Chapter 25 A Moment's Peace

Chapter 25 A Moment's Peace
Dixon stepped out into the night, cradling two metal golden cups, their intricate designs glinting in the moonlight, in one hand and a goblet in the other. 

He joined Izzy at the table, where she sat with her feet swinging gently in the air, her hands cradling her chin as she gazed up at the sky.

Above them, the stars were scattered like diamonds across the dark canvas of the universe. The moon, a waxing gibbous, hung low in the sky, casting a bright, silvery light that illuminated the clouds.

As Dixon sat down beside her, Izzy’s eyes shone with mirth. “The stars…” She whispered, her voice full of wonder. 

“What with them?” He asked.

Her lips curved into a gentle smile, and her eyebrows relaxed. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” She whispered.

Dixon nodded, his eyes following hers to the star-filled sky. 

Her gaze lingered, her chest rising and falling with a slow, deep breath. “I spend most of my nights like this,” she murmured, “but tonight’s different… before, I looked up at the sky, begging the moon goddess for mercy, but tonight,  I looked, feeling grateful that she had finally listened to my pleas…”

Dixon smiled, but she didn’t notice. She was lost in her own world, her words flowing like a river. “The moon’s almost full,” she said. “In Lydrian Marsh, the nobles will be celebrating tonight, feasting and drinking in joy of tomorrow’s full moon…”

He nodded, his mouth opening to respond, but her gaze dropped to the golden cups in his hand. Her eyes widened, and she reached out a tentative hand. “What’s that?” She asked, her voice full of wonder.

He followed her gaze, a smile spreading across his face. “Wine.”

“I’ve never had any in my life.” She revealed, her voice filled with longing.

Dixon’s smile deepened. “Then, I shall serve you your first wine…”He opened the goblet, pouring a cup of wine for her. “Enjoy.”

She took it, her fingers brushing against his. Her fingers wrapped around the cup, and she raised it to her lips, her eyes locking onto his as she took a sip. Her eyes widened, and her body seemed to shiver. Her skin flushed, and her breath caught, as if the wine was a spark that had ignited a fire within her.

He watched her, his eyes bright with eagerness. “How do you feel?”

Izzy's eyes sparkled, and she smiled, a radiant, unbridled smile. "I'm excited," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never felt like this before. It's like... It's like something I couldn't explain."

Dixon chuckled and leaned in, his eyes locked onto hers. “This is Agápe,” he said. “A wine brewed with love, first made by the god Eros, who kept his mortal lover, Psyche, in his heart throughout the process. He infused every grape, every drop, with the essence of their love, making it a wine that would bring joy and passion to those who drank it…"

Izzy’s eyes widened, and she listened, entranced, as Dixon continued. “The recipe was lost, but Aethon somehow rediscovered it and taught me the art. I brewed this batch with you in mind, Izzy. Your smile, your laughter...”

His last line echoed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. Her mind wandered, captivated by his gentle words, her thoughts swirling as she searched for more meaning behind his thoughtful gaze.

“Izzy?” He called, his voice gentle.

Izzy’s eyes snapped back to focus, and she looked at Dixon. “Yes, everything’s fine,” she said, her voice a little too bright. Her eyes shone, and she raised the cup to her lips again, taking a long, deep gulp. 

Dixon’s eyes widened, and he gently reached out, taking the cup from her lips. “Easy…” He said, his voice soft but firm. “It’s your first time, you don’t want to hurt yourself.”

Izzy was beyond reason, her eyes sparkling with a wild, unbridled energy. "I want more," she said, her voice husky and insistent. She locked eyes with him, her tone 

Izzy's gaze drifted back to Dixon's, their eyes locking in a warm, comforting silence. A soft smile spread across her face, and she spoke with a newfound confidence, her voice infused with a sense of security. “You’re with me now, Dixon,” she said, her voice soft. 

“I’ve got you, and with you, I’m safe, in every way that matters…” 

Her smile softened, and she slowly rested her head on Dixon's shoulder, her face tilted upwards, gazing at the sky. “No matter how busy life gets,” her voice was barely above a whisper. “I hope we'll be sparing a moment for something like this.”

His eyes followed hers, gazing up at the sky, a sense of peace washing over him. He smiled, his voice low and reassuring. “You want it, Izzy? It’s yours. I promise you that.”

He gazed down at her, his eyes burning with a tender fire, as he muttered, “I’ll be the fountain that fills your cup, the spring that never runs dry, the river that flows eternal.  Your thirst, my forever quest.” His vow settled, seeping into her bones, making her feel seen, heard, and cherished.

She felt his words wrap around her like a warm blanket on a chilly night, his voice a soothing melody that calmed her soul.

Silence fell between them, with only the distant hoot of an owl breaking the stillness of the night. 

Izzy’s gaze remained fixed on the starry sky, her eyes lost in the infinite possibilities above. 

Dixon, on the other hand, couldn't tear his eyes away from her, his mind racing with thoughts of what the future held and what could happen if he kept her by his side. He wondered if he could defy fate and rewrite the stars, but one thing was certain—he'd protect her at all costs.

As if sensing his gaze, Izzy slowly lifted her head from his shoulder. “What's your wolf's colour?” She asked. "I can't wait to see it tomorrow.”

Dixon's thoughts were interrupted, and he smiled, his eyes locked on hers. “You'll see.”

Izzy's face lit up with excitement. "I bet it's massive," she said. “I’ve seen plenty of wolves before, but never a royal one. Legend has it that the royal family members’ wolves have special abilities. Is that true?”

He nodded, his smile growing wider. “Yeah, it's true. Every wolf has a unique trait, one that’s been passed down through our lineage.”

Her eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?” She asked, her voice barely containing her excitement.

He just chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You’ll see tomorrow.” He said, his voice mysterious.

Dixon’s eyes shone with curiosity as he asked, “What about you? What’s your wolf like? What’s its colour?”

Izzy’s expression changed, and she sounded surprised, “Me?!" She shook her head. “I’ve never transformed before.”

Dixon’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How’s that possible?”

Izzy shrugged, looking away, her eyes dropping to the ground. “I don’t know. I’ve tried, but it never works. It’s like... My wolf is there, but it’s not. Does that make sense?”