Kapitel 22: Chapter Twenty-Two
As the boughs moved, Serena saw a small, run-down hut on the edge of a flower patch. The flowers were closed, but one in the center bloomed brightly in the starlight.
A thin fence wrapped around the overgrown garden of flowers. Its wire was rusty and the wood posts were covered in a black and green fungus. So delicate, that the fence would crumble to the ground in a powder at a harsh touch.
The shack itself was in even worse condition. The walls and roof had gaping holes that the birds, bats, and other beasts of the forest frequented when they needed an escape from the elements. The door swung haphazardly in the wind and leaned against the outer wall. One hinge and the latch were broken. The glass window was cracked, but it lit up like a dew-covered spiderweb in the morning sun in the moonlight. The rusted metal roof was every shade of brown and red with hints of the original silver speckling the ribs.
The garden itself was lush for the climate and secluded area. Bushes, flowers, leaves, and vines filled every nook. The flower boxes along the shack were packed with zinnias and ivy snaked up the wood panels and along the ground.
Serena let go of Atlas' hand and pushed the gate open. It creaked loudly in the clear night and swung shut with a snap. She jumped slightly at the noise but continued walking through the garden. She trailed her fingertips along the foliage and breathed in the mixed scents of the flowers. Most of the flowers were on their last blooms but were beautiful regardless. She turned toward Atlas, her eyes sparkling and a bright smile on her face.
"This is beautiful. Thank you."
Atlas nodded and smiled toward the ground.
"It used to be my mother's." He began, fidgeting with his hands in his pockets. "I have kept up the flowers, but have not been able to keep the shed and fence in quite as good condition. It would be suspicious if the Alpha was gone in the forest for long periods with much of the resources the pack needs to maintain their homes."
He scratched his head, and Serena approached him. She pressed herself against him and placed a cool hand against his cheek.
His eyes darted to hers, and his face began to relax. She rubbed his scar gently with her thumb, and a low growl came from deep in his chest. Not an angry growl, but one that was content and demanding more.
"You are doing a wonderful job. Your mother would be proud." She smiled and leaned further against him. Atlas' hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her tightly against his abdomen. He bent his head and nuzzled into her hair and neck, breathing in her scent. She stretched out her fingers and ran them through his hair. He gave a soft growl again and she chuckled.
After one deep breath, he pulled away from her and straightened.
"I want to show you something, then we can head back if you want..."
She nodded, and he grabbed her hand, pulling her behind him toward the blooming flower in a bed in the center of the garden.
He dropped to his knees and pulled her down onto his lap, careful not to get her covered in the mud surrounding the plant. He leaned his head forward and brushed his face along hers. He placed his hand on hers and guided it toward the delicate blue flowers and the veiny green leaves.
"This was my mother's favorite. It's called jack frost and is one of the only ones that bloom at night in this region." His eyes were wide and intense as he explained the flower and its value. He guided her hand along the fleshed-out leaves and the miniature blossoms that dotted the long stems.
"It's beautiful." Serena sighed, fingering the petals. "Why was it your mom's favorite?"
Atlas pulled his hand away and was silent for a moment.
"It is the only flower that bloomed at night. You know by now that at night we are at our best but also our most vulnerable. When my dad was on a rampage, my mother would come here and look at the flowers. This was the only one that would keep her company. It is the one that I have most cared for."
"You take care of these?" Serena shifted to better look at his moonlit face. His eyes were downcast and vacant, as though they were remembering a time long ago.
"Yes, I do." He began after a long pause. "The night we met in the field by the stream... I was actually out here taking care of the garden. No one knows about this, so I have to be very careful who gets near."
"Oh." Serena looked back to the plant.
They sat together for a long time before the moon rose almost to its peak.
"Please don't tell anyone about this." He murmured, looking at the flower.
She reached up and moved his face to look at hers.
"I won't." She spoke softly, looking into his dim red eyes. They were moist and full of longing. Longing for someone to know, for someone to care about, or just someone to share something with. "Thank you for telling me."
