Dancing With Your Hands Tied (LXC x reader)

I am not ready for whatever's bout to come

A body thrilling roar broke the silence of wood, one ideal morning. You jumped to your feet, ready to run away. But the roar followed a scream. A sharp high pitched scream of someone yelling in distress and agony.

Changing your mind, you made run towards the direction of the scream. Not a few minutes in and you were panting. Your lungs burned and your muscles felt like jelly.

You reconsidered your decision, it's not like you can save yourself let alone those people.

But before you can turn around, you saw someone running towards you. She had white robes on which were stained red and was holding a-

On spotting you, she let out a smile and a breath of relief. You were reaching out for beast to show up and hopefully, she is not too late.

The lady poured her weight over you when she was close enough. You caught her and tried to hold her.

You were too stunned to speak. She got hold of your hand and made you hold the thing she was holding. It wasn't something, it was someone. A little child.

"Wh-" you cannot understand the whole situation of what was going one.

The lady got on her feet after handing you the little child. The little girl's eyes were closed and she was curled up in a foetal position.

"What is-" the lady unsheathed her sword and charged and looked over her shoulder,

"Run." Was all she said before charging towards the dense forest where she came from.

And you followed her last command. You turned back and ran. If you weren't at your limit earlier, now you were.

Thankfully, beast came up to you with concern in her eyes.

"Beast! There-" you frantically pointed in the direction, "The lady, save her, there is something-"

Beast gave a nod and bolted in that direction. Heaving somewhat sigh of relief, you now walked to the cave. Yo,ding the child in your arm in hopes that beast can save the mother.

The child wake up just by the time you reached to safety. As a little kid, all she knew when she saw a stranger crying her was to cry.

You tried your best to sooth her by patting on her head and keeping her close to your chest, "Shh, it's alright. It's okay."

In between sobs, she calmed down, "Where is mama? And Baba?"

You gulped and tried not to meet her eyes, looking ahead at the forest with hope, "She will be here soon. She will be here soon."

You repeated to her but more to yourself in hopes that you can calm your nerves.

"Do, do you know what happened?" You asked the girl which was foolish. She looks like she is barely 4.

She shook her head. Now that she is getting comfortable, she is hugging you tightly and her face is in crook of your neck.

"Who are you?" She asked.

I don't know anymore.

"A stranger." You answered, "I'll keep you safe till you mother returns. My wolf is there to help so no need to worry."

"You have a wolf?" She asked with fascination.

You hummed with a smile, "what is your name?"

"Lan Xiaohui." She said with a smile. "And I'll turn 4 in 3 days!"

"Hua LanYing." You said with a little bow, "Nice to meet you."

She was a talkative child for sure, "Once we are home, me and my Gege will have our birthday together."

You smiled and asked her, "You have a brother as well. That's nice."

You don't mind her talking. As long as she can keep her and your mind off the other stuff it's fine.

"Where do you live?" You asked her despite knowing the answer.

"Gusu! It's this huge mountain and clouds and.." you couldn't help but listen to her voice as she talked about fascinating tales of her home and family.

She yawned and blinked few times. It's been hour and not a single leave have moved.

"You can sleep if you are tired." You gave her little smile, "I'll be here."

She shook her head, but then fell asleep anyways.

Another hour and the leaves rustled. You looked up with anticipation as you saw your wolf. But... that was it. She was alone.

Beast knelt before you and rested her head on your lap, beside Xiaohui's sleeping form.

They are dead. She couldn't save them.

Pressing your lips into a thin line, you took in some ragged breaths. Tightening your hold around little girl. Whom you promised her mother will be back.

Now what!?

Little did you know, the new responsibility that arrived unexpectedly would become your new motivation to try again.

Sorry for short chapter. It was suppose to be with the original ch 2 but that chapter was already long enough. So double update?