Chapter 8 A remembrance of twilight
As the golden rays of the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, Aeon and Diego found themselves nestled on a fallen log in the heart of a lush forest. The ancient trees towered above them, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, as if whispering secrets to the wind.
Aeon ran her fingers through her raven-black hair cascading down her shoulders, blown by the cool breeze, as she glanced shyly at Diego, admiring the curly brown locks framing his face. Her eyes traced the contours of his face, his strong jawline accentuated by the gentle glow of the setting sun. His warm amber eyes held a depth that mirrored the vastness of the universe, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. His tousled hair, kissed by the fiery light, added a touch of wildness to his otherwise composed demeanor.
Lost in her admiration, Aeon’s gaze lingered on the subtle lines etched around his eyes, evidence of both laughter and sorrows. She marveled at the way his eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and determination, a reflection of the fire that burned within him.
Diego shifted and met her gaze with a weak smile.
Aeon’s heart skipped a beat, a warm flush rushed to her cheeks. She averted her eyes, hoping to conceal the affection that had blossomed within her.
But Diego’s keen perception caught her gaze once more, and a gentle understanding passed between them. He leaned closer, his voice hushed as he whispered, “What is it, Aeon? Is there something on your mind?”
Her lips curved into a shy smile as she found the courage to speak. “It’s nothing… I just can’t help but admire the way your eyes light up when you talk about your dreams, and the strength that emanates from your very being. You are a beacon of inspiration to me.”
His expression softened, a mix of surprise and gratitude dancing in his eyes. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of Aeon’s hair behind her ear.
“Aeon, your words touch my heart in ways I can’t fully express. You are the brilliant spark of light in my darkest hours. How can I become your beacon when you were the one who brought the light?“
“Um… about that kiss…”
“I should have controlled myself. Did I offend you? I’m sorry—”
“No— I— I liked it, actually…” she said, flashing a shy grin. “I just… I mean… it was the first time—”
“No one has kissed you before?”
She shook her head. “But I’m glad that it’s you…”
He beamed. His gaze sank into her soul.
“But you don’t know me… my past, my family—”
“I don’t care who you were… I only care for the person before me, and the way I feel for him right now…”
“Then before jumping into the fire, you must know one thing about me, Aeon… I’m not just a Lycaon…”
She jerked her chin up. “You need not say anything more than you’re comfortable to disclose.”
He beamed, crinkling the corners of his eyelids.
“And other than friendship, I assume you are related to the crown prince. Is that right?”
Diego nodded. “You are quite perceptive… yes, I am related to Prince Herrick… in more ways than I can say. And it is the main reason I’m bent on finding justice for him,” he said, shifting his gaze toward the distant mountains.
“I— I don’t care that you’re a half-man, half-wolf… but I like the man that I see…”
“Aren’t you afraid of the monster in me?”
“No… otherwise, my heart would have urged me to run away. A wolf is not a monster, after all. Even mountain cats aren’t monsters… it’s just the way they are. I can’t say the same for humans, though… the most terrifying monsters are men in power… like kings. And you are not that kind of man, Diego, I know that.”
He let out a long breath. “Hearing you say that warms my heart… I truly wish I could be the man you think I am…”
“You already are. I don’t care about anything else. I want to run away with you… join your army…”
“And leave your mother? Your home? You have a good life going here, Aeon… I don’t want to be the reason you’ll throw all that away,” he said, shaking his head.
She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut. “That’s a difficult choice to make…”
“Don’t even think about it. When I have settled the score… I will come back for you… and we will do this the right way, okay?”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Their words hung in the air, enveloped by the serene symphony of the forest. Aeon and Diego shared a connection that transcended words, their unspoken bond growing stronger with each passing moment. In that silent exchange, they found solace, comfort, and a profound appreciation for the depth of their affection.
They sat side by side, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing sight unfolding before them. The landlocked realm they inhabited was blessed with a breathtaking mountain range that encircled their surroundings, its peaks cloaked in a faint mist.
Silence enveloped the forest, broken only by the tranquil symphony of nature. Birds chirped their final melodies of the day, bidding farewell to the sunlight, while the rustling leaves added a soft rhythm to the ever-changing ambience. The duo marveled at the enchantment that unfolded, their hearts resonating with the tranquility of the moment.
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the land, Aeon and Diego shared a wordless understanding. They had their unique perspective on life, but in the silence of the forest, they found solace in their unity.
Aeon’s eyes sparkled with an ethereal glow as she turned to Diego, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
“I have witnessed spectacular sunsets at this very spot countless times, but it never fails to strike awe and gladness in me each time I see it,” she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of wonder.
Diego, his eyes fixed on the horizon, sighed in contentment. “I believe you, and I agree. This is a sight beyond my wildest dreams. It’s as if the mountains themselves are bowing down to pay homage to the dying day.”
Aeon blew a sharp breath. “Somehow, beyond my appreciation of this beautiful night, lies a sadness… I worry that this might be the last time I’ll ever see you…”
“Don’t say that… I won’t let it… this is just the beginning. I will try to see you as often as I can. That’s what the wormholes are for, right?” he said, waggling his brows at her.
They fell into a comfortable silence once again, their gazes locked on the distant peaks. The world seemed to hold its breath, caught between day and night. The forest, once bustling with vibrant sounds, transitioned into a twilight hush, lending an air of magic to their surroundings.
As the sun’s last sliver vanished beneath the mountains, a hush fell over the landlocked realm. The sky transformed into a tapestry of vibrant colors, fading from fiery orange to soft lavender. Stars emerged, one by one, painting the heavens with their sparkling light.
He brushed a finger on her cheek. “When twilight falls, and the first stars appear in the sky each night… I will try my best to steal a moment and meet you at the shed.”
She beamed. “Then I’ll be there, waiting…”
Aeon leaned against the rough bark of the fallen log, her thoughts drifting like the wisps of fog that danced among the trees. Diego reached out, his fingers gently intertwining with hers, a silent gesture of solidarity.
Their bodies melded in the shadows, sealing their unspoken pledge with a steamy kiss.
As darkness slowly draped the forest, Aeon and Diego reluctantly rose from the fallen log. They cast one last glance at the distant mountain range, now silhouetted against the night sky. With a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude, they ventured back into the depths of the forest, carrying the promise of that twilight scene in their hearts.