Chapter 16: Chapter 16

When I was nine years old...

I can't remember everything ever since I woke up beside a tree, save my name only and my pet owl, Acro. I sought help to feed my hungry stomach in every house I saw in the woods. But I did knock on the door of greedy men. They fed me and later sold me as a slave. They tied my hands with a rope attached to a donkey and dragged me along it. For several hours, I suffered fatigue from that seemingly endless march across the hot places. Beseeching for rest was futile.

It only got colder when we arrived in a city where I became a product for merchandise. Yet I wasn't the sole slave. There were many people who looked like my skin was being sold as a slave. Fat and a lady of ornament bought me. Strangers made me afraid until in the latter, I became competitive.

If I was born a slave, then I will be the greatest slave of all! There were other slaves in one master where I belong. The tasks were often too much for me. I struggle to be enthusiastic and dedicated to feeding the flocks, grooming the beasts, cleansing the mansion, and lifting weighty gallons with little food on my plate every single day.

One mistake was equal to physical punishment. No matter how much I presented my best, mistakes, tiredness, and slowing down became a part of my daily tasks. That means that the delegation of our master would hit me with a bottle, sock my stomach, or batter me with a rod. Being spit at too was my demotivation. I counted contusions every night and washed them with my tears.

Until one day, our master found favor in my hard work. She lifted my chin to look closely. “Tender eyes… plumpy lips… You’re going to be a gorgeous lad one day! What is your name?”

“... Hessuel.”

I spent the next night with her in her luxurious mansion. My room was neat, dark, and big. But it was my new cage, my master never wanted me to leave that room since the beginning. My job was different at that time. She was ordering me to do weird things, instructing me to do something that will please and arouse her.

I always try my best in all things. Whenever I found it uncomfortable, I asked for her forgiveness and begged her not to batter me. "I-I'm sorry... I'll do better n-next time."

“It’s okay, darling,” she said, caressing my lips and cheek. “Do not disappoint mama again.” There were times that she covered my mouth while stripping me. I don’t understand at that moment why such obscenity pleases her.

Fear overpowers me every time she does what she wants on my body. And I had dealt with it for several nights under her supervision. When I started to be disobedient, she would pinch my arms and pour me hot coffee. Dissatisfied, she battered me intensely with her three men then left me with no food nor water inside that dark room, waiting for my death to come.

I was so weak to open my eyes and see the reason for the commotion I could hear. That was when I saw the moon and the woman who kissed me.

...

...

It's just me and Dandeline left in this house when I came down again—not to mention the dogs.

She's preparing hot drinks in the living room on the mini table, while the two of her dogs are following her steps wherever she walks, some are resting on the couch, and some are eating. She greets me when she notices my presence. "Are you feeling better?"

I put my hand on the back of my head. "Yes, it helped." It feels like waking up after the wedding. It's already dark outside.

"I expelled the two to make this place quiet while you rest. Have some drinks!"

"That's... sweet."

"You haven't tasted it."

"I mean the way you treat— Nevermind."

Six, her dog, is sleeping behind her when she steps backward while holding a pitcher. I hurried to support her back when she almost stumbled. She made a short shriek. Six moved away immediately while I'm holding Dandeline to her elbows behind her.

"Thanks," she said.

I let out a smile. Curiosity taps, I sat beside the eating dogs and carefully pick a piece of pellet. I stare at it with my narrowed eyes, I was only about to sniff it when Dandeline snatches the piece from behind me.

"What're you doing?"

I speak slowly, "I just want to test if it tastes good to me."

"No, it tastes awful."

"Oh! Have you tried?"

"Of course, I'm a fur parent."

She tosses the pellet back at the dog plate. That's when I found that the dog, Three, is looking at me then silently snarling. I snarl at him too, revealing my silver fangs but he arcs and walks away. "Did I pronounce it wrong?"

"Hessuel," Dandeline calls.

She's tapping the space beside her on the couch with a teacup in her other hand, I claim mine too before I sat on her left side. The following seconds remain serene whilst watching the dancing fire in the furnace with the tea flowing through our lips.

"You're living by yourself?" I broke the silence. "Don't you have relatives here?"

"I don't. I'm an independent fur mom. And I prefer this kind of life."

"Buuut~ Is it rude to ask your age?"

"No, as long as we exchange answers."

"I'm twenty-two."

"And I'm twenty-three."

I chuckle accidentally. She'll be my acting big sister after all like the way she does.

"You never had a lover?" she asked.

"Well, I only think about marketing my uncle's business and training."

"I'm only looking for a one-word answer."

"... No."

She laughs at me. "Pure innocence! If only you had a girl, you'd be engaged with steamy occasions like what happened." And she crossed her legs like a pro. "I'm not making fun of the incident. It's just rare to meet a guy as innocent as you."

I pout. "We can be victims, too."

"And I realized it with you. With Tanya, I bet most men will grovel for her body. And I supposed it excites you. I guess trauma will build a huge boundary for you to be sexually inclined. Especially once you find your mate."

At first, I roam my eyes at the ceiling until it lands on her. "How does it work for a werewolf?"

"A werewolf for a werewolf. It can be your choice whom you want to mate. Usually, werewolves ask for the blessing of mating from the moon."

I tilt my head. "How about a werewolf to humans?"

"It's not completely acceptable. They might still produce hybrids."

"Did you have a lover?" I asked like a curious kid.

