Behind the Mask | Garroth x Reader

| Part Thirty Two | Reconciliation |

The wolf tribe is friends with Lady Aphmau and Kiki. When a messenger from Bright Port came rushing over asking for Kiki's assistance, Lady Aphmau agreed to help without a second thought. There was only one problem, Kiki was in no shape to be traveling.

I sat at her bedside and dabbed away the sweat on her brow. She is in and out of sleep, curled up and clutching a red glowing pendant.

"Lady Aphmau, I don't think we should risk sending her to the wolf tribe." Lady Aphmau paced as she ran a hand through her hair. "I can help her recover, but it all depends on her to pull through whatever this is."

"Bodolf had requested Kiki specifically, and it sounded urgent. I guess I can make the trip myself and see if it's something I can handle on my own." Kiki would reach up and weakly take my hand.

"Bo... dolf?" I hold Kiki's hand tighter and move some of her hair from her face.

"I take it you know who this is?" She nodded her head and attempted to sit up in her bed. Her arms shook under her own weight. I loop my arm behind her and help sit her up.

"I'll go. If he wants to see me, it must be urgent."

"You are in no shape to travel right now Kiki." Kiki turns to me and holds my hand tighter. "Come with me then. I know if you are there to look after me, I'll be okay." Lady Aphmau approaches the other side of Kiki's bed and looks down at both of us.

"If you're okay with that, I can try to transport the three of us to the wolf tribe. You see to Kiki and I will go check on everyone and see to our boat. I'll return once everything is ready." Lady Aphmau makes her way out of the barn, leaving just the two of us.

There was silence between us. Kiki, with her head tilted back, breathed steadily. She needs her rest.

"I was harsh to you, I'm sorry," Kiki spoke. Her voice was soft, but her hold on my hand was getting tighter.

"So was I..." I look down at our hands. I wanted so badly to tell her all Garroth had told me about Zane. Maybe she would understand why we were so adamant about her staying away from him. Brendan took little to no convincing, but there was something Kiki was holding onto. "Why do you defend him? Even after knowing what he did to Alexis."

I was too harsh and accusatory the last time we spoke. The knowledge of what Zane would be willing to do to get what he wants still looks over me. But I'm more collected now. It helps that he finally left.

"He was kind to me. He seemed genuinely interested, and I did enjoy our conversation and our dance together." She looks down at the pendant in her other hand. "I want so badly to see the best in him."

I move closer and sit shoulder to shoulder on her bed with her. Memories of when I first arrived in Phoenix Drop. Kiki and Brendan were the closest thing I had to what feels like family. As worried as I am about Kiki, I don't want to lose them because of Zane.

"Can you keep a secret..?" She leans her head onto my shoulder and looks down at the pendant. I place my hand over hers and give it a reassuring squeeze. I whisper a 'of course' as I try to take a closer look at this pendant.

"I didn't only dance with Zane..." My whole body stiffened. She would turn her hand around to hold mine. "I feel so guilty. I shared a moment with a man who hurt a child. He put everyone in the village through so much. He gave me this pendant and told me to keep it close. I don't want to but it feels important. I wanted to bring it to Zoey, but she was looking after Alexis. The last thing I want is for it to be something bad and hurt Alexis further."

"Kiki..." I could barely find my voice. Both of us had been used by Zane. Guilt followed us and neither of us felt we could share it with anyone. I wanted to share what I was going through as well, but I didn't want to put her in danger. If Zane found out, I have no idea what he would do to Kiki.

I turn and wrap my arms around Kiki, holding her weak frame tight. "You didn't know what he had planned. It's not your fault." She leans against me, not even having the strength to lift her arms. "Brendan and I will do a better job taking care of you."

We sat there for what felt like ages. Her breathing was all I could hear as she drifted in and out of consciousness. There was no way that I was going to be able to lift Kiki on my own. Thankfully, Lady Aphmau had brought Garroth with her, and he carried her to the boat with ease. As Lady Aphmau helps Kiki settle in, I wait at the edge of the docks with Garroth.

Without a word, I take his hand and give it a squeeze. I wasn't sure he would feel it through his gloves, but he would step in front of me and lift my chin with his free hand.

"Something has been bothering you. I'm worried, especially since you're leaving so soon after what Zane did." His cold thumb ran along my jaw, gently caressing it.

"I just think it was from everything that has been happening. It's a lot to process, and we don't have too many moments of peace like last night." I lean into his hand. "Nothing used to happen at my old village, and here things move so quickly and it's a bit difficult to keep up at times."

Garroth lets out a small chuckle and steps closer. His hand trails down my arm to hold both of my hands in his.

"You're adjusting well and even finding your own place in our village. I know whatever happens you'll be ready for it." He releases one of my hands and reaches into his bag. "I want you to take this. I know that you're only going to the wolf tribe, but with everything happening I can't help but worry."

He places a small silver ring into my palm. The pale blue gem sparkled in the light. I look between him and the ring with wide eyes. I think the look I was giving him let him know that I think of.

"It's to protect you." He reaches down and lifts my hand to slide the ring onto my pointer finger. "When I do gift you a true ring it definitely wouldn't be like this." His voice was low as he spoke so it was just me who heard him. Heat rose to my cheeks.

"'When'? Not 'if', but 'when'?" A slightly nervous laugh escaped me. He lets out a small laugh and adjusts my bag on my shoulder.

"A topic for another time. Kiki will be needing your attention." Garroth steps aside and gives Lady Aphmau a small wave. She returned his wave and turned to me. One look at my flushed face brought that mischievous smile to her face that she only got when she wants to play matchmaker.

"Wish me luck."