(Dandeline's POV)
5 years passed and I stayed at 23. It's twilight at this hour in this world, 3 pm. I was sitting on the mattress on the floor of a quiet room to perform an enchantment; I closed my eyes, opened an enchast in front of my face, and opened my eyes again in a different body.
I looked around the house—the home where I was supposed to be. What fascinated me was the paintings on the walls, stairs, and foot sketches on the floor that were unfamiliar compared to my last visit.
I jumped down to the floor to visit my twins sleeping tightly on their bed. I stared at their peaceful faces, I reached for their hair to feel them, and my eyes went teary all the time I thought about my boundaries. Hessuel wasn't spotted on his bed. I walked back to the dining table to look around for him. The door opened and here he is with a teacup on hand. Locking my gaze at him, I'm consistently impressed with the figure of his body.
He's 27 now. Adulthood hit him fantastically! His short beard with mustache, maintaining his clean hairstyle I prefer for him with a few strands of hair rubbing his eyebrows, how extra beefy his arms look, makes me want to get my butt out of here and come home!
"Why are you looking at me like that, Acro?" he asks me. "Are you hungry?"
Yes! I'm vigorously hungry!
Watching him remove his coat, and his shirt, and beholding his back drums my chest but irresistible. The more I gaze at him the more my bitemark aches! Unintentionally, I cut my connection as I squirm my shoulder and squeeze my bitemark with my hand because of the extreme pain! And thoughts about my mate's scent, face, voice, and body make me drool!
I want him... I want him now!
"Dandeline?" Lanasia arrives on time. "Oh my... Is it aching again!?" She pulls me up with my arms and I'm gripping her shoulder, digging the deepest breath I can to calm my wolf. "Come on. I know what you need," she said, almost bragging about it but she only took me outside the forest castle to take fresh air in the garden. After a few minutes of panting, my wolf desires calm gradually. The contusion of my bitemark is spreading on my shoulder but I hide it under an illusion spell.
"It's been 5 years!" she initiates. "I felt the same pain when I was separated from Matheo too. And I felt rescued from a drowning situation when we reunited again. This means the only remedy for that is to reunite with your mate! Not just the cuddling if you both have the space~"
"This is a curse. Being apart from them is already a curse!" I ranted.
"Yes, my friend. Bitemarks turn into a curse if both mates do not perform their commitments as mates: to multiply, to love one another, and to multiply once more their breeds. It's okay to leave this world unfinished! We have everything we need and it's perfectly beautiful. Don't stretch yourself too much to a length you cannot reach! Leave this world for a while and go to your family to heal. You deserve it."
"Thanks... It isn't our plan to complete this world anyway." This is only 10x bigger than Asfara but smaller than Earth. The edges of the map will be left blank spaces like an empty page. "The difference between Earth and Linevr is the perfect Creator while we're not. The only deity who can complete this world is someone who cares for her children and someone close to perfection. The Moon Goddess will do the rest we can't."
"Then what keeps you away from home?"
"... I made a promise with Hessuel." I extend my fingers, looking at my engagement ring. "I will find a way to redeem the silver wolves and take them here. And there's more problems than that..."
"Here!" She gives me a thin record book. "I have listed the history of silver wolves, my ancestors who guarded the rebirth of the pureblood, and a few details about their origin. I hope this will help you find a reason to redeem them. Wolves are wolves. They all deserve space in this world with their Mother."
I took the record to explore the pages a bit. "Good job."
"But like I said!" she asserts, "leave everything behind for the meantime to heal. I miss the human world, too~ I'd like to pay a visit!"
"There's one last thing we have to deal with first."
"Wow, you're so full of schedules!" She complains instead of me.
We gathered all contributors in a chamber for our concluding meeting. Putting the enchanted paper of agreement, I instruct them to sign. "Your whole salary for this project will be stocked inside a treasure chest and shall be in your home once you arrive."
"Will this be goodbye?" Lanasia asks.
"What will you be doing next?" Ophelia asks too. She became the most creative contributor when it comes to unique species that werewolves befriended.
I answered, "I'll be going to Cardozen."
"Oh, me too! I received a letter from a friend there. We will meet."
I'm looking at Afvshaganifs' hand while he's signing the document. He's a great contributor like me. We often worked together in building places and details in every creation that will both benefit and please the werewolves. He made this work faster—frankly, 5 years is faster already. I'm confident that Haiban is laughing at us in his grave. Nothing can match his specialty in creation. "How about you, Captain?"
