, and I don’t do incest. So back off, wolf,” Vanessa snaps, her temper flaring back to life. Yeah, that’s my best friend, alright.
Wyll smirks, unfazed. His eyes flash golden for a quick second, sharp teeth glinting in the firelight. “Damn, I like a woman who’s mean, kinda makes my dick hard.”
Meanwhile, Kai’s hand kneads the tension from my neck. Completely unaware of what he’s doing, lost in the delirium of his best friend’s bravado. The conversation is cut by the rare authority in Sakura’s voice. It slices through the room, turning that sweet girl into someone fiercer than even the General.
“After an episode where mind and body are affected, I recommend hydration. Now.” Sakura says firmly, pulling me back and stopping our grumpy witch from electrocuting a certain wolf. Contradicting Sakura right now?
No, thank you.
I reach for the cup in front of me, but Kai’s hand clamps down on my wrist. “That’s not yours.” His voice is hard, filling the room with an awkward silence, until Vanessa speaks.
“Yeah, it’s mine. And if Lyna wants a sip, she’ll take a sip. So do us all a favour and save your toxic masculinity for someone who cares.” Kai’s grip tightens for a moment before he lets go, balling his fist at his side.
“Everyone, enough,” I say firmly, locking eyes with both of them. I feel the tension rising. And I know what Vanessa’s capable of if pushed when she was only human, I can’t imagine what she can do now.
“I’mperfectlyfine drinking from Van’s cup, Kai.” I can’t help the slight roll of my eyes.
“Well, be my guest, if spending sixty minutes speaking the truth sounds that appealing to you,” he shoots back, a clear jab at Van. My mind stumbles, slow to process the shift in the room, but the charged silence says it all.
