Ocean's Tears

[Ocean]

Bolts of lightning.

Thunderclaps can be heard.

Rain is pelting down in torrents.

Massive tidal waves.

Half of my body was submerged underwater. A single wooden plank keeps me afloat. My thoughts flitted in and out of focus.

What am I doing here? My thoughts wondered.

I have no idea how I ended up in the middle of the ocean. The reverberating sound of thunderclaps had just woken me up.

Looking for something, I swept my gaze over the raging waves colliding with the strong winds. It slammed into the water at high speeds, causing a massive wave to form. As I sped up and down the sea, the powerful ocean beneath my feet was generating enormous waves in all directions. All I could see were floating wood splinters and bobbing barrels on the surface. Everything else was pitch black.

Out of nowhere, a loud creaking noise erupted as the gargantuan mast snapped from the sheer power of the wind. Another bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. It showed a silhouette of a large sinking ship this time.

Where have all the other people gone?

Was I a passenger on that ship?

How come I can't remember?

Had the storm made the ship sink?

Am I the only one who has survived?

As I watched the ship sink into the depths of the ocean, my mind was filled with questions.

My feet wouldn't move as I tried to paddle. It's as if it's been tethered to a heavy lid. My grip on the wooden plank tightened, and I rested my head on it. My teeth were chattering in response to the blasting cold air that was seeping down to my bones.

Am I going to die?

If I make it through the night, sharks will most likely find me the next day. I let myself be carried away by the waves, knowing that as long as my head remained above the water, I would be safe for the time being.

The current beneath my feet has shifted, and it is now pulling me backwards.

Slowly, I turned to see what was causing it. When a huge wave came crashing down behind me, I felt a shiver run down my spine as I failed my one hand helplessly in the water.

It's hopeless, I'm going to be caught in it.

My eyes squinted, and I hugged the wooden plank tightly as it slammed into me. My nostrils were filled with salty water, my lungs were burning as the air struggled to get through, and my body was violently tossed and turned in the water.

I manage to break through the surface to gasp for air, but another wave slams into me, sending flinders of wood crashing into my body, but my hands didn't let go of the plank as my feet scissor back to the surface.

I bob back out of the water, and take a deep breath. But, another wave hit me before my lungs could recover, and I saw a round barrel flying towards me. I tried swimming faster and pushing my body further to avoid it, but the strong wind and waves made it impossible.

It hit me hard on the head before my eyes could blink.

Everything went black after that.

As my body plunges into the abyss, one horrible thought comes to my mind.

I'm going to die.

*****

Why is it so hot? Was death supposed to be like this?

The blazing heat scorched my back, the soft waves splashed on my toes, and my head pounded with pain. My skin was caressed by the rough sandy ground. My eyes gradually opened as they adjusted to the bright light. My head was resting on a wooden plank that I was now strewn across the sand. My hand instinctively found the wound on my head, which was covered in a thick dry substance. As I pressed my hand against a large lump, winching from a sharp pain that struck me.

Does the fact that I'm in pain mean I'm alive?

To answer my question, a wave of memories flashed in front of my eyes.

I was in the middle of the ocean and a raging storm. But, how did I end up there?

My gaze wandered around the area. Ahead, a cerulean sky, blue water, white sand beach, and lush vegetation.

I'm on an island...

I tried to stand, but my knees shook and couldn't support my weight. My face collided with the sand, as I stumbled down causing me to groan, loudly.

Something is strange. I can feel the wind rushing against my body. My gaze was immediately drawn down.

...and I'm completely naked.

How did it happen?

My head throbs as another flash of scenery floods inside my brain.

I breathed deeply, shaking the memories aside, my lungs protested from the sudden inhalation and tried to stand again, and this time I was a little more successful. My feet wobbled as I walked towards a large protruding rock on the sand, shaded by a large tree. Grasping the rough edges, I managed to lean on it and cover my nakedness with my bare hands, despite the fact that it's completely hopeless, and it looks like I'm the only person here.

Why am I naked?

My throat was parched, I tried to swallow my own saliva in an attempt to quench my thirst, but terribly failed. I'm thirsty, and my legs are barely holding up my weight. I tried to take a deep breath while scanning the shoreline, but my lungs constricted again in response.

Fragments of what appears to be a ship washed up on the beach. There was a storm and a shipwreck sunk at the bottom of the ocean.

