Allure Of The Witch

Someone Else On The Hill

"Kuhuu...."

The bird chirped loudly as it flew toward Aria. Her melodious laughter rang out, a joyful sound that echoed through the silent forest, infusing the air with life.

Rayan stood a short distance away, captivated by the scene unfolding before him. His blue eyes stared at the scene in front intensely.

There was some confusion as well.

He had visited this place before, but back then, it had been eerily silent, devoid of the chatter and rustle of wildlife. He remembered feeling a strange sense of foreboding, as if no creatures dared to inhabit the hill. The only living thing he had encountered was a pheasant. But now, the hill felt vibrant and alive, bursting with energy and colour.

The difference was that she had not been there.

He took a deep breath, looking away from her forcefully, allowing the fresh scent of the forest to fill his lungs.

"You! Li Dupi Lan Bhe." (Yes, I missed you too.) Aria smiled brightly at the bird, her eyes sparkling with joy and Rayan was forced to look at her again. 

Although he didn't understand her words, he couldn't help but notice the way the bird responded. It seemed even more excited after she spoke, flapping its wings and chirping enthusiastically.

Did they truly understand each other?

The bird settled comfortably on her shoulder, and Aria continued walking forward, a basket swinging at her side.

Rayan followed her silently.

The firewood in the hut had run out, prompting Aria to venture onto the hill in search of more.

She turned to look at Rayan. However, when she saw him just behind herself, she gasped and quickly turned around when she caught his gaze. 

Aria blinked fiercely in embarrassment. Unfortunately, she didn't see the slight tilt of Rayan's lips at her actions.

The sight would have surely shocked Rayan's knights and perhaps Aria too as she had not seen this stranger smiling yet.

His bulky frame always intimidated her, and those beautiful yet aloof eyes seemed to hold a depth she couldn't comprehend. It made her feel a strange fluttering sensation in her stomach, an emotion she was yet to identify. Unfamiliar with these feelings, Aria chose to avoid eye contact, focusing instead on the task at hand.

As she approached a sturdy tree, she raised her axe, ready to strike, but was abruptly interrupted by a sharp voice that cut through the air like a knife.

"Stop!"

Aria flinched, the axe slipping from her grip and hitting the ground with a dull thud. Fear filled her eyes as she looked up at him, her heart racing.

Though she didn't comprehend his words, his commanding tone was enough to frighten her. Rayan walked toward her, his expression resembling that of someone scolding a child who had misbehaved.

"You... how can you even think of cutting down this tree on your own?" His eyes had complete displeasure.

She didn't grasp the meaning of his words, but the look on his face made it clear that he was upset. But what had she done wrong this time? She merely wanted to cut the tree.

Rayan sighed, as he realized she didn't understand a single word he said.

Without further chitchat, he picked up the axe from the ground, and began working himself.

Aria stepped back and looked at his back, feeling as if she had done something wrong without even knowing what it was.

While Rayan continued his task, Aria decided to search for fruits and vegetables to fill her basket. She turned to walk away.

Noticing her moving off, he halted his work, ensuring she remained in his line of sight before continuing.

With his strength, he quickly chopped the tree down, the sound of wood splintering ringing through the air.

When Aria returned, she was astonished to see the firewood already cut, neatly stacked and ready for transport.

So talented, ah...

If Rayan had known that his prowess in cutting wood was earning him points in her eyes, he might have found the situation amusing. But at that moment, he was more focused on tying the firewood together, the repetitive motions requiring his full attention.

When Aria gestured for him to put the firewood in her basket, he looked at her with a strict expression, prompting her to step back once more. Did she genuinely think he would let her lift the heavy load?

Rayan shook his head, exasperation flashing in his eyes. He hoisted the stack of firewood onto his shoulder with ease, muscles rippling beneath his shirt. Aria felt a pang of concern for his injury, but anxiety held her back from saying anything. She feared that if she spoke up, she would be scolded again, so she kept quiet, her thoughts churning.

After a moment, Rayan asked through gestures if they should proceed further or head back to the hut. Aria pointed down the hill, and Rayan followed her lead.

As they made their way back, Rayan spotted a small pit that looked to be just the right size for a man—precisely his size.

Though it had rained heavily the night before, the pit's traces were still visible, the earth slightly disturbed.

He didn't have a clear memory of falling unconscious, but he recalled the heavy rain and the struggle to divert the attention of his enemies. The wound on his chest had bled profusely, leaving him unable to focus on his surroundings.

Aria noticed that he had stopped and frowned, turning to look at him. Following his gaze, she gasped when she saw the pit.

She had found him there.

Without hesitation, she walked over and gently patted his hand, her touch soft and reassuring.

Rayan flinched at the unexpected contact, but Aria persisted, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Lan He Nadina?" (You are alright?) she asked softly, her expression earnest.

Rayan stared at her, the words lost on him, but her gestures conveyed her intent to comfort him. Did she think he was scared?

A  small smile crept onto his lips, surprising him as well as Aria who stared at him blankly, and he found himself gazing at her more intently. How long had it been since someone had tried to comfort him? The warmth of her touch sent an unexpected rush of emotions through him—something he hadn't felt in ages.

A beautiful silence enveloped them as Aria continued to pat his arm, while Rayan observed her lowered head, the delicate way she focused on him making his heart swell. But that moment of peace didn't last long.

Suddenly, Rayan's expression shifted from gentle to cold, his instincts kicking in.

There was someone else on that hill.

Before Aria could process what was happening, Rayan's hand shot out, seizing her arm. In an instant, she was pulled behind a tree, his body shielding hers. heart racing, she looked up at him, bewildered.