Bound by the Blood moon

Chapter 8

"You orchestrated this most elaborate ruse, did you not? This entire performance! You allowed me to be consumed by the false pretence of your impending execution, all whilst knowing that your compatriots would come to your timely aid," Charlotte exclaimed.

"In truth, love, you exhibited such unwavering conviction from our very first encounter. Who was I to deprive you of that frenzied joy?" Leo countered, a slight smirk gracing his lips.

"I was not in joy, sir; I was incensed! My words were devoid of true sentiment," Charlotte asserted, her sincerity evident. Yet, Leo, in his folly, chose to bait her further.

"Of course, your emotions were purely a display. Pray tell, would you have wept for your beloved, Charlie, had the fates been decidedly cruel?" he taunted.

Charlotte averted her gaze, indignation bubbling within, and directed her inquiries towards Lilias. "Did you too possess knowledge of this charade?" Disbelief overtook her, as she instinctively stepped away. Leo perceived her inclination to flee and knew he must exercise utmost caution.

Advancing hesitantly, he extended his hands as if to pacify a startled child. "Pray, calm thyself, Charlotte. No malice dwells here, we shan't harm you."

Her eyes darted anxiously between them, while Lilias remained silent, fearing only to deepen the already tense atmosphere. As Leo approached once more, in a sudden act of panic, Charlotte surged forth, dashing into the night. Thorny branches scratched at her skin as she fled, moving in frantic disarray, yet her senses sharpened in the darkness. The comforts of home eluded her; she could not return. The only paths open to her led to the harbour or an obscure village. Pain lanced through her knee, escalating from a dull throb to a sharp agony, yet she pressed on, driven by fear.

Leo, in turn, transformed and pursued her. With the blood moon now behind him and certain of their fated bond, he felt her presence draw nearer still, the scent of her intoxicating. Just as she neared the docks, a colossal paw struck at her feet, sending her crashing to the ground. She clutched her knee, tears gathering in her eyes as pain coursed through her.

Instinctively, Leo whimpered and paced restlessly, mindful of maintaining distance, not wishing to further frighten her. The torment of being unable to convey his thoughts in this wolf form plagued him. As he cautiously extended his magnificent paw toward her injured leg, she recoiled, inadvertently causing herself further pain. Scrambling desperately away, she found refuge against the sturdy trunk of a tree. Their bond, strong and intensifying, allowed him to taste her fear; the fear overshadowed the pain, filling him with remorse. Even without their unspoken connection, her terror was evident upon her visage. With gentle surrender, he laid down, resting his great head between his massive paws, striving to exude a sense of calm and gentleness. Yet Charlotte remained transfixed by his luminous yellow eyes, rooted in place by fear, her mind racing with visions of potential peril.

The tense eye contact that held them captive was abruptly shattered by the entrance of Lilias, who appeared breathless and flustered. With a nimble grace, she set down a neatly folded array of garments beside Leo, her demeanour respectful yet earnest.

"Charlotte," she said, catching her breath and keeping a respectful distance, "please, ye must believe me. I kent naught o' this. I've been confined tae the manor since I arrived. I've had nae contact wi' my kin since I was taken. I would never betray ye in any way, knowingly. Ye're the only friend I have now."

Charlotte regarded Lilias with sympathy; the girl seemed utterly distressed, her eyes rimmed with worry. "Pray forgive me for my unfounded suspicions," Charlotte replied, accepting Lilias's outstretched hand as she hastened to assist her.

"How's yer leg? Lilias enquired, her eyes dropping to Charlotte's leg, still ensnared in pain.

"It plagues me, yet I trust that in time it shall mend. Might I lean upon your shoulder for support?" Charlotte ventured, and Lilias consented readily.