A/N
This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.
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Fiora (POV)
As I stood by the window, absorbing the tranquil scene of the snow-covered forest outside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. The moonlight cast a soft glow over the landscape, illuminating the pristine snow and turning the forest into a winter wonderland. The twinkling lights in the distance added to the enchantment of the night, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. It was moments like these that reminded me of the beauty and magic that could be found in even the simplest of moments.
As I reflected on the encounter I had with Zack and his parents, I couldn't shake the feeling that lingered within me. Despite our obvious differences, there were undeniable similarities between them and the family I belonged to—or at least, I believe so.
The weight of my real identity, the truth that I could never reveal to my adoptive parents, pressed down on me heavily. They had cared for me so tenderly, showering me with love and support, unaware of the profound secret I carried, filling me with a sense of guilt and uncertainty.
It was a lot to process, this newfound knowledge about my identity and origins. I couldn't help but feel a sense of displacement as if I didn't quite belong anywhere anymore. But as I continued to gaze out at the serene beauty of the winter landscape, I found a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty, knowing that I wasn't alone in this journey, a small smile crept on my face thinking about certain someone.
A certain someone clad in a white coat, accompanied by his not-so-lenient but hot human partner. Together, they serve as my guides, helping me navigate through the twists and turns of my path. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds me, I find solace in their presence.
I am so grateful for their support and trust in me, fully aware that one day our paths may diverge, and I will have to bid them farewell. But for now, I want to cherish the moments we share together, living in the present and refusing to worry about what the future may hold. With them by my side, I am confident that I can face whatever challenges lie ahead.
I walked down the hallway to Zack's room and knocked softly. When he opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of his bare chest on full display. Normally, I would have turned away out of respect for his privacy, but tonight was different. Tonight, I couldn't help but linger, drawn to his presence in a way that I couldn't quite explain.
With a silent promise to myself to be well-behaved from tomorrow onwards, I allowed myself to appreciate the sight before me, knowing that this fleeting moment would be etched in my memory for a long time to come.
I whistled playfully, and leaned against the door with my arms crossed, subtly checking him out. "Someone's ready for some serious strenuous exercise," I teased, noting the now darker shade of his mesmerizing golden-green gaze.
He responded with a smirk, "You had your dosage earlier, didn't you?" For the first time, Zack didn't look at me suspiciously; instead, he engaged in the banter.
"Well, the medicine was a little too addictive for me. Could you make an exception for a little more of it?" I replied, still wearing my innocent smile and a pout of hope while taking a few steps towards him. The playful exchange between us added a lightness to the moment, making it all the more enjoyable.
"That's an illegal miss; but... I can make an exception given I have something equally valuable in return," he replied, his tone surprisingly serious as if we were discussing an actual medicine topic. He effortlessly maintained the playful banter while I could only smile and blush in response.
As he put his shirt back on, disappointment must have been clear on my face because I was deprived of this beautiful sight. Nevertheless, the exchange had added a spark to the moment, leaving me feeling exhilarated despite the playful refusal
"I apologize for entering your room without permission," I said sincerely, realizing my mistake.
He replied with a hint of amusement, "In that case, shouldn't I apologize too? After all, I keep entering your room without your permission."
His response caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. It was a light-hearted moment that eased any tension, reminding me of our easy rapport with each other.
"So, Miss Mary, would you like to have a walk with me?" he asked politely, catching me off guard.
"You were leaving for a walk... this late?" I responded, surprised by the sudden invitation.
"Run, to be more specific," he corrected me with a light smile.
"I'm sorry, I thought you were going to bed," I replied apologetically.
"Don't be. I would have missed our alluring interaction earlier," he said with a hint of mischief in his tone, causing me to blush heavily. I realized my earlier misstep, but I had promised myself to be well-behaved from tomorrow onwards. So, I simply accepted it for what it was and agreed to join him for a walk.
Our walk was mostly silent, with cold breezes blowing around us. Feeling the chill, I muttered under my breath, "Bad decision. I should have refused you."
Zack, who was only in a light sweater and trousers, laughed at my comment, while I was bundled up from head to toe, except for my eyes. I shot him a death glare, but it only made him laugh even more.
"I'm going back home," I declared, annoyed and angry at the situation.
"Wait, wait..." he called out, trying to stop me. "I was just surprised. You're a fire holder, I mean, you can literally produce fire, and you're cold. That's... cute and funny," he said, running his hands through his hair before breaking into a giggle. His reaction only fueled my anger further.
