Chapter 23: The Wolf Wonders

I had always remained by Aries' side. It was my destiny. That destiny was what stripped him of his happiness.

Most wolves only form a soul contract with suitable descendents of selected packs once they come of age. However, Aries and I were different. We were already connected since he was born. It was abnormal and unthinkable as children wouldn't be able to withstand such powers at a young age.

Since he learnt more from me than his parents of his wolf lineage, he began to act more as a wolf than that of a human. His growth rate were also off the charts... whatever that meant... His presenting as an alpha was early and made others isolate him due to their feelings of inferiority.

He used to recite everything that happened to him during the day to me as he treated me more like a friend rather than a wolf he had a contract with. It was a lovely feeling as it was different from other contracts I formed in the past.

When he got into elementary school, things took a dive for the worst. He began to shut himself indoors and refused to speak to anyone, me included.

He probably thought I didn't know what was going on as the contract had a clause whereby the wolf or person awake would retain private memories the other knew nothing of as a means of safety. However, we were both in a sense... of one body. I knew what happens even when he was in control.

I don't know if he can see and feel the things that I do whenever we switched during the full moon, but, I always remained by his side regardless.

I had thought to consult with him regarding the issues of isolation and perhaps comfort him. However, I did not know how he truly felt. I only understood simple emotions. It was difficult to understand what was truly wrong or whether it stemmed from his childhood.

In the end, I was a wolf at the core and could only provide him with strength and predatory prowess. Conflicting emotions and understanding others were beyond me. Hence, I could only watch as he forced himself to grow numb to the isolation.

Other people whom I formed a contract with could depend on their families for support and be provided with sufficient love that they need. This wasn't the case for Aries. Since he was born with a soul contract with me, his parents raised him seperately as they kept in mind the fact that Aries presented as an alpha and kept him from his siblings, treating him as the next leader and never doting on him.

Perhaps it was an inside rule for the Wulfstein pack as most of their Alpha's were stoic and strict. Even if the person in question was thier pup they would cast them aside by following their instincts. If said pup could defend itself, it was safe to be on its own. The strong gets stronger but the weak gets support. Hilarious, really. Aries was still a child but they never bothered to look for an alternative.

I couldn't refute a rule that had been in use for centuries. However, seeing Aries slowly close himself off from everything made me feel sad. It was not pity, but a feeling I could not describe in words.

I thought he would continue secluding himself as I felt the chains holding me down. As our souls shared the same body, the burden he carries would weigh down on me and I would slowly be chained by the shackles of the soul.

I also begun to see less of what came to be of the world he was in. I thought it was fine when his parents grew slightly lenient with him when he said he could control his transformation at will. The shackles that binded me meant nothing as I wanted to see his bright smile again.

Then... It was a world of darkness for me until I felt the shackles binding loosened. Aries had found his smile again as he ran through a forest with a small boy following behind him.

Everything went well until my excitement caused my soul to manifest in his world. The boy before him stopped short in his tracks and slapped Aries' hand away. I heard something snap in Aries before everything went dark again.

When I awakened again, the image of a young man reflected in the mirror. Aries had grown so much. But the expressionless face of his made me feel sad. He had locked everything away.

His expressions, feelings... I felt like I was to be blamed. I didn't know why our contract happened earlier than it should have. If we were to have formed our contract when he were older, he might not have had to lose out on his childhood.

I tried to keep myself from getting too excitable as I was reminded of the last thing that had happened. It was the least I could do for him after taking everything away from him.

I did however, feel a certain sadness as I thought of the last time he had called my name. Did he shut me out as well as his defense mechanism to get hurt no longer?

***

His day was nothing special in particular. However, I noticed that he often headed to a nearby cafe which coincide with a neighbouring school. I thought nothing of it until I felt a strange surge of warmth.

It was different from the warmth I felt when he was happy being with me. It felt... Mellow... Calm and soft. It was... Different.

Since it piqued my interest, I tried to understand what he was feeling and tried to look for what he was searching for. Then, I saw it. The tender smile he had whenever he was looking at something he liked. A smile I hadn't seen in a long time.

I didn't want him to be hurt again, so I merely watched in silence. I tried to keep my excitement at bay. Could that person make him happy? Will that person give him the things I stole from him?

***

"Little Aries~ You're here again today. I tried cooking steak today! I read that wolves like to drink blood when they hunt so I made sure it was extra rare with slight searing." the person said with a warm smile on thier face as I felt his hand patting my head.

It was Sol, the person Aries was always happy to see.

At first, I tried to scare him to test his reactions. He was scared like everyone else, yet he always thought and worried about Aries' safety even when he himself was in the path of danger.

He grew on me as I began to assume control. The excuse of learning about him for Aries' sake began to lose meaning as I simply enjoyed being by his side.

However, I knew I could not keep doing so as both Aries and Sol longed for one another. Sol wasted away as he drowned in his worries. I felt terrible to try and take away the only other person who Aries treasured.

So, I let him go. I granted Aries full control of my powers with the last wish to be able to see Sol on nights with a full moon. I wanted the both of them to attain happiness.

So... Why is Aries always holding himself back?

I realised it somewhere along the way that Aries loved Sol in a way that lovers do. He wants to be what people call couples with Sol. It was pretty clear to see how much he doted on Sol, so I had assumed they were already one. Yet Aries always gave me warnings to not go overboard when playing with Sol.

His possessiveness was very strong. So I was surprised they both were only friends until now.

"Mind your own business." Aries would say when I asked him about it.

Maybe it was the years apart, but Aries has grown quite cold towards me. He also seem to have no recollection of the past. Maybe he tried to forget it...

"We were close? I don't think so." Aries would say when I mentioned anything about it.

It hurt me when he said it but thinking of all I have stripped from him, I suppose it was a minor issue to him.

However... lately he has been venting to me a lot. From things about how he couldn't control how the ears and tail would still pop out, how Sol still likes to stay up throughout the night writing something, how he felt like he was leeching on his love interest, how he wanted Sol to notice how he feels and things like that.

I also noticed how he liked changing to our wolf form at night so he could sleep in the same room as Sol. ... Even though I remember hearing him scold Sol for letting me do so.

He also gives Sol secret kisses at night though he apologises right after. I mean, don't do it if you are going to torment yourself later? Roo? I thought to myself, tilting my head as I remembered the one time he kissed Sol and panicked he was going to get caught.

It seems like Aries is in safe hands for now. I do wish I can play fetch with Sol sometime soon. I really want to hear that one song and get pats on my head.

Nevertheless, I hope Aries can attain his happiness with Sol. I will be with him every step of the way, rooting for his success!