CHAPTER 92: ERYX AND ZIE

"But your father was the one who created this situation. None of it is your fault," Leia said gently.

Kieran shook his head, a faint, bitter smile tugging at his lips. "That’s not how I see it, Leia. Ronan was constantly compared to me, at every step, in everything he did. Even now, there’s a distance between us that never seems to close. While I was the favored son, always in the spotlight, Ronan was left in the shadows. He was denied the attention, the affection, even the opportunities I received without asking."

His voice softened as his gaze dropped to the floor, lost in the weight of unspoken guilt. "I may not have caused it, but I was at the center of it all. And sometimes, I wonder if that alone makes me responsible."

"Ronan doesn’t blame you for anything. Maybe there’s a distance between you both, but I believe deep down he cares for you. He has a big heart. You know that too," Leia stated, passing a small smile to him.

"Hmm. At least, he began talking to me," Kieran murmured. "Sometimes you don’t like too many praises. It makes you anxious and you’ve to stand to their expectations all the time. If you fail ever, you’re questioned and the humiliation is worst."

Leia raised her hand to his cheek, gently caressing it. "You think a lot. But yes, praises come with huge expectations. You need not to feel burdened though," she affirmed.

Kieran mate her gaze. He felt her warmth leaving his cheek as she had withdrawn her hand.

Leia yawned again, shutting her eyes. "I hope tomorrow comes with new adventures for us."

Kieran watched her drifting off to sleep. He brushed the strand away from her face, not disturbing her sleep. "You trust me the most, but you want to see me as your friend rather than someone whom you can fall in love. It makes me angry. But I can’t show it," he whispered.

~~~~

The next morning, Kieran was the first to wake. He slipped out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb Leia, who was still peacefully asleep. After freshening up, he laced his shoes, preparing for a run, something he hadn’t done in weeks.

Just as he stepped out of the washroom, he noticed Leia stirring. She sat up, stretching her arms with a soft yawn, then dropped them to her sides when she saw him.

"Let’s go for a run," she said, her voice still laced with sleep. "But when we get back, I’ll head off on my own."

Kieran blinked, confused. "Huh? Why?"

Leia leaned in slightly, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Because... I’ll be naked after transforming back into my human form."

Kieran froze, caught completely off guard. "Ahh."

"I’ll leave my clothes by the back door before coming inside," Leia said casually.

Kieran gave a small nod. "Sure."

"Alright then, let’s go." Leia headed to the door, pulling it open. As they stepped outside together, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Ronan, who was just returning from somewhere.

"Ronan? Why are you coming from outside?" Kieran asked, noticing the car keys in his brother’s hand.

"I had some work," Ronan replied curtly, barely sparing them a glance as he brushed past.

"Hey, come join us for a run," Leia offered quickly, turning toward him with a hopeful smile.

"I’m not interested," Ronan muttered, his voice low, disappearing down the corridor without another word.

Leia and Kieran exchanged a quick glance.

"He looked upset with me," Leia murmured, her gaze lingering in the direction Ronan had gone.

Kieran frowned. "Why would he be upset with you?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow. He had no idea what had transpired between Leia and Ronan the other day.

Leia didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she simply said, "I’ll grab my clothes and leave them by the back door."

"Alright," Kieran replied. "I’ll wait for you outside."

He watched her dash upstairs before stepping out himself. Sliding his hands into the pockets of his trousers, he inhaled deeply, letting the morning air fill his lungs. Today’s dawn felt calmer, more soothing than most.

A few minutes later, Leia appeared, slightly breathless. "Let’s go!" she said between short gasps.

"You done?" Kieran asked, turning to her.

"Yep. I placed my clothes in the backyard," she confirmed with a nod.

They began walking side by side, soon veering onto the forest path where dew still clung to the grass.

"Go on, you transform first," Kieran offered as they neared a clearing.

Leia shook her head with a small smile. "No, you go first."

Kieran chuckled. "How about we transform together?"

Leia’s eyes brightened. "Alright. What’s your wolf’s name?" she asked playfully. "Mine’s called Zie."

He smiled at that, her energy infectious. "My wolf is Eryx."

"Eryx and Zie," Leia repeated softly. "They sound like a good team."

"Do they?" Kieran asked with a hint of curiosity.

Leia nodded, stepping back with a smile. "Yes. We make a great team."

Taking a few more steps to create space between them, she said, "On the count of three, we’ll transform."

"Alright," Kieran agreed, his eyes locking with hers.

Leia raised her hand slightly. "One... two... three!"

In a few seconds, their human forms shimmered and they both shifted into their wolves’ forms.

’Your wolf is huge!’ Leia’s voice echoed in Kieran’s mind through the mindlink, filled with surprise and a touch of amusement.

’And yours is stunning,’ Kieran replied, awe lacing his words. ’That white fur... and those ocean-blue eyes... you’re beautiful and adorable all at once.’ His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.

Leia tilted her head, her tail giving a playful flick. ’Well, that’s because I am beautiful,’ she teased.

Kieran couldn’t agree less to it. He watched her walking to him. He suddenly switched back to his human form.

’Hey, that’s cheating!’ Leia said when Kieran touched her face. Zei jolted because of his touch and her eyes fixed on Kieran’s.

She shut her eyes when Kieran suddenly kissed on her furry cheek.