Lance froze in place. He still kept his back to the deperate Cyrus, hoping to hide the range of emotions conveyed on his face. He swallowed the lump in his throat, "What did you hear?"

"Not much... I know you were talking about me, though. And the whole red wolf thing."

Lance drew a shaky breath, "I've been doing some research, is all. Etna helped me confirm something..."

"Research? About me?"

"Cyrus... you're different than when you were a child. I didn't think much of it at the time. You grew up, as did I. I didn't expect you to be the same as you were when you were younger. But, then, you seemed surprised at all the things you could do. At all the facts we learn at a very young age. Like our resistance to diseases, the history of our land, our speed and strength. It was like you were experiencing everything for the first time."

Cyrus becomes tense, contemplating whether or not he should let Lance continue. He didn't like where this was going, at how attentive he's been. Was I really being that obvious?

"I didn't know much about the whole red wolf legend. I didn't learn about it as a kid, only heard about it in stories. The only thing I knew was that red wolves were extinct, but they used to be great. They wandered these lands long before the arrival of our packs. The only thing Etna told me before you came back home, was that you were a red wolf," Lance finally turns to look at Cyrus, his brows furrowed, "I was surprised, but I promised to keep it a secret. I was naturally curious about you and your wolf, so that's when I started doing research in my free time. That's when I found a detailed book about the legend... about the prophecy... about the..." Lance looks at Cyrus as if he were a stranger, "...soul. The soul that would inhabit the body of the last remaining red wolf and save us all."

Cyrus is silent, tightly gripping the blanket beside him as Lance watches him. And then he utters words that terrify him, "I know you aren't Cyrus."

A tense silence devours them. Cyrus stares at the floor beneath Lance's feet. He didn't know what to say, or if he should say anything. Should he deny it? Or laugh it off? No... he's been silent for too long now. And... he didn't want to deny it. There were no rules that stated someone else couldn't figure out his true identity. He didn't have to mention the System's role in this.

"I also know..." Lance started to walk towards Cyrus. He sat down on the bed next to him, and then took his hand. Cyrus shivered at the sudden touch. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he watched Lance trace circles on his palm.

He looked conflicted as he continued, "The reason I was so infatuated with Cyrus as a child was because one day... you would come." Lance looks up at Cyrus, his golden eyes reaching out to claim the lost space, "You are my mate. I don't care who you are, where you came from, or how you came here - all I know is that you are here. Finally, with me." Lance smiled so bright it captured Cyrus's mesmerized gaze. Lance cupped Cyrus's face, looking not at his face, but deep into his eyes, into his very soul, "I love you."

Something within Cyrus - no, within Ethan - clicked. The look in this man's eyes, that burning longing, it was meant for Ethan. He couldn't quite believe someone could love him. All Ethan wanted was for someone to look at him and pay him attention. He wanted that popularity, because he believed it would finally make his life worth living. It would give him everything. He never even thought of love. It seemed so foreign a word to him. In Ethan's mind, love only existed in movies and television shows. It was far from attainable. But... someone loved him? This kind of attention, perhaps this was the kind of attention he had always wanted. Popularity was a warm blanket compared to love - a warmth greater than a thousand suns. This man, Lance, Ethan felt he had been waiting a very long time to meet. He had also been waiting to feel such feelings. Feelings that made life not only worth living, but vibrant and colorful. He didn't want to resist anymore, he needed this. He didn't care to protect his heart anymore, he wanted to give it to Lance. He didn't care what he did with it, it was only ever his to begin with. This heart, this body... this soul. Love? Yes, he did. He loved Lance too. So much so that it made him cry.

Lance frowned, holding Cyrus's face in his hands as he sobbed. He wiped away his tears with his thumbs, "Is this a good or bad thing?"

Cyrus choked out a laugh, continuing to cry senselessly, "I-I don't know. Good, I think."

Lance smiled, relieved. He continued to comfort Cyrus as he cried, waiting patiently for him to calm down. A minute or so later, Cyrus grips the hands that holds his face, holding onto them helplessly, "Then... w-why did you avoid me?"

"Avoid?" Lance's brows furrowed.

"Yesterday night, and this morning."

"Oh, that?" Lance sighed tiredly, "I was trying to come up with a way to avoid the stupid prophecy. I don't want you to fight or risk getting hurt on the red moon. Even if your wolf is ten times more powerful than mine, I guess I still wanted to find some way to protect you."

Cyrus's heart brimmed with reassurance. So he wasn't avoiding him, that was a relief. But, he also didn't want his mate getting hurt. He wanted to protect him, he wanted to be by his side, "I'm still going."

"Even if I chain you to the bed?" Lance smiles playfully, moving his hands to the back of Cyrus's neck. Cyrus's breath hitches. This fever he had didn't help in the slightest. He melted at the warmth of Lance's hands on his skin.

Cyrus returns the smile, "I could easily break those chains."

Lance leans closer, his lips brushing against Cyrus's. Cyrus didn't pull away this time. He eagerly accepted Lance's affections. He craved them as much as his wolf did. His wolf was running circles around his mind right now, howling with both happiness and desire.

