“Legs feeling comfortable?” Levi asked, seeing Priya limp.
She felt Priya’s unease, understanding anyone would feel the same, so she wanted to make her comfortable.
“Yes, they are fine. It’s just that I’m walking with sore feet, so it’s a bit difficult,” Priya smiled as she answered.
“Oh, it will heal soon,” Levi smiled back, holding Priya’s hand to support her walking.
“To be honest, my wounds usually heal very soon, just like magic. I’m glad my body has immunity and it helps.”
‘It’s because you’re a Wolf,’ Levi thought, unable to say it to Priya’s face, knowing it’s not the time to reveal the truth.
Priya looked at Levi, noticing she seemed lost in thought. “What are you thinking?”
She didn’t know what else to ask, but she had to start the conversation. She couldn’t keep walking like this.
Though it’s fresh, the forest is clearly better than city life. The peace and the fresh scent of woods make it so tranquil.
She could spend her whole life here, even if she weren’t in a situation like this. She wouldn’t mind living here.
It’s healthy and good for anyone, like her.
“Nothing, I’m thinking nothing,” Levi snapped back from her thoughts.
“So how come you all live here? Like it’s so hard, isn’t it dangerous to be in a forest like this?” Priya questioned, changing the topic.
She could see Levi was lost in her thoughts, but she didn’t want to share what she was thinking. It’s still fine; it’s not easy to share things.
At least she’s trying to make her comfortable. Or Priya thought about how she would survive after she had to leave from here today, hearing Maya’s words that she can stay here as long as she wants.
It clearly put her at ease.
“My mom owns this house, and the city is just too expensive and loud. She doesn’t want to live there, so we kept staying here. Moreover, the wild is still better than city life. Rish and I both have jobs, and we prefer living here,” Levi said seriously.
“Have to agree, city life is a curse. I just came here yesterday, and I’m glad I found Maya; your mom is an amazing person.”
“That’s for sure she is,” Levi replied.
Priya looked around at the big trees, the fresh sandalwood scent. Something stirred in her; she didn’t know what, but she felt like she wanted to run, to keep running in the woods.
Even yesterday, when she was walking and running, she didn’t feel tired until Maya stopped her, as if she was way more comfortable walking or running for so long in the forest.
Everything in her said tiredness after that, but her body recovered pretty well. Even now, she felt like she wanted to run, when her feet were already sore from yesterday and she had no energy inside her.
Levi noticed Priya’s gaze and smiled. “You seem to be enjoying the forest.”
“Yeah, it’s just… I don’t know, it feels like I belong here,” Priya replied, surprised by her own words.
Levi nodded knowingly. “Nature has a way of making us feel that way. It’s like coming home.”
Priya nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly at ease.
“I always feel good here, since I grew up here. But that doesn’t mean someone from the city won’t feel good here. It’s way better than hectic city life,” Levi commented, understanding why Priya felt this way.
Being a wolf, especially of royal blood, how could she not feel good here? It’s like her first home. Even if her wolf is cursed, and she doesn’t know about its existence, it won’t change the fact.
Running in the forest, tasting freedom, is what all werewolves are immune to.
Levi herself didn’t have a wolf, yet she felt like running and keeping running, same with her brother. She couldn’t imagine how it would feel when she would get her wolf.
She still had hope for her wolf. She knew that when Priya would return to the pack, everyone would have to accept Maya, her and Rish, and she would get her wolf, which she had been waiting for for years.
“You’re very right. I’ve never felt so much peace, maybe because of how everything has been going in the past days. I still can’t imagine that things like this happened,” Priya sighed. “I’m so scared about what will happen to Mother Mary and the kids. I’m scared he might hurt the orphanage because I ran away.”
“I see. As Mom said, Rish and I will go around the orphanage to see if things are alright there. As you said, even Mother Mary wanted this from you. Priyaank is just an insufferable guy. I don’t think you should blame yourself for anything.”
Priya nodded. “I know, but I do feel selfish. I was an orphan, and Mother Mary took me in when I was just a baby. The same goes for the other kids. I don’t want others to be harmed because of me. They’re like my siblings.”
Levi reached out and squeezed Priya’s shoulder reassuringly. “I understand your concerns, but you did what you had to do to protect yourself.”
Priya managed a small smile. “I hope so. I just wish I could do something for them.”
Levi nodded sympathetically. “I know, but sometimes all we can do is take care of ourselves and hope for the best for others.”
Priya sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Levi.”
“You don’t have to be thankful. To be honest, I’m pretty impressed that you ran away from Priyank Sharma, the youngest billionaire in this country. It’s like cracking a tough nut,” Levi said with appreciation in her voice.
Priya giggled at Levi’s words. “He’s so dangerous, talks lame, and does such bad things. I don’t know how I even got the chance, but I did, and I’m glad it happened, or else I would be married.”
She felt a shiver run down her spine just imagining how he would react to the news of her running away. She was sure he would be searching for her too.
“You’re just so innocent, that’s why you attract flies. You know, it’s hard to survive as an innocent one. You need to be sharp to survive.”