Chapter 47 A joke

Chapter 47 A joke
Cassius,

The strong wind passed by us with the coldness of the night. The trees behind us rustled like restless shadows, and the distant waves brushed against the shore with soft, sleepy murmurs. I stayed still, too stunned to say anything. She was standing there with that usual calmness, as if even the night bent around her in quiet respect.

I clenched my jaw, trying not to trust her words, and I was right,

"Are you serious?" I asked, my voice calm, but I could feel something bubbling inside my chest, like a simmering storm threatening to spill.

She stayed quiet for a few seconds, almost convincing me that she was serious until—

A peal of laughter escaped her. It was feathery and gentle, almost dancing through the cold air. My heart skipped a beat when she smiled so freely, her breath fogging slightly in the breeze as though even the air wanted to hold her warmth.

"It's a joke." She laughed, hand flying to her mouth, shoulders shaking lightly, "I am sorry, Mr Brightblade. I was really trying to make a joke about this. Did you really think I was for real?" She laughed again, wiping the tiny bead of tears from the corner of her eyes. The moonlight caught that tear, making it glimmer like a fragment of a star.

"No. But it was convincing." I said honestly. "And I didn't actually think you would joke about something like this!"

She hummed, composing herself, letting out a soft exhale as her heartbeat slowly steadied, "Please forgive me for my mischievousness. It's not quite appropriate for saying something like this." Her tone shifted to the usual professionalism, a warm steadiness returning. "I want to keep our relationship as genuine as possible. This kind of situation will make things worse!" She explained while her hair kept coming between her eyes, strands fluttering every time the wind brushed past her cheeks.

"Also your Mom warned me not to be close to you. I understand the situation right now. And I really don't want to be someone's target!"

My eyes sharpened the moment she mentioned about my mother, "She came to you? When?"
The air suddenly felt heavier, as if the night itself held its breath.

"This evening. She didn't like the rumors and warned me. I am not complaining since she wants the best for her son. But I don't want to be dragged into the mess. Please understand!"

I was beyond shocked. My mother went to her to warn her? Knowing that she was one of the important clients. What was she trying to do? To create mess in my territory? Even the waves seemed to crash louder, echoing the irritation rising inside me.

"Also she talked about Jennifer as well. Is she alright? I know whatever has happened to her is unfair. They could have confronted her in private!"

"You witnessed the mess?"

"Yes. Soon after you left, the video started. I didn't want to get involved with it, that's why I went back home and found you drugged. Honestly exposing someone's private moment is cruel!"

She said, looking sympathetic. Her eyes lost into the darkness as if replaying the scene in her mind. The moonlight touched her face gently, softening her expression with a fleeting sadness.

"Well, sometimes people deserve them for their own actions. Anyway, let's head back inside. I can hear the rain standing in distance!"

"What?" She exclaimed, eyebrows lifting in surprise. "You can hear them?"

I nodded, "My Lycan has more strong hearing ability than average wolves. So it's understandable!"
A low rumble came from far away, almost like the sky was clearing its throat before speaking.

"I see!" She nodded quietly, pulling her shawl closer around her shoulders, "Let's go then. Are you going to your chamber or the beach house?"

"It will be best if I go back home. I need to attend the meeting with elders. It's a bit mess with the situation!"

"Sure. I hope everyone gets what they deserve. Life is precious!" She smiled, faint but sincere, as if offering a small light in the coldness around us.

I nodded, walking towards the beach house, "Let's head back. I will leave once you get inside!"

She smiled and thanked me before walking towards the house. Her footsteps were soft, nearly swallowed by the sand. Her scent wasn't there. But she for some reason didn't feel out of the cast either.

Scentless Wolves often felt like they weren't one of us. But this woman—she was not only dangerous, but also someone I couldn't understand properly. The air around her always carried a quiet mystery, like a page missing from a story I should have known.

"Mr Brightblade. Maybe it's time for you to visit a therapist. Seeing someone trying to die, doesn't make sense. Is there anyone who left you like this?"

She suddenly asked, reminding me of the scene earlier. Her voice softened, almost brushing against the raw edges of the memory.

I shook my head, "It's fine. Sometimes the darkness created random illusions. Please get inside. Keep your door and window closed." I suggested before walking towards the Royal Mansion. The distant thunder rolled again, softer this time, like a whisper slipping through the clouds.

"Sure. Take care, Mr Brightblade. And I am sorry again. For joking inappropriately." She slightly bowed before closing the door. Her hair danced behind her as she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear.

I stared at the door for a few seconds before a soft chuckle played. She was indeed something else. She doesn't even fear me enough to restrain herself from joking about something like this seriously.

But why, when she laughed, did I feel like I heard this laughter before?

That carefree, sweet laughter... a sound that tugged at something buried deep—Where did I listen before?

As I walked towards the mansion, trying to remember, a rustle behind me made me freeze. There it was, the distinct sound of footsteps, except it wasn't from one person. But multiple. Someone had been stalking me once again.