Chapter 13: Dispute
1250 Words
Aria’s eyes narrowed as she confronted Asher. “What did the hunter mean by you’ve imprinted on me?” she demanded, her voice firm.
Asher shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. “I don’t know what he’s talking about,” he muttered.
Aria’s expression turned stubborn. “Don’t lie to me, Asher. I won’t continue this journey with you unless you tell me the truth.”
Asher’s eyes darted around, searching for an escape. But Aria’s determined stance made him realize he had to come up with something. He couldn’t confess his feelings for her due to fear of rejection, but he had to say something so he could continue to stay close to her.
“Fine,” he said reluctantly. “The hunter must have been talking about... about the bond between a guardian and their charge.”
Aria’s eyes searched his face, skeptical. “A bond?” she repeated.
Asher nodded hastily. “Yes, that’s it. As your guardian, I’ve formed a... a protective bond with you. It’s common among our kind.”
Aria’s gaze lingered on his face, as if trying to read his thoughts. After a moment, she nodded slowly. “You are certainly not my guardian, as you can see, I am strong enough to protect myself.”
“Yes—”
“But, okay. I accept that.”
Asher let out a silent sigh of relief, though his heart was still racing with anxiety. He knew he’d dodged the truth, but at what cost?
As they journeyed on, the scenery shifted from dense forests to rolling hills and finally, to the outskirts of the kingdom of Brindlemark. Aria’s eyes widened as they reached the top of a hill, revealing the kingdom’s sprawling castle and bustling town.
Asher smiled, noting her awe. “Welcome to Brindlemark,” he said, his voice low and smooth.
“Won’t you like to go back to your pack?” Aria smiled.
“I think I want them to keep thinking I’m dead for a while,” Asher chuckled.
As they made their way through the town, Aria marveled at the sights and sounds. They passed by vendors selling fresh produce, artisans crafting intricate wares, and townspeople hurrying about their daily business.
After a while, Asher and Aria finally found their way to a small, cozy inn on the outskirts of town. The sign above the door read “The Red Griffin.” Asher pushed open the door, revealing a warm, firelit common room.
The innkeeper, a stout woman with a kind face, greeted them warmly. “Welcome, travelers! What can I get for ye?”
Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “We’ll take a room, please. Something quiet and private.”
The innkeeper nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Rooms are available, but I got to warn ye, it’s been... interesting around here lately.”
Aria’s eyes met Asher’s, a spark of concern igniting before them.
“What do you mean?” Asher asked, his voice low and even.
The innkeeper leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Strange happenings, disappearances... some folks say they’ve seen shadowy figures lurking about.”
Aria’s grip on her pack tightened, her heart racing with unease. Asher’s expression turned grim, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for potential threats. But for now, they had a place to rest.
The innkeeper showed them to a cozy room with a plush bed and a warm fire crackling in the hearth. As they settled in, Aria let out a sigh of relief, her eyes meeting Asher’s across the room. For a moment, they just looked at each other, then without a word, Asher turned away, his back to her as he gazed out the window into the evening sky.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, his voice low and contemplative. “The villagers could use our help. With the strange happenings and disappearances, they’re getting desperate.”
Aria’s expression turned cautious, her hands tightening around the edge of the bed. “I don’t know, Asher. I’d rather not get involved.”
Asher’s eyebrows rose, his face questioning. “Why not? We’re already here. We might as well help if we can.”
Aria’s eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an escape. “I just... I don’t want to draw attention to myself. If I start helping the villagers, they might start asking questions. Questions I don’t want to answer.”
Asher’s gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing. “You mean about your abilities?”
“It’s not just the abilities, Asher. I’m a witch, I mean... You saw what that hunter did to me, even when I never did anything to him. My mum warned me about mere humans, and I didn’t believe her, which led to her death. I can’t involve myself with people’s affairs unless it affects me in some way, which is impossible.”
Asher sighed. “I am sorry about your mother’s death, Aria. I promise to protect you no matter the situation. But we have to think about the innocent people who need the assistance we have and can provide.”
“You are only saying this cause you’re a creature meant to protect humans. But I am a being they fear. I’m sorry, I can’t and won’t involve myself in their problem.”
“Aria—”
“Can we just keep a low profile and move on once we’ve rested and are done in this village?”
As the night wore on, the tension between them grew thicker. Aria’s eyes drifted to the bed, where they’d have to share a restless night’s sleep.
Asher’s gaze followed hers, his jaw clenched in a mix of frustration and longing. “I’ll take the floor,” he muttered, his voice rough.
Aria’s eyes met his, a spark of connection flashing between them as her cheeks flushed, but she shook her head. “No, we can share the bed,” she said softly. “We’re both tired.”
Asher’s gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet nod, he lay down on the bed, his back to hers.
Aria followed suit, her heart beating faster as she settled beside him. The bed creaked softly, the sound echoing through the silence. As they lay there, next to each other, Aria felt Asher’s warmth, wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. She sensed the tension in his body, the careful control he maintained.
But despite the distance between them, Aria couldn’t help but feel a strong pull towards Asher. A pull that introduces her to a strange but familiar feeling. As she lay there, the thoughts of Asher holding her filled her mind. Her body was hot, her thighs pressed against each other as she moaned softly, trying to control the urge that made her body tremble.
“Aria?” Asher called, his voice soft. “Are you awake?”
“Yes... Yes, Asher,” she answered.
“Can’t sleep?” he asked.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Would you mind if I hold you? That would allow you to sleep better.”
Aria froze at his request.
“Aria—”
“Yes. You can hold me.”
Asher turned as he shifted closer to Aria. He wrapped his hand gently around her waist, pulling her closer to him. His hand softly caressed her body as he sang in a soft, melodious tone to her, while she surrendered to sleep.
- Writer
