The shore is a busy place. Pitchford warriors are preparing to leave while General Brandon is talking to other werewolves. Klevon stands beside me, quiet and just silently taking in the scent of the sea and nearby flowers.
I feel sad about leaving Nowra again. I shift my attention to her and reach for her hand. We exchange a sad, knowing smile. We've been inseparable ever since I arrived on the island.
"Kaiya, they are calling for us," Klevon whispers.
I embrace Nowra tightly, and she whispers, "I promise we will meet again. I will do my best to pass that exam."
I nod and step back from her. Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears. Her eyes shift to Klevon, and she says, "Well, Klevon, for the past few days that you've been tailing Kaiya, I know you like her. Unfortunately, you won't have a chance with her."
"I am born persistent," he says.
She smiles. "I've been born persistent, too. And I am telling you to just take me in," she says and winks at him.
"You will not be happy with him," I interject.
"I will take Kaiya's attention from you now," Klevon says instead.
Klevon pulls me away from her, into the boat, and then to the ship. My eyes never leaving the island. I feel a wave of sadness as the island keeps getting smaller.
"You don't have to cry so much. She will pass that exam. I am sure of it," Klevon says.
"How can you be sure? What if she got sick during the day of the exam?!"
"That woman is strong and brilliant. I doubt she ever had a problem before. Besides, she took you under her wing."
After a while, I lean to him and whisper, "Thank you, Klevon. For being a friend. Like what Nowra had said, I doubt I will ever fall for you. But as much as I don't want to admit it, you are still a dear friend of mine."
He chuckles. "Is that why sometimes you allow me to kiss you? You don't want to hurt my feelings?"
"Not just that. I am also a selfish one. I... I feel lonely, and I need someone else's touch. I have used your affections, and so, I am sorry."
"I enjoy those moments, though," he whispers as he drapes his arms over my shoulders.
And so, as the two of us watch the fading island, letting the sea breeze blow our hair, I feel recharged, and with it, is a clear mind.
**********************
I have been gone for so long that the first sight of Pitchford Kingdom feels strange. Everything feels new and quiet. We walk from the gates to the main entrance and into Theo's office–where a tall, stocky man with cobalt blue eyes greets us. "The King has been waiting for the heroes of Stine Kingdom."
He opens the door, and inside, Theo stands up, his face trapped between uncertainty and happiness. I have been gazing at him for too long that I didn't notice General Lorant and Harbin on the side of the room.
When General Brandon clears his throat, Theos sits back in his chair. "King Theo," he greets, bowing a little to him.
As if being woken up from a trance, Theo says, "Welcome back to Pitchford, Gezer, Ninus, Inanna, General Klevon, General Brandon, and Kaiya Pitchford." he emphasizes my last name as if telling me I am still his.
We all make a bow, and Theo gives us praises. He also provides promotions. My rank has been raised to Lieutenant Colonel, and each vampire will have Second Lieutenant rank.
However, my mind is outside the formalities. My gaze is on Theo as I try to check if there are some changes in him. He might have fallen in love with someone else. Taken in a new lover or impregnated another. Maybe-
"That's all. You can leave."
I jerk. I am not listening at all! To hide my lack of attention, I whirl around and am about to leave when he adds, "Not you, Kaiya. Stay for a while."
"Oh," I mutter, my heart beating fast.
I look at the others and Theo adds, "Leave everyone, including you, General Lorant, and Harbin."
When the door closes, leaving only the two of us, Theo stands up and pushes a letter into my hands. I take a look at it while he sits at his desk table.
"Read," he orders. I look at him. His black violet hair is still beautiful. His muscular arms are enticing. And his face is as handsome as ever. Right now, I just want a warm welcome from him.
"This is from me," I say. "I know what's in it."
"I need to make sure because you mention in the letter that you have the most amazing adventure of your life."
"And?" I ask.
He frowns at me. "It means you are having fun without me!" he scolds. "Tell me, did something happen between you and Klevon again?!"
"It depends on what you mean by that..." I answer, and what does he mean by 'again'?
Instead of answering, he spread his arms toward me. "Come here, Kaiya." I look uncertainly at him. I badly want to, but–
"Please. I really miss you."
Tugging at my heart, I step into his embrace and lay my head on his shoulders. He envelops me with his warmth as his lips brush on my neck. He holds me close, his arms rubbing my back.
"Kaiya, I've been very distraught when you're gone," he whispers. He pulls back and lightly caresses my face. "You look different," he remarks.
I smile. I feel different, too, especially about our relationship. In fact, if he forces himself on me, I won't make such an effort to struggle. No. Honestly, I miss him so much that this hug we are sharing-I need it as much as he needs it. However, I don't know how to tell him that I have already forgiven him.
"You look more confident," he whispers. He leans closer. He's so close that if only I make a move, I will be able to kiss him again. "More beautiful, too," he whispers, his lips almost brushing over mine.
I feel warm from his words, not just the compliments. I can sense his need, and yet, something else is stopping him from his usual demeanor of taking me into his arms.
"Thank you," I say, and I didn't expect my voice to be a little shaky. I grab his hand that's on my face and peer into his eyes. I want to tell him that I... I-what? What is this feeling on my chest that keeps growing the more his skin touches mine?
He glances at the way my body shivers. He takes a deep sigh and pulls away, taking a few steps from me, and says, "I've thought a lot about us, Kaiya. All the things I have done against you, I will make up for it. I won't force you to make love to me anymore–only when you want it. And I am sorry I've always done those things forcefully. So please, can we start anew?"
I smile at him, my chest brimming with happiness. I walk closer to him and take his hands. "Okay, Theo," I start. "We will forgive each other. And this time, no more secrets."
"No more secrets," he repeats.
I reach for the back of his head and pull him closer. I press my forehead against his instead of kissing him. We gaze into each other's eyes as if the gesture connects us even more profoundly than what can be seen.
I say, "We will talk a lot more, know each other more-"
"And love each other more each day," he completes.
This time, when our lips gently touch, it is much more intimate than all the lovemaking we had before.