A loud creaking noise echoed through my head as my body relived the memories from last night.

Was I on that ship?

That was the only thing I remember and here I am, alive. I'm not sure.

Where have all the other people gone?

How come I can't remember anything prior to that incident?

Am I the only one who has survived?

My mind was filled with questions as I watched in my memories how the ship sunk into the depths of the ocean.

My hearing caught something, bringing my attention back to my surroundings. The ground drummed with thumping paws, and it was coming my way, fast. I quickly dashed behind the rock to hide.

By the sound of it, there were many of them, or so I thought. Maybe a herd of animals could be harmless or maybe not. I couldn't take a risk, especially now that I am naked, and my body is completely weak.

Steps stop right in front of the rock, it sniffs the place where I have been. I stood silent, not daring to make any sound or daring to see what it was. It might be a wild animal hunting for food.

"Someone's here. A girl." A deep husky voice said.

Not animals, but people. There are people on this island.

Wait, how did they know that I am a girl?

Maybe I can ask for help, but I am naked, and the sound of their voices includes a man, they might do something bad. I crouched, hugging my knees tightly, heart beating at my throat.

What if they're bad people...

The sand crunches as they step closer to the rock. Another sniffing sound, like an animal.

"She's near. Her scent led us here." Another man's voice spoke.

My scent? Can they smell scents? Who are these people? How can they know where I was exactly?

"Probably she's a survivor from a shipwreck. The ship's remnants were scattered ashore."

... or maybe they're good people.

I'm on an island and there are inhabitants here. I just pray that they were good people or else it'll be the end for me. I squeezed my eyes, gathered my courage and stood up, slowly facing them.

"H-help." My voice cracks in protest, my throat hurts when I speak. My lips were cut open, and my skin was stinging from too much sun exposure. I'm in desperate need of help.

My long hair fell in front of me, covering my bosom and my hand to my nether regions.

Two men are staring at me. Standing a foot taller than I am, they were both like a sculpture that came to life. One was with deep blue eyes and a bronze skin that was taller than the other with a gray set of eyes and paler skin.

There are only two of them? Where are the animals? I'm pretty sure I heard thumping paws earlier.

"What's your name?" The bronze skin asked, his gaze didn't stray down to my nakedness. As if my state didn't bother them both, which is a good sign that they mean no harm.

But that relief was short-lived.

I was alerted for a moment when he quickly took off his shirt and stepped forward. I prepared myself to flee but stopped when he just handed his clothes to me. I examine the shirt, debating whether to accept it. I can't help it, but my eyes wandered to his muscular body, rippling with defined lines and hard edges with bumps, which I quickly regretted because I could now force down the heat that was slowly creeping from my neck up to my cheeks.

"Don't worry, we'll do you no harm." He reassured me by nodding his head in the direction of the shirt. My attention snapped back to him, still tense and standing alert if ever everything went south.

I quickly accepted it and put it on. His shirt was the right size when he wore it, but for me, it hung loosely just above my knees. My nostrils were filled with his musky, warm scent. I don't know, but it was a bit comforting. I was staring at him, he didn't look threatening, he looked kind and welcoming. Somehow, his presence gives me a feeling of security. Was I only imagining that?

His question popped into my head.

My name? He asked me for my name. What is my name?

("No!")

A snip of memory flashed before my eyes.

(A colossal wave swallowed the floating image of myself, a man's voice calling me after me.)

Who was that?

"I-I don't know," my voice was barely audible.

My mind is a blank slate right now. Aside from the storm, there were nothing else.

A shot of sharp pain hit my head, as if it were about to split in half. My knees buckled in the process, losing my footing.

"Hey!"

In an instant, the bronze-skinned man was by my side. Getting me in his muscular arms, holding my body before I hit the sand. Careful not to touch me in places where a man shouldn't.

"She's suffering from a concussion. She has a wound on her head and bruises on her body. Something hard must have struck her." He took me in his arms and told the other guy.

"Go ahead and inform Seraphina that we require medical assistance."

He returned with a nod and then sprint. I'm not sure if my eyes were playing tricks on me or if I just hit my head hard enough to cause hallucinations, but the pale-skinned man certainly changed into something as he leapt deep into the greenery.

His body is warm against mine, his strong grip on me tells me that I am safe and nothing bad will happen to me.

"It's all right, I've got you."

That was the last thing I heard, before everything went black.

At the very least, I know I won't die this time.