"Me? I'll go home to my new treasure and play with death again," he answers while spinning the pen on his fingers.
"I'm still disappointed that I heard what I expected."
"What, do you want me to come with you instead? Not a problem! Perhaps I'd like to visit the bar where you first met me."
"That's not what I mean—!"
"The bar! right!" Zaeramil snapped after he signed. He contributed to the creation that most werewolves suggested having, he's Lanasia's partner in implementing new and reorganized werewolf traditions too that are favorable for human aliens. Although most of those ceremonies will be approved by the ranking werewolves first. Zaeramil continues, "Mom, let's visit the bar!"
"It's been years since I last saw Cardozen..." Lanasia meditates. "Alright. It's fun to visit an old home, too! We're coming with you to Cardozen!"
"To drink and be merry in your bar!" Afvshaganifs suggests.
But Zaeramil contradicts, "The bar cannot operate on the spot, you know."
"What's the use of our magic then?" he laughs and pinches Zaeramil's ear.
The meeting concluded that we are all going to Cardozen. Ophelia chose a separate route to pay a visit to her home first and the rest came with me to my house. My 7 dogs were with me when we arrived and they all jogged and leaped in joy throughout the house.
We stroll in the city afterward. But our mouths remain shut as silent as this empty house, roads, and abandoned construction. Unfortunately, there's no available ride anywhere.
"Wow... We should've come with Ophelia," Afvshaganifs teases.
Lanasia inquires me, "What happened here? It's your home city, right?"
"I never expected this too," I responded. And then I shrugged. "Of course, it would be more surprising if people stay here after the 2 consecutive disasters."
"What disasters?"
"It's a long story."
"Are we going to walk from here to Cardozen? It's a long journey~" the Captain said.
"What's our enchantment for then? Come on. I can pilot an airship," Zaeramil volunteered. We laughed at Afvshaganifs because of that counterattack.
...
...
(Hessuel's POV)
"Danteleon, hurry it up. You're getting late."
He's been eating breakfast for thirty minutes. Hedwelch is prepared already.
"I don't wanna go to school..."
"Why not? Do you still hate math? Just enjoy the class, your brother is there so you won't be an outcast."
"I don't like the teacher..."
"Ms. Dayana is there. It's going to be alright."
His twin fixes the towel on Danteleon's back, then ties his hair too while Danteleon is chewing sluggishly.
"You can only play after school so be excited~"
"School is not as fun as playing..."
He has reserved unlimited reasons but I can't give him the permission he's been waiting to hear from me. I patiently helped him finish his breakfast and took them to their chaperone: Dayana's carriage. I had no problem with Hedwelch but with Danteleon, he resisted my pull whilst crying and that convinced me to carry him. I transferred him into Dayana's arms and she tamed him effectively.
"I'm really sorry," I said to her.
"No worries! I'll take care of them." Then she hops in with them and leaves.
I checked the mailbox for orders but it's empty. This is a sign! The common routine I do every morning is supplying my contracted seller in the town for my stable income but the demands nowadays are poor. I should switch this livelihood to occasional bread instead of daily bread since our hunger is not occasional. I prepared for lunch before I secured the flowers outside the garden inside a net because of the dark sky.
An approaching carriage caught my attention on the road. I hurried to greet her when I recognized Ophelia! Instead of a partial hug she expected, I hugged her tight! "Madam Ophelia! I'm so moved with hope with your presence—!"
"What? What's going on? Why did you call me here? What business are you talking about? Why am I involved? Does it have to do anything with me?"
"And I'm poured with questions..."
"Answer it all."
I escorted her into my front yard. "You see that?" I pointed at the vehicle cart. "I know you're interested in rides. I've been thinking of a business wherewith I will supply vehicles like that. And I'd like you to be one of the investors."
"Oh...? Sounds hopeless."
"What?"
"But you can still convince me. Let's talk about it inside."
☪ ✧ ✧
"I like your ambition," she reviews after my lengthy explanation. Then sips the hot drink I prepared for her. "Exclusive roads for vehicles, every individual possesses a ride that will save more time than walking. Once this idea engages, smooth roads connecting different cities will be prioritized by the governments. Nonetheless! I may like people with definite goals, but weak plans disappoint me to the very core. Your plan is to make me one of your investors? What else?"
