I took two steps closer, careful not to crowd her. She was real, and she was right in front of me. It took all of my willpower not to touch her.
I often thought about what would be the best way to tell her the truth, but all I could come up with was to let her remember me on her own. But she was so tempting, and it was nearly impossible to remain silent. As if mocking me, memories from those nights we spent together rushed back. I took a long breath, forcing my intrusive thoughts back, pushing them deep down so I would not have to face them.
“I loved it. Was it your favorite book when you were growing up?”
“One of them. I always liked reading.”
She returned the book to the shelf but did not move away.
“You aren’t from the blue clan. Where are you from?” she asked quietly.
“Darragh.”
“The black clan? That’s why your dragon’s black.”
“How do you know?”
Alina slowly raised her head and our eyes locked.
“One day, I just looked at you, and I... knew.”
A coil of her hair dropped to her cheek and without thinking, I raised my hand, but stopped midair.
What the fuck are you doing? She doesn’t even know you. She’s not ready.
“I think I found the one.” She smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
Without saying anything else, she moved to the exit and I followed her, cursing myself.
Ten minutes later, we reached Alina’s room and after wishing me goodnight, she disappeared behind the closed door.
I clenched my jaw, not able to comprehend what made her mood change so drastically.
“She did what!” Frid exclaimed as we sat on the metal roof of the dilapidated rental.
“Can you be any louder? I don’t think those prostitutes heard the whole story,” Victor chimed in.
“She just closed up. Like we were strangers,” I responded.
“I don’t know, man. It sounds like she doesn’t remember who you are,” Victor said.
“Maybe she didn’t feel safe with you?” Sol suggested.
“Yeah. It was late, you were alone. Women are very sensitive about those things.” Victor shrugged his shoulders.
Sol nodded.
“What’s wrong with you? I can’t even believe the three of you had ever seen a real woman before. It’s clear, isn’t it? She was flirting!” Frid leaned closer.
“Flirting? Yeah, right.” Victor laughed.
“Yes, my boy, she was. Think about it. She asked him to take her to the library. It’s dark out. They are all alone and she asks him if he likes girls who love to read while she’s... a girl who loves to read!”
“Are you sure about that?” Sol furrowed his eyebrows.
“How else would you explain it?” Frid exploded.
“How about she was just bored in her room and wanted to read something?” Victor suggested.
