Louisa Unchained

Chapter 60

　　Louisa's POV

　　"You're a werewolf, aren't you?" I asked Colt as we were walking in the forest.

　　"Yeah, but I didn't tell anyone in the village about it. Mountainside is a very conservative place. The villagers have already been put through a really hard time to finally accept the fact that a queer is living in their neighborhood. I don't want to push their limit by telling them I'm that type of queer who can shift into a giant beast and growl at night."

　　"Did you use to live in a tribe?" I asked.

　　"Yeah. It was a long time ago. I was kicked out of my tribe for obvious reasons." Colt lowered his head and said, "My tribe didn't need me, no matter how skillful I am and how hard I worked. I begged them for me to stay, but they just wouldn't listen. There're other ways for a wolf to make a contribution to the tribe other than reproduction. Human beings understand this, but somehow wolves don't."

　　"I'm so sorry to hear that," I said.

　　Darren was walking in front of us, but I knew he was listening as well.

　　Colt smiled faintly and said, "It's OK. It's all in the past. I don't mind. Anyway, after I left my tribe, I hid my tail and traveled from one village to another, looking for working opportunities. I have a pair of skillful hands and a determination to make a living by working hard. So people start to accept me. I just feel alone sometimes. That's why when I see you, I just want to be friends with you. I haven't met a wolf for a really long time."

　　"I'm happy to have you as my friend. I used to be picked on by wolves in our tribe because I was weak and useless. At that time, I really wished I could make myself useful and I have always admired wolves who have great skills."

　　Colt held my hands and said, "Come on, you can talk to animals! You're very talented and smart! And the porridge you cooked this morning, it's one of the best meals that I have ever had in my life! The most amazing thing is that you don't judge people. I really appreciate that."

　　I looked up and smiled at him. He's so charming and adorable.

　　"Is Darren your brother?" he lowered his voice and asked.

　　"He's my best friend. He's like my brother," I replied.

　　"He doesn't like me. What can I do to make him like me?" Colt asked.

　　"You don't have to let everyone like you." I frowned and said.

　　Colt said, "But I want him to like me because he matters to you. Since I want to be friends with you, he matters to me as well."

　　"I don't know what he likes..." I murmured.

　　Looking back, Darren had always made sure everything happened the way I liked it.

　　He took the things I handed to him. He carried out Finn's instructions. He had to hang out with people and animals that I ask him to put up with.

　　I knew nothing about his preference.

　　I did this because I knew he would never say no to me.

　　I couldn't believe how stupid and selfish I was.

　　So I picked up the pace and walked next to him.

　　He turned his head towards me and asked, "What happened, Lisa?"

　　I looked up at him, feeling guilty and embarrassed.

　　His beautiful dark eyes were filled with concern.

　　I didn't know how to express my feelings, so I lowered my head and said, "Nothing. I just... I just want to walk with you."

　　Darren didn't say anything while walking with me side by side.

　　Birds were coming back to this forest because Vincent left. The chirping of birds echoed in the forest while we were stepping on layers of fallen leaves and twigs.

　　I said, "I'm sorry for arguing with you this morning. I was so selfish and stupid. I kept talking about my thoughts but I ignored your feelings. You treat me like your sister, but I don't even know what things you like. You..."

　　I couldn't continue, because he held me in his arms.

　　I looked up at him with a mixture of grievance and regret.

　　He lowered his head, stared into my eyes, and asked, "Lisa, are you asking me what things I like?"

　　My face was burnt by his gaze, so I buried my head in his arms and said in a muffled voice, "Yes."

　　"I like you," he replied in a soft voice, "I like everything about you. I like the way you talk to animals, the way you cook, and the way you frown or smile. I like the way you treat people with care and respect, the way you hold my hands and tell me everything will be alright. Lisa, I would do everything to make you happy as long as you allow me to stay with you."

　　"I will always be with you, Darren. I won't go anywhere without you. Please stay with me." I cried out. I cried because I suddenly remembered the image I saw while I was drowning in the marsh - Darren drenching in the mud, desperately calling my name.

　　I saw tremendous sadness in Darren's eyes.

　　I would never put him through this pain ever again in the future.

　　"Please don't cry, Lisa. I'm here with you. I won't go anywhere," Darren placed his chin on top of my head and said.

　　"Oh, what a touching moment! What a lovely scene. I'm melting!" Colt's theatrical voice appeared behind me.

　　I turned back and saw him opening his arms and approaching us.

　　It seemed that he was on his way to hug us.

　　Darren lit up a fire on the tips of his fingers and said, "Don't come closer, Colt."

　　Colt was surrounded by raising his arms and he said, "OK, I get it. I get it! We've just met. It's inappropriate. Maybe next time."

　　"Not in your next life," Darren said in a monotone voice.

　　Colt felt demotivated and said, "You're playing with fire, warlock, and it's very dangerous in a dense forest like this! These leaves and branches are highly inflammable and..."

　　His voice was cut by a woman's exclamation -

　　"Colt?! Is that you? Where have you been? I miss you so much! Come here and give me a hug!"

　　I followed the voice and saw an old lady with grey hair standing next to a small house.

　　Colt flew to this old lady and held her tightly. The old lady looked very satisfied and closed her eyes.

　　"Mrs. Flynn! I was just thinking about you! How's the warbler I made for you? Do you like it?" Colt asked.

　　"Yes, it functions well and sings beautifully for me at night, but there's a very tiny problem..." the old lady replied.

　　As they were talking, a big iron bird with flapping wings and a razor-sharp peak and blade-like feathers, which was about three times the size of an average warbler, swooped at us.

　　Darren pulled me down and rolled aside to dodge the attack of the iron bird.

　　After circling above us for a few rounds, the iron bird dived into its nest and disappeared - a clock tower situated at the side of the old lady's house.

　　Mrs. Flynn held Colt's hands and continued, "Just as I was saying... There's a tiny problem. The bird attacks people whenever they try to get into my yard!"