"I have a prospective engineer already. Then I'll hire architects for the features. I'll be my own investor, too!"
"Too broad!" she criticized. "But anyhow, I just got my salary from my previous business. I suppose I'll use it to invest in yours. Provide a written plan for me before I proceed to that."
"Will do. I'll provide you with my research, the potential expenses, and name all people who will participate. Would that be still broad? Besides, everything I need is probably within this town. They all helped me build this house!"
"You're confident with your success because of that. However, how long will you hide your identity beneath that coat? What a jocose to wear a coat in summer. The more you engage with people, the more your secret is at risk. In some unfortunate aspects, you cannot gain their trust if you aren't true to them."
"It's a harmless truth so it's fine! You told me so, I have nowhere else to go but here. Acceptance is already solved."
"Don't you want to begin that ambition in the world where you belong?"
"I... don't belong anywhere. Other than that, I don't belong to this generation. I tried to find where I belong throughout my life but every time I thought I found my home, it eventually casts me out. Most doors are closed. Neither the world of werewolves, if any, would open that for me. Although some are kind enough to feed me outside. That's why I'm here... outside that home."
"..." I noticed she stopped from sipping that drink peacefully.
"It's fine! It's not always about finding where I should be. I learned it's about how I'll stand out while embracing that difference."
"Coming from someone who's been hiding his identity."
"I'd be lying if I deny it's lonesome~" I bent a little from my seat to reach for a hyacinth bulb and smelled it. "I met amazing people here. And at least I survived with this dying business for 5 years!"
"... I like your principle. But you don't deserve the result of it. Does it mean that this will be the permanent world you'll introduce to your kids?"
"I'm afraid I cannot pull them out of here anyway," I said wryly. They discovered and found the things they love here. I'm exactly the same. I can't picture myself in a place where my own kind despises me.
"At least introduce them to their mother! You can't pass that motherhood obligation to your neighbor forever. And you can't start this business unless you'll neglect your kids. Where is she all this time!?"
I speak slowly, "S-She's a busy enchantress."
"For 5 years!? How could you do nothing other than waiting? Aren't your kids looking for her!? I abhor these couples; making kids together then nurturing them alone, presenting to the public that you are a strong and independent parent yet you're only tolerating the other irresponsible parent who couldn't have the resolve to stand up for the life you both made. I'm not trying to meddle in your life but I am certain that this will affect the success of your business negatively!"
"Okay okay! I get i—"
"You need that person to help you lift the burden you've been carrying alone. And you're such an apathetic husband! You should be aware of your wife's condition. Go and find her first if she's more important than your business! This can't be a home for your kids if both of you are swooping into your so-called 'busy' reasons."
"I will keep that advice. And please don't frustrate yourself too much about that."
She relaxes her back and fills her mouth with the drink to the last drop. A knock on the door cut our discussion then I heard Dayana's call, "Mr. Hessuel! We're back!" I quickly put on my coat again—Ophelia sighs at the sight of it, then stays here in the indoor garden after giving Dayana permission to come in.
I looked at the wall clock and it was not their dismissal time yet. Danteleon's face is blushy. "It's an early dismissal for them apparently. Danteleon couldn't stop crying so the teacher granted them to come home early."
"You can have your early tutor with them instead."
"Sure!"
Ophelia criticizes, "Enchanting is not for crybabies."
Hedwelch and Danteleon's eyes twinkle the moment they see her. "Mrs. Ophelia!" they exclaimed and rushed to hug Ophelia.
"Oooh~ The Little Devils!" She embraces them too, pinching and kissing their squishy cheeks. While the two giggle at her. "I miss these froward kids! And look at you, fix your face, sweety!" She wipes Danteleon's catarrh.
"Have your lunch here," I invited them. Dayana assists me in preparing for lunch and whilst doing so, the rain falls heavy and heavier. "A storm?"
"Luckily, the twins got home now," she says.
Yet despite the storm outside, we're having a loud lunchtime. My kids are sitting next to Ophelia and they are showing off with Dayana who's in front of them. I watch their corniness in the middle corner.
"By the way," she asks, "I noticed the math paintings all around the house. Looks like they had fun?"
"Yes—"
"Yes! It was fun and easy!" Hedwelch said.
"And fun!" Danteleon adds.
"I can count from 1 to 100!"
"Wow! That's brilliant~" Dayana applauds.