"Okay, okay... I'm sorry," he said quickly, trying to appease me while maintaining a boyish, silly smile.
I squinted my eyes at him, then pulled down my winter cap, that was shielding me from the cold. "I'm sorry I didn't grow up amongst you guys. I'm weak and don't know how to use my exceptional powers," I said in mock anger, walking ahead angrily, unintentionally touching on a sensitive topic.
Breaking the silence, Zack spoke up, his voice laced with sincerity and remorse. "I... I apologize for my attitude until now. I didn't know I was hurting you unintentionally... I was only thinking about myself, my family, and my pack and didn't even try to put myself in your shoes... I should have—that's my duty as a leader. I'm so sorry, Fiora," he said, his eyes reflecting genuine care and humility like a child offering heartfelt apologies.
Realizing the impact of my words, I stopped in my tracks, feeling a wave of regret wash over me. Despite my initial anger, Zack's genuine apology struck a chord within me. "Hah... stupid Theo, he told you everything, didn't he?" I said, feeling upset that Theo had revealed something that should have remained between us. "He snitched on me," I muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and betrayal.
"Wait, you think..." Zack began to say something, but I was determined to express myself before I forgot, so I cut him off mid-sentence.
"First me, then you... I don't want you to apologize to me for anything you don't know about me, nor have I opened up to you. I thought it was unnecessary to let my superiors know about my private life and worries, which applies now too. But since we aren't just superior and junior now, I thought it would be fine if I just told Theo. It wasn't meant to be heard by you, but my BRAIN-IN-FOOT friend thought it was a good idea to let you know about all this. So, here we are... I'll be honest, I'm still a little hesitant talking to you like this, outside of the workspace. I hope you won't mind if I take some time to adjust," I poured out my unfiltered thoughts, hoping he wouldn't misunderstand.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
After moments of silence, I spoke up. "Say something," I urged, feeling a bit anxious.
"I... amm, understand," Zack replied, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment. He then asked, "Do you like bike rides?"
"I love them!" I responded enthusiastically, eager to change the subject and perhaps lighten the mood between us. "Great," he responded before proceeding to take off his sweater and shirt, transforming into Theo. His transformation was always mesmerizing, and I heard Theo's voice say, "Hello, snowdrop." I didn't respond. I was angry and turned away from him, walking as fast as I could.
"What? Not in the mood to talk?" he asked innocently.
"You snitched on me," I said, pouting angrily.
"I didn't," he said.
"You did, liar!" I retorted, feeling even more angry.
"Okay, ok... what can I do to make it up to you?" he asked, attempting to negotiate. I thought for a while, hesitant to ask, before finally speaking up. "Anything?" "Anything," he replied"Will you teach me how to control my power?"
"Is that what you want?" he asked politely.
"Yes, I went to the CEO to make the same request but got distracted and ended up here," I said, feeling stupid for forgetting the main purpose of the visit.
"I can't, snowflakes," he said, sounding a little disappointed.
"But why?" I asked, feeling a little hopeless.
"Because I'm a shapeshifter, not a magic holder. I could have helped you if you were a shapeshifter of any kind, but since you're a magic holder, especially of the element fire, it's much more difficult to master. Fireholders are very strict and disciplined, and there are only a few of them," he explained to me.
I felt very hopeless. "I can talk to Arnica if you want," he offered.
"Absolutely not!" I blurted out, my voice betraying more emotion than I intended. "I... I mean, I'm not ready for anyone to know about me just yet. I'll reveal myself in due time when I feel more comfortable navigating this world." His keen perception likely caught onto my unusual demeanour.
"Come on, jump on. Let's go for a ride," he suggested, crouching down to ground level.
"Wait, what? You want me to... ride on your back?" I asked, taken aback by his proposal.
"Yeah, come on, don't overthink it," Theo replied with a hint of exasperation in his voice.
As we sped through the woods, I realized my protests were futile as I found myself perched on his back, holding on tightly for dear life. The rush of wind against my face and the blur of trees only served to heighten my nerves, yet amidst the chaos, there was an undeniable thrill coursing through me.
Soon, we came to a halt beside a large frozen lake in Col. "Do you ice skate?" his voice echoed in my mind, breaking through the rush of adrenaline.
"I do roller skate, never ice skated," I replied, admiring the mesmerizing scenery around us.
"Too bad, you'll have to watch me from afar," Theo teased, heading towards a small cottage nearby. I followed him, feeling a bit disappointed.
