XXI. Whispers of deception

When I woke up, I noticed that it was dark outside, so I went out in search of Alex, Lara, Canim, or perhaps all three of them together.

The cold wind from the beach wrapped around me as I hugged myself, walking through the sand, my eyes scanning for familiar faces.

After a while, I heard Alex's loud voice echoing, leading me towards the bonfire where they all sat, laughter filling the night air. A smile formed on my lips as I made my way toward them—

Until someone placed a scarf gently over my shoulders.

I turned, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Canim standing there, his gaze warm yet unreadable.

"Thank you," I murmured, offering a small smile.

He didn't say a word, just nodded before reaching for my hand.

"Wait, where are we going? They're on the other side." I questioned as he gently tugged me in the opposite direction.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, his voice low and uncertain.

I froze momentarily. Did I trust him? More than I should. More than I wanted to admit. But I wasn't ready to voice that truth—not yet.

I simply nodded, letting him lead the way. Before I knew it, we had arrived at a breathtaking spot atop a hill. The vast landscape stretched before us, mountains standing tall under the moonlight. In the distance, lightning crackled in the sky, illuminating the horizon in hauntingly beautiful flashes.

"It's mesmerizing," I breathed, utterly enchanted.

Canim laid out a mat, offering me a seat. That's when I noticed the bottle in his hand.

"When did you bring that?" I asked, raising a brow.

He chuckled and took a sip. "I always come prepared."

He offered me some, but I shook my head. I wanted to stay sober—to keep this moment clear in my memory.

He finished a few bottles silently, but it wasn't awkward. It was the comfortable, safe kind where words weren't needed.

After a while, I heard him murmur something under his breath.

"Are you still okay there?" I teased, trying to keep the mood light.

"If only we could stay here like this… forever."

My breath hitched. My heart pounded. My face warmed despite the cold surrounding us.

I turned to look at him—his cheeks flushed red, his eyes heavy from the alcohol. Gently, I reached out and brushed my fingers against his cheek. He leaned into my touch, closing his eyes.

"Don't leave me, please… It hurts," he whispered, voice raw.

I swallowed hard.

I've never left you, Canim. And if given the choice, I never would.

"Just here… here, right next to me. Don't leave, please?"

His body slumped slightly, his breathing slowing as he drifted off. I instinctively pulled him closer, letting his head rest against my chest as I ran my fingers through his hair.

"I'm right here," I whispered, holding him steady.

Then, so softly I almost didn't hear it, he breathed, "Via…"

I tensed. My heart stilled. My mind raced.

Via?

Who was Via?

I barely had time to process when a loud voice shattered the quiet.

"I looked for you everywhere! I even searched the whole place. I asked most of the staff, and all this time you were just here?"

I nearly jumped as Antonio suddenly appeared behind us, his voice sharp with frustration.

"Do you always have to sneak up on me like that?" I shot back, my irritation flaring.

"Let's go."

"Can't you see Canim?" I gestured toward him, still leaning against me. "He's completely out."

Antonio exhaled harshly. "The staff are coming up. I ran ahead because I was worried. They'll take care of him."

"But—"

Before I could protest, Antonio grabbed my wrist and pulled me upright.

"What the hell!" I yelled, glaring at him.

His expression shifted, something unreadable flickering across his eyes. It was dark, but for some reason, I could feel the weight of his emotions pressing into me. My heart ached at the sight.

We stood there, locked in silence, a thousand unspoken words lingering between us.

Moments later, the staff arrived, carefully taking Canim away. Antonio and I followed, neither of us saying a word. The silence was unsettling—especially from him. Antonio was never this quiet.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the rock in front of me until it was too late.

I tripped, my body lurching forward.

I braced for impact—but before I could hit the ground, Antonio was there, kneeling beside me.

"Look—"

"Hop in."

We spoke in unison.

I blinked in surprise. "What?"

He smirked. "Or maybe you want me to carry you in a bridal style again?"

I didn't hesitate. With an exasperated sigh, I climbed onto his back, wrapping my arms loosely around his shoulders. He adjusted his hold and began walking.

The silence between us stretched, heavier than before. I couldn't take it anymore.

"Why did you search the whole place for me?" I asked softly.

He didn't answer right away.

Just as I thought he wasn't going to, he finally spoke. "I was worried. I was afraid."

"Afraid of what? That Uncle Luis might scold you?" I teased, hoping to lighten the tension.

He let out a deep sigh. "I was scared… scared that I might lose you. That I might lose my sanity if I couldn't find you. Maybe I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if that happened."

His voice lowered to a whisper. "I want you to be the last sight I see before I close my eyes… and the first I see when I wake up."

My breath caught in my throat. My mind spun, my emotions spiraling out of control.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to feel.

So I said nothing.

By the time we returned, they offered me a room, but I refused. I needed air. I needed time. Antonio lingered, but I sent him away, unable to face the storm brewing inside me.

Standing by the shore, the cold sea breeze whipping against my skin, I closed my eyes, searching for peace.

But no matter how hard I tried…

I couldn't find it.