Chapter 122 - Red Marks
Chapter 122 – Red Marks
Days went by and the ambiance in the castle returned to normal. Everyone was still very kind and considerate. Hugo was also busy during the day. After they were ambushed days ago, Hugo made sure all the blood on him wasn't his. Although he would still clean up before meeting me for dinner.
From what I heard, Balthazar was still doing alright, redeeming his family's name that Adelia sullied. Emily would constantly visit me, teaching me etiquette. Sometimes, I would reassure her since she always acted as if she was the one who tried to harm me.
Balthazar and Emily's son were also doing fine beyond the wall on the northern border. I asked Emily and Ivo about it, and they both said they were alright. Werewolves were proud creatures and becoming a warrior was what most werewolves do. Being able to defend the border and continue the peace in Belcoot was a great honor for a warrior. The danger twinned with it was nothing compared to that.
Overall, everything seemed peaceful, regardless of the minor problems that would arise every once in a while. I was happy and my relationship with Hugo was never this open and it was getting better day by day.
"Is it really necessary to take off your shirts before you shift?" I inquired, darting my eyes from Ivo to the twins.
We were currently at the back of the castle, which had a large forest. This was where hunting competition would always be held and where the pack usually run. Since the weather wasn't that freezing and I got used to the climate in Belcoot, today was good weather to run.
"Luna, please don't look at us. We can't taint your eyes!" Ivo covered his chest with his palm, arms crossed. "This is not alright! You know my feelings for you!"
"Hugh said it was fine." I ignored his last remarks.
Ivo scrunched his nose up, casting me a judgemental look. "Luna, can't you feel that death glare on my back?" he pointed at one of the windows on top of the castle, grinding his teeth in distress. But I couldn't see which one — I didn't have that keen eye like them.
"Ivo, you promised me back in the capital that you will help me train if I saved everyone on the training grounds that day. I fulfilled the end of the bargain. I can't even stand up for a few days after that, remember?" I smiled, watching him frown at using such a cheap tactic. After spending so much time with Ivo and the twins, I was way more comfortable hanging out with them.
"Luna, you shouldn't spend more time with Ivo. You're starting to be like this cunning wolf." Kieran looked at me apologetically, planting his hands on his hips. "It's eerie."
"Don't listen to Kieran, Luna. It's nice to watch Ivo have a taste of his own medicine," Cyran grinned from ear to ear.
I smiled as I darted my eyes between the twins. "I didn't know you two can disagree with each other."
"Luna, if only you know they were each other's greatest enemies," Ivo mumbled grumpily.
"We're best friends. What slander are you spewing?"
I shook my head as the twins ganged up and berated Ivo until the latter was covering his ears. Surely, Ivo was a complicated character. Why would he always press other people's nerves? He was smart, but he would always spew reckless words without a second hesitation.
Deep down, I somehow understood Ivo, though. He was smart and always the curious one. He told me that when a person was angry, you get a glimpse of the actual face of the person in passing. Hence, I believed it became a habit and he would subconsciously do it.
"But you see, if I can protect myself. For example, if something bad happened while you're not around. I can buy you some time." I turned around, facing the forest ahead of us — the castle behind us. "I'm not saying I should be the strongest person in the world, but I want to learn how to protect myself."
I glanced back at them and smiled. "It's tiring when everyone just wants to protect me. I also want to protect you." The side of my lips stretched broader, watching their surprised expression.
"I'm a human, so give me a head start! See you~!"
With that being said, I didn't wait for them and jogged into the forest. I heard them yelling, "Luna, wait for us!" but I just giggled.
Back in the empire, I asked Ivo a favor. That was to help me train as well, or at least teach me self-defense. It just crossed my mind back then since Hugo's sisters were all strong women. In exchange, I would try to stop Hugo from exhausting everyone to death.
Since I did the end of the bargain, Ivo had to fulfill my request. I told Hugo about it two nights ago. Although he had this surprised look on his face and questioned me if I don't feel secure enough, he still agreed in the end.
That incident with Adelia ignited my desire to have the ability to protect myself. I didn't want others to get hurt like Sasha — I wouldn't let that happen. I couldn't protect others if I couldn't protect myself first.
'They said as long as I don't cross the red marks, it's still a safe area.' I nodded, running through the forest lane to train my stamina first. Ivo was efficient because he came up with a training plan when I told him about it while Hugo approved it.
"I can't wait when I can run with the pack and keep up with them." The side of my lips stretched from ear to ear, thinking how nice would it be to run with them. I looked up to see the white mark on the tree going deeper into the forest.
What I didn't notice was that the white mark I saw was different from the other marks before.