It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Lirian. I did, more than I could ever put into words. But how could I explain something so… unexplainable?
The second chance at life, the overwhelming guilt of unfinished mistakes, and a desire to do it all differently—to take advantage of the present in ways I’d never managed before.
To love without hesitation, to be stronger than I was, to protect those I held dear.
But Lirian wasn’t ready to let go of the topic, not so easily. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, watching me with an expression that was equal parts intrigue and caution.
“A few days ago,” he began slowly, as if weighing each word carefully, “I went back to the slums. My neighbors told me you’d been there, asking around for me. Six months ago, they said.”
A pang shot through my chest as he continued. “Back then… you didn’t even know me, did you?”
I froze, my mind scrambling for an explanation, any plausible answer that could satisfy his curiosity without unraveling the truth.
But nothing came. I stared at him, hoping my silence wouldn’t betray me.
Lirian leaned in closer, his dark eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my heart clench.
After a moment, he sighed and straightened up, loosening his grip ever so slightly.
“It’s alright if you don’t want to tell me now,” he murmured, his gaze softening. “I’ll wait. I’ll wait until you’re ready to share everything.”
My chest tightened with a strange mix of relief and sadness.
I wanted to tell him—truly, I did. But not yet. Not when I still had so much to figure out myself.
We didn’t speak much after that. When we finally touched down, Lirian received a call and left almost immediately, his expression a mixture of urgency and concern.
He mentioned something about the Ironclaw pack, an issue he needed to handle. He left quickly, disappearing into the bustle of the airport, and I was left standing alone, wrapped in the afterglow of his words.
It was nearly Christmas, and the town was draped in snow and vibrant lights.
School was winding down, and the streets brimmed with holiday cheer, the sidewalks lined with people chatting and laughing, their breaths clouding the chilly air.
I stepped out of the school building, feeling the cool breeze nip at my cheeks, and tugged my scarf a little tighter around my neck.
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