Red Within The Forest

Chapter Fifteen: Stay Some More

Lieve released a heavy sigh; one of her fingers wiped her mouth, fixing her stained berry lips. She traced her fingers through her soft hair before she proceeded to take the path she used to go home. The empty night sky watched her, still trying to process what it witnessed. Lieve rubbed her arms some more, "I really need to tell him to not keep me for so long before I end up dying because of the freezing cold." she muttered to herself. 

Her eyes trailed up to the moon. The two stared at one another. Lieve narrowed her eyes, "Oh, don't judge me! It's not my fault he can't get enough." she said. Her body continued down the dimly lit path towards her cottage. With each step she took, not a single sound came from her. Lieve sucked in her bottom lip as she recalled the conversation she had with Piran before she left for the forest.

"I'm telling you, people are slowly becoming suspicious of me! I can't keep coming here in the hall to meet with you at this time." she scolded. Piran rolled his eyes and placed his hands on her shoulders, "If anyone dares ask about your whereabouts, I'll be sure to deal with them." he carelessly told her. Lieve frowned at him, "No! That's only going to arouse more suspicion. Those hunters are..." She was cut off by him. Piran groaned and rubbed his forehead, "There you go again with those hunters." he muttered. He moved his hands to her waist, "You don't need to worry Lieve." he said. The young woman could only shake her head, "Piran, I'm serious." she stated. Piran gives her a half smile, his eyes lingering on her face before trailing down, "So am I." he replied.

Lieve pursed her lips, "Piran, those hunters...they suspect I'm the monster." she whimpered. Piran huffed out from her statement, "And I told you, there is nothing to worry about." he mentioned. Lieve traced her fingers on his chest, "Even Asena is starting to become distant, I think she knows." she tells him. Piran shakes his head, "If Asena knew, she still wouldn't turn on us. I promise." he reassured. Lieve scowled up at him again, "How can you be so sure? She's starting to get close to them...especially with that one hunter." she mumbled. Piran nuzzled his nose into her neck and inhaled her scent; he just hummed in response. His hands roamed down and Lieve sighed out, "I need to do something about her. For good." she mumbled. Piran traced his lips down her neck and made his way lower, ignoring everything Lieve is saying. And she was pleased about it.

Lieve gulped down a warm drink; she exhaled in bliss and slumped her shoulders from the warmth bringing her a form of comfort. The fire popped and cackled, reminding the young woman of her cold surroundings. Lieve shivered against the lingering air. She rubbed her arms once again and cursed under her breath, "I wonder if grandma has any extra blankets?" she wondered out loud. Her feet brushed against the icy bloodstained wooden floorboards. 

The last time she was in her grandmother's bedroom was a few years ago when the two were doing their annual spring cleaning. Lieve was going through some of her mother's old things they didn't need or see themselves using in the future. She was glancing at some of her mother's old clothes when she discovered the book. Of course, being the curious one, she decided to look into it, not knowing what demise it would lead her to.

Unfortunately, before she could read any further, her grandmother called out for her to eat lunch. However, the following night, she tucked herself in her bedroom and reopened to book. Lieve couldn't help but wonder where she would be right now if she hadn't touched the book. Would she still feel resentment towards Asena? Or what about Piran? Could she have forgotten her feelings for him and focused on other things? Or...what about Asena's mother? Lieve immediately shut all thoughts down. No, she didn't have any regrets if that is what you're trying to say. She should be scolding herself for having such thoughts to begin with.

Lieve peeked her head over the crack of the door to see her grandmother's room. When she entered, from a distance, she could see the thin layer of dust decorating it. Lieve snapped her fingers and the candlelight burst into an illuminated flame, giving her the whole view of the room. Lieve shoved open the closet door and went on her knees to push away some hanging clothes, while doing so, some boxes caught her attention.