The vibration from Lance's voice sent goosebumps across Cyrus's skin, "I could easily break you."

Warmth crawled to his lower parts, and Cyrus could feel his face begin to burn. Lance had let his wolf take control again, and Cyrus was inclined to do the same. He struggled to keep his composure, "I have a name, you know? But... it only stays between us, okay?"

Lance's eyes sparked with intrigue. He pulled away slightly, "Tell me."

Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat. This was allowed, right? He wasn't mentioning the System's existence or anything. It didn't hurt to try, Sai would stop him if it was against the rules.

"My name..." Cyrus felt his heart beating in excitement. He was tired of being called someone else's name. Hearing his real name from someone else's mouth, especially from someone he cared about, it was anticipated. Cyrus didn't hesitate a moment longer, "My name is Ethan."

"Ethan?" Lance breathed, releasing the grip on Cyrus's neck. His brows knitted closely together, as if something were tormenting his mind. Then, tears streamed down Lance's cheeks. Lance seemed just as shocked as Cyrus.

"Why are you crying?!"

Lance wiped at his cheeks, staring at his tear stained fingers with a complex expression, "I don't know."

Cyrus frowned deeply. He reached his hand to wipe away the tears from Lance's face. Lance gazed at him with his tear stained gaze. He held the hand on his cheek, a slight blush glazing his cheeks, "How strange."

"What is?"

"No, it's nothing," Lance smiled ruefully, "Ethan."

The sound of his real name leaving his mate's lips send shivers down his spine. But, he was more focused on his strange reaction to his name. Why had he started crying? Why did he suddenly look so sad? It concerned Cyrus immensely. What was strange?

A knock sounded on the door. The pair turned their heads towards the door. There stood Luna, the medic, fumbling awkwardly with her fingers, "Uh, should I come back?"

The vulnerability in Lance's eyes disappeared, and he moved the hand from his face carefully, "Lay down, Cyrus."

Cyrus bit his tongue at the sound of this body's name. But, he did ask Lance to keep his real name just between the two of them. Cyrus sighed, obeying and lying back onto the bed.

Lance gestures for Luna to come in, "He has a fever."

"I see..." Luna acknowledged, stepping closer to Cyrus. She nervously glances towards Lance, "May I?"

Lance nods firmly, and Luna raises a hand to place on Cyrus's forehead. Her hand was sweaty, and Cyrus awkwardly bares with it. Luna pulls away, "Yes, he has a very high fever. Did you leave your window open last night, Cyrus?"

"Ah," Cyrus flushes, embarrassed, "Yes, I forgot to close it." Lance smirks, amused, which Cyrus doesn't see.

Luna purses her lips, "It seems you've caught a cold," she directs her attention back towards Lance, "He should rest for the next few days, avoid any strenuous activities. He should take some cold medicine at least twice a day. Luckily, this is easily treatable, so he'll get better very soon."

Lance nods, "Alright, thank you, Luna."

"He will be very vulnerable..." she mumbles, worriedly eyeing Cyrus, and then Lance. It was as if she was afraid to leave Cyrus alone with Lance. She gives a hesitant smile, "I'll go grab some medicine."

She leaves the room. Cyrus raises a brow, "Vulnerable?"

"Ah, it will be harder to control your wolf while sick. Also, it will be much harder for you to... resist."

"Resist...?"

Lance smiles charmingly, "Resist me." Cyrus's eyes widen, and that only gives Lance more fuel to continue, "I'll have you know, I have a very tight leash on my wolf. But, seeing you like this, so vulnerable," he emphasizes, "Well, let's just say he's going crazy right now."

"You..." Cyrus coughs, "You would really take advantage of me like this?"

"Only if you want me to."

What does that mean? Cyrus furrows his brows. Do I want him to take advantage of me? I have no reason to resist anymore. He is my mate, and... well, he's the only person I would be comfortable doing that with. And thinking about him... doing that... his wolf grows restless at the thoughts that creep into his mind, yes... me too.

"Your face is all scrunched up," Lance chuckles, looking at Cyrus with adoration, "It's cute."

"Huh?" Cyrus blinks.

Lance ruffles his hair, "Get some rest, cutie."

Cyrus tries to hide his smile by biting on his bottom lip, "Where are you going?"

"I've got to clean my room, it's a mess. I'll stop by later, though. Don't miss me too much."

"I'll try." He rolls his eyes.

Lance grabs Cyrus's hand and kisses it, before standing to leave. He passes Luna on his way out, and then he turns the corner. Cyrus sighs, but plasters on a smile when Luna approaches. She hands him a couple pills and a cup of water. He thanks her and takes the pills, and she leaves bottle by his bedside. She closes the door softly behind her, and Cyrus stares blankly up at the ceiling. He begins to smile as he thinks about Lance.

He loves me. Cyrus shook with excitement, burrowing himself in his blankets. He took multiple deep breaths. That's it, Ethan. No more running away.

Cyrus soon fell asleep; tired from exhaustion, and content with his thoughts.

