ARCĀNUM (DISCONTINUED)

➺ Chapter Four ፧ The Village Of Werewolves

CHAPTER FOUR : THE VILLAGE OF WEREWOLVES

Athena Hale woke up early in the morning from some loud sound, the sky still darkened, the moon reflecting the bright light of the sun. She rubbed her eyes looking left and right to find where was it coming from. Her feet was against the wooden floorboards as she groggily made her way to the bedroom of Hunter as the sound was from there.

She weakly opened the wooden oak door, the creaking sound barely heard by the werewolf since he was in some deep sleep. Athena tilted her head and rubbed her grey eyes gently when she saw a blurred figure squirming in the bed, sobbing escaping their lips. Athena went closer to find the figure to be Hunter himself.

"N-no. . . Don't. . . L-Luke. . . I'm s-sorry. . ." He sniffed, thrashing to his sides as he panicked in his dream. It felt vivid, too much realistic to even handle at all.

Her face softened, striding towards the front of the bed. Her hand hesitantly reached over to his shoulder, but as it touched, warmth flooded over to them, and he slowly stopped tossing and turning uneasily. She sat on the fluffy bed, rubbed circles on his shoulder making his unsteady breathing be more stable and calm.

"Shh. . ." Athena smiled, her free hand covering her mouth as she yawned right after. She was still surprised that he isn't waking up to scold at her, it made her let out a soft chuckle by the thought.

"Hm. . ." He snuggled in his fluffed and pearly white pillow, a weak smile curving up his rosy lips.

Her grey eyes trailed to his sleeping figure, to his tousled ebony hair that sprung everywhere, left and right.

"I wonder what is the nightmare that's causing this. . ." She asked herself quietly, stopping her comfort making him whimper like a puppy in his sleep.

The Hale daughter absentmindly placed her hand on his tear-stained cheek, observing his features. He leaned on her smooth palms, repeating the sounds from a while ago, making her smile widen in surprise.

She snapped back to reality as she saw the window nearby showcasing the sky that lightened a bit, the hues of purple and pink painted to give out the nearby dawn. It was spectacular.

"I should go now. . ." She murmured, standing up and slowly about to leave when a hand held her injured one's, Their fingers intertwining in a slow pace. Athena tried hiding the slight pain she has, biting her lip.

Athena turned back to the still deep asleep Hunter, breathing heavily. ". . . S-stay." He admitted, either talking to her or the person in his own dream. He just seemed to feel the sudden warmth and comfort he desired to have one day internally.

Though she didn't have a clue if he was awake, half-asleep, or not at all, but she did it anyways for his liking.

The brunette walked over and rubbed the back of her neck, laying down next to him as he placed an arm over waist and held her close, nuzzling his face to the back of her head.

Her breath hitched when she heard his muffled amused whine. This was the very first time and probably the last, to ever witness another unlocked side of the well-known Hunter Lupus.

Athena's cheeks dusted pale pink, looking at the window with a small smile, maybe it's just her, but she feels like the moon goddess is returning the look, smiling down on them as she gave a chance.

Her eyes blinked a few times, until it finally stayed closed, going back to her lovely dreamland once again, Their breathing finally in soft harmony. "Goodnight Hunter. . ."

He didn't get his returning nightmare anymore, as if transitioned to something peaceful, and better.

***

Hunter Lupus had woke up from his dream already, his grip on the girl's figure getting loose as he felt confused to why there was somebody there in the same bed as him. He rubbed his eyes, looking around first before landing his eyes on the sleeping beauty next to him. She looked entrancing, the sun's rays from the window shining down on her as she was undeniably asleep, tired from comforting him earlier.

His eyes widened like saucers, scooting away from her with his blanket, looking beneath to see himself still fully clothed. His clothes were still from yesterday, but it wasn't as worse as Athena, who still didn't change to any other clothes than the first time they met since she didn't have any brought.

Athena felt embarrassed to the fact that she hasn't even had a chance to laundry her clothes yet, and that she would try to use the bathroom at times with feeling conscious if he was hearing her. And with the heightened senses she had this feeling it's one of the reasons why he doesn't like her that as much.

