Chapter 13

I immediately open my eyes when I heard Zariyah’s shout. Why is she shouting? Is there something that happens? I suddenly climb up onto her balcony and open the door but my eyes widened when our eyes locked.

I saw how shocked she is and slowly, it sink-in in my head that I’m not a dog right now and I’m in my human form. Shit! How did I fucking forget that? What should I do? Should I greet her good evening? But she’ll freak out because a stranger suddenly came here into her room without her knowledge.

“Who’s there?!” she shouted and immediately took something in her bag and pointed it at me. When I took a glance at what she was holding, I saw that it was a knife. Fuck! I should think twice next time.

“I-I’m Lyall. Please, put down that knife,” I said and stood up. I should remain calm because I can see that she’s afraid of me. Who wouldn’t? A man suddenly appeared out of nowhere and worst, in the evening!

“Are you my bodyguard?” she suddenly asked which made me nod my head. I’m not familiar with that word but I guess, it’s like a knight, right?

I saw her sigh and put down her knife on the table and look at me. “I’m sorry. I thought it was just a stranger because of your outfit,” she said that making my forehead crease and when I took a glance at my outfit, I chuckled softly. So I’m wearing my birthday outfit. Maybe it’s her first time seeing this kind of outfit? Because based on her reaction, she’s so amazed.

“I’m sorry. My sister wants this outfit while I’m at work so I have no choice but to follow what she likes,” I explained to her. I missed my sisters and brother now. How are they? Do they miss me? I hope nothing happens to them because I always cherish them even if my brother is so stubborn sometimes.

“I’m sorry. I was just shocked when I realized that my dog isn’t there. Did you see him?” she asked before sitting down on her bed. Now that I noticed that she’s wearing her night dress, I immediately look away and stare at the door.

“I didn’t but if I saw him, I’ll put him here. Don’t worry, Ma’am,” I said using my cold voice. This is how I talk to my servants before and I need to use this so my emotion isn’t noticeable. I still don’t know if she’s good at observing but I hope she isn’t.

“Thank you, Lyall,” she said softly that making my heart pound. Shit! Those heartbeats again! Because of these heartbeats, I can’t breathe properly. Is this how it feels if you’re now talking to your loved ones? Fuck! I’m not ready.

A long silence filled the room when I didn’t know what to reply to what she said. It’s not a question, right? So I shouldn’t feel guilty for not replying. It’s not that I’m rude here because it’s optional to say you’re welcome.

“Uh, Lyall?” she called my attention so I turn my head at her to look at her face.

“Hmm?” I saw her bite her lower lip which made me swallow nervous. What is she doing? Stop driving me insane, woman. I’m trying to control myself here but your simple gestures make me crazy.

“Your outfit suits you,” she compliment before looking away and that’s how I was whipped by this mortal.

“Ah! Thank you, Ma’am.” I look away to avoid her face too and I felt like my ear is now burning. Fuck! Did I blush at just her simple compliment? I know, it’s just a compliment but I can’t help it because it’s my first time falling in love and I didn’t know that mortals can make me blush.

What did you do to me, Zariyah?

How will I continue my task if you’re being like this?

How can I fucking calm down if she’s right in front and talking to me in my human form?

Hell! I guess, this is how a werewolf falls in love. It makes us crazy. I hope that my happiness will not last and I hope I can introduce myself to her someday without hiding something but it’s impossible. Because no secrets last long.

“I think, you should sleep now, Ma’am,” I said and look at her. I saw her nod her head before laying on her bed.

“How about you?” she asked but I just shook my head lightly and rest my back on the doorway while my hands are in my pocket.

“Don’t mind me, Ma’am. I’ll just guard you since that’s how a knight should be,” I said nonchalantly which made her nod her head.

“Good night then,” she said and flash a genuine smile.

“Good night, Ma’am.” I turn my back on her when I noticed that her eyes are now closed. What will I do now? I shouldn’t sleep since I will guard her. I guess I will just stare at the sky and wait for the sun to raise.

I took the chair and close the door of the balcony before I sat down. Tonight, I’ll just let myself waste my time looking at the sky that’s full of stars and the full moon that’s now shining bright. I’m still happy to the stars and moon that even if their surroundings are too dark, but they still shine because of their uniqueness.

That’s just like me. Even if I was thrown here and left my family just to find the woman who will lift my curse, I still shine not because of my title but because of my hard work and my worth. Even if I have so many problems and questions in my mind, I chose to stand up and continue my task just to prove to myself that I can do it and that I needed to survive because no one will help me aside from myself.

This is a battle between myself and I need to win.