-

It was hot. So hot. Cyrus groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He tried to rip the blanket off of himself but froze when he realized an arm was wrapped around his torso, restraining him. He held his breath as he turned his head, finding Lance's sleeping face very close to his. Cyrus quietly admired his features, releasing the grip on his arm and relaxing.

Cyrus looked around. He was now in Lance's room, and it was now night-time. He must've been carried here. He hadn't been in here in a while, had he? It seemed so foreign to him... but homely. It was a lot more organized than he remembered. Lance must of cleaned up like he said. Books that used to be all over the floor were stacked neatly against the wall, the trashcan near the desk was empty, but there were still a few papers littering the desk. Drawings of me... he remembered, with a smile.

Sweat rolled down his forehead. Ugh, it's still so hot. He noticed his pills on the bedside table and attempted to reach for them. The arm around him tightened, and a voice mumbled tiredly, "Where are you going?"

He's awake? "Nowhere. I just need some medicine."

"Oh..." he murmured, releasing his hold. Cyrus grapped the pill bottle and shook out a single pill. He swallowed it quickly. He squeaked when a pair of arms pulled him back quickly, snuggling him even closer than before. His heart began to race as Lance placed his chin on Cyrus's shoulder, and intertwined his legs with his own, "This is... much better," Lance sighed, content.

Cyrus stays silent, his face growing hotter as Lance's steady breaths brush past his cheek. Lance stirrs again, "Ethan, you sleep here from now on, okay?"

Cyrus smiles. The sound of his real name, especially from Lance, would always made him weak. Without an immediate answer Lance began to trace his hands lower, sending shivers down Cyrus's spine,

"Okay?" He asked again, his voice lower than before.

Cyrus bit his bottom lip, testing just how far Lance would go without an answer. His wolf seemed to like this sudden touch, and so did he. Very much. Lance fingers found themselves at the hem of Cyrus's sweatpants, leaving a trail of warmth. He began to slip inside them, his hot breath against Cyrus's ear as he whispered, amused, "Ethan?"

"O-Okay!" Cyrus agreed quickly, gasping.

Lance hummed, pulling his hand back and resting it on Cyrus's stomach. Cyrus still felt butterflies. Lance then drifted back to sleep, clinging onto Cyrus like he was a teddy bear. Cyrus's heart wouldn't stop racing. What would've happened if he hadn't stopped him? Why did he stop him? It was like watching porn for the first time, but getting too embarrassed when things started to get heated, and quickly shutting it off. This wasn't porn though, this was real. And it was happening to him.

"Ugh," Cyrus groans. With this hot body clinging onto him, it didn't help his fever. For some reason he was hotter than before. No... he knew the reason. Calm down, he ordered his wolf. I know. Soon, okay? I can't hold on for much longer, either.

Cyrus was silent as he listened to the house. It must have been around one or two in the morning for it to be so quiet. Many of the pack members get up at dawn, so many are asleep, except for the few who keep guard on the off chance some Bloodmoons decide to ambush the camp in the middle of the night.

Cyrus couldn't go back to sleep, he wasn't tired. He had already gotten a full rest earlier. He began to think about his plan for the blood red moon. He had already grown a better bond with his wolf, and would continue to do so. With the way things were going, he would probably mate with Lance. That was bound to give Cyrus a boost with his wolf, considering all his wolf wanted was Lance. Mating with his mate would give Cyrus more abilities according to Etna. If he remembered correctly, he would be able to communicate with Lance telepathically? That was bound to come in handy one way or another. Shifting would be easy if he continued with the way things were.

"The Alpha of the Bloodmoon pack must die." Etna's words echoed in his mind. Just how strong was their Alpha? Could he be considered a threat, or would killing him be easy for Cyrus? He remembered the day he first came in contact with Alpha Bloodmoon. The way everyone seemed on edge with his presence, even Lance.

Cyrus easily remembered his threatening eyes. Those black yet blue eyes. Cyrus couldn't even believe how much he was reminded of Adonis. He knew it was impossible - but he had stared into those eyes one too many times to forget them. Adonis and Drake Bloodmoon, their eyes shared one thing in common, a lack of humanity. Cyrus became overwhelmed with the feeling of dread. He couldn't completely rule out the idea, could he?

'Sai?' He asked. It had been a long time since he had communicated with Sai, given how absorbed into this world he has gotten.

[Yes, host?] The montone voice almost startled him.

Cyrus hesitated before asking the question that lived in the very back of his mind, 'Is it possible for two souls who are in the System to be in the same world?'

[It is possible.]

Cyrus gasped, 'What?! You mean... Adonis could of really followed me here? Is he in the System too?!'

[Information restricted. Sai does not have access to any other Systems interface, host.]

Right, Cyrus took multiple deep breaths to combat his rising fear, I'm just being paranoid, right? Just because Drake's eyes remind me of Adonis, doesn't mean it is him. Still, Sai said it's possible for two Systems to exist in the same world. I shouldn't give up my guard just yet. I'll ask Lance about this Drake guy tomorrow, maybe I'll get some hints as to what kind or person he is... if he really could be Adonis.

Cyrus shivered, reliving the memories he had of Adonis for the next few hours, the memories he wished he could so desperately purge from his mind.