Chapter 4
1692 Words
Later in the evening, Zephyr sat in the back seat of a taxi, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. The forest blurred into deep green and grey under the fading light. But his mind lingered on what had unfolded in the lobby.
Frowning, Zephyr absently stroked the bracelet on his wrist. His blue eyes softened as he whispered, “What you did back there… How is that even possible?”
He sighed, his mind chasing a swirl of questions. Was it a fluke? A trick of adrenaline? Or something else entirely?
The taxi driver glanced at him in the rear-view mirror. He felt puzzled about who Zephyr was talking to, but Zephyr didn't notice. His thoughts weighed too heavily. He had felt something, a spark, a jolt of power during the confrontation, but he couldn’t explain it.
His brooding lasted a while, and then a faint noise carried by the evening breeze interrupted him. Zephyr's sharp ears twitched. They caught the sound again. It was soft but distinct, cutting through the hum of the car engine. His head snapped towards the direction of the noise, his wolf instincts on high alert.
It was a cry, faint and desperate, laced with raw panic.
“Stop the car,” Zephyr gave a strong order.
The driver hesitated, looking at him in confusion. “What?”
“I said, stop the car,” Zephyr repeated. His blue eyes flashed with an intensity that brooked no argument.
The driver pulled over to the side of the road, muttering something about strange passengers. But Zephyr was already out of the car, his sharp senses leading him towards the sound. The cry came again, fainter this time but unmistakable. It was a child’s voice, filled with terror.
Zephyr ran into the woods, his movements swift and fluid. His heightened wolf senses guided him like a compass, zeroing in on the source. The scent of water grew stronger, mingling with the faint tang of fear.
When he reached the edge of a Silvermere Lake, he caught sight of a small figure struggling in the water. A boy, no older than ten, flailed his arms in a chaotic manner. His head bobbing up and down as the lake’s strong currents dragged him further from the shore.
Zephyr didn’t hesitate. He shrugged off his jacket and kicked off his boots, diving into the icy water with a splash. The cold wrapped around him, but he barely noticed. His powerful strokes cut through the water. And his wolf’s strength propelled him forward at an inhuman speed.
“Hold on!” Zephyr called, his baritone voice carrying over the water.
The boy’s struggles were weakening, his small body sinking lower with each passing second. Zephyr pushed himself harder, his muscles burning as he closed the distance.
When he reached the boy, he wrapped an arm around his chest, ensuring that the boy’s head remained above the water.
“I’ve got you,” Zephyr said firmly.
The boy thrashed, his small hands clawing at Zephyr’s arm in panic. “I, I can’t breathe!”
“You’re fine. Just hold still,” Zephyr commanded, his voice steady and calm.
Using his free arm and legs, he swam back to shore. The moment they reached the shallows, he lifted the boy out of the water and carried him onto the grassy bank.The boy coughed, water spilling from his mouth as he struggled to breathe.
“Hey,” Zephyr said, kneeling beside him. “Breathe easy, kid. You’re okay.”
The boy’s wide, frightened eyes met his, and he gave a faint nod. Zephyr could feel the rapid thrum of his heartbeat begin to slow.
“What’s your name?” Zephyr asked, his tone softening.
“T-Thomas,” the boy stammered, his body shivering.
Zephyr shrugged off his wet shirt and draped it over the boy’s shoulders. The damp fabric still offered some warmth. “Thomas, do you live nearby?”
The boy gave a faint nod. He pointed a trembling finger at a cluster of cottages, just visible through the trees. “O-over there.”
Zephyr stood, water dripping from his clothes as he scooped the boy up in his arms. “Okay, let’s get you home, then.”
The walk to the cottage was brief. The boy clung to Zephyr, his small hands gripping Zephyr's arm, as if afraid to let go. The woods around them were quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.
When they reached the cottage, Zephyr knocked on the door. The door opened almost immediately, and a woman stepped outside. Her eyes widened in fear as she saw the boy in Zephyr’s arms.
“Thomas! Oh, my God, what happened?” she gasped, her voice trembling.
“He fell into the lake,” Zephyr explained simply. “He’s fine now, just shaken up.”