I hope.

[Ocean]

My nose was filled with a strong sterile odor. My senses have been jolted awake by soft chattering voices.

"She's starting to wake up." The sound of an elderly woman drowned out the others.

"She's a beauty." Another high-pitched voice, clearly from a young girl, spoke up.

"She has an unusual scent for a human." If my memory serves me correctly, the voice came from the bronze-skinned man.

Why do they keep mentioning my scent? Do I stink?

My head shifted, indicating that I was aware of what they were saying.

"I can't wait to see her eyes open." The girl's voice cheered.

"Hi my dear, I'm Seraphina. The village's healer." An elderly woman with bright green eyes greeted me as soon as mine were opened.

Her head was adorned with white and black streaks of hair, which was neatly tied into a tight bun. Accenting the visible creases on her forehead and at the side of her eyes. She's wearing a dress that is mainly heavy white cotton with puckered vertical stripes, while the collar is embroidered with crocheted trim and dotted with sequins. She also had a dark-colored vest with golden trim embroidered along the edges. Her dress is topped with a piece of fabric made of wool, dyed red with minimal designs. It had a long band that was stashed on her waist and tied to the back of her neck.

Despite her undeniably older years, the evidence on her face reveals that she once possessed a beauty that would have made any woman envious back in her day.

A young golden-haired girl, ranging in age from thirteen to fifteen, sits on a single stool behind her. She's dressed in a blue dress with flowers embroidered on it. Her golden hair was braided on both sides of her head and her eyes were similar to the old woman in front of me.

They already know the name I have given them. They must have been told by the bronze-skinned man who was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.

"Hi, Seraphina. What is this place?"

My head is much better now, and my wound is wrapped in a piece of cloth and my bruises don't hurt much when I move.

My gaze wandered around the room, which was filled with medicinal herbs, the strong aroma of which had awoken me. The room has a single white bed, a white painted wall with yellow accents, and a warm red rug on the floor. Seraphina took a seat at the foot of my bed.

Her soft smile accentuated the wrinkles around her eyes.

"This place is called Mysthaven Isle."

"Where are you from?" Enquires the young girl. In response, I just shook my head. I'm not sure what the answer is. I have no memory of where I came from.

Of who I am.

"I'm so sorry dear. By the way, this is Aria, my granddaughter, and the man who brought you here is Arzhel, the Seriphos Pack's Beta." So, the bronze guy is named Arzhel and this cute girl is Aria. That explains why Aria and Seraphina both had green eyes.

They appear to be friendly, particularly Seraphina, who I assume is the one who took care of me.

What Seraphina said captured my attention. Beta? Pack? Is that the name of their community? Is Beta a chieftain's name?

My face was scrawled with befuddlement. Arzhel sat up straight and sighed.

"I know you had a lot of questions, but I think it is better if you take one moment at a time. You need to get better first." I took a look at Arzhel, who was now dressed in a white cotton shirt with sleeves and black pants with fringed legs. The vest is made of thick wool and is dark. A color red sash around his waist.

I look down on myself, and I am now wearing a white cotton dress with long loose sleeves of the same design as Seraphina but without the top fabric and vest.

"Arzhel is right, dear. You must first regain your strength before we can introduce you to our village." Seraphina took one of my hands and lightly squeezed it. "But do you not recall your name?"

My name?

The last thing I remember was being tossed and turned in the ocean.

When Seraphina noticed the blankness on my face, she sighed. Aria, on her side, was the one who quipped.

"What about we call you, Ocean?" She nodded excitedly at the brilliance of her idea. "It's quite a fitting name since the Ocean brought you to us."

Ocean? I pondered for a moment, and then smiled.

I quite like it.

"Yes," I agreed. "You can call me Ocean."

"Alright, Ocean. We'll ask the Alpha Quillan to keep you here until your memories return. In the meantime," Seraphina inserted with her in her eyes.

"Don't worry Ocean, I'll convince Alpha Quillan to let you stay. I know he cannot resist my charm." Aria chimed in, smiling from cheek to cheek.

Another strange word, Alpha. If Arzhel is Beta, and this guy named Quillan is Alpha. He must be superior to Arzhel, right? They said they would get permission for me to stay.

"I know you will, Aria," Seraphina assured the girl.

"You must be hungry, I'll go get you some food."

"Thank you very much, Arzhel." I respond politely, bowing my head in gratitude.

