Chapter 11
WALLACE
The air is tense as Warrick strides back into the clearing, his transformation complete, but the underlying danger is still present.
Windy and I exchange a wary glance.
My body aches from our fight, but more than that, a simmering jealousy burns in my chest. Warrick’s presence, his cocky demeanor, grates on me like nails on a chalkboard.
Windy, looking a bit shy and hesitant, steps forward. “I’m sorry,” she says softly, her voice wavering. “I didn’t mean for things to get so out of hand.”
Is she apologizing to him? He attacked us!
Warrick’s eyes soften slightly, but only for a moment. He crosses his arms, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Apology accepted,” he says, though the undertone of mockery is clear. “But what exactly are you two doing out here in the middle of the forest?”
Before I can respond, Windy speaks up, her tone eager to explain. “We’re looking for the moon bloom. It’s a rare flower that holds powerful magic. We think it can help us break the curse.”
Warrick raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “A magical flower, huh? And you think finding it will solve all your problems?”
Windy nods, her eyes lighting up with determination. “Yes, it’s our best shot. If we can find it, we can change everything.”
Warrick smirks, his gaze flicking between us. “Interesting. And what’s this I overheard about a kiss?” His tone is teasing, and it makes my blood boil. “Looks like you have two men lined up.”
Windy blushes furiously, her embarrassment clear. “It’s not like that,” she protests, but her eyes dart to me, and I feel a strange mixture of pride and frustration.
“Sure it’s not,” Warrick says, laughing. “But hey, who am I to judge?”
I force myself to calm down, focusing on the task at hand. “We should set up camp,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s getting late, and we’ll need rest if we’re going to continue searching tomorrow.”
I start gathering wood for a fire, my movements stiff and awkward.
Warrick watches me with a bemused expression, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
Windy, trying to diffuse the tension, helps me arrange the sticks and leaves, her fingers brushing against mine occasionally. Each touch sends a jolt through me, a reminder of what’s at stake.
“Warrick, can you hunt in that form and not eat the meat?” Windy asks.
“My mind is fully human when I am in animal form.”
“Would you mind hunting for us? We could use some actual meat and a filling meal.”
Warrick just stares at Windy for a moment, and I’m ready to growl at him when he finally nods his head, getting up and moving further into the woods.
Once the fire is lit, I set up a small area for cooking.
Windy and Warrick sit by the fire, their conversation low and filled with laughter. I can’t help but watch them, my jealousy flaring every time Warrick makes her smile.
“What’s it like being a shapeshifter?” Windy asks, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Warrick shrugs, leaning back and stretching his arms. “I’m not a shapeshifter exactly, I’m a witch that is able to change his form. That’s my only power. It has its perks though,” he says nonchalantly. “Being able to change forms can be pretty useful. And it’s always fun to surprise people.”
“I bet,” Windy says, giggling. “I can’t imagine what that must be like.”
“You get used to it,” Warrick replies, his gaze lingering on her. “But it does get lonely sometimes. Not many people can understand what it’s like.”
Windy’s expression softens with empathy, and I feel a pang of something I can’t quite name. “That must be hard,” she says. “But you’re not alone now.”
Warrick’s eyes flick to me, a smirk curling his lips. “No, I suppose I’m not.”
I turn my attention back to the fire, my hands busying themselves with preparing a simple meal of rabbit that Warrick brought us back. The scent of cooking food fills the air, and I focus on that, trying to drown out the sound of their voices.
When the food is ready, I hand out portions, making sure Windy gets the biggest rabbit.
She smiles at me, her gratitude clear, and for a moment, it feels like it’s just the two of us again.
“Thanks, Wallace,” she says softly. “This looks great.”
“Just doing my part,” I reply, trying to sound casual. But my eyes betray me, lingering on her a moment too long.
Warrick takes his stick of rabbit with a nod of thanks, though his expression remains unreadable.
We eat in silence for a while, the crackling fire the only sound. The night is cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves around us. It should be peaceful, but the tension between us is palpable.
After dinner, Windy stretches and yawns, the day’s events taking their toll on her. “I think I’m going to turn in,” she says, glancing between us. “We have a long day ahead tomorrow.”
“I’ll keep watch,” I offered quickly, not wanting to leave her alone with Warrick. “You need your rest.”
Windy nods, her eyes lingering on mine. “Goodnight, Wallace. Warrick.”
“Goodnight, Windy,” Warrick replies, his tone smooth and easy. “Sweet dreams.”
She moves a bit away, laying down on the soft dirt.
Thank goodness we have warm weather right now.
I settle myself by the fire, keeping one eye on Warrick. He remains seated, his gaze fixed on the flames, but I know better than to trust him.
“She’s special,” he says, his tone almost wistful. “But you already knew that.”
“She’s more than special,” I snapped back, unable to keep quiet any longer. “She’s everything.”
Warrick’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something like respect.
“Then don’t let her slip away,” he says simply.
I glare at him, unsure of his motives, but his words strike a chord. I can’t afford to lose Windy, not to him, not to anyone.
The night wears on, the fire slowly dying down. Warrick eventually lies down, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I watch over Windy, her peaceful face illuminated by the moonlight, and I vow to protect her, no matter what.
Tomorrow, we’ll continue our quest for the moon bloom. But tonight, I’ll keep guard, my jealousy and determination burning as fiercely as the embers of our fire.