Signy's chest felt heavy.
Hearing about the life of the young Audwin made her want to go back in time, blast the cursed tower, and take him away from that hell.
If only that was possible--
Lost in her thoughts, she paused in leisurely tracing circles on his chest when she noticed his silence. She looked up and inquired, "So, what happened next?"
Audwin remained quiet.
"Audwin?" she sat up and peered on his face. "What's wrong?"
He lifted his hand and pulled her back to him, conveniently dodging her curious scrutiny. "I'm not telling you the rest. At least not yet."
"What, why?" she frowned, confused.
A pause.
"I'm not giving you a reason to run away," he whispered so soft she had to strain her ears.
Her eyes widened, "What did you say?" Indignant, she shrugged him off and sat up again. "I already know you cursed Aldous. How worse could it get?"
His face pained, he evaded, "I will tell you. At least after the wedding." He squeezed her hand, silently telling her to let it go.
Signy was offended.
How can he say that I'll run away?! After everything we've been through, I'm here, aren't I?
She stared intently at Audwin, debating whether to persist or let go. Seeing his resolute face trying but failing to conceal his fear, she gave up. At least for now.
He's scared. She told herself.
"Fine--"
The bastard had the audacity to smirk at her.
"--but we'll talk after the wedding," she warned.
"Sure," mood lifted, he twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers. "Though I may have to lock you up with me if you ever try to bolt," he teased, almost half-serious.
She replied haughtily, "I won't."
He pulled her back and kissed her head, "For both our sakes, I hope you're right."
***
Signy woke up cocooned by Audwin. She glanced by the windows and saw the sun was just rising.
She was free to relax today because tomorrow was her wedding and everything was in place.
I'm really getting married.
Her heart fluttering, she glanced down at Audwin's arm around her.
He'll be my husband tomorrow.
She covered her silly smile and whispered, "Husband." She beamed wider.
It sounds better than just in my head.
Audwin stirred, "Hmm?"
"You're awake?" she turned back at him, surprised. Did he hear me?
Releasing her, he drowsily sat up. "Hmm."
Ah, his owl brain isn't awake yet. She giggled.
He blinked at her then, out of the blue, reached at the bedside drawer. Taking out a small box, he held her left hand.
"This may be a bit late so I apologize," without warning, he placed a ring on her finger.
Bewildered, Signy could only gape on the ring and back to him. She never expected an engagement ring from him.
Embarassed, he defended, "If you're in danger and I'm not around, that should protect you."
Seeing his flushed ears, she laughed and pecked his lips, "Thank you." She lifted her hand and looked closely at the purple gem, "So how does it work?"
"It will act as a shield when you feel threatened," he said too quickly.
"Hmm, and?" Signy inquired, suspecting there was more that he wasn't saying.
"It-- links you to me," he said hesitantly, looking anywhere else but her.
She raised her brow, waiting.
"I would feel your presence even when you're not with me."
"Wait," Signy stood up and paced in front of him. Somehow, she was getting pissed. "Why're you acting like you'll be an absentee husband when we're just about to get married?"
He frowned, "Who says I'll leave you alone?"
She wiggled the finger with the ring on.
"Ah. I meant even when I'm not literally with you, I'd know that you're safe. And I'd know when you're not," he pondered for better words. "It lets me feel your presence and general disposition."
"That's it?" she narrowed her eyes.
"And if you let it, I could know your location."
"Audwin! Is this a tracker?"
"Only with your permission of course! You can remove it anytime," he took her hand and kissed it. "Please? For my sanity."
Signy didn't know if she should strangle him for his absurdity or kiss him for his brilliance. She sighed, "Okay. Anything else I should know?"
"I was thinking of planting explosive spells but I guess I should ask you first."
"Audwin!" she was horrified.
Chuckling, he seemed to enjoy her distress too much. "That's it. If you want additional defense or attack, just let me know."
Looking at the ring in a new light, Signy felt she had a military weapon on her finger.
"How come this ring has more security feature than your tower?" she grumbled, remembering how easy it was to get there last night.
"Huh?" he tilted his head, puzzled.
"There were dove lanterns that practically guided me here! Then, I just traipsed through the front door like no one's business," she didn't like the idea of him being vulnerable.
"Oh, you mean that? It's only possible because it's you. Those doves would only light up if you walk that path and the traps around here won't activate. If it's anyone else, they'd be a bloody heap before they could ever reach this tower," he smirked proudly, his nose up in the air.
Signy was left gaping for a second time that day.
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Chapter art by @drlee2535 / banana (discord) ☆
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Owl in the Daylight
FanfictionAudwin never knew he was capable of feeling so much when it comes to her. He gave up trying to understand how Signy could ever choose him over his perfect brother, Aldous. But that didn't mean he would let her escape his grasp now that he has her. B...