She yawned, sitting up from the bed. Blue eyes that reminds her of the sky to this day meets her cloud-like eyes. "Good morning. Was your dream good?" Athena casually greeted, running her hands through her dark brown locks.

He gave a look of disbelief; how can she be so. . . so okay with that? And how she looks like she's used to it makes him puzzled and bewildered. "H-how - Why - You - What the f**k are you doing in my bed Athena?!" Hunter roared aloud, the birds by the tree branches flocking away.

"You had a nightmare, I took care of you. You told me not to go," She truthfully reasoned, a sweet smile on her face as she saw his cheeks reddening. " So. . . I just did it for your sake of not disturbing my sleep." He rolled his eyes in annoyance at what she added, crossing his arms.

"Take a shower. I'll make breakfast." Athena pushed her lower lip, tapping her chin repeatedly as if to taunt him. She had the upper hand right now, and this was making him annoyed already.

"Okay. . . Thanks." She stood up, stretching a little before heading over to the bathroom.

He sighed, shaking his head as he watched her go inside the bathroom. "Your lucky you don't stink that much."

"I heard that." Her head popped from the opened doorway, raising her brows at him.

"Ofcourse. You have ears." Hunter pointed it out and properly stood up himself to start fixing the blanket and fluff the pillows.

He then turned to the closed bathroom door, easily hearing the pitter and patter from the droplets of the shower water and her heartbeat.

The raven-haired werewolf sighed and went over to the door to the living room, giving one last glance to the place before getting out to start their day with a nice breakfast of eggs.

Strolling over to the kitchen, he looked at the spot they were once at before, reminiscing what happened there. He shivered, ruffling his fluffy hair and laid a hand on the side of the surface of the wooden counter top. "If she wasn't that focused, she wouldn't have gotten hurt at all." Hunter rubbed his temples.

A knock on the front door was heard, and the alpha muttered some words under his breath. His feet thumped to the cold floor, walking over to the other side to open it and check who was outside. He caught a familiar scent, and opened the door finding a pair of ocean blue eyes and the other, whiskey brown.

"Hey there, Hunter!" Erina waved excitingly, a grin growing on her face when he opened the door wider.

"Greetings Erina, Donovan." Donovan has whiskey brown eyes, freckles that dusted his olive skin and dirty blonde hair. He looked handsome, no less. The werewolf is technically someone who lives in their village with just himself; no family, no pack. An omega, he is. He told them that his parents has died from a blazing fire a few years ago when they were in Italy, and he stumbled to this place and they letted him in.

"Hello, Alpha Hunter." He gave out an angelic smile, his dimples showing. It's safe to say that he was very respectful to everybody, unlike his friend, Jonathan; the ginger friend of his was very quiet, and he didn't like speaking to everybody but Donovan. He always stayed in the shadows unlike his best friend, nobody knew what was he doing that as much. It was as if he was invisible.

Hunter forced a returning smile, "Come in. We'll bring some books and all those crap, I'm gonna make breakfast -- I want some!" Erina chirped teasingly, winking at somebody behind him.

He turned to see Athena with her clothes, though the difference she has cutted the skirt shorter so she won't trip and get stuck; She really thinks it's pretty much needed right now in this state. Erina wolf whistles as she saw the girl absentmindly go to the kitchen, Donovan c*****g a brow as he didn't know who was the girl at all. "Right. That's the guest we'll be having in the village, Athena." Hunter huffed.

"Oh! That's great! She's beautiful." The dirty blonde complimented, smiling as she finally noticed them and made her way to them.

"E-Erina!" She squeaked, hiding to the side to hide herself from the girl. It wasn't like she was scared of her, she was just embarrassed to see her again because she knew she'll stammer and get flushed by her all over again.

"Gorgeous! Hey there~" The said girl winked at her, Hunter mentally face palming at her choice of words.

The new guy stepped forward, thrusting a hand over to her. "Hi, I'm Donovan. Donovan O'Neill!" He cheerfully introduced himself, the girl shaking his hand with her injured one, a new bandage wrapped around it.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Athena Hale."

