135 Helena’s best decision

AUTHOR'S POV

In a foggy and misty morning just before the crack of dawn, Helena walk over the doused bonfire as she take one last look on Atrius, Jac, Ottis and Umbriel. They were all still soundly asleep, curled in the cold. Before the sun even rose over the gloomy clouds, Haelan and Andrew have already left the cave. Andrew couldn't take off his grin plastered on his face ever since Helena awakened him. He couldn't forget Helena's pair of gray eyes, staring right back at him. In a short time, he even dreamt of having the same scenario… only Helena is his lovely noble wife in their own grand castle in the snow mountain, a fantasy he wishes to be true. Andrew and Helena were set to leave early before everyone else wakes up. He thought Helena wouldn't keep her word to travel with him all the way to Caluso leaving her friends behind. And now, he has Helena all to himself.

The thunder kept roaring furiously behind the thick rolling clouds in the sky. Helena made her way nonstop, fearing that the rains would block their way, and in the end, would further delay their journey. Everytime she get a glimpse of her face on the glassy waters that they pass by, Helena could already see her true face.

As for Andrew, he prayed for the high floods and heavy storms so he'll be stranded with Helena. He took every chance that he can get to grab Helena's hand, or even get a whiff of her enticing scent. He tried so hard to be considerate from most trivial things to the obvious ones, but Helena kept her guard up. She built an iron wall around her that's hard for Andrew to tear down.

"So why do you want to go to Caluso?", Andrew asked as they climb down the third hill they come across, lending Helena a hand which she refuses each time. Helena kept silent. She just went on, with sadness written all over her face. Immense grief has come unto her for leaving her friends behind without any goodbye.

"So we're not gonna talk now?", Andrew sighed. "It's gonna be a long journey you know", he heaved heavily with smoke coming out of his mouth due to the cold. Hence, Helena still remained silent and chose to be cold-hearted for the rebel.

With his growing impatience, Andrew ran to catch up and face Helena. "I'm sorry", Andrew knew that the wall between them was letting his men inflict atrocity on Helena for their cravings on her blood. "I'm such an asshole for making my men hurt you and drink your blood", he looked straight into her eyes with sincerity.

"Just don't make me regret my decision", Helena said as push Andrew to the side and walked away.

"You just made the best decision of your life", Andrew happily followed Helena with a very big smile. He sees her as nothing but his salvation, the light in his darkness. For a man who tailored his life according to his preferences, Andrew suddenly found life outside his comfort zone… especially with Helena's energy sword on his tight grip. He was opened to new greater possibilities.

The heavy rains started to pour. The ground became instantly slippery, and more dangerous to walk on. It was then they both decided to find some place to stay for a little while. Luckily, Andrew found refuge at a small rundown wooden shack just in time before their clothes become too drenched in the rains.

The shack was too small, and almost a wreck. There were barely walls, and just a few posts holding up its shed. Andrew quicklu made fire, enough to keep them warm and not to burn the shack down. Haelan watched Andrew how comfortable he is to produce the flames.

"Uhh, so can I at least ask why you're pretending to be a man?", Andrew stripped off his upper garment and hang it on a protruding nail on the wall.

"You knew?", Helena widened her eyes at Andrew's discernment and completely on his ripped body that he's flexing.

"Now were talking", Andrew smiled as he sat on the floor. "Well, it's hard to leave it unnoticed, you're too beautiful even in men's clothing", Andrew smirked as she tap the floor asking Helena to sit down.

"Right", Haelan nodded slowly as she look away unimpressed. She sat down near the fire, a few inches from Andrew.

"It's true! Come on! Don't leave me hanging", Andrew insisted. "This rain is going to hold us up for a while. Where are we gonna go?", he shrugged his shoulders as the rains fiercely pour. "How come your friends doesn't seem to know?", he asked as he watch the fire.

Helena looked at Andrew with a soft sigh. Hugging her legs, she rested her chin ok her knees. "Atrius knew it too. He's too skeptic of me in Brandenburg. The rest? I don't think they know", Haelan uttered.

"I see you two were close", Andrew said with a tone of jealousy thinking how caring Atrius is towards Helena.

"He's more than a friend, like a brother I never had", Helena simply said.

"Oh, just a brother then", Andrew felt as if he was given a bigger chance at Helena. "So.. why Brandenburg?", he asked.

"I soul traveled without a crest and got myself trapped here. I was told that Brandenburg is the place where I can find the traveler's stone. Some good people from Agora helped me pretend to be a man and get in the academy.", Helena explained.

"Agora people?", Andrew grimaced as if he heard something unimposing.

"You seem to have a long list of people to hate", Helena assumed, judging how Andrew appeared to be.

"Most people there in Agora are witches, I don't like witches", Andrew claimed as he shake his head sideways.

"Witches?", Helena creased her brows as she raised her head. She never knew that certain fact. "There are witches there?", she asked.