"So, we're going to walk home?" I asked, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration as we had been heading towards the woods for the past ten minutes.
Ethan smiled and replied, "I'm glad you see my house as a home now."
I was taken aback by his response. "What? No, that's not what I meant. I called it home because it was the right word to use in that sentence. And besides, why would you think a prison feels like home?" I said, my tone serious and filled with anger.
Ethan stopped walking and turned to face me. His gaze was intense as he spoke, "You know what? I'm going to give you more freedom from now on."
His words struck me with curiosity. "What do you mean by giving me freedom?" I asked, wanting to understand his intentions.
"What I mean is this: I will no longer force myself on you unless you give me permission. I will reduce the level of surveillance on you. I want you to feel like you can call my home yours too," Ethan explained, sounding sincere and convincing.
I couldn't help but question his sudden change of heart and behavior towards me. "What are you saying? You're going to do all this out of the blue? Why the sudden change?" I poured out my thoughts, my gaze fixed on his eyes.
He sighed, looking away. "When Icarus startled you during the meeting, I lost control because I couldn't bear to see you get hurt. But then I realized that I have done far worse things to you than Icarus ever could. Forcing myself on you every night, making you feel powerless, reducing you to begging and tears, and much more."
He paused, his voice filled with emotion. "I know I can't ask for your forgiveness, but I want to make it up to you in every possible way. So, I've decided to start somewhere, by giving you some space."
Ethan's words were heavy with regret and genuine emotion, almost bringing me to tears. It was a side of him I had rarely seen before, and it made me question whether change was truly possible.
"Don't invade Grendor," I firmly said to Ethan, my voice filled with concern and urgency.
"What?" Ethan asked, clearly puzzled by my statement.
"I mean, do not side with King Morgath in invading Grendor. That's the only way I might be able to forgive you," I added, emphasizing the importance of his decision.
"Why are you so worried about Grendor? It's not even your kingdom," Ethan questioned, seeking to understand my deep concern.
"I know, but Grendor represents the last hope for me and many others. If Grendor falls to the invasion, the world will be filled with evil men like Icarus and King Morgath," I replied, my voice tinged with a sense of desperation.
"Well... you saw that I was against it as well, but I'm not the king. Whatever King Morgath decides, I stand as an advisor and warrior of this kingdom," Ethan explained, acknowledging his limited influence.
As we ventured deeper into the woods, we suddenly found ourselves confronted by a group of transformed werewolves who emerged from their hiding spots, charging towards us with fierce intent.
Ethan initially thought they might be the Sigma werewolves Icarus had mentioned during the meeting. There were six of them, their imposing figures standing six feet tall, a combination of black and brown furs.
Despite the danger, I felt a strange sense of calmness. Was it because I trusted that Ethan would protect me? Or perhaps because I had faith that he would easily overcome this threat?
I could see Ethan attempting to communicate with the werewolves, but they seemed beyond reason. Sensing the approaching chaos, he whispered to me, "Stay back, and close your eyes if you must because things are about to get messy." With those words, he pushed me behind him, shielding me from harm.
He stepped away from me, preparing to transform into his wolf form. I watched with curiosity as Ethan struggled to bring forth his inner wolf.
"What is happening?" I asked myself, my curiosity piqued by Ethan's unsettling actions, unsure of what would unfold next.
"What is happening to me?" Ethan asked himself, he was too embarrassed to face me at this point.
He probably didn't want me to think that he can't transform, so he brought out just his claws. I could see his veins surfacing as a result of pushing himself too hard in getting his claws out.
Ethan scanned the environment and knew he could take all six of them down without transforming into a wolf. He charged at them as well, they all clashed into each other few seconds later.
Ethan, on his human form was still very fast, his speed even outrun that of the werewolves in their full wolf form.
The wolves lashes at Ethan, but he swiftly evaded their claws. They came at him from all sides, still he was able to avoid all their wrathful thrashing.
My heart began to beat faster than usual, I wasn't scare for myself, rather I was afraid that Ethan might get hurt.
"Why isn't he fighting back?" I wondered. Ethan was doing all the dodging and the wolves kept trying to devour him.
After few minutes, Ethan turned the table around. He started striking back without hesitation, not minding if the wolves dies at the spot.
Ethan's strikes caused great damage to the wolves than I expected. Within a few minutes of fighting back, all six mighty wolves fell at his might, gravely injured.