Seraphina asks me about the things I remember. I told her about the storm and the shipwreck. She said that shipwrecks were common on this rim, but it was the first time that a survivor had been washed ashore. Mostly didn't make it this far because of the shark-infested waters.

That explains why I didn't see any people when I woke up in the middle of the sea. They might have sunk together with the ship.

This island is secluded only from people like them, there were also other packs, as they called them, around this island. It just happened that Arzhel and Khail, the pale-skinned man, were patrolling their area. They caught a whiff of my distinct scent nearby, so they came close to the shore and investigated.

I must say that these people really had a keen sense of smell.

Aria excitedly told me a lot of things we could do together while I stay there. If this guy named Quillan would allow me, of course.

A grim thought enters my mind if ever man, Quillan, will decline. Where will I go then? Maybe I should kneel in front of him and beg him to let me stay, or I can tell him that I can help clean the house or something. Seraphina will undoubtedly help me and teach me in their ways.

At the very least, I'll have a place to stay for the time being. Until my memories return, that is.

"It's fortunate that you recall your name, Ocean. But no need to worry because I got you quite a pretty name." Aria beamed, tearing me from my thoughts.

"Well, I had a snippet of memory flash on my mind when I was still on the beach. A man called out to me, but I didn't know who he was. Besides, I like what you name me." I truthfully said.

"Do you remember the face of this man, dear?"

I sighed and turned to the elderly woman. "No Seraphina, I only heard his voice."

I don't know if that man was really calling me. Perhaps he was calling someone else, and it only happened that I was the only one there. Had that man also survived the accident?

"Don't hassle yourself now Ocean, cheer up. In time your memories will be back." I genuinely smiled at the old woman.

The door opens, and Arzhel enters with a tray full of food. The delicious aroma wafted around the room, causing my stomach to grumble in hunger.

"It's time to feed that monster inside your belly." Arzhel teased me as he laid the food down on the table beside my bed. My cheeks warmed at his comments, Aria giggled and Seraphina chastised her action.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled in embarrassment. Well, I can't deny that I am actually hungry, plus, the food that Arzhel had prepared is appetizing enough to make the corner of my mouth drool.

"Let's leave Ocean for a moment to eat in peace." Seraphina stood and shooed Arzhel and Aria outside.

"Call me if you need anything." Arzhel called before Seraphina had closed the door.

"Arzhel, she's so pretty." I heard Aria's voice fade together with their shuffling footsteps.

Once I was sure that they were completely gone, I quickly crawled over to the side table where Arzhel put the food.

I took a strange look at the platter served for me. Five layers of flattened fluffy golden brown things they called food. It was dribbled with a brownish thick substance at the top. I don't know what it's called but the smell of it makes my mouth watered.

On each side of the platter are two types of cutlery, one with an oval shape bent inwards to create a dent in the center and the other shaped like a curved trident. The tray comes with a translucent cylindrical thing full of warm white liquid and a red sphere-shaped thing that is the same size as my fist.

Despite the odd-looking food, I ate what Arzhel had brought me. My belly was full, and a loud burp broke out from my mouth. I swing my feet to the edge of the bed, feeling the warm rug underneath my feet.

Strange, I know I have lost my memories, but all the things that surround me make me confused. Like it is the first time I have seen anything.

My toes wriggled on the rug, loving how the soft fabric tickled my feet.

After a brief moment, I rose and surveyed my surroundings. The room is large enough for the medicinal herbs to be placed in a neat and orderly manner. My gaze was drawn to the shut door.

Arzhel told me that I could call him if I needed anything, but they never told me that I was not allowed to go out.

Curiosity peaked out in me, my hand found the knob and gave it a little twist. The door creaked open, and a long hallway appeared in front of me. I took a step forward after carefully closing the door behind me. The wooden floor is immaculately polished, with not a speck of dust visible.

The hallway leads me to a huge cream-colored room, with sparkling crystals beautifully attached to the high ceilings, a spiraling staircase at the right corner and another hallway to the opposite side. There are also four long cushioned chairs placed in the middle of the room and a small square table at the center of it. Two large glass windows, draped with heavy curtains, pictures hanging on the wall and decorations were neatly arranged.

Chattering voices from the outside could be heard inside, but the loud footfalls that were coming in my direction caught my attention. Before I could turn to see who it was, a large rough hand grabbed my arms, my body forcely spun, I hissed in pain as it protested from the sudden movement.

