5: The Lycans

LIRAH FELT A sudden thirst and hunger. She also feels like her stomach is tightening and experiences severe body pain. She didn't open her eyes immediately and pretended she hadn't woken up yet just to feel and be aware of what was in her surroundings.

She has to be careful as much as possible. The forest is not just the territory of Aro, but also of his enemies. If there is anyone to find out who she is, it will bring turmoil to his pack which she doesn’t want to happen.

She believes that Aro is still alive and waiting for her. If they reunite one day, she dreams that everything will go smoothly because she doesn’t want to cause more trouble. If fate allows them to meet again, she also promises that she will be brave this time and will be strong for both of them. 

Lirah also knows that what she’s thinking is impossible because her eyes saw what happened that night but this is the only thing she’s holding on to. This is the only way for her to be completely sane in her crazy world.

On the other side, there was a Lycan couple who were anxious. They are worried because the beautiful girl that they have seen on the grassland has not woken up for two weeks. They are also concerned about the disturbance caused by the girl among the Lycan who are already having a conflict so that they can marry her.

“She’s still not waking up?” asked the woman Lycan.

"But if she wakes up now, Lycan Laang will be seen outside and ready to marry her, Monique," the man replied. “They don't just come here because of our agreement not to disturb her until she wakes up.”

“She’s not safe with me, Baron,” the woman Lycan answered after having a deep sigh. “From the cursed moon or not, you know that I can’t control myself properly. She will be endangered because of me!”

“Calm down, Monique,” the man replied with a calm voice. “Everything is still in its right place.”

“I can't quite imagine what we should do, Baron. We can't let her go. Because if we do that, the other creatures living in the woods will be in a battle just to marry her,” the woman got a little closer to her bed. “Can’t blame them, she’s beautiful. She can line up to the Moon Goddess.”

“You’re more beautiful than her—”

“But not whenever I’m with my Lycan form, Baron!” the woman shouted with an anxious voice. “I want to look like a human forever and not be afraid whenever the full moon comes. I don’t want to shapeshift again. It’s been a year but I still couldn’t control myself. I keep on hurting someone—what if I hurt you too? Do you think I can forgive myself? No!”

“You will not,” he kissed his wife on her forehead with an assurance in his voice. “We just need to find a witch that will help us to stop you from shapeshifting. Just be patient. One day we can live a normal life again.”

“Do you still believe that she’s the key? Is it true that we can find someone like that?”

Lirah becomes curious about what they are talking about. What’s special about her is that they become interested and choose to gamble their peaceful life?

“If that’s the only hope that we have, I will. I must believe that she’s the key and we can find the witch.”

Lirah must find the right time to open her eyes. They must not know that she heard all of their conversations. She will be endangered if that happens. 

She waited for an hour before she finally opened her eyes.

Lirah slowly stood up from the bed and observed what was around her. What she can say is simplicity. The house and things inside are made up of wood. From the chair to the table and utensils. She also saw fresh fruits on the table.

Lirah felt the cold ground when she stepped on it. The floor is not flat and not solid cement that’s why she felt the sand touching her feet. 

“Where am I?” she asks even if she has a hint that she’s not in a human house.

It was then that the attention of the two Lycans caught on. They came out as her question became slightly louder.

“Finally! You’re awake!” the woman exclaimed as she applauded.

“How many days did I sleep? I'm sorry, I bothered you," she apologized shyly. 

She knows that she must stay vigilant because she thought that the couple had a hidden agenda but at the same time she needs to be thankful because they took care of her when she was unconscious. 

The woman promptly handed her water after pouring water from a large black jar near their kitchen.

She just held it and couldn't drink it because of too much thought and worry. The man stared at her seriously while still looking into the void.

“Two weeks?” the Lycan woman replied and was not so sure. She simply looks secretly at her husband and seeks approval if what she has said is right.

That look didn’t escape Lirah's sight so she pretended to be shocked. “Two weeks?”

After what happened, she needs to be careful with the people she meets. She's been through a lot to immediately believe that everyone is kind and they don’t have any ulterior motive. She must stay alive because she needs to know what is happening. She’s done with being naive and just settling by putting herself at risk all the time. Finding out what happened to Aro is her top priority.

“Why? Is there anything that bothers you?” the woman asked worriedly.

Lirah scratches her head. She can’t tell her story and acts dumb because this is the only way that she can survive.

“Nothing. I just felt like someone was waiting for me.”

The woman raised her eyebrows. They seemed to be waiting for her answer but she left them hanging just enough for them to not understand what she was saying. 

“You don’t have to worry, you’re safe here,” the man said while secretly glancing at his wife again.

"Yes! You're safe here!" the woman also answered restlessly.

“Do you know your name?”

Lirah just stares at the void for a moment and pretends that she’s trying to remember what happened. “Ahmm…”

Before she opens her eyes, she plans everything. Part of her plan is to pretend that she lost her memory. That is the only way she could be safe. They must not know her connection to Aro. She doesn’t know if they were enemies or allies, especially since they were not living in a pack. Werewolves are always together and not secretive like them.