Lidi

After the man with golden eyes left, Iani threw herself onto the bed, her head spinning and her stomach in knots. Even though her mind screamed that this wasn’t real and that it was just a dream, the pain in her shoulder made those thoughts collapse completely.

―How is this possible? ― the words collided with the walls, returning to her ― Wolves, pack, kingdom... She felt like she was hearing one of the many stories Mrs. Lara used to tell her, but this time it wasn’t make-believe, it was all real, frighteningly real.

Time passed slowly, and outside, the sun reached its peak when a knock at the door pulled Iani from her reverie. A young woman with dusky skin and long, wavy hair entered, carrying a bowl of fruits and bread, her gaze as wary as her stride.

―I think Aaron mentioned that I’d come.

Iani didn’t respond; she was too busy thinking of a way to get past her and escape. However, as if reading her thoughts, the beautiful woman stared at her intently, placing her free hand on her hip.

―You don’t need to make that face. You can leave whenever you want. If Aaron accepted you, then all that’s left for us is to accept you too.

―I don’t want to stay here.

―Well, well! You speak! ― a wide smile appeared on her lips ― That makes things much easier. By the way, my name’s Lidi.

Putting the conversation aside for a moment, Iani watched Lidi place the basket on the mahogany table with the strawberries, leaving the door wide open. It was the perfect opportunity to flee, but for some reason, her body didn’t move.

―They seem quite sweet, it’d be a shame to waste these much-coveted fruits.

Their eyes met, a mix of curiosity and caution in the air.

―Are you also a wolf?

―A wolfess, actually, and yes, I am. And you, a human, right?

Iani nodded, pulling the blankets closer to her chin.

―You look so adorable with that frightened childlike gaze. Come on! ― her hands moved to the strawberry basket ― Take one, I bet you haven’t touched them.

Reluctantly, Iani examined the red fruits closely, her stomach growling loudly.

―Even your body thinks you should try one.

Giving in, the frightened young woman glanced at the basket twice, then at the she-wolf before picking up one of the fruits and bringing it to her mouth. The first bite revealed its sweet taste, sliding down her throat and filling her palate, momentarily silencing the thousand turbulent thoughts in her head.

―See? I told you they were sweet.

―Very!

―Well, then enjoy, they’re all yours.

Grabbing the strawberry basket along with another one that Lidi handed her, Iani indulged in the new flavors and textures she had never experienced before.

―What’s this? It’s so soft!

―It’s called honey bread.

She knew bread and honey, but never imagined they could be combined into something so delicious.

―Did you like it?

―Yes, very much.

―Good, I’ll remember to bring more next time.

After devouring everything she could, Iani set the baskets aside, pulling the blankets back close. Lidi watched her intently, that girl seemed too weak and fragile, she wouldn’t be suited for training, let alone hunting. The only place she could see her in was the kitchen or in the fields. Realizing she was being observed, Iani straightened up, trying to appear confident. She couldn’t let herself be shaken more than she already was, especially now that she had a full stomach and renewed energy.

―Thank you for the food, it was really good.

―Don’t mention it, we wouldn’t let you go hungry.

Collecting the baskets, Lidi took the liberty of sitting on the edge of the bed. She was still curious and somewhat excited about the human. Even though there were many rumors about them spread throughout her world, she had never seen one so close.

―You don’t seem dangerous to me.

Iani regretted not being able to say the same; Lidi’s presence intimidated her almost as much as Aaron’s.

―Dangerous, me? I don’t see how that could be possible...

―There are many stories about humans out there. Let’s just say you don’t have a good reputation.

―What kinds of stories?

Lidi had managed to catch the girl’s curiosity. Pleased with her success, she continued.

―There are several, but mostly, your kind is considered petty, unfriendly, treacherous, and willing to trample over anyone to get what you want.

―Wow, that’s really not a good reputation...

―Anyway, I think those traits exist in every species. After all, no one is the same.

―I have to agree. I’ve met a lot of bad people, but I’ve also met good ones.

In this case, only Mrs. Lara.

―Maybe it’s not so different here. We’re a family, but there are always some who are hard to deal with.

―I still can’t believe you’re a wolf.

―A wolfess.

―Sorry, a wolfess, it’s just that...

―I understand how you feel. I imagine for your people, we were nothing more than mere stories.

―And now it feels like I’ve been thrown right into one...

―You’ll get used to it with time, don’t worry.

A reassuring smile appeared on Lidi’s lips, calming some of the chaos inside Iani. At least these people were being kind to her, and even though her chest ached with the thought of never returning home, she could feel welcome here.

―Well, this conversation has been great, but I have a lot to do, ― her body quickly rose from the bed and moved toward the door ― If you’re still feeling tired, you can take all the time you need to rest, but the day is beautiful outside, and it would be a shame not to at least take a little walk.

―Can I really go out?

―Of course! Do you really think I came here to deliver a basket of fruits and honey bread to a prisoner?

―Are you sure?

―I give you my word.

Lidi seemed to be telling the truth, which helped calm the girl’s nerves a little.

―But as I said before, it’s your choice, so you don’t have to worry about escape plans or anything like that.

Iani felt her cheeks flush, causing Lidi to smile again.

―You’re really quite adorable, you know?

―Iani ― her cheeks were still burning ― You can call me Iani...

―That’s a beautiful name, Iani. Well, I really need to go, but I’ll come back later with more honey bread for you, okay?

Lidi was about to cross the door when she stopped and looked back over her shoulder with an enigmatic smile. Once she stepped outside, Iani could hear her speaking to someone just before a sentence reached her ears.

―Take good care of her, young man.

Soon after, the image of a white snout appeared through the gap, accompanied by a beautiful pair of blue eyes.

―Aiko?