The Dark Side Of Fate

A rush of excitement coursed through me, and a smile tugged at Liam’s lips as he stood by the doorway.

Since there was nothing to grab in my room, I slipped on my slippers and made my way outside.

“Did your father get in touch?” Liam inquired as we descended the staircase, and I nodded.

“ Heard the Alpha of Cain is joining us,” I said.

“My father thinks his case is linked with ours,” Liam said, and I was surprised.

“Mine too,” I said.

Moving downstairs, we encountered Oliver and Justin in the foyer.

It was evident that they were engrossed in a conversation.

As our gazes met, Justin’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his eyes carrying a hint of understanding.

Had Liam confided in him about our relationship? The notion made me feel bashful, yet I reined in my emotions.

“Make sure you stay on the premises, you two,” Justin cautioned, and Liam affirmed his understanding with a nod.

With that, we stepped out through the door, and under Liam’s guidance, our journey began.

“What’s up with Justin? One moment, he seemed uncomfortable with us being close, and now he’s all smiles,” I inquired of Liam, prompting a laugh from him.

“He was just concerned because of the whole Sophia situation.

He didn’t want you to be hurt,” Liam explained, causing me to pause and regard him.

“What did you say to reassure him?” I questioned, and he smiled.

“I told him the truth.

Sophia is my friend, and you hold a greater place in my heart.

He doesn’t need to worry,” he expressed, and a warm sensation filled me, knowing that Liam had the courage to confide in his cousin about us.

“Charlotte shared similar concerns,” I divulged as we continued our stroll.

“She feared I might be hurt when Sophia is located, but I assured her that we’re together now and she doesn’t need to be concerned,” I revealed, and a brief silence fell between us.

I wasn’t sure if my words had unsettled him, but they seemed to put a halt to our conversation.

“You must have had it bad for Sophia for everyone to be worried for my safety,” I teased him, and he laughed.

“Not really.

There was always a hindrance between us, A ‘but’, a let’s-wait-and-see vibe that I couldn’t shake off.

It was a bit foggy, and I had to think through it and plan,” he said as we entered the forest.

Liam halted his steps, drawing me near.

His fingers brushed my cheek with a tender touch as his gaze locked onto mine.

I had abandoned my contacts, a secret I was yet to reveal – the reason behind their initial use.

Strangely, I felt more assured in my own skin now than ever before.

The realisation had dawned upon me that the hurtful words thrown my way held no true significance.

Perhaps I should have confronted him back then, instead of enduring two years of emotional turmoil.

Liam’s touch continued a gentle caress on my cheek.

“With you, I never needed to overthink.

It was simply meant to be,” he admitted, and a flush crept up my cheeks while Onyx circled in head, howling.

Gazing into his eyes, I sensed the sincerity in his words.

Doubts dissolved as certainty took their place.

Liam wouldn’t shatter my heart; there was no need for apprehension.

“Follow me, the stream isn’t too far from here,” he suggested.

Taking his lead, we strolled hand in hand through the wooded area.

The gentle murmur of flowing water gradually reached my ears, accompanied by the aroma of a crackling fire and the tantalizing scent of food being prepared.

Could someone be cooking by the stream? “Looks like there are people around, Liam,” I remarked, gripping his hand a bit tighter, to which he responded with a chuckle.

Stepping out of the woods, we emerged into a clearing beside the stream.

What met my eyes left me pleasantly surprised.

This outing wasn’t a spontaneous decision or a last-minute idea.

Liam had meticulously orchestrated it, and the realisation set my heart aflutter.

A picnic mat lay adorned with a cosy blanket and cushions.

Nearby, the woman from the food truck was busy cooking, adding an unexpected and delightful touch to the scene.

“Since we can’t venture out alone, I convinced Mrs Mirabel to join us,” he explained, and a surge of excitement led me to embrace him tightly.

consideration touched me

yearned to return to the park ever

stream wasn’t quite the same as the lake, it was more than

arms, planting a gentle

from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response

added a layer

“Li,” I murmured softly.

he responded in a hushed tone, still holding

skin, and my thoughts began to stray into

to utter, and he chuckled, easing away

vulnerability I felt was tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat, yet he seemed to respect my

onto the mat, soaking in the picturesque view and relishing the

Mrs.

an array of appetizers and food, and once she had completed her task,

come without a price – she couldn’t have left her food

effort to arrange for her to come and

my gaze fixed on the horizon to marvel

is a precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze fixed

enough expanse to grant us this view, and it was truly

can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he

tranquillity enveloping us felt

around us

at war or in trouble, we wouldn’t be able

were a poignant reminder that something of great significance was

an exceptional king when your

unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn

want you

by my side,” he spoke earnestly,

at a loss for

me close to

feelings; this isn’t some experiment for

It’s real.

but understand that my

My feelings won’t waver.

the real

the time you need to decide what you

you,” he said, coaxing a giggle from

brow furrowed, looking at

and

about them any longer;

began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand of

I desperately hoped this revelation

actually nothing wrong

because of what I overheard you all

façade had to crumble; there was no longer any justification for keeping

you

the one

know how relentlessly

must have rubbed off on me that day,”

flutter; it seemed

scared, partly because of

I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory

from that day was stubborn,

felt like I couldn’t measure

insisted that I should give it a shot,” I confessed, my

but

never seemed

always you and

the moment you two became friends,

were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and

to express everything I had

clung to hope and desperately wanted to share

just fifteen, but

It was crystal clear.

experienced

you four talking and

and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling as tears streamed down

that moment, I don’t think I’ve ever despised

my intelligence – they all seemed to work against

loved my hair colour, I

time, when Liam reached out to draw me close, I allowed him to hold

with genuine remorse, and while I

me and locked his gaze

eyes, Jo,

among your finest

is a blessing, not a

us said was thoughtless

and some months, yet you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to do so,” he earnestly expressed, evoking

person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I

time and erase

you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger

every facet of

the way you

single thing to change,” he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my lips

whispered, and he transitioned

tender and affectionate, devoid

in keeping his promise