"Yah, he's counting whilst sleeping," Danteleon said to make her laugh. "I know some tricks, too. Look!" He presents his one spoon and magically multiplies it while explaining, "Adding every number with 1 will result in the next number. So if I add 1 and 1, I'll get two! If I add 1 and 2, I'll get 3! And if I add 1 and 3, I'll get 4!" He multiplies the spoon up to 9 because he can't hold the amount of it, and every spoon clatters on the table—somehow ruins his presentation.
Nevertheless, he earns praise from Dayana. "Very good! That's a wonderful trick!"
"Me too! Look!" Hedwelch demands. He's full of excitement as he stands up on his chair, putting his hands on his back. "If 1 plus 1 is 2, then dad plus mom is equal to," and they both shout the answer, "twins!" Hedwelch tosses petals of roses on the table while they're both laughing.
Dayana chuckles at their presentation. "How did you learn that?" she asks Hedwelch.
"Dad told us."
I looked away while hiding my face under my palm.
After lunch, I wash the dishes in the sink while Dayana begins tutoring my kids. The storm is still raging outside, also the reason why I requested the visitors to stay here for a while. I came upstairs to look for coats for them. Ophelia comes after me up here, striding her steps, and grasps my left arm.
"Ouch—!"
"Marry that woman," she grumbles. And I don't know what's more surprising; her words or the way she grasps my aching bitemark! "Oh, I'm sorry. Do you have a fracture there?"
"No but almost. I-It's the bad effect of bitemark." I was surprised when I folded my sleeves up to show her the contusion and it had already spread up to the back of my hand. She covers her mouth in aghast, I mimic her. "Do you know why this is happening? Every time the pain triggers, I... want to see my mate," I confessed afterward.
"Yes... I felt the pain of the bitemark when my lover died. But not as bad as this! I don't know why this happened. Oh, but I know an expert who can help you! She's knowledgeable about werewolves and we'll meet here soon. I'll refer your help to her."
"Thank you."
"Where were we..."
I lent her the coat. "You may use it for the meantime," I said and escaped but she grasped my other arm again.
"Marry her! Look! Your children love her so much."
I glanced at Dayana and the kids in the indoor garden, and they were enjoying the magic tutorial.
"It will not be a problem if you make her their stepmother. Can't you see her the other way around? Don't you think she's lovely?"
"Madam Ophelia, I don't want to turn their childhood crush in to their stepmom." I laughed at the idea. "And there's no way I can replace my mate."
"Then I will not sign a contract to be your investor not unless you find a responsible mother who will nurture your kids, take care of you at home, during your endeavor for your livelihood."
"Whaaat! I'm doing this to feed them. There's something better I have to do to provide for them." I complained. "And I promise I won't neglect them."
"Oh, I'm telling you, a home with one parent is still better than a home without parents. This deal is closed."
“But—!” I can't lose Ophelia's investment! I also think it's time—to be reasonable—to cross my boundary. A knock on the door silenced our lips and thoughts. "... At this kind of weather?" I scampered to open the door and a drenched woman startled me! The floor almost caught her but I caught her in my arms first. "Uh, Miss? What's going on? Are you being chased!?" She's extremely weak when she reaches for my cheek.
"Hessuel... I... I finally found you," she said and I'm literally speechless. She faints afterward.
The rest of the people here have gathered around. "Hed, get her a towel and prepare the couch!" He hastens upstairs and Danteleon follows. I was reluctant at first but I removed my coat eventually to cover the drenched woman and lift her inside. Ophelia closes the door. I lay the woman on the couch, my kids cover her in the towel, and Dayana volunteers to prepare a hot drink.
This woman... This isn't the first time we've met but I can't remember who she is. I know at first glance that she came from the Moon's Order pack. While Ophelia is nursing the woman, she asks me, "Speaking of the devil, is she your wife?"
"Huh—?"
"Mom!?" Hedwelch and Danteleon uttered.
"No, no! She's not your mother," I denied.
"Then why was she looking for you? A relative?" Ophelia questions again.
"I don't know."
The woman speaks wearily, "I'm sorry. Please don't be troubled. I'm on my own..." she lifts her golden eyes at me, "looking for you. Remember? I was one of the she-wolves Luna Maia gave to you... for mating."
A glimpse of memory came recalled inside my head... but suddenly, it shivered my spine to the tips of my fingers. She's a bad memory.
"We pledged to keep our identities from you... but not anymore. I can finally... introduce myself to you... My name is Hrista."