MY CURSED MATE

I Haunting memories of the past I

Warning! This chapter is not edited, so expect typos, misspelled words, and grammatical errors. Thanks and enjoy reading!

KABANATA VI

Third Person's POV

Muli na namang sumapit ang umaga ng hindi maayos ang tulog ni Everly. Kasalukuyan itong abala kasama si Manang Linda sa pagluluto at paghahanda ng kanilang umagahan.

"Eto po," usal ni Everly matapos iabot sa matanda ang kanyang mga ginayat na gulay. Kaagad naman nito iyong inihalo sa niluluto nitong ulam.

The rich scent of freshly cooked rice and sautéed vegetables filled the air as Everly carefully arranged the dishes on the table. Her movements were steady, but her mind was preoccupied.

Madaliang ipinunas ni Manang Linda ang kamay sa apron na suot bago inilingon ang tingin sa dalaga na noon ay abala na sa pagkuha ng mga plato at kutsara sa lalagyan.

"Maaari mo bang tawagin ang dalawa ija? Naroon sila ngayon sa training ground ng central forest," utos nito kay Everly na kaagad natuod sa kanyang pwesto.

She hesitated, her fingers pausing on the spoon she was holding. "A–Ako po?" she asked, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

The old woman chuckled softly. "Yes, you. They need to eat too, you know."

Ilang beses na napalunok si Everly dahil sa kabang unti-unting bumabalot sa kanyang sistema.

The idea of interrupting the two men in the middle of their training unsettled her, but after a moment of inner debate, she gave a small nod. "A–Alright, I'll go."

Her heart pounded against her ribs as she made her way toward the central forest. The earthy scent of damp leaves and pine filled her lungs with every deep breath she took in an attempt to calm herself.

Habang papalapit ng papalapit sa lugar ay unti unti niyang naririnig ang ingay mula sa pagsasanay ng mga ito.

Noong nasa mansion pa lamang siya ng kanyang ama ay madalas niyang nakikita ang mga kawal maging ang kanyang ama at kuya sa pagsasanay ng mga ito. Masyado iyong brutal para sa kanyang musmos na isip ngunit ibinukas niyon ang kanyang mata sa mga paraan kung paano niya magagawang protektahan ang sarili.

As she neared the sparring ground, the distinct sound of fists colliding and sharp exhales of breath echoed through the air.

And then she saw them.

Jake and Greyson were locked in combat, their upper bodies naked, muscles tense and glistening with sweat under the morning sun.

Every movement was precise, every strike calculated, their raw strength on full display. The sheer intensity between them made it seem like they were unaware of everything else around them—including her.

Nanlaki ang kanyang mata kasabay ng paghigit sa kanyang hininga. Ramdam niya na naman ang unti-unting pag init ng kanyang leeg paakyat sa kanyang ulo at pisngi. Hindi nga niya alam kung pula na ba ang kanyang mukha o mas lalo iyong namumutla.

She stood frozen a few feet away, her emotions a swirling mess of shock, embarrassment, and something else she refused to acknowledge.

Ilang beses niyang sinigaw sa kanyang utak na ialis ang tingin sa mga ito ngunit tila ayaw sumunod ng kanyang katawan. Kaya naman nanatili siyang nakatayo sa kanyang pwesto habang nakasandal ang palad sa katawan ng punong nasa tabi niya. Parang nanghihina bigla ang kanyang tuhod ng mga sandaling iyon.

It was Jake who noticed her first. His keen eyes flickered toward her, catching the absolute shock painted across her face as she quickly averted her gaze, turning her back on them.