My eyes went wide when I came face to face with an angry-rouge-looking man with intense bright green eyes and a huge scar that ran down from his eyebrows down to his cheeks.

"Who are you!" His voice roared, bouncing off the walls.

A startled ear-splitting shrill involuntarily came out of me. Alerting every living creature in the village.

[Ocean]

"Damn woman!"

He cursed under his breath as he shoved his large hand into my mouth to muffle my scream. From the hallway I came from, shuffled footsteps ran towards us.

Arzhel is the first to appear, his eyes widening, and he is followed by Seraphina, who has her hands on her chest and a worried expression on her face. Aria scrambled down the staircase, trailed by a woman in her forties.

Others entered through the front door, while others entered through the other hallway. The rogue man abruptly let go of me, causing me to stumble back. I would have slumped on the floor if it hadn't been for Arzhel's quick reflexes. He caught me by the waist and held me in place. His strong arms encircled me, keeping me away from the enraged man in front of us.

"What happened here?" Arzhel asks, confused.

"Will you explain to me why there is a strange human in my territory? Let alone inside my own house?!" I flinched as his voice boomed, and the room erupted in surprise gasps as they stared at me strangely.

"Arzhel! What is the meaning of this?!" He barked again.

"Quillan, there's no need to frighten this little woman. She needs our help. She's a survivor from the shipwreck and lost her memories. She doesn't have anywhere to go." Arzhel explains as his warm hands rubbed against my back, attempting to calm my racing heart.

Quillan? This terrifying man is what they called Quillan? The Alpha?

I watched him in sheer horror. There's no way this man will allow me in here.

"I had no idea our pack was doing charity now!" The rogue man, Quillan, snorted.

"Please, Quillan, think about this. She is in desperate need of a place to stay." Seraphina stepped forward and placed a frail hand on Quillan's broad shoulders.

"Mother, did you know of this?"

Seraphina? His mother?

I examine Quillan carefully, trying to figure out how a gentle woman could have given birth to such a rogue man. Quillan and Seraphina have the same bright green eyes as Aria, now that I can see them clearly. The man is not ugly. In fact, he could have been attractive if it weren't for the massive scar that ran down his face. That's what threw me off guard the first time I saw him.

Does that mean Aria is his daughter?

"Of course, Arzhel and Khail found her by the shore with a gash on her head and bruises on her body. As the healer of this village, you know I can't say no to those in need." Seraphina did a good job of maintaining her calm demeanor in the face of her raging son, I must say. Aria leaps in from behind, linking her arm to Seraphina's.

"Uncle Quillan, please do consider. Admit it or not, she's pretty." Aria nodded, batting her eyes at Quillan.

Uncle? So, he's not Aria's father. I'm kind of glad about that. I can't imagine how a bubbly girl could have a terrible father.

Even with her charm, the rogue man didn't waver. He only brushes them and casts a hard look at my frame, making me shrink into Arzhel's arms. His gaze shifted from me to Arzhel before returning to Seraphina and Aria.

My heart is rammed against my chest, terrified of the man in front of us. The murmuring audience also doesn't help. I have nowhere to go if he denies their request for me to stay here.

"Send her to the other pack! Or lock her up in the dungeon!"

What? My feet were nailed to the floor. He wants to lock me up? But I've done nothing wrong!

Seraphina gasped in protest, Aria whined, and a low growl came from Arzhel. His arms wrapped protectively around me. His face became dark.

"Do you want to challenge me, Arzhel?" Quillan retorted with a growl of his own. His aura changed, and he radiated power and authority. I can feel Arzhel struggling in defiance of whatever is keeping him trapped inside.

He shook his head and groaned, fighting an unseen force but failing miserably, his grip loosening as his body was forced to kneel.

"No, Alpha, but please allow her to stay."

"Quillan, enough of this! Let Arzhel go. It's not his fault!" I heard Seraphina cry, but my focus was on Arzhel. Bewildered as to what was going on.

The people around us also recoiled in the presence of Quillan. Arzhel is sweating profusely, and his brows are furrowed deeply. He was fighting something inside him. I didn't know what to do, and I was too afraid to speak up, especially since Quillan was only a snap away from hurting Arzhel.

It was quiet for a moment before Arzhel sighed, as if he was being let go. He slowly stood up and took my shaking hand in his. Seraphina walked over to our side and asked Arzhel if he was okay before facing Quillan.

