Charmed Chaos

5. The prettiest smile

NOLAN

Wasn't it crazy that it was only this morning I arrived in Darkwood? It has felt like a couple of days, at least.

Dad ignoring me still felt like a sting, but it was alright, I guessed.

For the most part, everything has gone as I had anticipated. If anything, it was a little better. Nicholas was being really nice— if not for his friendliness, the house would be too uncomfortable for me to stay. Mum, as expected, did try to play it cool but she was so distracted. Way more than usual.

And I got to learn that there was a goddamn good reason for that.

You see, when I earlier asked Nicholas about Naire, I noticed his reaction was a little weird. He did try to keep it all smiles, but I sure saw a glimpse of fear in his eyes. And now I knew why.

When Mum told me on the phone that I might never see her again, in all honesty, I thought she was bluffing. Even now, I didn't understand what she meant by that. But here was what I learnt— Naire's life was in danger.

Mum told me that I wasn't the only one who broke Darkwood rules. Naire, about two years ago, fell helplessly in love with a human guy. As you would expect, this was forbidden. Unable to control herself, she moved away from Darkwood to go live with the guy somewhere else.

As Mum said all this to me, I found it very difficult to picture Naire breaking any Darkwood rules. She was always about doing all that was necessary to make sure our town was protected. In fact, she pretty much loathed me for always putting myself first.

Continuing, Mum had told me, “The worst happened, Nolan. And when it did, she panicked and somehow found a way to exacerbate the situation.”

My eyes squinted, I wondered aloud, “What exactly happened, Mum?”

Mum went on to tell me that they got to learn from one of Naire's friends who also fled the town that Naire ‘lost a hold on reality’ and was going to Zuna and Grace Ulrich for help. As the friend made known to them, Naire's human boyfriend was diagnosed to have a terminal disease and wouldn't last more than a few months.

Naire couldn't stand and watch the love of her life die before her. So, she did the one thing no supernatural without a death wish would— pay Zuna and Grace a visit.

Zuna and Grace Ulrich were the last vampires alive. Over the last centuries, the werewolves and witches have fought hand in hand to eradicate the world from vampires. For the most part, they were successful even though they lost most of their own numbers in the fight.

But this one vampire couple managed to scale through it all.

Just to make one thing clear— Zuna and Grace Ulrich, apart from being horrendously awful beings, were particularly hateful to anyone with Carruther blood.

Staying away from Zuna and Grace Ulrich wasn’t wise— it was common sense.

Her eyes a little teary, Mum had said, “It has been almost a month, Nolan. It has been almost a month since she went into the den of those two animals.“ Sniffling, her voice now breaking, she let out, “I don't… I try… I try not to think about what they could be doing to her. We are talking about those two here. There isn't much evil they haven't indulged in. I can't imagine spending ten minutes with them, let alone a whole damn month.”

As she had said all this, I had nothing to even say. But I did ask her why she asked me to return, and why she didn't want anyone else to know we were going to visit the vampires.

“Nolan, you and I are going to go to the vampires' place in two days,” she declared, nodding to me as if that would make me take it all easier. “Come on, Nolan. You know we can't leave her there. She is family after all. While that's a lesson you have chosen to put aside for years, you will agree with me that I have always told you that family comes first.”

Letting out a sigh, I had shrugged my shoulders, “Okay, that's all fine. What exactly do you need me for? There's nothing I can do that you can't ask any adult werewolf here to do for you?”

Coming closer, she had held my face, her touch warm and gentle. “Patience, son. In time you will understand it all.”

What was that even supposed to mean? Anyway, I didn't have any patience in me.

Standing up from the bed, I headed to her room, found out she wasn't there, but later saw her in the study.

I needed some answers or I would hop my ass on the next flight.

“Nolan, are you hungry?” she enquired, her eyes still on her PC.

“No,” I answered, steadying my breathing. “Mum, despite everything we have been through, neither of us have lied to each other. Tell me why you asked me to return.”

Slowly, she shifted her gaze to me, her stare lingering on me before taking it back to the monitor. “Go get some rest, Nolan. Get something hot to eat, a warm bath and some sleep.”

