Chapter 106 Chapter 106.

Chapter 106 Chapter 106.
Aira.

We continued to run through the woods till Kael reached a clearing that opened up to a small cottage nestled in the heart of the forest. Gripping his fur tight, I let out a sound of wonder, my eyes taking in the quaint dwelling bathed in the resplendent moonlight.

Only then did Kael slow down, urging me to slide off his back. I did so, and he reverted back to his male form, a soft smile on his face. "Do you like it?" he asked, his eyes searching mine, and I scoffed.

"Like it? I love it! It's so beautiful," I muttered, taking several steps forward while he followed behind, holding my hands. "I've always wanted us to come here. This is where we'll be spending the next seven days," he informed me, and I felt my cheeks grow warm.

Squeezing my hands gently, he led me to the porch, picking up a small torch that had been carefully laid out and lighting it up with a nearby fire striker. The kindling on the torch burst into flames, and he opened the door, leading us into the living space.

For a building that was left abandoned in the woods, it was surprisingly clean and smelled fresh too. It was no surprise to know that Kael would have had the entire place cleaned and refurbished pending our arrival, and the thought made me feel all fluttery inside.

"Wow... It's even more beautiful inside," I said as Kael went on to light the fireplace, bringing more light into the otherwise dark home. I picked up a candelabra from a nearby table, and Kael helped me light it, allowing me to explore the space.

I walked into the rooms, checking the drawers and wardrobes, surprised to find clothes and everything we could possibly need. Even the kitchen was stocked with food. I could feel myself getting excited about being here over the next few days.

I turned around to see Kael leaning against a doorframe, watching me with an indecipherable look on his face. He had finished lighting up the candles, and the warm lighting made the cottage appear even more intimate. Butterflies rampaged in my belly, but I walked up to him, never breaking eye contact.

"I've looked at the entire place, and I must say, it is very beautiful," I whispered softly. "Wait until you see it in the morning, then," he groaned softly, and I giggled.

He erased the distance between us, wrapping his hands around my waist and pulling me close. "You're going to love it." "I'm looking forward to it," I muttered, placing my head on his chest.

"So, what do we do first?" "How about a light snack, and we go to sleep? All that running had made me a little hungry," he muttered, running his fingers through my hair. I pulled back slightly, smiling at him.

"That sounds like a splendid idea," I answered, and we ambled to the kitchen, cutting up some slices of cheese and bread and filling up glasses with milk and wine. Seating ourselves by the fireplace, we ate quietly till we were full, then cuddled up by the fireplace with a warm blanket and fell asleep next to each other, truly exhausted by the events of the day.

The next morning was even more splendid. Changing into lighter clothing, we decided to go on a walk, exploring the woods around us. The scenery around us was refreshing, the sounds of birds chirping in the air and little squirrels going about their daily business filled my heart with glee. We talked about various things, and I asked about his favorite things to do while he was younger.

With a gleam in his eyes, he turned to me and answered, his hands linked with mine. "Hide and Seek. I used to play that game a lot growing up with my brothers." "Hide and seek?" I asked and chuckled. "That sounds like a very exciting thing to do." Letting a corner of my lip curl up in a mischievous smile.

"What do you say about playing hide and seek now? Are you interested?" Kael paused, a brow raised. "You really want to do that?" I nodded vigorously. "I think we're in the perfect spot for a game like that. Also, we can only play it as long as I get to hide." I said, trying to sound stern.

It was Kael's turn to chuckle. I didn't know this part of the woods well, and trusting Kael's animal instincts, it would be easy for him to find me. But that only made me want to play the game more.

I watched Kael, noting the twinkling in his eyes as he considered my offer. "Okay," he finally responded with a decisive nod of his head. "I'll give you a head start," he murmured, leaning in.

"Yay!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands. Turning on my heels, I immediately dove into the forest, trying to find a suitable hiding spot. It took me a while to find one, hiding between shrubs and a fallen, hollow trunk, but when I called out that I was ready, it took Kael a couple of minutes to find me.

I shrieked out in laughter when he pulled me out of my hiding place with a hand. When I looked at him, he had such genuine happiness in his eyes that I felt my heart palpitate.

"Put me down now! I didn't hide well enough. I was only testing you," I forced out when he pressed my cheeks together. "Really?" "Yes. Put me down, Kael. Let's have a do-over," I said, my voice firm.

He dropped me to my feet. "Okay. Impress me." This time around, I took my time finding a more suitable hiding spot, but no matter how well I hid myself, it didn't take long for him to find me.

I couldn't help thinking that if the roles were reversed, it would take forever for me to find him. Either way, the game was thrilling, and not one to give up easily, I kept asking for it to go on.

This time around, I was fortunate enough to find a cave in a hollowed-out tree, but when I stepped in, I realized I had stumbled into a bear's abode. The animal, lightly sleeping when I approached, opened its eyes, its gaze settling on me. I felt my blood run cold, my heart skipping several beats. This didn't look good.

I started to back away, but the animal, already irritated, began to growl and paw at me. I swallowed, my eyes darting quickly, trying to find an escape route but painfully drawing a blank.

"Kael... I'm in a situation here!" I called out as the animal trailed after me, its growls growing louder and meaner. Just then, the bear let out a menacing sound, getting ready to pounce, and I let out a scream, curling into myself.

When another figure jumped from right behind me, catching the bear mid-lunge, I only raised my head when I heard a painful whimper coming from the bear and the sickening sounds of bones cracking.