Leonardo
I don't know how long it has been since we arrived at her covenstead. I was sitting on the couch watching Juliana. She was cleaning my fists from earlier. She was gentle and seemed unfazed by what I had just told her a moment ago.
I notice the bruises and what was left of the welts on her arms. "So how long have you known that you're a witch?" She seemed to have stiffen at my question.
She looked up and met my eyes, "not long, maybe a few days."
"What were you doing in the meadow?"
I could tell she was uncomfortable by the question she was finished cleaning me up. My wounds had already healed so I didn't need bandages.
She looked at her hands, "I wanted to make something to heal me." Her chicks were now a little pink, and it makes my heart skip a beat. I simply nod.
"So are your father and brother...?" I trail my question off hoping she understands.
She shakes her head, "As far as I know they are not. I think it is only the woman in my family." She gets up and walks to the giant book in the middle of the book shelves. She motions for my to come and she continues. "You see, the book has only female names in it. Kind of like a family tree if you will." She is running her had down the page with all the names. I see they all have the same surname.. Wildes. It sounds familiar. I hear a stomach growl as if on cue, but it wasn't mine. I look over to see Juliana's face turning bright red. I can hear her heart speeding up. It makes me want to smile, but I fight the urge.
Juliana
I'm freaking out. Leo has been in my covenstead for what seems like days, but it's just been hours. I cleaned up his hands and I was shocked to see his wounds were healed and all what was left were faint bruises. I was embarrassed to tell him why I was in the meadow that my hands began to sweat and I felt my face turning some shade of red. My heart skipped a beat. Then my stomach growled so loud I wanted to hide, but there wasn't anywhere to go. I could tell Leo wanted to smile at my embarrassment with the corners of his mouth twitching.
"I'm famished. We should get something to eat." He said. I saw his golden eyes darken for a moment when our eyes locked. I felt a bit weak in the knees that I sat down in a chair. I still didn't want to leave. I was scared someone would see the abuse on me. There were some fresh bruises forming from earlier too.
"What is the matter?" He asked walking closer to me. I suppose he could sense my unease.
I shook my head and looked away from him. "I don't want people to see me like this."
"Oh." He said and took my hand. His touch made my heart jump and I looked into his eyes. "If that is the concern I can bring us some food." He said with a smile that took my breath away.
I simply nodded unsure if I could trust my voice. He smiled down at me. "Do you have any special requests for our meal?"
I shook my head, "surprise me."
He took my hand to his mouth and kissed it. "Then I am off." He took a step back and was gone.
I began mixing the healing oil again as soon as he left. Instead of visiting the meadow for set it in the sunlight I choose to sit next the the stream near the base of the waterfall.
I brought one of the books with me while I waited but I couldn't focus on the book in my hands. The only thing I could think about was the events of this morning. I saw Leo in his true form. I should be terrified from him, but why do I find comfort in his touch I stead?
I didn't realize how long I have been sitting out here until I see Leo setting a basket between us.
"So, I guess we will have our meal here." He said with a small grin. I nodded my head. I looked into my bowl where the oil was sitting and it changed colors.
Leo had began emptying the basket, "So what is that you are making?"
"It is the healing oil I was trying to make earlier." I said and rubbed a little on my arm. I set the bowl to the side to save the rest for later just incase it did work.
Leo cleared his throat. "I really want you to come and stay at the palace with me." He said quickly handing me a sandwich. "But I don't want to force you. I only want you to come when you're ready."
I froze at his words. I didn't know what to say, but he was right. I couldn't survive living in the covenstead forever. It didn't have a proper bed or washroom. "I'll think about it." I finally said and I could hear him sigh in relief. I mean it wouldn't be such a bad thing if I went with him to the palace. Would it?
"Juliana look!" Leo grabbed my arm we both were shocked to see it cleared from all cuts and bruises. "It works, you really are a witch." He whispered. I don't know if he was convincing himself or me but I believe it now. He gestured towards the bowl. "May I?" I nodded and held it for him.
He put some of the oil on his hand and started spreading it on my cheek. A shiver went down my spine and I could feel my heart jump at his touch. I wanted to close my eyes but I was hypnotized by his.
He started to lean closer so our faces we just inches apart and he kept looking between my lips and eyes. I looked at his lips and noticed he had fangs I looked up to his eyes and they were now darker. His hand was now on the back of my neck playing with the hair resting there.
I could tell he was fighting with him self. Then I noticed he was looking at my neck. I quickly brought space between us. I stood up with the bowl full of oil.
"I think we should go back to the covenstead. It is getting late and.." I said trying to think of another reason but I couldn't think I was still flustered by the way he was looking at me.
Leo sat there and looked a bit hurt by my sudden action. "Yes, that is a good idea." He started placing the food back into the basket and I helped him. Then we headed back to the covenstead.