“Okay, Mum. Then right after, I will be going back home.“

Shouting at me, she let out, “This is your home, moron. Why can't you see this?“

Turning back to her, I stated, “Home is wherever you decide it to be.”

Turning off the screen before her, she questioned, “And which one of those business moguls who you so much adore said that?“

Shaking my head, I responded, “I wasn't quoting anyone.”

“Oh, so it's an original? Good for you, son.”

Slamming a hand on the wall closest to me, I said, “Mum, I'm not here for jokes. If I'm going to follow you on such a risky trip, I need to know the truth. Stop lying to me.“

Shaking her head, her lower lip protruding, she said, “I'm really not lying to you. Perhaps, just withholding the truth, but it's in your best interest.“

“Don't talk to me about what's for my best interest as if I'm a kid. If I wanted to do what is in my best interest, I wouldn't be here.”

Exhaling loudly, she got vertical and came towards me, holding my hands. “Even from your childhood, I knew you were different. You were relentless, focused, and while this isn't a trait needed for supernatural beings, very ambitious.“ She raised her head, now looking me directly in the eyes. “You are so strong, Nolan. And that's why I need you by my side. No one can fill your shoes… you don't seem to know this, but I am your mother, and I do.”

As she said all this, the anger in me seemed to seep out with each word that parted her lips.

Fine. I will do this and get back to my life.

“Okay,” I let out, smiling at her. Now pointing to the hole my hands made on the wall, I said, “I'm sorry about this, Mum.”

Making a face at me, she replied, “A little redecoration never killed nobody.“

As I left the study, I saw Dad singing as he cooked in the kitchen. He had that look on his face— one that I always found both a little silly and cute.

Approaching him, I said, “Dad, I know you don't want to hear this, but I'm sorry. If I hurt your feelings, I'm sorry. I... can't promise I won't again, but it wasn't my intention.“

The man just continued singing, barely acknowledging my presence.

Continuing, I added, “No matter what, I just need you to know that I love you and I always will.“

When I said this, he raised his head and looked at me, almost shocked to have heard those words. But in a few moments, he was back to ignoring me.

Damn it. This didn't feel like the home I used to live in. But something told me it wasn't the home that changed.

Going into my room, I just hid myself under the sheets unaware of how the next few days would be.

Evening came, and Mum called me out to have dinner. Nicholas and Mum did try to make everywhere seem less gloomy by engaging in small talk, but I couldn't help feeling out of place. I mean, Dad had to eat in his room because he couldn't sit at the same table as me.

After trying futilely to fall asleep, with a blanket wrapped around me, I left the house and began to wander the streets. It was dark and a little cold, but at least it wasn't the house.

Then I saw her again.

She had a long thick robe on, walking alone in the streets, nothing but a torch in her hands. She wasn't a fellow werewolf; I could sense that. So she had to be a witch.

I will be honest here—I did find her very attractive. But I had a girlfriend back in the city who I really cared for, so no girl could interest me.

For some reason, when I saw that she was climbing to the top of the witches' storehouse, I went to the other side of the building, reached the top in seconds, placed the blanket on the roof, and lay on it.

“I can't just…” she said, about to turn around when she finally reached the top.

“I don't bite,” I let out, now lying back down, facing the beautiful night sky. “And I sure as hell wouldn't mind the company.”

Though keeping her distance, she placed her blanket right beside mine. “A wolf doesn't bite? I guess it's true that we learn every day.”

Okay, she was funny.

Turning to her, I laughed, my gaze on the night sky above. “You know, when I was younger, my Dad used to say the stars watch us too.”

Now shifting her gaze back to the sky, she responded, “I would like to think they're watching us. It makes us feel more important, doesn't it?”

“My thought exactly,” I agreed, turning to face her. “For the sake of this moment, imagine if they were staring down at both of us right now.”

Her gaze lingered on my face for a moment, and she beamed what could well be the prettiest smile this world has ever seen.

Reaching out my hand, I said, “I’m Nolan Hardman, and I like stars.”

Slowly taking my hand, her touch sending a little surge through my body, she said, “I'm Emily Rock, and I think I fancy people who like stars.”

We began to chat, laugh, and gaze at the stars together.

For the first time since stepping foot in Darkwood, I was happy.