Lienna.
Because of my fragile health, the shifter kings had to wait for a few more days to ensure I was fit to travel before giving orders that we would be leaving at dawn the next day. While I was on bed rest, they did their best to care for me and make me comfortable, even taking turns to check in on me, their thoughtful gestures touching my heart.
One thing that greatly surprised me however was that the peculiar symptoms that always came with using the moon goddess had stopped.
Everyone, including me had wondered why one day when the healers came to assess me. “It’s probably because the moon goddess has departed hence there’s no need for any regulation.” Hermes suggested. We all glanced at each other and Caspian slowly nodded his head.
“That makes sense. It would definitely make things easier for us in the long run.” Caspian said and I pursed my lips, mixed emotions swirling inside of me. While I was quite happy about the news, it made me worried that this might make them pull away from me. The thought sent a pang through my chest. I didn’t want to lose their affection and support.
On the eve of our departure, Adonis and Hermes burst into my tent, their faces neutral but eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Would you like to join us for a run in our beastly forms?” Hermes asked, his voice low and inviting. I stifled a gasp, my eyes growing wide as I stared at both of them.
Caspian strolled in, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. I glanced at the three of them, my heart pounding with excitement. Their enthusiasm was infectious and heavens, was I interested.
But doubt flickered within me. “I’d love to…” I began, my voice small yet tinged with eagerness. “But I’m not sure I can handle it.”
Adonis’s expression turned reassuring. “Don’t worry, we’ll carry you along.” His promise was laced with a gentle smile.
I couldn’t resist this time. Slipping out of my cot, I couldn’t hide the growing smile on my face. “Then I’m coming…” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.
As I walked towards them, their warmth enveloped me. Their eyes crinkled at the corners, and I felt my heart race with happiness, my fears dissipating.
Without a word, they led me out of the campgrounds, into the neighboring forest’s darkness. Forming a protective shield around me, they guided me deeper into the woods.
The trees towered above, their canopies a dense umbrella. The air thickened with the scent of damp earth and leaves. I felt alive, surrounded by these powerful men.
As we ventured further, the silence between us grew, punctuated only by the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs. The tension was palpable, yet comforting.
Suddenly, Caspian stopped, allowing Adonis and Hermes to move even further. I stopped as well, my fingertips tingling with excitement as I watched them get ready then shift. In the blink of an eye, they shifted, their bodies contorting into majestic beasts.
I gasped, stunned, as Adonis and Hermes transformed before me. Their skin rippled, contorting into majestic beasts. Fur burst forth, shimmering in the sparse moonlight filtering through the trees. The creatures they became were colossal, several times larger than I had ever imagined.
Their massive paws touched the ground, sending tremors through the earth. Eyes gleaming in the darkness, they regarded me with a deep intelligence, their human consciousness still present.
It hit me this was the first time they’d revealed their full shift to me. Intimate and vulnerable, this moment felt sacred. Adonis had turned into a majestic wolf, bigger than anyone I’ve ever seen, while Hermes was a tiger, dangerously beautiful.
My heart swelled, and my fingers itched to touch them but I refrained myself, offering a ear splitting smile instead.
During the times I accompanied them during their hunting expeditions back at the fortress, they would maintain an half shift. Tears of awe filled my eyes as I beheld them, my heart pounding with wonder and admiration. They let out powerful howls and roars that reverberated the dense forest and I tensed, struck by fear and awe. They were such beautiful beasts. They took off into the forest with maddening speed and I let out a shriek of surprise.
Caspian remained by my side, his hand brushing against mine. “Ready?” he whispered as glanced at me. I nodded, my pulse racing. With a gentle smile, Caspian swept me into his arms, and we followed the beasts into the night.
Squeezing my eyes shut as the force of the wind that cut through me as Caspian began running to keep up with them, I cracked my eyes open, to stare at Hermes and Adonis as they jumped from tree to tree, moving at lightening speed, the sound of the paws hitting the heart, a force to be reckoned with. A fit of giggle escaped my lips and I found I couldn’t tear my gaze away from their majestic forms.
