Twyla flashed back to that moment in the forest. They had almost kissed but he had said it would be taking advantage of her. That she was too injured. That she was trapped alone with him. She didn't feel trapped now. Or alone. And she was definitely not injured. She felt whole, loved. The bird felt warm against her neck. The symbol of his affection.
Their lips pressed against each other. His lips were exactly what she thought it would be. Warm and soft, they felt like a summer's day. It spread a toastiness through her body making her shiver. He took that as a sign to pull her closer. His hand moved from her chin to the back of her neck and through her hair. Her roots tingled She put her own hands around him, feeling the hard muscles ripple as he played with her hair. She loved the way his muscles moved. She loved the feeling of his hands in her hair. She pressed herself even tighter into him. She felt the hard lines of his body press into the soft curves of hers. His lips parted slightly and she took the invitation. Her tongue explored his mouth and he returned the favour. She moaned and she felt his answering growl. He walked forward, still kissing her, hands still exploring her hair. She fell back onto the window seat and he leaned over her. He was panting. Strands of golden locks had fallen into his eyes. His eyes, that were furiously burning. Her heart was beating faster than should be allowed. His gaze trailed down her body. Raking over her thigh that was now uncovered. She didn't cover it. Instead, Twyla grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards her. Running her hands over his chest, she felt every muscle, every bit of his body that he trained, as they kissed again. His hands found that exposed thigh and slowly, too slowly, moved up. But just as they got to the interesting parts, Hunter stopped.
"Do not worry. I am sure we will have tea again," he breathed into her ear.
Hunter stood up and Twyla felt the cold wrap around her. She didn't want him to go.
"Wait!" she called.
He turned.
"I... uh…" What was she going to say? She couldn't ask him to stay? Why did she want him to stay? It was just one kiss. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Twyla."
Twyla poured herself more of the chocolate tea and tried to calm down. That was some kiss. It had made her feel so warm and loved. She sipped the tea. Was she falling for Hunter? Would that be so bad? Twyla shed her dress. Her hands reached to unclasp the necklace but something stopped her. Maybe she would wear it a little longer.
She went to bed wearing only the necklace.
Breakfast arrived at her table; which was back to normal. Twyla felt a twinge of rejection. Maybe Hunter didn't enjoy their… moment as much as she did. Maybe she came on too strong. Not strong enough? She ate slowly. Even Iynx didn't join her. Had she managed to insult both of them? DId Iynx somehow know that she hadn't liked the necklace at first? She loved it now. Every time she looked at it she felt a wave of love.
After taking a bath and choosing a soft pink dress, Twyla decided that she couldn't simply sit and wait for Hunter to find her - or Iynx. She hadn't left her room alone before. Was she allowed to? No one had said not to. Twyla took in a deep breath and opened the heavy door. She was relieved that it opened. There had been a touch of dread that she had been locked in her room. It still felt wrong to leave her room unaccompanied. She lingered on the doorstep and then told herself off for being silly and strode down a corridor.
Being alone gave her the time to examine the paintings that clung to the walls. They were the forest that surrounded the castle. The brushstrokes told her that they were painted but the leaves swayed in an imaginary breeze and wolves licked their paws. Some paintings were too vivid to be realistic and those were the ones that Twyla loved best.
It was at one of these that Hunter found her. This painting had a blood red sky. A violent sunset that encapsulated the world. She had meant to look for him. She hadn't meant to look at the art for so long. But when he called her name and she turned to look at him, she saw the sun was setting behind him.
"I… I'm sorry. I got bored and I came to look for you. You didn't say not to leave my room," Twyla apologised, sheepishly.
"I did not, did I? You do not have to be sorry. I had forgotten that Iynx would be… otherwise occupied today and that you would be alone. It is my fault. I am sorry. I should have asked what you would like to do with your time?"
"Help. I want to help. I want to find Sofia and make sure things like… like that don't happen."
"Are you sure? It is… not safe."
"I know. But I can't let others get hurt because I am scared."
"Alright, Twyla," Hunter smiled. He pulled her close. The feral gleam in his eyes was back.
He kissed her again but this time it wasn't soft. She moaned and drew herself closer. Her hands found his hair and clutched him tight. He ran his hands all over her body. He rumbled and warmth spread through her.
"It is supper time," Iynx's voice floated over them. Hunter pulled away and rested his head on hers.
"We're coming," he said.
Twyla looked up to greet Iynx but she had already gone.
"Is Iynx okay? Did I do something wrong?" Twyla asked, hurt that her friend was avoiding her.
"No. You are perfect. Iynx is… having a hard time right now. This war is hard on all of us. Let us eat. We will all feel better," Hunter said, taking her hand.
Eating had made her feel better. Arke's loud humour was a welcome distraction from the quiet Iynx. Dimitri pointedly ignored the thoughts spinning around her head. Hunter heaped mashed potatoes onto her plate and she ate it gladly. She didn't realise she liked these. When he added the salad, she saw Iynx give her a weird look but Hunter just wanted her to be cared for. And it didn't taste so bad. Maybe it was one of those honeyed salads. He let her have dessert. It was a chocolate cake and damn was she happy.
They walked up the long staircase to her room holding hands and Twyla didn't know when she was last this happy.
They kissed on the threshold. And again inside the room. And again on the window seat.
"Twyla," Hunter said, his voice serious.
She stopped smiling and looked at him.
"I need you to do something for me."
"Of course, anything."
"I need you to stay in the castle, your room if you can, for the next few days. Away from the windows. Do not even look out the windows and keep them closed."
"What?"
"Please, Twyla. I would not ask this if it was not serious."
"S-Sure, Hunter."
"Goodnight, Twyla."
"Goodnight, Hunter."
She sure as hell wasn't going to stay inside.