5. The City And The Rain

[6:18PM]

[Maderian City]

[6 years later]

SELENE

"Hey, Selene! Table 7 needs a refill."

I spun around with a smile. "Sure. The coffee is out so I'm making a new batch. Please wait a moment."

"Alright!" My coworker yelled back.

Soon enough, the scent of freshly made coffee spread through the café.

This is my new life now. Ever since the event at Lucas' party, I have been staying far away from my family members, as well as those who were present that day. Not a lot of people in the shifter's community knew my face, so I have spent most of my time here in peace.

As for my family members, I have not tried to find me. I would have known if they did. I haven't changed my number nor have I closed down my social media accounts. It was not surprising. After all, they didn't ask me where I would go when they kicked me out.

Still, I didn't regret what I did that day. Being away from them had given me time to think. My hair was allowed to grow, although I did cut it sometimes. Right now, it stopped at my shoulders and had developed soft curls. I no longer had to take supplements to tan my skin and could eat whatever I wanted. It became easier for me to love myself.

At 8 o'clock, the café closed and I was allowed to go home. Storm clouds blocked out the stars.

"What a beautiful night," I whispered. A stranger walking by glanced at me as if I was crazy. That's fine. I learned that being crazy isn't a bad thing.

The walk home was calm. I came across the city park and decided to cut through there. There was barely anyone out at this time.

Suddenly, lightning struck, followed by thunder. Soon, water droplets fell from the sky.

The few people who were present started to run away. Those who didn't tried to hail a taxi. I felt the water on my skin and looked up.

There was a stone podium close to the edge of the park. My feet led me there. The rain sounded like a thousand drums beating out of rhythm.

I placed my bag down carefully, lifted my hands, and swayed. For the longest time, I was told what hobbies to enjoy. Now, I could dance without a care in the world, and I planned to take full advantage of it.

ETHAN

Home sweet home.

After being away for so long, I could finally see the people I cared about most.

I was silent, rolling my suitcase along the airport floor as I thought about what I would do with my time off.

Wilkins, my secretary, came to meet me. "Need help with your suitcase, Sir?"

I nodded.

He snapped his fingers to get the attention of one of the six men he brought with him. "Mr. Scarlett-Heart's suitcase."

The man who took it carried it for the rest of the journey to the car. "Don't worry, Sir. We have everything prepared for you at home. As per your request, the dinner will be light and kept mostly meat. Your sheets are pressed and bed slippers heated. Is there anything else I should make a note of?" Wilkins asked.

Standing outside, I could see clouds blocking out the stars. "Looks like a storm is coming," I said.

"Sir?"

I shot Wilkins a look, then smirked. "Figure that out for yourself."

While Wilkins stood looking as confused as ever, I got inside the car.

"Your morning will be clear tomorrow. However, your cousin Charlette wishes to see you at half-passed noon." Wilkins was in the front, holding a tablet in both hands. The driver focused on the road, pretending that he didn't have ears. "She has also sent five profiles for you to look over and to let her know if any of the girls have caught your eye. After that, a scheduled video call with His Majesty, then the rest of the night is yours."

"Thank you," I said. My voice sounded unfamiliar and I drew out my words. I needed a break more than I was willing to admit. "How long until I can get to my apartment?"

"Just 25 more minutes, your highness. Then you'll be home safe and sound. If not, then feel free to cut my salary in half."

I leaned against the window. The headlights belonging to the cars my bodyguards were in reflected off the review mirror. "If you keep talking I'll deduct your pay right now."

Wilkins gasped. "Why, my apologies. I'll cease speaking right away."

And he did, for now. At least I had what I needed to know and could still enjoy some peace and quiet.

Falling water started to hit the window.

"Oh drat!" Wilkins muttered. "It's raining now."

He seemed to have forgotten all about my threat.

We stopped at a traffic light at the rain fell harder and harder. It helped drown out the noise from outside.

What it couldn't drown out was my eyesight. And I saw something that I had never seen before.

I remembered that the city park had a stone podium built for announcements. There, completely soaked, was a woman dancing like the wind.

Her clothes clung to her body. Her movements reminded me of leaves moving in the breeze.

Those wet limbs of hers ascended and descended in a graceful motion, seeming to want to convey a message. Like they wanted to show off that they were no longer restrained.

My heart thumped in my ears. I've seen women dance many times after travelling the world. Maybe slept with one or two.

But never have I wanted to step out in the rain and run to them. Nor have I felt such a strong urge to hold her glistening body in my arms and ask her for her name. Not to mention saying her name over and over again.

Oh Goddess, how would it feel to hear her say mine?

"The rogue king, Henry, has been buying out the businesses on Mildew Street, but he hasn't made any illegal moves so... Your Highness, where are you going?"

I couldn't hear Wilkins. I slammed the car door shut and raced over to the park. Car doors opened and shut behind me.

Never before have I behaved in such an unorthodox manner. I nearly tripped over scrubs of all things. The blood rushing through my body was propelling me to shift so that I could get to her faster. My dress shoes stomped through dirt and manmade walkways.

So close. To what? I didn't know, but just the thought of it gave me great joy.

Until it didn't.

When I got to the podium, she was no longer there.

My heart felt like it had shattered into a thousand pieces. Why didn't she wait for me?

I looked around, desperately trying to find out where she turned. Nothing. It was as if she was never there.

I stepped on the podium and kneeled. The rain had slowed down. My men met me there.

"What's wrong, Your Highness?" Wilkins said. "Did you see a rogue?"

I sat at the same spot where I had seen her dancing. My nose caught something. I ran my fingers along the rough surface and brought it to my nose. This scent. I've smelt this before. Now it makes sense.

A grin spread up my cheeks. "No, but maybe it would be better if it was."

He and one of the men shared a look. I could smile while inhaling her scent. They don't need to know everything.

SELENE

Another day, more pay. But what was I supposed to do about the sweaty man blocking the entrance to the café?

He was breathing harshly as if this was his first time inhaling oxygen. The pale blue dress shirt and black pants told me that he was supposed to be at work. His raven black hair fell over his eyes.

And his eyes... From the very first glance, I could tell he wasn't human.

Those green eyes glowed like fireflies. And his sights were set purely on me.

"Finally," he said, a broad, unnerving smile on his face. "I've found you."