I stood beside Magnus, looking up at the night sky. The stars twinkled faintly above us, and for a moment, I felt at peace. It was quiet out here, away from the noise and judging eyes of the pack. I could almost forget where I was, who I was... and everything that had happened tonight.
Magnus broke the silence with a gentle question. "Tell me about your family, Aria."
I glanced at him, surprised that he wanted to know. No one ever asked about my family, and when they did, it was usually with pity or scorn. But Magnus looked genuinely curious, his silver eyes warm and patient. So, I told him. I told him everything.
"My mother's been sick for a long time," I began, my voice soft. "She can't work anymore, so it's up to me to take care of her and my little brother, Owen. He's only twelve, but he's a good kid. I had to quit school to support them. We don't have much, but I make sure they're fed and cared for."
Magnus listened quietly as I spoke, nodding now and then but never interrupting. His attention made me feel seen in a way I hadn't felt in years. It was strange, opening up to someone I barely knew, but something about him made it easy. Maybe it was the fact that he was the first person in forever who seemed to care, who wasn't looking down on me or making me feel small.
"I'm sorry you've had to carry that burden alone," he said after a while, his voice filled with sympathy. "No one should have to go through that."
I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It's been hard, but they're my family. I'll do whatever it takes for them. They need me."
Magnus was quiet for a moment, his eyes thoughtful. Then he said, "Wait here for a moment. I'll be back shortly."
I nodded, watching him as he walked away into the shadows. I had no idea where he was going or what he was up to, but I didn't mind being alone for a little while. It gave me time to think.
He was different from anyone I had ever met. He treated me with kindness and respect, something I wasn't used to. The rest of the pack either ignored me or mocked me for my family's poverty. But Magnus... he was gentle. Caring. I didn't know why he had chosen me, but part of me was grateful. Maybe, just maybe, I could let myself believe that things were finally starting to change.
The cool night air brushed against my skin, and I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling a chill. Suddenly, I noticed the first few drops of rain falling from the sky. I looked up, smiling as more raindrops followed. I had always loved the rain. There was something about it that made me feel alive, like the world was being washed clean.
Without thinking, I stepped out into the open, letting the rain fall freely on me. The cold water soaked through my clothes, but I didn't care. I started spinning around in circles, laughing as the rain poured down harder. It was like I was a child again, without any worries or responsibilities. For just a few moments, I could forget everything.
I danced in the rain, jumping and twirling, completely lost in the moment. The sound of the rain hitting the ground was like music to my ears, and I felt lighter than I had in years. My heart swelled with a strange kind of joy, and I closed my eyes, feeling the cool droplets run down my face.
I didn't even notice when Magnus returned. It wasn't until I heard a soft chuckle that I stopped spinning. I opened my eyes and found him standing there, leaning against a tree, watching me with a smile that melted my heart. His dark hair was damp from the rain, and his clothes clung to him, but he didn't seem to care.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, his voice filled with amusement.
I blushed, realizing how silly I must have looked. "I... I didn't know you were back," I stammered, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Magnus shook his head, still smiling. "No need to apologize. You looked happy. I didn't want to interrupt."
I looked down at my feet, feeling shy under his gaze. "I just... I've always loved the rain. It makes me feel free."
He walked toward me, his eyes never leaving mine. "I can see that," he said softly. "You look beautiful when you're happy, Aria."
His words made my heart skip a beat. I had never been called beautiful before, not like this. I wasn't sure how to respond, so I just smiled shyly and looked away.
Magnus reached out and gently brushed a wet strand of hair away from my face. "You don't have to hide who you are with me," he said. "You can be yourself."
I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the rain. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could be myself without fear of judgment or ridicule. Magnus accepted me for who I was, and that meant more to me than I could put into words.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of the rain.
He smiled again, that soft, kind smile that made my heart flutter. "Let's get out of the rain," he said, offering me his hand.
I hesitated for a moment before taking it. His hand was warm and strong, and as he led me back under the cover of the trees, I felt a strange sense of safety. I knew that whatever happened next, Magnus would be there for me. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe everything would be okay.
We stood under the shelter of the trees, the rain still falling heavily around us. Magnus looked at me, his silver eyes shining in the dim light.
"I'll take care of you, Aria," he said softly. "You'll never have to face anything alone again."
His words filled me with hope, and as I looked into his eyes, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could trust him. For the first time in years, I wasn't afraid of what the future might hold.
And as the rain continued to fall, I knew that my life was about to change forever.