I could sense Rowan piercing at me with her eyes, she was peeling back every layer of my soul with her gaze. The shop was thick with air, the faint smell of dried herbs and waxy candlesmithing. Her expression was one of curiosity or quiet judgment I couldn't tell.She had to cross her arms and lean back against the counter, ''I must say, I'm surprised.' But Asher didn't normally bring girls home to meet the family."I blushed, and froze, stumbling for a response. "Well it's not-we're not, it's just...my heart, it keeps going," I stuttered, even though my heart was clearly saying something else. "We're not knowing yet each other."Rowan's lips curled up for a sly smile, though it was clear my attempt at casual indifference wasn't buying her a thing. She answered basically with a very small shrug, if you say so. "It's also kinda our job to tell you what what 'getting into' these sorts of things looks like."
Over my shoulder, I saw Asher, standing silently by the door with his arms crossed, expression unmoved. As if to say it's ok, he gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod. I turned back to Rowan, took a deep breath."What do you mean?" I asked cautiously.Rowan's smirk evaporated into a much more serious look. She went without any more words motioning me to follow her through a narrow hallway to the back of the shop. The corridor was darkened casted through the faint glow of candlelight; we firmly approaching a yawning heavy wooden door which had worn its surface smooth by the passage of time.She put her hand against the door and heard it groan open, at which point a door opened into a room that could have been from another century. The walls were packed with books, so old their leather bindings were cracked and peeling, Shelves. There was cold air, old paper, dust, and yellowed light, some short candle light, it seemed, which cast the space in a golden magic glow.
Rowan pulled up a seat at a large, center table and grappled with a large, leatherbound book. In the dim light, strange symbols adorned the cover itself, as if the faint light somehow thrummed in them. Its fingers lingered on the fine designs, and she place it gently on the table."This is the story of our family," she said, her voice low reverent. The Blackwood curse."Curiosity battled with an ever growing sense of unease as I led with my hesitation before I took a single step closer. "The curse?"Rowan opened the book carefully, nodding. There was handwriting across the pages, text filled with dark moons, battle scenes of shadows, and weird swirling patterns that looked alive.When her voice was steady and heavy, she began, 'Centuries ago our ancestor wronged someone powerful.' "A witch. She cursed our bloodline, condemned us to wolves, and bound us to the moon, every full moon bound into flesh and blood. It wasn't just a punishment, however. And it was a legacy, one of pain, fear, and existance.'
I took in my breath, stared at the illustrations. "It's... So... this is what became of Asher?"Simply it's what happened to all of us.The weight of her words pressed down on me and I looked up at her. "Why are you even telling me this?"I locked eyes with Rowan's and it was sharp and unflinching. "If you don't know what you're getting into, you can just wade in and see what you get." Emilia, Asher is more than just a werewolf. He's a Blackwood. Carrying our curse, our enemies and being with him."A chill ran down my spine. "Enemies?"She stiffened her jaw and looked toward the door like she expected someone to walk in. It was only a whisper she said, 'the Hunters.' For generations they've been after us." They think we're monsters that need to be destroyed. If they can't destroy our kind, they won't stop at anything."My stomach twisted up in knots and my hand grabbed onto the edge of the table for support. So if they're after your family, does that mean... I'm in danger too?"For a moment Rowan studied me and her expression made it impossible to read the thoughts behind her eyes. "Yes," she said finally. "He'll use you to get to him. They'll take you, if they find out about you."
It felt like a punch to the gut but instead of fear I felt a strange determination come into me. "What can I do?" My voice steadier than I figured, I asked.Her face softened slightly and she smiled slighty. "Be careful. Don't trust anyone unless you're on family. And there are outside motives and loyalty can be bought."
That night later, I find myself walking through the forest to the cool night air brushing up against my skin. The trees were bathed in an ethereal glow by the full moon, high above. The night was beautiful, but heavy with what Rowan had said.Under the old oak tree was where Asher was sitting, his broad shoulders distinct against the moonlight. He'd tucked himself partially into shadow, but I could still tell it was written on his face.I reached for him as I said quietly, 'I met your sister today.'His eyes sharply narrowed while his smile dimmed, and he began to straighten. "What did she say?""I'd told her about the curse," I admitted, my voice shaking just a little. "And the Hunters."He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled sharply. He exhaled, so heavy with guilt that the words came out heavy, too. "I didn't want you frightened."I approached him, but reached out to touch his arm. I looked at him, my eyes meeting his as I said softly, "I'm not scared." "I just... I want to understand. I want to help."His eyes were filled with worry and something more.### Source:
His eyes scanned over me, filled with something else that was more worrisome than worry. "There's no reason for you to do this, Emilia." Don't need you stressing my world, my problems. It's dangerous."
Hesitantly, I said, "I don't give a damn about the danger." "I care about you."His eyes widened, holding back his breath, before he just stared at me, trying to decide whether to believe me. He reached up, slowly, and cupped his hand in my cheek. It was warm when his touch came, and it made me shiver.He murmured, his voice rough with emotion, 'You're making it so hard to release you.'"Then don't," I whispered.For a heartbeat he hesitated, then leaned in. His lips met mine, and everything faded away. At first the kiss was soft, gentle and exploring, it became raw, deep, intensely aggressive.He broke apart with us finally and rested his forehead against mine, his warm breath against my skin. "Emilia, I'll protect you," he said softly, promisingly. "No matter what."My fingers brushed against his jaw and I smiled. "I'll stand by you Asher." Always."The world around us quiet and still, we stood there beneath the moonlight for a moment. Throughout the curse, the Hunters, danger I felt at peace. I knew in that moment we were stronger together and that I was ready to fight what was to come next.