They letted go once Hunter cleared his throat. It was no deny he felt uneasy and uncomfortable with them getting too find of meeting, a newfound emotion bubbling inside him. "Let's go. Donovan, Erina; just pack the necessities. Definitely the medical equipment, and some other stuff. Athena, just follow me."

"Alright, Nova, let's go." Erina patted his shoulder as the guy followed with a big smile on his face, leaving the two at the front door.

Hunter furrowed his brows, facing the girl. "I'll make the breakfast, maybe pack the food in the fridge. . . if there are any more." He mumbled the last part, shaking his head.

"Rightie."

They went to the room, Hunter handing her a bag where she can place the things. He took some bread, taking off the tied ribbon to get the needed pastry. By the corner of his eyes he saw the girl taking the almost empty jars, fruits and container of berries. "Hand me the strawberry jam."

She did what he said, his reflexes catching it easily. Making the delicious breakfast treat, placed it on one plate, good enough to put on the four.

For a few minutes of speed and quick play, everybody met in the kitchen, taking their time to finish the breakfast. "How did you get that bandage, Erina?" Donovan questioned, pointing at it as the girl letted out a chuckle.

"I accidentally cutted myself from washing the dishes."

Donovan pouted cutely, a concerned look on his face. "You should be more careful next time!"

Erina laughed softly, her chin laying at the palm of her hand as she watched them interact, mostly glancing at the boy. She felt a little magnetic pull from him, and she had no idea as to why. She shrugged it off, taking another bite. "Are you excited, seeing our village?"

Athena nodded, "I do. Though I have this doubt werewolves would like a human staying in their village. It sounds quite odd as well."

"Nah! Love, you'll be the star of the show! In the best way!" She exclaimed to the human, nudging Donovan, who was right next to her playfully.

"I hope. . ." Athena scratched her head, her chemo-signals showing that she was insecure and unsure of herself.

They finished their bread with jam whilst having their conversation (Hunter excluded), laughing and having fun as they talk about things like their favourite food and such.

The alpha tapped the table, observing them quietly until he had enough with the noise and the waste of time as if he has something to do back at the village. "Are we settled with the packing?" they nodded. "Then let's go."

He stood up and swiftly cleaned the plate, wiping his wet hands with his pants. Erina groaned and lazily went to get the packed small bags with the help of Donovan and Athena, Hunter double checking if anything was forgotten.

He went to the bedroom, pursing his lips and going forward to the closet. Before he could open it, he got interrupted by Athena who bumped onto the door, making it wide open as she rubbed her head. Hunter stepped away, glaring at her figure.

"And why are you -- Well, since you keep babbling about going there already, we're finished and waiting for well. You." She cutted, tilting her head and giving him the look.

He scoffed, "Fine. You guys go to the front. I'll meet you there."

Athena gripped the handle of her bag tighter. "Alright."

She mimicked him under her breath, rolling her eyes annoyingly. "Athena darling?" Erina called outside, and she immediately rushed over to them, panting heavily. "Great! Now we need my brother." The ravenette clicked her tongue.

Just as she said that, Hunter trudged over to them back to the grumpy look on his face. "C'mon, we shouldn't be late, especially since it'll be a long walk there."

***

The walk at first was silent, and it was not awkward, nor uncomfortable, rather peaceful and relaxing. The birds flew at the sky, she clouds above to hide the bright smile of the sun, the leaves of the trees that were way tall shading to keep them cool. Dried leaves were on the ground, it was nearby autumn.

"Wait, the rogues. And the son that you said, Hunter. Do you know what he looks like or anything?" Athena blurted, turning to the guy behind her.

The solemn and needed quietness dissipated to the wind that blew by, in his dissatisfaction. Donovan letted out an exaggerated sigh of content, he could finally have his chance to talk again. Erina, who was next to him, gave him an amused smile, before looking at the two infront of them.

A frown etched the duo's features when Hunter did not answer the question and ignored Athena, walking forward even more as if to get away from her. Erina mentally face palmed herself at her brother's reckless behaviour. "No, actually. We never encountered him, but his army of rogues. Which is absolutely difficult."

