Chapter 15
WINDY
The forest is alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds as Wallace catches up to me, his footsteps echoing loudly in the stillness. He places a gentle hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me amid my swirling thoughts.
“Hey,” he says softly, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. “Are you okay?”
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to push aside the lingering frustration and confusion. “I’m fine,” I reply, though my voice comes out tighter than I intended.
Wallace gives me a knowing look, his eyes filled with empathy. “You don’t have to pretend, you know,” he says gently. “I can see that you’re upset.”
I sigh, feeling the tension slowly begin to ease from my shoulders. “It’s just... Warrick,” I say, my voice trailing off.
Wallace nods, understanding dawning in his eyes. “I know he’s... difficult,” he says diplomatically. “But he might be useful. His shapeshifting abilities could come in handy, especially if your magic keeps acting wonky.”
I consider his words, realizing he’s right. As much as I hate to admit it, Warrick might be our best chance at surviving whatever lies ahead. I nod slowly.
“You’re right,” I say finally, offering him a small smile. “We should try to work together, at least for now.”
We fall into step together, the tension between us easing with each passing moment. I can’t help but feel grateful for Wallace’s calming presence, his unwavering support as a constant source of strength.
As we walk, I can’t shake the feeling of Warrick’s eyes on me, his gaze burning into my back like a brand. I resisted the urge to turn and confront him, knowing it would only lead to more conflict.
“He’s such a douche canoe,” I mutter under my breath, unable to keep my frustration at bay.
Wallace chuckles, though there’s a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Yeah, he can be,” he agrees. “But he’s not all bad.”
I shoot him a skeptical look, but before I can respond, Wallace continues, his tone earnest.
“I know you don’t trust him,” he says softly. “And I don’t blame you. But we might need him, Windy. And besides, who knows? Maybe he’ll surprise us.”
I roll my eyes, not convinced. “I highly doubt that,” I mutter, though a small part of me can’t help but wonder.
Warrick is infuriating, yes, but there’s something about him, something that draws me in despite my better judgment.
“And what about you?” Wallace asks suddenly, breaking me out of my reverie. “Do you trust me?”
I turned to him, surprised by the question. “Of course I do,” I reply without hesitation. “Why would you even ask that?”
Wallace smiles, though there’s a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I just want to make sure,” he says softly. “I know things have been... complicated between us.”
I reach out, placing a hand on his arm. “I trust you, Wallace,” I say sincerely. “With everything.”
He nods, his smile widening. “Good,” he says, squeezing my hand gently. “Because we’re in this together, no matter what.”
We continue in companionable silence, the forest unfolding around us. Despite the uncertainty of our situation, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace settle over me, knowing that Wallace is by my side.
As we walk, my thoughts inevitably drift back to Warrick, his presence a constant in the back of my mind. I can’t deny the attraction I feel towards him, the pull that draws me to him like a moth to a flame.
I lied to him when I said I felt nothing. I don’t know why I did but I felt if I told him the truth now, he would run.
It’s ridiculous, I know. He’s infuriating and arrogant, and yet...there’s something about him that I can’t resist. Maybe it’s his confidence, his devil-may-care attitude. Then again, maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m the only thing that matters in the world.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Now is not the time for distractions, especially not ones as dangerous as Warrick. But as much as I try to ignore it, the truth remains, I’m deeply, inexplicably drawn to him, and I’m not sure how much longer I can resist.