The sun dipped in the horizon, casting a warm glow in the school cafe .
"Peach blinked . That question was absurd, yet it held weight . "A wolf ?" She echoed ." Why would -"..
Cyrus immediately interrupted her, his gaze unwavering."well I just asked ,just trying to make a conversation "
Peach's breath caught ,she studied him for a bit - the tousled hair , the amber eyes, that seemed to hold memories. "well that seemed to be a personal question, and personal questions can lead to unexpected revelations". Peach mused . "Though it would be cool to have a wolf best friend" ..
" Wait so I'm now your best friend" Cyrus was amused.
" Dude come on we're both loners and nerds ,so we make good friends"
"Right , well I don't think wolves are real , I mean imagine a human being shape shifting ".
Peach's mind raced , she had read about shape shifters, their -dual existence, their struggle for acceptance, but to meet one , it would be fate . Infact it would be both thrilling and terrifying.
" Why ask me ?" She asked " it feels like it's your secret "
" Nah it's not , I guess I just wanted us to talk about something different "
" Well I feel you , I would still accept both sides of you , you know .Man and wolf ".
Cyrus felt like an idiot , denying his whole identity.
" Let's get ready for our next lecture shall we ". Peach said taking her backpack.
" Sure right behind you "
The rest of the day was draining for Cyrus , but Peach seemed to be enjoying and also deep in thoughts . And Cyrus was no fool - he knew she was gonna do something to test his wolf strength sooner or later ...
Later that day .....Dinner time ...
The dining room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, and the scent of roasted pork and herbs hung in the air. The table was set impeccably, and the clinking of silverware against porcelain echoed the Dean family settled in for dinner.
Cyrus sat across Aven,Aven was the epitome of charm -his dark skin ever glowing , with dark-hair well kept ,with a smile that could melt hearts. He was the family diplomat, skilled at navigating conversations with finesse, well obviously because he loves sprouting nonsense sometimes....
Their parents Dr Michelle and professor Dean were both in glorious mood today ,with smiles as they presided over the meal. Professor Dean, was quite a stern man and loving at the same time with graying temples. "Cyrus," he said, "how are your studies at the academy?"with a raised eyebrow..he could see the boy looked disturbed.
Cyrus shifted in his chair, glancing at the empty seats at the dinner table. "Studying well, Father," he replied. "But there's something I need to share with all of you."
Aven leaned forward, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "What is it, little brother?"
Okay... Aven never calls Cyrus like that , ....off..
Cyrus took a deep breath. "I asked Peach a peculiar question," he confessed. "I wanted to know if she would date a wolf."...well Cyrus was always straight forward and strangely honest .... sometimes..
Aven's eyebrows shot up. "A wolf?" he repeated. "Why on earth----"
Professor Dean cleared his throat. "Cyrus..what nonsense is this?"
Cyrus's heart raced. "It's not nonsense," he insisted. "And I'm truly sorry for being stupid , I just found myself asking her , "
Aven ...chuckled. "And what did she say?"
"She said if they existed she would , " Cyrus replied. "She's fascinated with seeing a human being shapeshift ."
Dr Michelle was always elegant and composed, she raised her wine glass attempting to take a sip , "So do you love Peach..." she asked, her eyes twinkling.
Cyrus's confession hung in the air, and he wondered how his family would react. Aven was the first to recover, his loud laughter was infectious. "Well, little brother," he said, "you've certainly spiced up our dinner conversation huh." But one could clearly see the pain in his eyes .
Professor Dean looked at Cyrus and sighed "Son that was something you should have never asked out loud ....do you know if that girl tells someone you could be in danger "..
"Dad I'm sorry, but I asked her because I know Aven loves her , so I did not ask her because I love her , she's just my best friend "..
Aven leaned back, studying him looking defeated ."why," ,he asked "what if she tries to test our abilities, that girl looks way intelligent"
"Well I know you love her , and sooner or later some of the people around us will know our secret , and Peach is one of them ,she will put the pieces together" Cyrus replied " atleast she said ,she would date a wolf , we got ourselves a daughter in law " Cyrus with a sly smile on his face .
" Okay enough of this conversation, boys clean up my kitchen,see you in the morning " ...with that Dr Michelle stood up and left with her husband..
" You should marry sooner,I can't be doing the dishes every night .." Cyrus complained ..
" And you never talk about girls , are you gay ...?" Aven abruptly asked.
Cyrus did not see it coming, hence he chocked on his saliva , he did not have an answer for that question....
To be continued.....