"Please, son, don't be this difficult. I know you don't like humans, but Ari isn't trying to hurt you. I assure you that I will look after her."

Humans? Were they not also human? I'm not sure why Quillan could do such a thing. Why is everyone frightened of him? What exactly are they?

His steely expression remained unchanged, and he only looked at his pleading mother.

"You want her to stay? Then, I'll lock her up myself!" My heart dropped, cold dread peeled the warmth out of my body. Words ringing at my ears in disbelief, rough hands captured my arm and were about to drag me down to the dungeon.

However, a shot of what felt like thousands of sparks ignited from where our skin had met, electrocuting me. Quillan stiffened, shock and confusion flashed across his eyes, looking with brows furrowed to where his hand painfully cuffed my arm. He felt it too.

My body thrummed in effect from the sensation, but it only lasted for a second when he let go of me forcely. The sparks faded, his face darkened once more, void of any emotion but revulsion.

"Keep her out of my sight, and she'll be able to stay. I'll kill her if she messes around." He threatened before storming out of the room. I know those words were final, and if I ever crossed his path again, he'd kill me on sight.

I don't know what just happened, and I know he felt it too, but I'm glad it stopped him from locking me up.

The people around us didn't need to be told what to do, they quickly dispersed out of the room, oblivious to the strange occurrence between me and their alpha.

Leaving us astounded in the place.

"Arzhel, I'm sorry. I didn't intend for this to happen." I gathered my wits back and turned to Arzhel, bowing my head. I kind of feel sorry, if only I had stayed in that room, none of this would've happened.

"It's okay. Quillan was just not in the mood today." I know he was just saying it to make me feel better, and I can still see his face wincing in pain.

"Are you sure you're okay? I was trying to get around the house and didn't realize I'd come across him. I apologize." My shoulders drooped as he nodded and forced a smile.

"No, I apologize for what my son did." Seraphina somberly said. I let out another sigh and turned to face Arzhel.

"Thank you, Arzhel, for standing up for me when you didn't have to." His smile turned genuine and patted my head.

"Let's get you back to Seraphina's herb room before Quillan sees you." He took my hand in his and led me down the hallway where I had come earlier, Seraphina trailing behind us.

"Ahw, you two are the sweetest, and my uncle is the grumpiest." Aria's bubbly voice came in unexpectedly, trying to lighten the mood. I didn't realize she was still there. I thought she'd gone together with the rest.

"Aria, stop it, Ari is new here and has a lot to learn."

"But Baba, Ari could be Arzhel's mate. Like look at them. They're comfortable with each other." She says, clasping her hands in front of her face, a dreamy expression on. I'm not sure if it's just me, but the tips of Arzhel's ears seemed to turn a little red.

What does mate mean?

"What is a mate, Aria?" I blurted out, out of curiosity.

"Well, in our tradition, a wolf will find his or her mate every Blood moon - "

"Please pardon my granddaughter, Ari. She's a little overjoyed to have you here." Seraphina cut Aria off from the middle of her explanation, dampening her ecstatic mood.

"Baba, why can't we tell Ari right now?" Aria only whined impatiently.

"That can wait for another day. Ari needs to rest her body, Aria. Her bruises and wounds had not yet healed. The story can wait."

"Aria, your Baba is right. Besides, you should get back to your mom now." My head whipped back and forth while they conversed, they're talking about me like I am not here with them.

"Fine."

The girl huffed and stomped her way down the corridor. Her behavior made the two of them shake their heads in amusement. I know Aria was doing her best to help me adjust to their village and explain their customs, but I honestly didn't understand what she was saying.

"Are you sure you're alright, Ari?" As soon as we entered Seraphina's room, Arzhel's face became concerned.

I sat on the bed and nodded in response to his query.

"Okay, I should get going. It's getting dark, and I still have to patrol the area. Quillan may put my head on a spike if I slack."

I smiled at him and said goodbye.

"He's a good lad." Seraphina commented the moment Arzhel is out of sight.

"I'm sure he is." My lips form a timid smile.

Arzhel, along with Seraphina and Aria, were the nicest people I'd met here so far. Even to a stranger like me, they welcomed me here without hesitation.

Quillan, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. I want to tell Seraphina about the sparks, but I decided not to. It might be just from fear of being locked in the dungeon.

Well, I just have to keep my distance from him if I still want to see him another day.