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The soft rays of dawn filter through the cavern, casting a gentle, golden glow upon the sleeping forms of the wolves. As I awaken to the stillness of the morning, a sense of tranquility washes over me. It’s a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos and uncertainty that has become my life.
With quiet steps, I make my way over to the art supplies Maddox had brought for me. The sight of the pristine canvases, vibrant paints, and an array of brushes fills me with a sense of anticipation that I haven’t felt in far too long. This is my sanctuary, my escape from the harsh realities of the world outside.
As I dip my brush into a pot of azure blue, I feel a surge of creative energy course through me. With each stroke, I pour my emotions onto the canvas, allowing my thoughts and feelings to take shape in vivid colors and bold lines. The world outside fades away, and I lose myself in the act of creation.
This is where I truly belong, where I feel most like myself. The weight of parental expectations, the pressure to conform to a path I never chose, all dissipates as I lose myself in the art. The vibrant hues on the canvas reflect the true colors of my soul, untamed and free.
I wish my parents could see this, understand the depth of my passion and the happiness it brings me. But for now, this moment is mine alone. In the quiet hours of the morning, as the wolves slumber around me, I create. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, I can still hold on to the essence of who I am.
The soft rustling of fabric and the faint sounds of the cavern stirring from slumber gradually pull me from the depths of my artistic reverie. As I blink away the remnants of sleep, I’m met with a pleasant surprise that warms my heart.
Vaughn, the first to awaken, kneels beside me with a tender smile that lights up his face. In his hands, he holds a steaming mug of coffee, wisps of steam curling from the rich, dark liquid. The aroma of roasted beans fills the air, and the warmth of the cup seeps through the ceramic into my hands as he hands it to me.
“Morning,” Vaughn murmurs, his voice soft and warm, matching the tender expression in his eyes. There’s something in his gaze that takes me by surprise—love. A deep, genuine affection that makes my heart flutter and my stomach twist with excitement.
I accept the coffee with a grateful smile, inhaling the comforting scent before taking a careful sip. The familiar, bitter taste of caffeine washes over my tongue, invigorating my senses and pulling me fully into the present moment. It’s a simple gesture, but it carries a weight of meaning that leaves me pleasantly surprised.
“You didn’t have to,” I murmur, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness.
Vaughn chuckles softly, the warmth in his eyes intensifying. “I know,” he says, his tone lighthearted. “But I wanted to. Besides, you deserve a little something special after all you’ve been through.”
His words wrap around me like a protective shield, and I can’t help but be drawn to him in this vulnerable moment. The world outside may be filled with uncertainty, but in this quiet corner of the cavern, a connection blossoms—unexpected yet undeniably real.
As we sit there, side by side, sharing a cup of coffee and exchanging smiles, it’s impossible to ignore the undercurrent of something more. A spark of attraction, an ember of affection, which lingers in the air between us. It’s both surprising and exciting, leaving me eager to explore what the future might hold for us.
The sensation of Vaughn’s lingering gaze warms my heart as I take another sip of the coffee he kindly brought me. But just as we settle into a comfortable silence, Kit’s voice breaks through the tranquil atmosphere.
“Mahalia, can I talk to you for a moment?” Kit’s request is polite but carries an air of urgency that instantly piques my curiosity. I turn my attention to him, a furrow forming between my brows.
“Of course, Kit,” I reply, setting the coffee mug aside. “What’s on your mind?”
His dark eyes meet mine, and there’s something in the depths of his gaze that’s difficult to decipher—something serious and profound. I push myself to my feet and follow him a short distance away from the others, our footsteps echoing in the cavern.
Once we’re far enough from prying ears, Kit finally speaks, his voice low and filled with a sense of vulnerability. “I need to talk to you, Mahalia, about something important. Something I’ve been carrying with me for a long time.”
I’m taken aback by his words, uncertainty gripping me. Kit has always been a complex figure in my life, a mixture of past hurts and shared history. What could he possibly want to discuss now, in the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty?
“Okay,” I respond cautiously, my gaze never leaving his. “I’m listening.”
Kit takes a deep breath, and his gaze becomes introspective, as if he’s searching for the right words. “I’ve always had regrets, Mahalia, about how things ended between us back in high school. I know I wasn’t the best person, and I made some terrible mistakes. I was an asshole to you, and that has haunted me for a while. Even more so, seeing you now.”
Memories of our turbulent past flash before me—the bullying, the pain, and the anger. It’s a chapter of my life I’ve tried my best to put behind me, but it’s clear that Kit still carries the weight of it. That’s something which makes me feel a little weird.
He continues. “You see, it’s the same for me as it is for Maddox. That’s why I couldn’t stop. I believed that if I didn’t give you that rush of endorphins, you’d lose interest in me. I know that might be a shitty excuse, but that’s what was happening.”
“Huh?” I stare at him in confusion as Kit smirks.
“Well, you like to have your boundaries tested, don’t you? You’re a sucker for punishment.”
Those words feel a bit like a slap in the face, but I also can’t argue with those words because I have to think about the way that I felt when Lars was spanking me. There was definitely something in the pain pleasure excitement. Maybe I do like that after all.
“Is this a revelation for you, Mahalia?” Kit laughs. “I thought you always knew that you had a dark side. This is interesting. Because I always felt like you liked me a little when I was being an asshole.”
A redness burns in my cheeks as I take in those words. Because of course I had a thing for Kit the whole time. That’s why I didn’t turn up to my wedding, because it felt like a betrayal. Does Kit know that? Can he see it in me?
“Kit,” I finally speak, my voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and curiosity. “You’re right. I can’t deny that I had some... complex feelings back then. It’s just... it’s all so complicated. I don’t know what to say, I’m not too sure how to feel.”
“Well, I’m sorry if I was an asshole. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I never meant that.”