"At my age, of course. But I don't believe in romance anymore."

I sniff and rub my nose with a finger. "Smells bitter," I commented, and she laughed. She puts the teacup on the table and rubs my hair.

"This isn't what we're supposed to talk about! About the pond and concerning that necklace, I know an acquaintance who can help us. She's also a priestess who lives in a village on the west. Maybe she knows where we can find the pond and give you signs for your mate."

"Just tell me where I can find her. I'll take the journey myself. And that'll not require you to leave your dogs."

"And what happened to you while you were alone? Another Vengeance wolf pests you. You need a guardian like me." She rubbed and messed up my hair. "And now that they know about your existence, I'm pretty sure some from their pack will attack you. But as long as I'm around you, you'll be safer, don't you think?"

I gradually lick my lower lip when the air suddenly feels fevered. "Y-Yah, that would be exciting."

"Is your depression gone?"

"..." I pause from breathing. She's looking at me sincerely. "That was thirteen years ago. I could overcome the thoughts again."

She scurried inside a room and came out with a guitar. The magical ring around her hand appears again until she snaps, the place changes. I found ourselves on top of a mountain, tiny twinkling lights were installed around us, then she played the instrument. "Someone comforted me when I was sad. Now, it's my opportunity to return the favor."

I'm staring at her the whole time. Listening politely. I memorize the image of her smile. The cold place feels warmer, like the wind slapping my cheeks to make it hotter. She made it this far to comfort me. That would result in something I think I shouldn't— It makes her prettier. The music ended and we were back inside the house in a snap again.

"Thank you, Ms. Dandeline."

"Call me in a shorter term."

"Short."

"Excuse m—!"

"Dan! Dan. That's... cute."

"Dan..." She smiles at me.

She finally allowed me to sleep here in the living room. She's starting to be the actress of my dreams. And the next day, our breakfast is about preparation.

We're putting all the basic needs in the bag we'll use for traveling, and she's preparing too many. "I don't think we need body lotions," I suggested.

"We don't? You don't. Please, I want to keep my skin delicate!"

"Yeah, sure..."

Things are settled not long after that. She sat in front of the furnace, then invited me to sit beside her. "Before I leave," she said, "I always watch the coming events." Her hand manifests an enchantment for the fire. The fire moved frisky until it formed images of human faces; mine and hers, kissing intimately. She claps her hand once then the figures disappear. I just found myself with my jaw dropped. "Don't worry! Not everything this fire predicts is guaranteed! Some are just probabilities!" she explained with her hands waving.

"Probabilities?"

"I hope so."

"I thought that was supposed to be exciting."

"What?"

"The journey, I mean." I clear my throat.

I believe I have to keep my face away from her fierce eyes. Not long after the awkward fire presentation, we heard Linly's voice outside calling for Dandeline. The dogs are barking outside, too. Immediately, Dandeline entertained the visitors unwelcomingly with her hands on the hips.

Dandeline entrusts the dogs to Linly before we leave the house. We're on our way to the boat when the tiny dog, One, chases me again while barking! We circled around Dandeline, then ran onto the pier to jump on the boat. I'm out of One's reach from here. For the last time, for now, Dandeline carries One like an infant and floods farewell kisses on her.

It's necessary to ride a roofless wagon going to the main city, Plandreas. The city, as expected, is wonderful. Houses are in common design, the streets are wide and neat with planted blossom trees in the middle, the lifestyle according to how people wear is luxurious, and there are airships coming and leaving the city. We hopped out in front of a building that has a detailed airship design on its facade. People with huge loads are walking to and fro. Dandeline is leading the way.

We queued to purchase tickets for a flight. I'm standing next to her like an excited kid to fly! Unfortunately, the available flight for our destination as of this hour is gone. The cashier provided us with the tickets after the payment that Dandeline paid for two. For that reason, she decided to rent a hotel room for tonight before tomorrow's flight. She leads the way again and this time, we're walking slowly so I can tour my sight around the city.

Then she hurriedly pokes me. "Oh, hey! Try that food!" She didn't wait for my decision when she pulled me to that stall. The vendor is selling different flavors of nuts, and she picks the sugared type which made me buy the same. We're still strolling slowly while chewing.

I coughed and sniffed. "Dan, this has sugar, right? What if chocolates can kill me, too?"

She coughs as well when she suddenly lets out a chortle. "Come on! Part of you is still human!"

"That means No? Or maybe it's just the nuts..."

"Look." When I saw her looking up, I looked up, too. Snow is falling again. But it worries me that she isn't answering my question! "It's cold but lovely as always." Upon casting my eyes on her, she's only wearing a leathered silver dress; close on her neck and without sleeves. I held the edge of my coat, and when I was about to share it she used an enchantment to pop up a white thick coat on her.

"You can't be the only one with a coat."

"... Of course." Indeed independent.

"Let's hasten before we ever catch a cold."

Our steps move faster towards the mansion for renting rooms. I wear my hood for cover. And when we reached the place, we shook off the snow on our clothes on the veranda. I shake off the snow on the top of her hair, then I suddenly smell a menacing potent. I looked in the direction swiftly but the smell suddenly vanished.

"What's the matter?"

I spoke slowly, "I thought I smelled something familiar over there." She looks in the same direction.

"Oh, maybe a glimpse of your memories?"

"I don't think so."

My mood changes. The smell reminds me of bad memories. The smell of that woman.