"It's a hard time trusting werewolves nearby, wondering if their the traitor or not." Donovan sighed, showing out his wolf eyes to the sweet innocent girl.

"That sucks. Well, do you have any suspects or anything right now?" Hunter scoffed, c*****g out a brow at her.

"Really?"

"Really! There has to be atleast one person from your wolfy colony that you get suspicious of. Erina, you?" She commented, nodding her head repeatedly as an answer that she wasn't even joking.

The mentioned she-wolf shrugged her shoulders, "To be completely honest, Donovan's best friend Jonathan. He's just far too. . . secretive. Sorry Nova. . ."

"It's alright, love." He smiled at her, making her give it back.

"See?" Athena tilted her head at the raven-haired alpha who squinted his eyes at her.

"You just been here, living a new life with open eyes for maybe almost three days and now your doing this?" Hunter responded with a blank look on his face.

"Yes, yes I am. Now live with it. I'm just trying to help and learn more in a different direction, since somebody doesn't want to tell me some history." Athena fired accusingly towards him.

"Well I'm sorry, princess, if you can't just sit down and wait for the right time I can have my full-time trust on you!" He barked back.

"Oh my God, will you guys ever shut up? It's like you guys are bipolar nincompoops every single moment of your life! Can't you just stay with one? The positive one?" Erina scolded them, Hunter rolling his eyes again as they continued walking to their journey. It got faster because of the speed they were taking, from all the pent up emotions.

"Ugh. If he does that one more time I hope it'll bloody stays stuck behind." The brunette muttered under her breath.

"I heard that!" Hunter gritted his teeth.

"Ofcourse. You have ears." She mocked. Their feelings of care and peace towards each other cracked to billions of pieces, leaving them back to arguments and need of letting out negative and sarcastic comments to one another. The transition of their way of talking to each other came by too fast, the only time they felt like they are alright and fine is shrinking to a few.

"Tch."

"Are they always like this? One thing their nice to each other, second their like cats and dogs? -- I have no idea. But I have a good guess they do." The dirty blonde and ravenette whispered to each other, shaking their heads in disappointment.

And now, their back in a long loop of silence in a matter of seconds, their emotions bottled up and stayed down as their only priority right now is making their way to The Village of Werewolves.

***

"My feet hurts." Athena Hale complained, looking at the distance as she saw a cobbled and rocky pathway, people walking around to some houses that stuck side by side. Some were elsewhere, having their own ways to direct to their places. Was this it? The Village?

"Don't worry, love. We're here already." Erina Lupus smirked, doing a salute to a guy who winked at her from afar, gathering some wood supplies with his friend. It looked normal, it was as if no werewolves were involved, and this was just a regular village with normal mundanes strolling around from dawn to dusk.

A figure was seen from afar, wearing a coat of the darkest blue, rolled up pants and a white shirt and shoes, headed to their direction and holding something.

Athena furrowed her brows and halted with them doing the same, panicked for a while as it looked like the person was breathing heavily and stomping in the grassy area with great might. It reminded her of those scary tales her grandmother would talk about to her. She closed her eyes as her first instinct, until she heard laughter to that same place.

Opening her eyes, she felt utterly ridiculous. Donovan was hugging the guy -- it was the quiet ginger, Jonathan. "Awh! Mate! You got the fish!" He exclaimed, referring to the basket of fish that the werewolf probably caught.

"And that's, Jonathan Partridge." Erina scratched the back of her neck, lowering her head to the ground, still getting weirded out from him.

"Greetings, Alpha Hunter. Erina." The ginger greeted in a soft, calm voice.

"Greetings. This is the guest, Athena Hale." The said girl showed a hand, which Jonathan hesitantly shook it with the same unreadable look on him.

"Pleasure."

Donovan ruffled his friend's hair, causing him to let go of her hands. "I'll be helping Jonah to place his things to his home, see you guys! And also, make yourself at home Athena~" He pulled his friend's hands, walking away as Erina chuckled at his enthusiasm.

Hunter watched as they left, until he turned to the girl, Erina walking forward to be right by his side. Athena flickered her grey eyes to the siblings, confused by them.

The ravenette she-wolf grinned, "Welcome to our village, Athena!"