Golden Chains

017

CHAPTER 017
| Summer camp, pt. 7

"Suit yourself, let's walk a bit more," Cyrus stated, buttoning up his shirt. "Try keeping up with my pace," he added.

"Stop getting ahead of yourself, your legs are longer, so you can walk faster than me," she argued.

"Don't blame your lack of stamina on your short legs, just say you're a sheltered young lady who never walked more than a meter," Cyrus retorted.

Serenity's brow furrowed. "Do you think I come to the academy on a wheelchair?"

"If it didn't ruin your aesthetic, you would," he said in a serious tone,

"Why do you have to win every argument?" Serenity asked,

"Because I never lose," Cyrus asserted.

"What about your virgi—ah," before she could complete her sentence, Serenity stumbled over an uneven root hidden beneath a carpet of fallen leaves. Her ankle twisted painfully, and she let out a sharp gasp, sinking to the ground.

She cradled her injured ankle, teeth clenched in agony as tears welled up in her eyes. 'This is damn embarrassing!' the embarrassment was greater than the throbbing pain in her ankle

Cyrus rushed to her side, lowering himself onto one knee, his hands reached out to gently examine her swollen ankle. Serenity bit her lip, trying to blink back tears.

He clicked his tongue, "You know you're quite a handful," he stated.

'Good, he must be thinking I'm a useless load on him.'

"I can't stand up; it hurts like hell. You can go ahead; I'll catch up to you in no time," she uttered out. 'I know I'm being extra luggage, but maybe, don't go.' she thought to herself, her thoughts a contrast of her own words.

Ignoring her statement, still on his knees, he turned his back to her. "What are you thinking? Get on," he ordered.

Serenity's eyes widened, as she could not believe her ears. She hesitated for a moment, her pride warring with the pain that shot through her ankle with every movement. Finally, she nodded, her fingers trembling as she placed them on his strong shoulders.

'He looks soft, but he sure has some firm muscles...'

He crouched slightly, allowing her to climb onto his back. Serenity clung to him, her legs wrapped around his slender waist. As Cyrus rose to his feet, Serenity instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, his legs carried both their weight effortlessly.

Her face flushed red in embarrassment, nestled in his nape, 'He smells nice as well.'

Serenity gazed up at the open sky, unlike the city it was pretty covered with stars, it was dark and the stars seemed to shine brighter, a sight she wanted to frame in her mind forever,  the night wind was cold as well, she could feel his warm breath on her hands, it was just the two of them, without any interruptions or the eyes of others,

It gave her a sense of comfort, one different from what she's used to.

After a good while of walking aimlessly, Serenity felt guilt eating her up. It's a foreign feeling to her; she's never felt guilty toward someone. He did not complain, even once. She'd prefer if he scolded her, lashed his frustration on her, but he carried her all the way as if it was the most natural thing to do.'

'I don't want to let go of this comfort, though he must be tired now.'

"It's pretty shameless of me to say this after an hour, but you can put me down now; I'm heavy," Serenity admitted.