We came into the emptied garden dome.
Cormelio's journal has been lying dead on the table after I sealed it along with the house. It's meant to be read by a relative but I felt a sudden guiltless urge to read it before. Lanasia turns the page emotionally while she's sitting on the swing bed. "You don't have to feel inadequate. It was you who gave your brother a wonderful purpose in life. And it was to nurture the silver wolf. He didn't regret it in the end, the truth is it made him happier. It's written in his journal. See for yourself."
She drops the book on her lap. "What's the point of suggesting that I read this if you're up to spoiling?"
"Because you're my friend."
"Not quite an answer."
I play a tap on her lap with a smirk. "I'll head out first. Take your time," I bid goodbye.
I finally claimed my moment alone again. The heat of the morning sun refills my hope for today. I came across several villagers on the neat streets and I've been avoiding eye contact until I reach the graveyard of rabid victims. And there Hessuel is... sitting silently in front of Cormelio's gravestone. Acro is on top of it. Ever since Hessuel lives as an ordinary wolf, he pays a visit every single day to his uncle like a loyal mourning dog to its owner.
The sight makes me emotional.
Slowly, I walk, stepping on the thin flowers among the grass, toward Hessuel. This spot is missing shade against the sun, so I bring out my umbrella and sit beside Hessuel one seat apart. I caress Acro's breast, then she attacks my pocket along with her busy wings. "Right. I almost forgot." And I gave her some bread. Starting from day 1, Hessuel never paid attention to me.
The complacency within me every time I'm next to him is nothing compared to his cold behavior toward me. I reach for his fur but he groans internally and moves farther.
"I can't blame you," I whimpered. "It's my fault why you're caged in that form. Hessuel, can't you recognize me? Or do you recognize me this way? I know you can recognize anyone just like your uncle. Biaco can recognize the kids he used to play with." The last time I tried to lift the spell on him was naught because the spell is gone. Apparently, he would have remembered me before his intelligence died. However, the way he acts around me is contrary to that apprehension.
And it's killing me with my eyes open.
"Hessuel... Hessuel... Can you hear me?" I asked. It reminds me of Haiban's tale. "Are you walking in the endless wilderness of darkness? Can you recognize your name?" I look firm at Cormelio's gravestone. "I'll get you out of there, Hessuel. I promise, in front of your beloved uncle, I'll fight for you. I will cherish the love we've made. I want to touch you again. I want to see you smile again. I want to feel your affection again. Hessuel, I—"
He's gone! This silver dog is walking away during my love speech! And when I walk to catch up, he runs away! I chase him like a desperate bride. "Hessuel!! Don't run away from me! I still love you!! I swear! Please hear me out first! I'm willing to adopt you!" I screamed but he didn't falter. The chase redounds in the woods. He runs down a slippery hill because of withered leaves and I hold on to every tree to maintain my balance, however, as usual, I still stumble.
I'm wobbling because of the bruise I got on my knees. This loose dress isn't good for sports. I have to walk past a shallow river to catch him but instead, I cage him in a small dome by my enchantment. After I crossed the river with my bare feet, I sat in front of Hessuel. He's curving his back and tail while glaring at me, and gnashing his teeth.
"Hessuel, if I have to be ruthless to make you mine again, I will. I want to feel that burning desire in me through your passionate kiss. I want to cuddle with you in the middle of the night! I want to hear your voice again in front of my ears! I want all of you back!! I want you there... once our kids meet the world. I will keep calling your name until you reach my hand, even if my voice goes out. If I have to jump into a thorny pit to save you, I will... Just like you did. I will fight for you so please... don't give up on me, because I'm done giving up on you."
I extend my hand to him inside the dome, calling him by name. He's sniffing the tip of my fingers and I release the dome, but then I was startled that he snapped a bite on my hand! His fangs sink into my flesh and I lose my balance the second I move away.
"Hessuel, no!!" He attacks above me and is about to devour but he flees immediately instead, leaving me wounded once again. "Hessuel..." I cried. And I watch him vanish into the woods. The bleeding aftermath is severe. I wipe the tears begging to crawl on my cheeks.
This is just the beginning. I will rescue him no matter what 'tho he denies that he needs help.
I search for the clinic in the village for aid, the nurse injects me with anti-rabies after she wraps my hand with a bandage. Surely humans can find ways to improve for the benefit of society. The extra species make the predicament.
"Oh my goddess, my friend! What happened to you!? You shouldn't have left my side!" Lanasia came rushing while overreacting.
"You're not my mother." I let her see my hand. "Hessuel attacked me unexpectedly. Maybe I pissed him off with my confession. This isn't the first time he hurt me."
"And you want him to hurt you more?"
"If it's him, it's alright. It's his bite mark anyway."
"Don't be a martyr like that. Do you want me to slap you again to wake you up?"
"I'm already a martyr with your slap. Don't bother yourself too much with my problems. Mind your own pregnancy. I have a plan in mind."
"I'm more worried now. You're gonna need my approval with that plan before you proceed."
"I can't remember I contracted with you as my business manager."
"Not as your business manager but as a friend. I would like to verify if your plan will only make you miserable or not."
I dangle my arms around her neck, smiling at the back of her face. This is the first time in a while. My smile shapes in relief when she whispers 'Goodluck' to my ears. Being strong doesn't mean being prideful. And such an image often pretends to be cool. The only principle I shouldn't be humble about... is if someone or something takes Hessuel away from me.
Lanasia and I parted ways, at least after I told her the plan. The hour wherein the sun is cold is the time I arrived home, not to my house but to the most glamorous building in the city. On my own, I confront the convicted Eldar. My enchast made the doorknob appear and I closed it back behind me when my feet touched the floor of the room. The Eldar currently is watching everything through the window.
"Haiban, I need your help."
His ear turns before his face.
"Your son is still alive. I need a spell that will bring him back to normal... similar to your tale."
["Ah, I was just kidding regarding that. Don't take it seriously."]
"Uphold it, I demand! And I shall blame you forever."
["No one has done that."]
"I will. But I can't do that alone. I've seen your capacity. I've felt your spell on my fingers. I admire your enchantment! So please, help me."
["... And how will you do that?"]
"The idea is mainly about giving intelligence to ordinary wolves, a similitude of how werewolves originated. But this time, it's about restoring the intelligence by calling the apparition. I guess that's the logic within or just the prior clues."
["..."] He silently walks toward me. Sudden quivering falls upon me as I watch Haiban turn into his Intelligence. His stare screams danger. "You're smart. But not smart to make a deal with. Are you aware of my capacity? Perhaps you know I can make this city roll like a scroll?" The manifestation of his golden spellbook shook the ground.
Doubt sprints into my mind: what is his purpose? Is he an ally, or an enemy?