The woman’s hands fluttered for a moment, a mixture of relief and concern flashing across her face. She hesitated, glancing at Zephyr before gently taking the boy from his arms. She hugged the boy with a firm grip, tears streaming down her face as she checked him for injuries.
“Thank you,” she said to Zephyr, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Zephyr nodded, his expression softening. “It’s okay. Just make sure he’s warm and rested,” he said. He stared at the boy for a moment and then turned to leave.
“Please wait,” the woman stopped him. “You’re soaked, and it’s about to snow. Please, at least come in for a change of clothes and something warm to eat.”
“No, I can manage.”
“I insist,” the lady persisted.
Sighing, Zephyr agreed and followed her in. He changed into the clothes the lady offered him. After she had laid her son in bed, she served Zephyr a hot meal with a cup of coffee. He ate in silence, managing to reduce his urge since he was really famished. He finished eating in minutes, and just as he was done, the doorbell rang.
The door opened almost immediately. A tall, grey-haired man in his late seventies stepped into the living room. Following behind him was another young man, about Zephyr's age. The woman received them with warmth despite the obvious tension in her posture.
Inside, the older man’s sharp, dark brown eyes scanned the room. His gaze stopped when they fell on Zephyr, who was now picking up his things to leave. His cheerful expression shifted to confusion and caution.
“Excuse me,” the man said, his tone firm but measured. “Who are you, and what are you doing in my daughter’s house?”
The woman quickly stepped forward, her voice soft but steady. “Eddie, don’t be rude. If it weren’t for this man, your grandson would be lost at the bottom of the lake.”
Eddie froze. His brows knitted together as the weight of her words sunk in. “Karen, what happened? Where is Thomas?” he asked, his voice suddenly unsteady.
“He’s fine,” Karen said quickly. “He’s resting now. Zephyr saved him. He pulled him out of the lake.”
Eddie’s eyes flickered back to Zephyr, his confusion giving way to gratitude. “I am sorry,” he apologised. “Thank you for saving my grandson,” he said gruffly, his voice low and heavy with emotion.
Zephyr adjusted the jacket in his hands. “You don't have to thank me. He was lucky I was nearby.”
"Still, I cannot let you leave like this." The older man stepped closer, his hands trembling as he reached for his wallet. He pulled out a large sum of money. “Please, take this as a token of my gratitude.”
“No,” Zephyr refused. “Thank you for offering, but I only did what any decent person would do. I saw a child in danger and helped him.”
Eddie stopped, surprised at Zephyr's response. And as their gaze met, Zephyr felt a strange prickle around his wrist where his bracelet was. His vision sharpened, and he immediately noticed the man's body giving off a strange aura.
While Zephyr observed this, Karen broke the tension with a soft voice. “Zephyr,” she called. “Thank you again. You’ve done more for us than I could ever repay.”
“No, you don't owe me anything, ma'am,” Zephyr interrupted. “Thank you for the meal,” he sighed softly, then turned to leave. But, as his hand touched the doorknob, a sudden, burning pain lanced through his chest. It was unlike before.
He inhaled deeply, steadying himself before glancing back at Eddie. “Sir, I want to leave, but it would be unfair if I don't mention how seriously ill you are,” Zephyr said, his voice calm yet firm.
Eddie blinked, startled. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I mean,” Zephyr replied, his tone unwavering. “Your heartbeat is irregular. Your breathing, too shallow. If you don’t seek help, the disease will take your life," Zephyr explained sadly. “Your daughter has already lost her husband. Don’t make her lose you as well.”
The room fell silent. Karen’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes darting to Eddie.
Zephyr slung his jacket over his shoulder and gave a quick nod. “Take care of yourself,” he said before stepping outside.
The night greeted him with a cool breeze. But, Zephyr lingered near the door, his hand gliding gently over the bracelet on his wrist.
Inside, the atmosphere remained tense as Eddie’s voice broke through the stillness. “Jason,” he said to the younger man who had entered with him. “That boy... there’s something not right about him. Find out who he is and where he comes from. I want to know everything.”
Zephyr exhaled a ragged breath as the faint echo of Eddie’s words reached his ears. With a quiet sigh, he straightened his shoulders and walked into the night.
- Writer
