PROMISES

"This is the right way, Amado." Symla said and pointed the jungle that was familiar on her. They were close to the village. She hopes that her families were still there. Amado moved quietly. He guided the horse to move in the direction she point at.

She secretly observed Amado. He was still quiet. After the revelations of their feelings, Amado didn't dare open that topic again. He was civil though. However, Symla controlled herself to approach him and ask forgiveness. Deep inside her heart, she wants to talk to him and say sorry. She wanted to ease his pains and do the things that could mend his broken heart but in the end, she chose not to. It would only mean that she choose Amado. All in all, she convinced her self that what she did was the right thing to do. She should stop thinking of approaching him.

"I smell their scent. We should stay here and wait, Symla." Amado said and stopped the horse. He immediately went down and assisted Symla carefully.

She looked at him but Amado didn't dare looked back. She felt like something gripped her stomach. Seeing his coldness made her feel that way. She sighed.

"I'll wait here. If… if you don't come back withing fifteen minutes, I know what that means. I'm sorry for what I said last night. I realized, it's not right to force you and involved you on my plans. You have an obligation to your family that you should do." He said coldly and sighed. "Go now. Certainly they are worried about you."

Lump form on her throat. She was hurt as hell. Just like that? He was setting her free. He was giving the chance to decide whether she'll return or not. She should thank him for being so understanding. She should be happy that finally, she'll be with her family but what the hell? Everything was so heavy in her heart. She didn't expect it. She looked at him, trying to look for an answer. She wants to ask but she couldn't say anything. She was worried, confused and undecided.

"Go now." He said again.

"I-I'll be back." She promised.

He gave a hollow laugh. "I am not pressuring you. Just… take care of your self."

Amado turned his back and fixed the horse. Symla's tears fell on her cheeks. Her heart was broken. She didn't want to leave him just like that. She inhale and exhale. She tried to calm her self and turned her back. She walk away from him. They were drifting apart but Symla's mind and heart left within Amado's hand. She kept on thinking about him and his anger. Is it really okay for him to be separate? Is he really expecting that she won't be back?

"Symla!"

Symla was surprised to see Teves walking fast towards her. He was alived! There were prominent scars on his neck and face. It was a trace of the battle where she first met Amado and he saved her. It appears Teves survived that fight. Teves embraced her tightly. She could feel the way he hold her that he was happy to see her. Just like Lyra, Teves is a close friend too. Before she went to the convent, they were already friends and he was also her classmate.

But Teves suddenly reacted differently. He repulsed, moved back and cover his nose. He instantly transformed into a cold blooded vampire. Eyes dilated, fangs were growing longer. She could see an intense anger on his eyes. He wants to attack her!

"Teves!" she tried to tamed him. Slowly, he calm. He gradually transformed back but still, eyes were still dilated.

"You smell like a wolf." He whispered and sniffed. His fangs grew longer again. She swallowed. Her heart beats like crazy in terror. "You're with wolf?" he asked while gritting his teeth. He seemed ready to attack any minute.

She nodded and explain to him everything. In a moment, he thought everything until she grabbed his hand and plead. "He's a good wolf, Teves. He will stop this war. I need to go back to him—"

"Symla! It's not just wolf that searching for you, even our whole clan. They were searching for you high and low. They almost moved every mountain just to see you. It was just so lucky, you came back alive. If vampires found you, they will kill the wolf who kidnapped you. Symla, wolves are dangerous." He said and shake her shoulders. "Look at me. Look at my face. Wolves did this to me. If the vampires didn't follow us that time, I'm fucked up. Vampires saved me but Lyra… our friend died…"

She shook her head. She was against on Teves' perception on wolves because she knows that there's someone who was contrary on those beasts. "Amado is different." She stresses it. She wanted him to believe her.

Teves shook his head too. "He's still wolf, Symla. Let's go inside. You are the only reason why we are still on this mountain. Dr. De Francisco came. Vampires increased numbers because of him. He brought vampires from England. They had been hiding for so many months that's why they came here a bit late. Some of those vampires were out there looking for you. Go on. Let's get inside. Your parents are worried about you."

Symla suddenly looked at the direction where she left Amado. Her heart beats like crazy again. Amado completely occupied her mind. Right there and then, she just realized she wanted to go back to him. Yes, she was glad hearing the news that Dr. De Francisco came. She was confident now to found out that her clan were in good hands. Her parents are safe now.

"Teves… forgive me. I made a promise to Amado…" she whispered. Her heart was beating too fast, it was hard for her to breathe. She was having roller coaster of emotions. She was uneasy. She didn't know what to do. She was filled with so much anticipation.

Symla admitted everything to Teves and hold his hand. "Please, evacuate this mountain as soon as possible. After Amado and I fulfill his mission, I will look for you."

He was so shocked to say the least. He looked at her with disbelief on his eyes. He shook his head on disappointment. "You are insane, Symla…"

She slowly laugh, guilty inside. He was right. Her decision was a huge mistake but it doesn't matter to her. Whatever the consequences, she still wants to be with Amado. She wanted to see the world he wanted to create. A world without war. A place where they could live peacefully. She looked again to Amado's direction. "Yes. I think I'm crazy but… this is what I want. This is what I feel."

He sighed. "Be grateful because I was just around and I see you. I am the only vampire here. Everyone left and went to the battlefield. Me and the elders left here. If only a different one saw you, they will not let you leave. But I am your friend. I trusted you."

Symla burst out crying. She hugged her friend tightly. She was grateful to his kindness and understanding. Teves cough and move away. Obviously, he felt nauseated on her scent. He really dislike wolf's scent. Symla just laughed while crying. When Teves promised her that he will observe and found the traitor, she felt contented. She was assured now. Amado fulfill his promises: he helped her and they looked for her village. This time, she will come back to him to fulfill her promise. She will go with him and looked for the shaman.