Chapter 32 CHAPTER 32
For a long moment, Cindy could barely breathe. Her pulse still thundered in her ears as she sank onto the wooden chair, her knees trembling beneath her. The room seemed to tilt, light flickering against the old walls.
She pressed her palms to her face. “Oh, Moon help me…”
Isabel stood near the counter, wide-eyed, holding a half-folded napkin in her hands.
Cindy couldn’t look at her. She wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole. Never in her life had she felt such overwhelming heat - or such humiliation.
Lisa, she whispered inwardly, forcing her voice to steady. What was that? What just happened?
Lisa’s laughter came through soft and bubbling, the sound of a mischievous child. You mean the feeling?
Yes, the feeling, Cindy muttered inwardly, still refusing to look at Isabel.
Ecstasy,it's the pleasure one feels during mating, Lisa giggled again, the pendant is sharing whatever our mate feels when he’s having sex with his chosen mate. I loved it, didn’t you? I think our mate is well experienced.
Cindy froze, eyes widening. Stop it! Why would you love it when he is doing it to someone else? He rejected us, remember?
I’ll take it over the pain, Lisa said, sounding far too delighted for Cindy’s liking. I know it’s wild, but the priestess did us a favor. Don’t forget that. Lisa’s continued.
Wild? Cindy whispered sharply. Lisa, that was - mortifying! What if that happened while I was at the café? Or worse, in front of my brother?
Lisa only laughed harder. Then it would’ve made his day more interesting.
Lisa! Cindy groaned, dropping her face into her hands. You would like it?
Of course I do. It’s been so long since either of us felt anything that intense. Admit it, it wasn’t terrible.
I will admit nothing, Cindy hissed inwardly. And stop laughing!
You’re blushing, Lisa sing-songed. If we had a mirror, I’d show you.
Cindy clenched her jaw, trying to drown out Lisa’s laughter - which only made her cheeks burn hotter.
Across the table, Isabel had been watching her, frowning slightly. Her young face was curious, puzzled, and just a little amused.
“Are you… talking to her?” Isabel asked cautiously. “To Lisa?”
Cindy blinked, realizing she must have been muttering aloud again. “I… yes. Just a little.”
“What are you two talking about? Did she feel it too?”
Cindy’s blush deepened. “Isabel,” she said quickly, “I really don’t want to talk about that. Especially not with you.”
“Why? Because I’m younger?” Isabel folded her arms. “I told you, I’m not that ignorant. It’s not like what happened is something I don’t know about.”
Cindy turned sharply toward her. “And where did you even learn about… things like that?”
Isabel shrugged, a faint smirk curving her lips. “I live in the city, remember? And I work at the café, during the night. I see all kinds of people when I serve them, or just walking home late at night. A lot happens in the streets at night.”
Cindy sighed, rubbing her temples. “Wonderful. That’s just wonderful. That gives me peace of mind…well done Isabel, for painting the picture for me.” There was an edge of sarcasm in her voice.
She’s smart, Lisa chimed in with a chuckle. That's why I like her.
Cindy ignored her.
Isabel leaned forward slightly, the curiosity still bright in her eyes. “So, did Lisa feel it too?”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it,” Cindy repeated, her tone firmer this time.
Isabel grinned. “You’re blushing again.”
Cindy exhaled sharply and stood up. “Enough about that. We were having a much more important conversation before all this madness started.”
“About me moving with you to the king’s palace?” Isabel asked.
“The Lycan court,” Cindy corrected, grateful for the change of subject. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about before… before the interruption.”
Isabel’s smile faded slightly. “Right. The Lycan court.”
Cindy sat again, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I’ve been thinking about it. We could go there, but still keep renting this room. That way, if your mother ever comes back, someone could let us know. I can even ask my brother to send people every few weeks to check in, make sure things are all right.”
Isabel’s brows furrowed. “You’d really do that?”
“Of course. I don’t want you to lose this place, Isabel. It’s your home. And besides, I’ve already made friends in the city, Pauline, Alina… we’ll come back often to visit. It’ll give us an excuse to check if anyone’s heard from your mom.”
Isabel played with the edge of her sleeve, thoughtful but uncertain. “That sounds… nice. But what about me being the only human there?”
Cindy tilted her head. “You don’t know that you’ll be.”
“I’m a good guesser,” Isabel said quickly. “And I’m sure I can guess right. Everyone there probably has a wolf. Or a Lycan. Or whatever you call it. And I’ll be the odd one out. What if they turn against me, or decide I’d make a good meal?”
Cindy couldn’t help but smile at that. “You watch too many human movies.”
“I’m serious,” Isabel said. “You don’t know them that well. I trust you, Cindy, but I don’t know if I can trust a whole community of people who aren’t just people.”
Cindy folded her hands on the table. “You’re the one who told me about Liam and the others, remember? They’ve been coming to the café for years, and they’ve never caused trouble. If they’re the leaders of the court, what makes you think the rest would be any worse?”
Isabel hesitated.
“Back at Silverpine,” Cindy continued softly, “we had rules. Killing or harming humans was forbidden. Every hunt involved wild animals, not people. If the Lycans are even more powerful and advanced than us wolves, then it only makes sense that they’d value life even more.”
Isabel frowned, looking down at her hands. “I guess… maybe. But you told Ethan, right? That I’m not like you?”
Cindy paused. “I didn’t think it was important. I’m sure he already guessed. He’s seen you at the café.”
“Still,” Isabel murmured, “I’d feel safer if he knew for sure.”
“I’ll tell him,” Cindy said gently. “If it’ll make you feel better.”
For a moment, they both sat in silence. The awkwardness from earlier had softened into something calmer, quieter. Outside, the evening wind pressed against the window, carrying the faint hum of the city beyond.
She’s a good kid, Lisa said quietly in Cindy’s mind. Curious. Brave.
She is, Cindy agreed silently.
Isabel looked up suddenly. “You’re talking to her again, aren’t you?”
Cindy chuckled softly. “Caught me.”
“What’s she saying?”
“That she likes you.”
Isabel’s face brightened a little. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Then tell her thanks,” Isabel said, almost shyly.
“I will,” Cindy replied with a small smile.
The warmth between them lingered, quiet and comforting.
After a while, Isabel sighed. “I’ll think about it. The court, I mean. It’s a lot to take in. Leaving everything I know… it’s scary.”
“I understand, to be honest, I’m also scared. That’s why I need you there with me – a familiar face to help me face everything.” Cindy said gently. “But if you decide not to go…” there was a pause.
Cindy looked straight into Isabel’s eyes. “Then I’m not going either. I’ll stay here with you; help you wait for your mum.”