Trance took the lead and pushed me up into a treehouse. The house was one of our target zones we use in training. I spot bits and pieces of broken glass, so I take the makeshift bed to sit on. My knees came up to my chest as I sat down, and the same happened to Trance. We laughed about it for a few moments before leaning on each other.
I was playing with the ends of my dress when Trance turns to me with a broken smile. "I really had hoped you'd be mine, Damara," Trance admits. My head shoots off his shoulder and I stare at him, curious and confused.
"I actually thought I could love you.. and then he came along." He shakes his head with a dark smile. I move off his shoulder and listen to him quietly.
But he doesn't say anymore, he leaves it at the wolf.
My heart hurt, not knowing what to say. There was nothing I could do or say that would make him feel another way or any better at that. I was truly sorry I couldn't take that pain away as his partner. It was my job to keep him balanced as he does me. And all I can do is think of myself when a hungry wolf throws himself at me.
Biting my lip, we stayed in silence, only I rubbed Trance's shoulder as a need for comfort. I open my mouth to speak, but only a howl is heard. Then another one right after it, only these howls were near the treehouse. When I turned to Trance, he only held a sad and tired smile on his face.
"They're calling for you, you know," Trance muttered under his breath.
I sat silently next to him, ignoring the next two howls, these ones longer and louder than the last. I was torn between my partner and two overgrown mutts. My duty is to be there for my partner no matter at what costs. For Wickens, our partner is for life whether we accept them as our bonded mates or not; they are our first priority. Wolvenrians take their bonded over their partners, which is only selfish in the eyes of a Wicken.. but maybe in the eyes of a Wolvenrian, they prove their worth for their family.
Another two howls echoed around the treehouse. They were more demanding and ferocious than the last. I covered my ears, forcing them out while proving my worth to Trance. If I didn't stay with him, then I was a coward for going to the wolves. No Wicken ever leaves their partner, and I'm not about to be the first one.
The howls got louder and louder, calling for me as I hid my head in my lap, wishing for the howls to stop. "Shut up! Shut up, shut up! Go away!" I cried as I shook myself back and forth. I hoped they would leave, I hoped I never saw them again.
As I was trying to rise from my seat to teach those mutts a lesson, Trance snatches my arm and forces me to sit down on the makeshift bed. Trance wipes my tears as the howls continue, as if they were right next to me. I covered my ears and whined, hating the sounds coming from their snouts. The sounds were becoming deafening as they rang in my ears consistantly.
Without warning, Trance shoves me to his chest. "Silentium bulla!" Bright purple bursts from his wand as he casts a spell, locking us in our own little bubble.
Their whines and howls silenced once Trance uses his magic. I smiled, grateful for a partner like him. I could finally think and I knew what was going to happen if I accepted the pairing. I could never have children with anyone but with this man next to me, I wouldn't be able to venture the realms like I would like, and I would never have a moment of free time because the Elders will be on our asses about becoming "the most powerful Wickens these eleven realms have ever seen!"
I only huff, desperate for a way out.
A hand encompasses mine, drawing me towards Trance. My watery eyes meet his, but he looks perfectly fine. "Damara, you need to accept them." Trance only holds my hands tighter when I try to drop his.
My eyebrows knott as I try to pull away, but Trance only draws me closer. I try to speak, but he only covers my mouth. "Listen, Mara," his eyes glare in mine with determination and heart.
"They have accepted you as their bonded mate. Not one wolf, but two. That's a really big deal, and to throw that away, for me.." Trance's voice softly fades from my ears.
His face fell for a moment, but before I could comfort him, he forcibly declares, "You have two choices here, Damara. You can either get your ass back down there and enjoy what you can have with those wolves, or you can stay up here and stay caged for the rest of your life." His eyes spoke honesty as his words spoke truth.
Trance was right, and I couldn't keep letting the Elders rule my life, especially when they're the ones causing all the hell.
I gave a weak smile to Trance as a thank you. I know we couldn't kiss, but I'll be dammed if I can't hug my best friend. We shared a bear hug for a moment before we pull away. "You'll always be my partner," I promised.
He smiles, laughing for a moment. "And you'll always be my favorite." He brushes away some of my curls.
Giggling, I narrow my eyes at him playfully. "I thought Eliphas was your favorite?" A smirk rose on my face as he sheepishly looks away for a moment. I lean forwards, poking his cheek until he looks at me.
Trance suddenly grabs my hand and pulls me in close. I can taste his breath as my heart rate accelerates. We only stare at one another for a few moments. "You'll always be my favorite, Damara. No one can ever replace you," Trance whispers against my lips. His breath fans my lips as his brilliant violet eyes flicker from mine to my mouth. Before either of us can kiss the other, Trance abruptly turns away and runs a hand through his burgundy hair.
I opened my mouth, then paused. "I think I should head home, and you should too," I comment.
Trance nods, but I don't think he's listening.
Nodding to myself, I pull out my wand and zap back home. Instead of a fake mattress, there was a real one beneath my fingers. With a sigh of relief, I fall backwards onto my bed and close my eyes for a few moments. After taking a few deep breaths, I decide to gather herbs for a cleansing.
I only hoped with this cleansing I'll be able to think calmly. Because if I can't, then what would be the point of bonding with two wolves?