He flicked his gaze down to her plump, soft lips and back to her comforting gaze. She did the same to him, gazing at his face and lips. They were so close, yet just out of reach for him. He squeezed his eyes shut and scolded himself. He took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, letting go of the fear and anxiety that built up in his heart. He opened his eyes and looked up at Serena. She was gazing off at the moon in the sky, soaking in its cold shine.
He reached a calloused hand up and pulled her face toward his. Her head dipped and their noses brushed against each other, sending tingles through their touching skin. Their breathing mingled together into a hot mess. With one swoop, Atlas leaned to close the few inches between their lips, but her lips were gone. Her weight on his lap was gone, leaving a vacant place at his side, where she belonged. He clenched his fist and scanned the garden. The rickety fence gate closed with a slam and Atlas could see Serena's figure retreating into the wood.
"Serena!" Atlas called after her, arm outstretched.
There was no reply save for the snapping of branches. He darted after her. He caught up quickly thanks to his tall legs. He grabbed her wrist tight and whirled her around. Serena cast her face to the ground and refused to look up. Even at Atlas' nudgings, she stood fast.
"I-I'm sorry." He began, fumbling over his words and thoughts. "I shouldn't have done that. I just thought-"
"Atlas, take me back," Serena said sternly, her voice as cold as the moon rays.
"Serena... Let me explain." Atlas bargained, pulling her into a hug.
She shoved him away and took a few steps closer to the muddy ground. He jerked an arm out and pulled her away from the edge, but Serena fought his grip again.
"Let me go." She demanded, writhing in his grip.
"Lacuna..." He whispered to her, but she refused to hear. Her churning thoughts and feelings blotted out the desperate call. Atlas exhaled slowly and dropped his gaze, loosening his grasp. "Okay. I'll take you back."
She nodded and only accepted his touch to carry her through the swamp for fear of ruining Venus' shoes.
Atlas and Serena walked back in silence. No contact, questions, or statements were initiated from either party. Serena left Atlas alone in the hallway when they entered the packhouse. Even though Atlas reached after her to apologize once more, but he retracted his hand to his side, fist clenched. She ascended the stairs without so much as a glance back at the vulnerable Alpha.
It was a long night. For the both of them.
"How was your date?" Venus teased, nudging Serena as they walked to the sparring grounds.
Serena tipped at the force and fell to the ground with a thud.
"Oh my God. Are you okay? I didn't think I hit you that hard." Venus fret as she helped Serena up.
Serena dusted herself off and continued walking. Venus jogged after her and grabbed her elbow, swinging Serena around.
"What happened? Tell me." Venus stood in front of Serena, hands firm on her hips, a concerned look in her eyes.
"Nothing happened." Serena glided by her and continued her walk.
"No, you wouldn't act like that if nothing happened. What did my brother do?" Venus stopped Serena again.
"I told you that nothing happened." Serena rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Don't lie to me. I know that Atlas is an ass, but maybe I can make it right." Venus's voice was stern, and her eyes narrowed, glaring at Serena with every ounce of suspicion and annoyance in her body.
Serena sighed and rolled her eyes.
"I'll tell you later." She waved her hand dismissively.
"No. You will tell me now."
"Fine." Serena spun on her heel and waved her hands in the air. "He tried to kiss me and I ran away. You happy?"
"What?" Venus's mouth dropped open. She froze in her place on the path. "He tried to kiss you? My idiot of a brother?"
"Yes! And I rejected him." Serened's shoulders slumped and she buried her face in her hands. "I'm such a fool..."
Venus bolted to her friend and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure he didn't think anything of it." Venus rubbed Serena's shoulder gently.
"You think so?" Serena looked up, her eyes moist and vulnerable.
"Absolutely. He probably won't hold a grudge when it comes to you." Venus gave Serena a soft, reassuring smile as she rubbed Serena's back.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein