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.

touched me

yearned to return to the park ever

same as the lake, it

planting a gentle kiss on the nape of

sensation from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I shouldn’t

added a layer of shyness to

“Li,” I murmured softly.

he responded in a hushed tone, still

electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into

to utter, and

him to retreat, yet he seemed to respect

mat, soaking in the picturesque view and relishing the serene

Mrs.

of appetizers and food,

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

her to come and prepare

nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed

a precious gift,” Liam voiced,

expanse to

to do everything we can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly

us felt like

around us was

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

our movement were a poignant reminder that something of

an exceptional king when your time comes,

our unwavering support,” I assured him,

want you there,

by my side,” he spoke earnestly,

found myself momentarily at a loss for

to him, his

not toying with your feelings; this isn’t some experiment

It’s real.

you, but understand that my

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal for

you can take all the time you need

he

furrowed, looking

he inquired, and a

truth about them any

you see,” I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand of hair

nervousness; I

nothing wrong

of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I confessed, finally meeting his

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

I was actually planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and his expression registered

was the

know how relentlessly optimistic she can

off on me that day,” I

shock and attentive demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry

partly because of Sophia’s

I…” I stumbled over my

day was stubborn, refusing to

like I couldn’t measure

sister insisted that I should give it a

on you for a while, but I

seemed to

was always you

you two became friends, you started sidelining me, even at

were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and he made a move to draw me

to express everything I had

everything, I clung to hope and desperately wanted to share

but I understood my

It was crystal clear.

never experienced

overheard you four talking and laughing about

laughing too, and it made me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling

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

my intelligence – they all

I thought maybe having

reached out to draw

remorse, and while I

released his hold on me and locked his

Jo, they’re

your finest

unique is a

four of us said was thoughtless

you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to do so,” he earnestly

of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and

and erase those

heart to forgive me and not let this linger between

adore every

the way

this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my lips

he transitioned from my neck to

and affectionate, devoid of any haste

keeping his