Night&gale

CHAPTER 4 - BY THE WILLOW

"Finallyy! You guys made it!! But, more importantly why do you look like that?!" Naomi demanded, puzzled looking at me.

She definitely looked worried. Her usual cream-colored face had taken on the hue of a freshly white-washed wall, except for her large almond eyes, shining with concern.

Given the fact that the three of us ran like, someone was chasing us, which in our case was completely true.

It's safe to say, that I looked a little out of it.

Whereas, Noah and Ohadh looked perfect, as if they had just gotten off of a freaking ramp walk.

Me on the other hand, not so much. I was just glad that my right shoulder had healed before facing Aunt Zeela and Uncle Jonah.

"Too long a story to tell right now" I say dismissively, she looked at me still confused as I mouthed "WILL TELL YOU LATER!"

Naomi begrudgingly nodded and let it go, which I was thankful for.

I quickly excused myself hoping to make myself look a little presentable before I meet Aunt Zeela and Uncle Jonah.

While I was busy dusting my dress which had mud on it, I bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going assho---", I look up to see none other than 'RAOUL FREAKING BLAKSMITH!'

Out of all the bazillion people I could've bumped into, my beautiful destiny chose HIM TO MEET ME LIKE THIS!!!!

"Oh my goodness, I did'nt see you there, Raoul" I say in my perkiest voice

Raoul was wearing a dark green buttoned-up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up till his elbows which subtly showed off his muscles. He had stubble growing on his chiseled masculine face that complimented his broad neck.

"Lylah, Is that you?!" he looked at me with those gorgeous honey brown smouldering eyes.

"The one and only!" chuckling rather weirdly, that sounded more like a strangled seal.

I see Ohadh approaching us, from the corner of my eyes.

"I'd say you look beautiful, but you already know that." Raoul says with a smile.

"Of course, of course should I smear some more mud onto her face, she'd look RAVISHING!" Noah interrupted with a scoff.

"Thank you Raoul, you don't look so bad yourself" secretly jabbing Noah in the ribs. What's up with him today.

"Guys lets go! It will begin anytime now!!" Naomi saves me from further on embarrassing myself.

"Shall we?" Raoul offers his arm which I graciously accept, as we walk towards the main gathering.

On reaching there, I see some people looking expectantly at Raoul.

He leans in and says "I wouldn't be leaving if it wasn't common etiquette to greet people here, you know. See you around Lylah." kisses me on my cheek and leaves me gawking.

"Come find me after greeting Aunt Zeela?" Naomi nudges me, before she sets off.

"There you are! Finally my moon has come." Uncle Jonah hugs me tightly.

"Hmm... I see you made it in one piece and just on time" Aunt Zeela says while she kisses my forehead.

Meanwhile Ohadh and Noah greet their parents.

"Why don't you all go and greet the other pack members too?" Aunt Zeela suggests.

"We do need to get ourselves in order now for the ritual to begin, don't we now!" Aunt Sara concurs.

"Yes, I'm sure everyone's eager to meet you all" Uncle Michael says.

"Alright alright" I say while we walk away.

I spot Theo, with the pack symbol painted white on his face and realize that he'd be taking part in the ritual today.

"Hey Theo, It's been a while, how've you been?" I say hesitantly.

"Lylah!! Promise me, you'll watch me fight without missing a move of mine." He says with such eager eyes.

It breaks my heart to see Theo, try so hard to seek the validation of people who already care so much for him, when it's his own validation that he needs the most. I used to watch him, in practice fights with his best friend Liam almost everyday when Naomi used to drag me along to watch her only crush, 'Liam' practice, since elementary school.

"Theo, you don't have to take part in this year's ritual, you're still just 14 years old." I urge him.

"It's too late now, Lylah. It's now or never. I've come this far. This is my chance to be a worthy member of this pack and make my parents proud" He says with determined eyes.

"Theo, you still have soo much life to live! Books you haven't read, places you haven't visited, gifts you haven't received, friends you haven't met." I plead.

"I have made up my mind, sorry Lylah but I'm doing this."

"Will you hold on to this, I'll take it back right after I win my first real fight, how's that for some assurance!" He smiles brightly while handing me his amulet.

"Not very reassuring! But I'll take it" I comfort him with a smile as he is called for, by one of the pack members.

I see Naomi standing by the Willow tree, with tear stained cheeks.

I rush towards her "Naomi! Whats wrong Naomi!!" 

"It's Liam ...I jus- fou-- out--- umm---Liam is—"

"Liam is what Naomi?!?!"

"Liam's fighting in the ritual." she breaks down in tears.

***

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