We continued to run through the forest while I held on to Caspian, till we reached a small creek where they stopped to get a drink. I disembarked from Caspian’s hold, my legs feeling weightless as I touched the ground.
I watched as Hermes and Adonis neared the creek, lowering their heads to lap from the water and after several moments of hesitation, I tiptoed towards them. Their ears perked up as I moved closer, but other than that there was no outward reaction.
Hermes let out a rumble once I was close enough, peering at me through his hooded lashes. I paused, barely able to shove down the urge to touch him. Tentatively reaching out my hands, I stared at him. “May I?” I asked, my voice soft.
It purred, lowering his head to continue drinking more water. Letting out a shaky breath, I touched his fur and gasped, stunned at how soft it felt. My fingers sunk into it, and I felt the rippling of muscles beneath the fur. He was so powerfully built, it was a complete marvel.
I continued to run my hands through his fur, growing bolder as seconds ticked by. Hermes nudged closer and I smiled, reaching out with a my other hand. I felt a tug behind me, and when I turned around, I realized it was Adonis. I chuckled, playfully nuzzling his nose. “Not you getting jealous.” I murmured and it let out a low growl, sniffing my hands. Hermes joined in, their playful rivalry making me laugh.
Suddenly, Hermes and Adonis froze, their gazes fixed on the trees ahead. Their bodies tensed, senses on high alert. I stiffened between them, curiosity piqued.
“What is it?” I whispered, scanning the darkness.
Without a word, they leaped across the creek, disappearing into the forest. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs signaled their hunt.
I stood there, stunned, until Caspian’s gentle voice broke the silence. “They are going on a hunt, aren’t they?” I asked, turning to him.
He nodded, standing beside me, his eyes scanning the forest. “Yes, they are.”
I watched the darkness swallow Hermes and Adonis. “It’s a shame you don’t join them,” I muttered, feeling a pang of curiosity.
Caspian’s low voice held a hint of amusement. “Shifting is too much work for me. But there are times when it’s required for me too.”
We fell silent, the only sound the distant hunt. The moon cast an ethereal glow on the creek.
I cautiously spoke up, my voice barely above a whisper. “You know, I think I saw you once in your dragon form during the battlefield.”
Caspian’s gaze snapped to mine, his eyes sparkling with interest.
I immediately looked away, feeling my cheeks grow hot. “I think it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Really?” Caspian asked, his voice tinged with surprise. I nodded, peeking at him. A warm smile spread across his face.
“Thank you,” he muttered, his voice coated with sincerity. I smiled back, lost for words.
“Maybe one day I’ll take you on a ride in my dragon form. Alone.” A shiver ran up my spine at the intimacy implied. I turned to him, wanting to ask what he meant, but the rustling of leaves interrupted me.
Adonis and Hermes emerged from the darkness, a kill clutched between their teeth, blood staining their muzzles. I gasped, but their eyes shone with pride.
“W-why did they bring it back here?” I asked Caspian, surprised.
“Maybe they wanted to show it to you,” he replied, his voice low. “You should congratulate them,” he whispered as he turned to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I widened my eyes at his suggestion but turned to Adonis and Hermes, forcing a smile onto my face. “Well done! Congratulations!” I exclaimed, clapping my hands.
Their deep growls rumbled in approval as they approached, laying the kill at our feet.
I turned to Caspian, confused. “What now?” He shrugged. “Apparently, they want us to prepare it.”
“Oh…” I trailed off, staring at the lifeless game and then at the expectant gazes of Hermes and Adonis, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Without batting an eye, Caspian lifted the carcass and carried it to the creek. With a swift pull, he tore it apart, washing away the blood. Adonis and Hermes watched, their tails swishing in approval.
I watched, fascinated, as Caspian efficiently cleaned and prepared the meat. His hands moved with precision. I quickly scrambled for some dry twigs and gathered time together while Hermes and Adonis remained watchful over me.
Caspian was through preparing the meat while I had a fire going. He set it up to roast, and we sat and watched as it got ready. Hermes and Adonis reverted back to their human forms and came to join us as well.
Caspian finished preparing the meat while I tended to the fire, its warm flames dancing in the darkness. He set the meat to roast, and we sat together, watching the savory aroma fill the air.