Ethan was covered in blood as if he was the one who got thrashed. Ethan turned to look at me, he grinned, feeling very proud of himself. I couldn't hold back, I grinned as well, happy that the fight was over and Ethan was untouched.
Just as Ethan was walking towards me, a sudden, piercing scream of agony tore through the air from Ethan's mouth, causing my heart to skip a beat.
"What's wrong?" I inquired, my voice trembling with concern as I held Ethan from falling to the ground.
His words came out in embarrassed gasps, his face contorted with pain. "I don't know... first, I couldn't..." Ethan hesitated, unwilling to admit his inability to transform into a werewolf.
"My head feels like it's spinning out of control, I could barely see anything, Emily!" he managed to say through gritted teeth.
Fear and helplessness gripped my heart. I wanted to ease his suffering, to do something, anything. "What can I do to help." I inquired, desperate to ease his pain.
"We need to leave this place... now," Ethan mustered, but his body was weak, relying on my support to remain standing.
"Okay, let's go," I responded, determination fueling my actions. I carefully looped Ethan's arm around my shoulders, taking on the burden of his weight as we began our slow, laborious journey out of the woods.
Just as I was about to turn around with Ethan, preparing to limp away, I heard a very deep Snarling from behind. I was very frightened because I was sure it was a wolf, and he was probably not on our side since he's making a growling sound
"Don't... don't turn around," Ethan urgently warned, his voice strained. He was almost passing out on my shoulders, and yet he wants to protect me?
The growling grew louder, meaning the wolf was about to lash at us with his claws. Ethan, already knowing the intentions of the wolf, pushed me forcefully to the ground, positioning himself as the target to take the blow.
"No...!!!" I screamed bitterly as the big injured wolf lashed Ethan on his back. His blood pumped out to my direction, covering my entire body.
The force of the attack pushed Ethan towards several trees. Ethan clashed against more than seven standing firm trees, I cried out uncontrollably in despair, convinced that Ethan will die in the process.
The injured wolf was already at his dead point, Ethan already beat him to a pulp along with the others.
After the attack on Ethan, the injured wolf fell down to the floor, taking his last breath. He probably used his last might to unleash his attack on Ethan.
With my heart pounding, I rushed to Ethan's side, and hopefully he was still breathing and conscious. Blood was running out from his mouth as I lift up his head and put it on my laps.
"Stay with me, Ethan!!! Don't fall asleep please!!!" I sobbed, tears mingling with the bloodstains on my face. With trembling hands, I gently slapped Ethan's cheek, desperate to keep him conscious and talking
Ethan's lips curved into a bittersweet grin, he gently brushed his fingertips against my cheek. His voice, faint and fragile reached my ears. "Emily, you know this is your chance to escape from me, right? Why are you still here? I can't chase after you in this condition, you know."
I held his hand tightly, my worry etched across my face. "Just keep talking, Ethan. I'll go and get help for you," I assured him, determined to find assistance.
"Don't worry, this isn't how I planned to break free from your grasp," I added, my voice filled with determination.
But just as I was about to leave, Ethan held my hand, his eyes pleading. "Please... stay with me until my final breath," he whispered, his voice heavy with pain.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I caressed his hair, leaning closer to him. "These aren't your final moments, Ethan," I murmured, trying to comfort him.
His expression softened, tears glistening in his eyes. "I know I promised not to force myself on you, but please, grant me this one request. It would bring me great happiness," he implored, his voice quivering.
"Anything, I will do anything as long as it keeps you alive." I quickly agreed without finding out what Ethan wanted.
He held my face and guarded it gradually towards his. I wondered what he was up to.
Soon I realized that Ethan wanted to kiss my lips, I couldn't push back because I already agreed to do anything for him.
With my eyes shut, hoping to start feeling Ethan's lips on mine, I heard his voice saying, "Can I..., kiss you?." Ethan asked of me. Our eyes locked on each other, and our lips were almost claiming themselves.
I was surprised that Ethan was asking, he usually does such things without my permission. Or is he really keeping his promise?
"I know, I...." Before Ethan could say anything further, I claimed those gentle lips of his.
He was surprised that I kissed him first, and he kissed back seconds later. Soon he started passing out.
It was then that a group of hunters happened upon us. With their help, we were transported back to the safety of our territory.
Will this path set a new beginning for I and Ethan? Or will things only get worst after all this?
To be continued... The Healing Ritual