Chapter 6

I held his hand as I said, “Okay...”

His smile widened. In a flash, we left the imperial gate and went towards the woods.

“I'm afraid I can't run freely if I shift in the palace,” he said and chuckled.

“It's okay.” I gave him a reassuring smile.

“Okay, uhm, would you turn around for a second?” he awkwardly scratched his cheeks. I am still able to see him since my eye sense as a wolf has heightened due to the dark.

“Why?”

“I would need to remove my clothes.”

“Yeah, sure,” I smiled softly, seeing his facial expression. I didn't know that he's quite conservative and shy.

He flashed an awkward smile. I turned around and waited for him to get his clothes off and shift. When I felt a low howl, I took it as a cue to look at him.

And what I saw next made my jaw drop to the floor.

An impressive beautiful golden wolf stood on all fours in front of me. He was a huge wolf. He shook his wolf head before he looked at me. Our eyes met.

Under the moonlight and thousands of stars above, his eyes are the only one I could find glowing beautiful.

He caught my breath away.

He took a step forward to me and nudge his nose on my arm. I gasped, startled. Looking at him, I found him purring softly.

“P-Prince Alastair...?” I uttered and hesitantly raised my hand to hold his head. He nudged me again. I giggled and caressed his head. “Is this really you? You're... beautiful...”

He licked my face.

I boomed into another fit of giggles.

“Haha! You need to stop, prince! I'm getting soaked with your saliva! Haha!”

He wiggled his tales.

I smiled widely and patted his head. “Good boy. I like you.” I planted a kiss on his forehead. “I'm pretty sure my wolf would like you, too, once you two meet.”

He suddenly retreated. He ran somewhere in the woods. My brows furrowed and called him, but he didn't.

“Prince?”

I followed his footsteps on the ground and the dried leaves he stepped on. I looked around, trying to find where he possibly went. He wouldn't possibly leave me here, right?

“P-Prince?” I was starting to get worried because I can't seem to find him anywhere. Worry was creeping into my bones.

I was about to shout and ask for help when I suddenly saw him.

He was scratching something on the clearing. I tilted my head and held on to the trunk to support my body.

After a while, he looked over his shoulder and howled at me. I blinked and slowly approached him. “What are you doing?”

He stomped his feet on the ground.

I gaze down on the ground and found letters.

R-I-D-E.

M-Y

B-A-C-K

My frown deepened as I try to understand the letters. I kind of know how to read. My dad often taught me about letters back when I was a kid. Though, I don't remember much.

“R... i... de,” I read. “M.. m... m...m-my?” I looked up at him questioningly. He nodded and flashed a wolfy grin. I smiled. “I don't know much about letters, but I'll try.”

I took a deep breath and tried to connect the letters by their sounds. It was difficult for me and I almost gave up, but he kept on nudging me as if encouraging me to continue. I signed and tried to guess the last word.

“Back?” I tiredly said.

He nodded.

My eyes widened. “You mean to say, ride my back?!” I exclaimed. He licked my face. “Wow! Yay! I've guessed it!”

He licked my face again. “Oh, right... Do you want me to... ride on your back?”

Again, he nodded. He lowered himself on the ground and looked at me expectantly. I blinked and gazed down on my beautiful dress.

“Is it okay?” I murmured to myself. I don't want to ruin the dress. I shrugged and gently sit on his back. I held on to his thick fur as he slowly stood up on all fours. I gasped.

He began walking with me on his back. His wolf is too impressive. I bet even the shotguns from hunters could not penetrate his thick fur.

“Where are we going?” I asked, more likely to myself. We can't communicate through mindlink because we are not in the same pack or linked to each other.

Prince Alastair just kept on trotting, and I began to enjoy every second of it. I could hear the sounds of wild animals in the woods, the sound of leaves cracking under his feet, and the chirps of the birds around. I hummed silently. The hem of my dress was flowing down. The cold wind was slapping me on the face but it wasn't enough to make me feel uncomfortable. Werewolves have their own heats, therefore, I could always release warmth if I feel cold.

After few minutes of walking, he finally stopped. He lowered me on the ground and I thanked him before going down. Since he brought his clothes through biting it, he went towards the back of the trunk and got changed.

”Why are we here, prince?” I asked him as he slowly approached me.

He smiled. “Can I hold your hands, my lady?”

“Why?” I asked but still extended my hands. He took my hand and kissed the back of it.

“Would you please close your eyes for a second?” Again, he smiled.

I wanted to ask him why but decided to let him do just what he planned. I trust him not to do something that might harm me in any way.

I closed my eyes. I felt him move. He touched his shoulders and turned me around.

“Just walk forward, I'll guide you. You will only open your eyes when I say so, okay?”

“Hmm...”

We started walking silently. Excitement gushed through my system. I didn't feel any fear within me, just anticipation and kinda nervousness. What is he about to show me?

We halted.

“Are we here yet?”

“Yes, open your eyes slowly, lady Sidrich...” he spoke behind my eyes, which made me slightly shiver.

I slowly opened my eyes and what I saw next stunned me...

Hundreds of beautiful fireflies greeted my sight. They were glowing as they flew. They consist of different colours, but gold dominates. My lips parted in awe. I slowly raised my hand to try and feel them, but they flew away.

“They're beautiful, aren't they?” he asked in a soft tone.

“They are...” I said breathlessly. I've never been in a place like this. All these things that has happened recently have been new to me, I felt like I was only dreaming. It's too good to be true.

“Come, I'm gonna show you something more beautiful.” He took my hand again and pulled me somewhere. “Here we are...”

Again, I was stunned.

In front of us was a glowing lake. Water lilies scattered around, and wild flowers boomed everywhere. Some trees are surrounded by fireflies.

I gasped. “T-This... this is so... wonderful!” I exclaimed. Tears were threatening to fall from my eyes.

“I'm glad you like this place, my lady.”

“I definitely love it, prince Alastair. Thank you so much!” I said gratefully. I flashed a wide yet sweet smile to him before I turned around and walked towards the wild flowers from the side of the lake. I touched them and felt them even glowing when I held on to their leaf.

I next went to the lake. I knelt down carelessly and submerged my hands on the water. I gasped when it glowed!

“This forest has been blessed by deities, they said.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it explains why this place is magical. Though, only few people know this place. Only the royal family and some trusted aid could enter this place. We have been keeping this preserve and clean as possible as we believe that the deities will go back on this planet through this place she blessed herself.” He sat on a rock and stared at me.

“Then why did you bring me here, then?”

He shrugged. “Because I trust you.”

“Y-You trust me?” I uttered, bewildered.

“Yes, I do.”

“B-But why... didn't we just met?”

“Trusting someone isn't a matter of how long you know the person. Even best friends since the fetus could betray their friends. It doesn't really matter.”

My brows furrowed as I poured my attention to him. “Then... Why do you trust me, then? You said to yourself that even friends could betray each other. So, why trust me?’

He smirked. “'Cause we're not friends.”