Hermes and Adonis rejoined us in their human forms, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
Time passed, and the meal was ready. They began feeding me, taking turns offering tender chunks. I expected the flavor to be bland without seasoning, but the smoky taste surprised me. Despite initial reservations, I found myself eating more than intended. Finally sated, I pushed away further offerings.
“Thank you… I’m full,” I murmured, feeling drowsy.
Their faces showed mild discontent, but they didn’t press.
I giggled, resting against Caspian’s shoulder, basking in the forest’s symphony.
Hermes’s voice broke the tranquility. “Oh, that reminds me. Didn’t you have something to tell us, Lienna?”
My brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“After the war,” Hermes clarified, “you said you had something to share.” He stated, his voice gentle yet firm. Memories flooded my mind, and I stiffened.
“Oh…” I trailed off, hesitant.
“I indeed have something to tell you,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The atmosphere shifted, curiosity and concern etched on their faces. “But I don’t think this is the appropriate time.” I mumbled, fiddling with my fingers.
“You made a promise. It’s only natural that you keep to it.” Caspian said, his intense gaze causing me to have goosebumps. “We want to hear what you have to say and what better time to say it but now?”
I stared at Caspian, Hermes, and Adonis, my face burning with a deepening flush that spread to my ears. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Despite the warmth, a chill ran down my spine.
Their expectant gazes told me they wouldn’t let me rest until I revealed my secret. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. My heart pounded, and my throat went dry. I had to say it, it was now or never.
I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing the words out of my lips. “Well, I wanted to tell you that I love all three of you.” The rush of adrenaline left me breathless.
Hermes’s confused “What?” made my mortification grow. His brow furrowed, and he leaned forward.
I swallowed, feeling a drip of sweat roll down my spine. The forest’s night sounds seemed to fade into the background. Balling my hands into fists, I tried again.
“I love you… I love all three of you,” I uttered, slower, clearer. My voice trembled, and I tried to shut out the ringing in my ears.
A heavy, suffocating silence settled between us like a cloak. The fire’s warmth couldn’t penetrate the chill that spread through me.
I kept my eyes closed until I couldn’t take it anymore. Peering open, I stared at them. Their shocked faces seemed frozen in time. Caspian’s eyes had widened, his lips parted. Hermes’s brow remained furrowed, his eyes narrowed. Adonis’s gaze held a mix of surprise and something else I couldn’t quite decipher.
Their reactions made my heart sink. Had I overstepped? Was our bond not what I thought? The silence hung, neither of us ready to break it. Some of my elation died when it stretched for even longer. My fingers and toes grew cold.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I tried to shield myself from whatever came next. The darkness outside seemed to close in. This was at all not what I was expecting. When neither of them would say anything, I forced myself to speak.
“You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to,” I said, attempting a lighthearted tone, but my voice cracked, betraying my emotions. Tears welled up, and I hastily blinked them back, desperate to maintain some vulnerability.
It felt like I’d ripped my flesh open, exposing my raw heart, and they were witnessing my anguish. Their silence was a slow, torturous bleed.
Finally, they stirred, clearing their throats in embarrassment, their eyes darting away from mine. Caspian’s gaze lingered, his expression soft. I tried to smile but it didn’t quite work out so I just gave up.
“Wow… The night is really cold,” Adonis said, looking around him, his voice forced. “We should probably get back. We wouldn’t want you to catch a cold and complicate your health.”
I nodded mutely, unsure how to respond.
“Let me carry you back,” Hermes offered, his voice gentle.
I hesitated, searching his face, before nodding. His arms enveloped me, holding me close as he lifted me off the ground. His warmth seeped into my skin, a comforting balm to my aching heart. Hermes’s grip tightened on me, and I buried my face in his shoulder, letting his warmth envelop me.
As we walked back to the campground, I tried to shut my mind to the vulnerable moment we’d shared. My thoughts swirled, but I clung to a fragile reassurance.
It’s better I told them, I thought to myself. It doesn’t matter if they never say it back. It won’t change what I feel for them. I repeated to myself like a mantra. But the nagging question lingered deep within me, refusing to be silenced.
Will it?