Hate Vows

In the End Aren't We All Devil Worshippers? (Riley)

SORRY ABOUT THE LATE UPDATE AGAIN, I'VE BEEN TRAVELING AND WELL, WIFI ISN'T SO COMMON AND I HAD TO WORK IN INTERVALS. ANYWAYS YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST AND ENJOY ^-^

It was late before I finished up in the office, but I was still relieved to finally be able to check on Livona myself instead of sending others to report back to me. When I arrived back at the room, I found Lissette and Livona still in the bed, but Lissette was conked out on Livona's shoulder. Her eyes darted up and she waved faintly. I smiled back and snagged some clothes to change into. Moving into the bathroom, I slipped out of my training clothes that I had worn all day and slipped into a pair of sweats. When I came back out, Lissette was gone, but Livona was now seemingly asleep. I knew we should talk but it was nice to see her peaceful, to see her not looking at me sarcastically or with disdain. I sighed and leaned against the window, glancing over the area out of habit. I couldn't see even half of our property, a gift from the pack's ancestors whom founded a village in the area centuries ago, but it felt reassuring to watch over it. The moonlight seemed to make the foliage glitter and the tree trunks appear reinforced with a steely coating. I crossed my arms over my chest, searching for movement, remembering the feel of slumberous plants brushing at my fur, the night biting at my face, and the cool dirt pushing through my toes. There was a gentle sigh behind me and I twisted around to see Livona waking up, stretching and watching me through crinkly eyes. I smiled briefly and turned back to watch through the window.

           "Did you know that our ancestors believed this land was magic?" She was quiet for a moment and I heard the rustling of the blankets before her groggy voice responded.

          "How so?" I turned my body so I was half facing her but still able to look out the window. Livona was curled into the blankets, only from her nose up and the tips of her toes peeking out. I smiled and gestured for her to come look out the window. She moved slowly at first and then stood across form me, studying me curiously before shifting that studious look to outside.

           "The plant life here and air at night have a certain feeling about them, a sort of surreality that drips from the atmosphere and brings the woods to life. It's rumored that this forest is the exact same place where werewolves began, that the magic we are born with grows in this soil and runs through the trees." A small smile lifted one side of her cheek and she spoke back with interest.

            "Are you telling me a story, a creation story at that?" I leaned against my desk by the window and smirked back, taking note of the way she searched outside.

            "I could if you'd like." She nodded, sleepily resting her head against the window frame.

            "Then get dressed." Her head shot back up and her eyes flew open wide.

            "What?" I moved to my closet and grabbed a hoodie, along with some of my warmer sweats for when I went running in the winter. I handed them to her and grabbed a long sleeve for myself. Livona hesitantly slipped into my clothes, pulling them over her clothes. When she finished, I grabbed her hand and quietly began leading her outside our room. The hallways were dark except for the patterned spots of moonlight coming in from the windows. Livona's hand felt cold in my palm, but not unpleasant. In fact, I gripped her hand tighter and carried on. Livona called out slowly.

            "Why are we sneaking out like we're teenagers?" I laughed and twirled her around the corner, making her let out a little squeal and replied softly.

            "You may still act like a teenager, but for your information, I am not sneaking out; I am simply trying to be considerate of those sleeping in this house. Now come on, there's somewhere we have to be before I can tell you my little story." She rolled her eyes, but I could see the little smirk on her face. I should've known this fiery little goof would be a fan of spontaneously running off in the forest at night. Then I smirked back and continued to lead her down the hallway. I peeked behind us as we stood by the door and glanced down at her, winking and then opening the door. The cool night air brushed against us in contrast to the house's warm air and I released Livona's hand, allowing her to keep her distance behind me as we lazily jogged to the wood line. Livona had her arms wrapped around herself already and I was tempted to add my shirt on top of hers, but instead I settled for stopping every now and again to hold back a branch or something for her.