Honor and Redemption

After some time Nekio got up and waited for me to follow him. He lead me back to the pile of cloths Deaken had left before he shifted. I scratched Nekio behind the ear, “I had a lot of fun playing with you. We should do it again sometime. He purred in my hands one last time before he gave himself some space.

Deaken was back in his human form, the transition looked no less pain full than before. After my time with Nekio I view Deaken in a whole new light. I have far more respect for him now than I did before. Deaken was getting dressed when he spoke to me. “I hope he didn’t give you to much trouble.”

I shook my head, “None at all.”

“Good, I was worried when you took off running.” My cheeks grew warm from embarrassment.

“Are you aware of what he is doing when you turn?”

He shook his head, “yeah. Just like he can see and hear you now.”

“That’s so cool!” I clapped my hands together and this time his cheek became red. Now who’s embarrassed.

We ventured into the night, the darkness a cloak that shielded us from prying eyes. Deaken’s presence was a balm, his easy camaraderie a stark contrast to the formality that pervaded the lord’s manor.

As we walked, he spoke of the lands beyond the manor’s borders, of forests that whispered secrets and rivers that sang of freedom. His words painted a picture so vivid, I could almost taste the adventure that beckoned.

“You would have loved my pack lands.” He spoke softly. “The Northern Ridge Pack territory spans across vast woodlands, trees as far as the eye could see. It had a hidden valley that serves as the heart of the pack. The valley is surrounded by towering cliffs we would use to practice climbing, and a pristine river cutting through it. The river provided a natural barrier against intruders, but we often used it for fishing and fun. It has been known to be a harsh environment, but my pack thrived there.”

“Why did you leave Deaken?” If he loved it so much, I don’t understand why he would have willingly left. Unless he never left on his own accord.

He looked away from me for a moment, “that is much harder to explain Lime. I don’t want you to think less of me for it.” He let out a long sigh, “I have a curse placed on me. I failed my family and it's my burden to bear.”

My heart ached for the man in front of me. “Deaken, you can tell me anything and I would never think less of you for it.”

He gently pulled me down onto a stone bench behind us in the gardens. “I was known for my loyalty and strength within the pack. I was entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding the pack’s ancient relic, a symbol of unity and power.” He let go of a shallow breath. “However, in a moment of weakness, I was deceived by a rival pack’s promises of greater power and recognition. I made the grave mistake of sharing the relic’s location, leading to its theft.” He couldn’t bear to look at me. “I trusted someone I shouldn’t have. I regret that mistake every day I still breath.”

I placed my hand on his cheek drawing his focus to me, “Is that why you are here with the lord?” The sad look in his eyes made me want to reach out and hold him. I wanted to chase all his worries and fears away. Even if just for a moment in time.

He nodded, “The loss of the relic caused discord within the pack, as it was not only a source of strength but also a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. The pack’s elders, feeling betrayed and vulnerable without their relic, held a council where my fate was decided.” He placed his hand over mine. "The verdict was unanimous; I was to be exiled for my actions. The punishment was severe but necessary to maintain the integrity of the pack. My name was to be erased from the pack’s history, and I have been forbidden from ever returning to the territory or contacting any pack members.”

“What is lord Syndril’s role in all this,” I asked more than curious. I wondered if this was what Damon spoke of in his warning.

Deaken gave a remorseful look. “I have made it my life's goal to retrieve the stolen relic and restore my honor. The lord has promised to help me in return for helping him.” He took my hands and brought them to his lips, placing small kisses on them. “Before I found you, I was questioning why I was still living. I had lost a little more hope every day. It wasn’t until he brought you home that I found my reason to keep fighting.” He held my face in his hands, “you make everything worth it.” He said as he leaned down placing a soft kiss on my lips.

After a while we moved onto other happier topics of conversation. The hours slipped by, and with each passing moment, I felt a piece of myself awaken. Deaken’s laughter was infectious, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I laughed to a sound that bubbled up from deep within, pure and unburdened.

When we finally returned, the first light of dawn was creeping across the horizon. I paused at the threshold of my room, reluctant to let the night end.

“Thank you, Deaken,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”

He smiled, that pantie-dropping grin that had become so familiar. “Anytime, Lime,” he replied. “Remember, the night is always ours to claim.”

With a final glance at the retreating stars, I stepped back into my room, the door closing with a soft click. But the darkness no longer felt oppressive; it was a canvas, waiting for the next night’s tale to be painted in strokes of moonlight and laughter.