A month later:
Ash's Pov:
*The air itself feels different, charged with an unspoken tension. I've been a ghost in my own home, moving through the familiar halls without truly inhabiting them. Then, the door creaks open. Liam steps inside, his presence a sudden, jarring intrusion into the quiet melancholy that has become my world. He carries with him the scent of travel, of open roads and foreign lands, a stark contrast to the stagnant air of my self-imposed solitude.*
*He looks around, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing on me. He doesn't say anything at first, his expression unreadable. He knows. He has to know what happened. The silence stretches, thick and suffocating, until he finally speaks, his voice low and careful.*
"Liam," *I say, my own voice a rough, unused thing.*
*I watch, my body frozen, as Liam's expression shifts from concern to wide-eyed joy. He rounds on me, pulling me into a tight, familiar embrace that feels both comforting and suffocating.* "I've missed you, my friend," *he says, clapping me firmly on the back. The gesture is meant to be reassuring, but my mind is elsewhere, already bracing for the inevitable question.*
*As he pulls away, his eyes scan the room, a playful grin spreading across his face.* "So, where is my future bride?" *he asks, his voice laced with the easy confidence of a man who expects nothing but happiness.*
*Before I can even form a word, a sound from the corridor makes my blood run cold. She steps into the room, her posture hesitant, her eyes fixed on Liam.* "Here I am," *she says, her voice barely a whisper.*
*The world seems to fall away.*
*The air is thick with a sudden, electric energy. A small, almost imperceptible smile touches Liam's lips, a look of pure, unadulterated triumph on his face as he turns toward her.* "Onyx," *he breathes her name like a prayer, and then he's moving, crossing the space between them in three long strides.*
*He doesn't hesitate. He scoops her into his arms with a strength that borders on possessive, his hands firm on her back as he lifts her clean off the ground. He spins them around, a laugh of pure joy bubbling from his chest. It's a picture of perfect, effortless happiness. The kind of love that demands to be seen, that fills a room and leaves no space for anything else.*
*I stand frozen, a silent spectator to the scene. My fists, which I hadn't even realized I'd clenched, are tight at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. A cold, hollow ache spreads through my chest, a familiar, bitter companion.*
*The sight of them, his hand firmly wrapped around hers, is a physical blow. I can't move, can't breathe. The words he says,* "I have so much to tell you," *are meant for her, but they land on me like stones. They are a promise, a secret shared between them, and I am the outsider once again.*
*He leads her away, their footsteps echoing softly down the hallway, each sound a nail in the coffin of my hope. They disappear from view, but the echo of their footsteps lingers in the silence, a constant, painful reminder of what I've lost. I am left standing in the middle of the room, a monument to my own failure, as the hallway swallows them whole.*
Onyx's Pov:
*He leads me into a small, cozy living area, the kind of place that feels warm and intimate. He sits down on a plush-looking couch, patting the space beside him. I move to sit next to him, but before I can settle, he gently but firmly pulls me onto his lap. My body flushes with surprise, but his touch is so warm, so familiar, that I don't resist. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. A shiver runs down my spine at the intimate gesture.*
"I have missed your scent," *he mumbles, his voice thick with emotion.* "I have missed you dearly, more than I have ever missed anyone."
*I hesitate for a moment, my body tense with the sudden closeness. But then his arms wrap securely around my waist, pulling me flush against him. The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart against my back—it's comforting.*
*The tension in my body slowly melts away as his arms tighten around me, a solid anchor in the sea of my own turmoil. His words, a low rumble against my skin, are a balm to a wound I didn't realize was so raw. I was prepared for his questions, for his judgment, but this... this is something else entirely.*
*My hand, which had been hovering awkwardly in the air, finally moves. I gently lift it and let my fingers thread through his hair. It's soft, and the familiar scent of him—travel, open air, and something uniquely Liam—fills my senses. I stroke his head softly, my touch tentative at first, then growing more confident as a wave of protectiveness washes over me. He sounds exhausted, bone-deep weary, and in this moment, all I want is to be the one to ease that weight, even if just for a little while.*
*Time seems to blur in our embrace. The position grows awkward, our limbs protesting after being still for so long, but neither of us makes a move to break the contact. It's a silent agreement to stay suspended in this fragile moment, this bubble of peace we've created. I can feel the steady rhythm of his breathing beneath my cheek, a comforting cadence that lulls me into a sense of security I haven't felt in a long time.*
*Finally, he lets out a soft sigh, a puff of warm air against my skin. He shifts slightly, his grip loosening just enough for me to know he's ready to speak.*
"Can you go shopping tomorrow?" *he asks, his voice still rough from sleep and emotion.*
*I pull back slightly to look at him, my brow furrowed in confusion.* "Shopping?" *I repeat, the word feeling foreign on my tongue.*
"I... I haven't been outside the main gates since I was captured." *The memory of those months sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me.*
Liam's Pov:
*I watch the confusion flit across your features, a crease forming between your brows as you process the simple request. You look so vulnerable in this moment, a stark contrast to the defiant spirit I remember. The question you ask hangs in the air between us, quiet but heavy with unspoken history.*
*Your voice is barely a whisper when you finally speak.* "Shopping? Since I was captured for months, I had never passed the main gates. But now you want me to go shopping... aren't you afraid that I would run away?"
*A soft, understanding smile touches my lips. I reach up and gently brush a stray strand of hair from your face, my thumb stroking your cheek.* "Run away?" *I repeat, my voice gentle.* "Why would you do that? You're home now, Onyx. This is your home, as much as it is mine."
*A flicker of something—gratitude, perhaps, or a renewed sense of disbelief—crosses your face at my words. You open your mouth as if to argue, to press the point, but I cut you off, my voice soft but firm.*
"Plus," *I say, my hand still cupping your cheek, my thumb stroking your skin in a slow, soothing rhythm,* "a guard and a maid will escort you. Not because I'm afraid you'll run,"
*I pause, letting the words sink in, meeting your gaze directly,* "but because I don't want anyone to touch you."*
*I hold your gaze, letting the weight of my words settle between us. The possessiveness in my tone is undeniable, a raw truth I can't hide. My thumb continues its slow, deliberate stroke across your cheek, my touch both a comfort and a claim.*
"The world out there..." *I begin, my voice dropping to a lower, more intense register,* "it's not like here. People stare. They don't understand. They'll want things from you, things they have no right to even consider."
*I lean in slightly, my eyes never leaving yours.* "I don't want their eyes on you. I don't want their hands anywhere near you. You're mine, Onyx. And I protect what's mine."
Onyx's Pov:
*I pull back slightly, the intensity of his gaze making me feel both exposed and strangely cherished. I need to change the subject, to ground myself in something tangible.*
"So what's the shopping for?" *I ask, my voice still a little unsteady.*
*A small, secretive smile plays on his lips as he shakes his head.* "Don't worry about that. You will understand soon."
*He reaches into a small bag hsnding from of his trousers and pulls out a , heavy purse, tying the drawstring securely before pressing it into my hand. The coins inside are cool and solid against my palm.*
"I will give more money to the guard that will escort you, in case this won't be enough, i guess women like to buy a lot. Just pick what you want, okay?" *He pauses, his expression softening.* "And anything you would like to get for the children, okay?"
*I'm about to ask what he means when he adds, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper,* "But if you must want a hint... make sure to get a pretty dress and a makeover."
*He winks, and the gesture is so unexpectedly charming that a small, genuine smile breaks through my confusion. Before I can respond, he stands, lifting me effortlessly from his lap and setting me on my feet. The sudden loss of his warmth leaves me swaying slightly.*
"Well, I have to go rest," *he says, stretching his arms above his head with a groan. He takes a step toward me, his expression softening, and I hold my breath, thinking for a fleeting moment that he might close the distance between us. He leans in as if to kiss my forehead, but stops himself just short, his warm breath ghosting over my skin instead.*
*He pulls back, his hand coming up to gently squeeze mine. The contact is brief but electric, a silent promise that hangs in the air between us.*
*He gives my hand one last, gentle squeeze, his fingers warm and firm around mine. The simple gesture sends another unwelcome shiver down my spine. Then, just as quickly as he initiated the contact, he lets go. He turns and walks toward the door, his footsteps silent on the wooden floor. He pauses at the threshold, glancing back at me over his shoulder.*
"Get some rest too, Onyx. You'll need your energy for tomorrow." *The ghost of a smile touches his lips before he's gone, the soft click of the door echoing in the sudden silence of the room.*
*I'm left standing there, his words echoing in my mind. A pretty dress. A makeover. For the children. The purse of coins feels heavy and warm in my hand. I look down at it, then toward the closed door, a thousand questions swirling in my head. What is he planning? And why does the thought of it make my heart beat so fast?*
*The next morning, I rise with a sense of purpose, ready for the day ahead. I learn from the quiet hum of the household that Liam left very early, before the sun was even fully up. When I'm finally ready, I make my way down to the waiting car. Beside it stands a slender meerkat lady in a neat maid's uniform. She gives me a deep, humble bow.*
"Miss, the car is ready."
*I wave my hands dismissively.* "No need to bow. Just call me Onyx."
*She freezes, her eyes wide with shock.* "No, that's disrespectful, I protest."
*I gently place a hand on her shoulder, trying to be reassuring.* "I insist."
*She swallows hard, clearly flustered.* "O-okay, Miss..." she stammers, then corrects herself with a gulp. *I mean, "Miss Onyx.* ""
*I roll my eyes playfully.* "Not quite there, but I'll let it slide."
*A small, genuine smile finally breaks through her nervous demeanor, and I feel a flicker of satisfaction. At least I'm making a friend, however small.*
*Just as the tension begins to ease, a familiar, drawling voice cuts through the air.* "Ready are we?"
*The sound of his voice makes me freeze, my shoulders tensing. I turn around slowly, dreading what I'll see. And there he is. Ash, standing behind me with his usual bored expression, his antlers glowing softly in the morning sun. I turn fully to face him, my earlier attempt at friendliness evaporating.*
"You mean am i ready, right?" *I snap, my voice sharp.* "Because you're not coming with us, are you?"
*He rolls his eyes, a gesture of pure mockery.* "I didn't want to come either, but Liam insisted I be the one to guard you."
*I bite my lip, a surge of frustration rising in my chest.*
*I take a deep breath, forcing myself to compose myself. Arguing with him is pointless, and I can feel Lucia's confused gaze flickering between us. I straighten up, my expression hardening.*
"Fine," *I say, clicking my tongue in annoyance.* "But don't stay too close."
*Ash arches a single, skeptical eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.* "How is that possible when I'm the one guarding you today?" *He lets out a dramatic sigh, feigning defeat.* "Don't flatter yourself, Onyx. I have better things to do today, but I guess my friend's needs come first."
*I curse under my breath at his casual, dismissive tone. Without another word, I turn on my heel and stalk towards the car, the confused meerkat maid, Lucia, scurrying to keep up with my pace as I yank the door open and slide into the back seat.*
*The moment the car door opens, the world rushes in. The market is a sprawling, vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells that almost overwhelms me. Stalls decorated with colorful fabrics and exotic goods line the streets in neat, organized rows. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling food, fragrant spices, and damp earth. Children laugh and chase each other between the legs of busy shoppers, and a low hum of conversation and bartering fills the air. It's a world away from the quiet, isolated estate*
*Before I can even step out, Ash is beside me, holding out a pair of items. I look at them, then at him, confused.*
"Wear these," *he says, his tone flat and practical.* "Since no one knows what you are, you have to look like you belong. Beast-woman or any known species. We don't need you drawing attention."
*I scowl, taking the fake, elegant deer ears and gloves from him. They feel flimsy and ridiculous in my hands.*
*I glare at the ears, then at Ash, who is already pulling on a pair of identical gloves.* "Really?" *I snap, my voice low.* "This is ridiculous."
"Do you want to cause an incident?" *he counters, his voice just as quiet but devoid of its earlier mockery. He holds out a small mirror.* "Just put them on. And these." *He shoves the gloves at me.*
*I take a deep breath, the scent of the market suddenly feeling invasive. With a huff of irritation, I quickly fasten the delicate ears to my own, the unfamiliar weight a strange sensation. Then, I pull on the soft gloves, the fabric covering my own hands completely. The disguise feels like a costume, a layer between me and the world.*
"There," *Ash says, stepping back to survey me.* "Now you just look like a rich, quiet deer-person. Let's go." *He gestures towards the market entrance, his expression already bored.* "Try not to do anything, that will attract too much attention. " , " He warns before we enter through the market gates*