"Huh... I thought you were better than your human companion. How unlucky he's not here," I retorted playfully, pouting a little.
"Snow-angle, we're not..." Theo began, but I was distracted by the sight of a single crystal-like flower. "Woah! What species is this?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"It's a winter moonflower, a very rare species," he explained
As I nodded in understanding, I inquired, "You were saying something?" "Nothing," he replied, and we entered the warm cottage, devoid of any assistance. I speculated it to be one of the CEO's properties. The interior exuded spaciousness and offered all essential amenities for comfortable living: solar-powered lights, a well-stocked kitchen pantry, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. The design, characterized by simple wood finishes, boasted impeccable organization. A staircase caught my attention, leading, I presumed, to a study room in the attic. Drawn by its serene ambience and ample illumination, I ascended the staircase. It seemed meticulously planned for a special study purpose.
While exploring the charming features of the study room, I discerned footsteps ascending the stairs. I turned to witness Theo, donning a human guise, his captivating arctic blue eyes gleaming in the light.
"Do you like it here?" Theo asked, his voice gentle and full of affection.
"I do," I replied, matching his tender tone.
"Tulip, I need to tell you something," he said, his voice serious yet calm.
I listened intently, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"I and Zack are not different. We share a body, senses, and soul. The only thing that differs is our way of thinking," he explained.
Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to grasp his words. "I'm not sure I understand," I confessed, feeling utterly perplexed.
"What I mean is, what you say to me is also heard by Zack," he clarified, his left eye shimmering with a golden-green hue.
Realization clouded my senses, and I felt a wave of stupidity wash over me. How could I have been so naive to think that my knowledge amounted to anything here? "I'm so sorry... I... ugg... I'm sorry," I stammered, overwhelmed by what I had just heard. I had believed I knew something, but now it seemed I was back to square one. Tears threatened to spill, as I felt a hand gently touch my head. Guiltily, I looked up at him.
"I understand how you feel. I understand, and I don't blame you..." he began, but I cut him off mid-sentence.
"No, you don't... you don't know how it feels to be looked at like a monster. You don't know how it feels to hide and numb your emotions, while you don't even understand what's going on, what's exactly wrong with you. You are seen just as dangerous, and you want to search for answers while all you can have is mysteries. I finally thought I knew something. Now, I understand I don't. I'm stupid to believe, at least I..." My voice rose with each word. "You don't understand..."
I broke into tears, and my hands instinctively broke into fire, forcing myself to stop.
"I don't get it, Why are you restraining yourself? What are you so afraid of?" I heard the CEO's calm voice interject.
"huh... so, what, do you want me to do? Burn this cottage to ashes?" I retorted, frustration and anger boiling inside me.
"What I've learned is that there are two ways to deal with a situation... Let the situation control you, or take charge and mold the situation according to your will... Sometimes you let go, but other times, you fight harder than ever," he concluded, his words lingering in the tense silence.
His words hit me harder than expected, but strangely, it was a relief. They managed to quell the fire raging within me, both figuratively and literally.
"I'm sorry. I just didn't have someone... I just... Thank you," I mumbled, feeling a mix of lightness, embarrassment, and utter stupidity a feeling I desperately wanted to conceal.
"Fiora, I can't teach you how to control your powers, but the library might help you in your journey, but remember both Theo and I strongly advise against you learning on your own. We still believe you should seek proper mentorship; they can assist you in adverse situations and help you understand better about yourself... also I want to make ONE more thing very clear—I have a hunch that you're withholding some crucial details from us. My gut tells me I shouldn't..." he paused, taking a deep breath, then continued, "Just, don't break my trust, Fiora. That's all I ask of you," his voice filled with hope.
"Can I hug you?" I asked tentatively while still sniffling from my outburst, unsure if I'd come across as odd. "You never ask Theo that," he replied with a hint of amusement. "I suppose I can," I understood his subtitles. I embraced the CEO, or rather Zachary, for the first time since our encounter, feeling a sense of connection as he hugged me back. "Thank you for trusting me. I promise I won't break your trust," I whispered, acutely aware of the weight of such a promise and pain from them
The night was still young, and so were we. "Should I try something with you?" I pondered aloud. "Like what?" Zack responded. "Did I say that out loud?" I asked, feeling a bit flustered. "Ohh! Loud and clear," he replied, his tone light and teasing. "Don't mind me, I'm just being nonsensical. I tend to blurt out absolutely stupid stuff when I'm on my period." I replied, still in his embrace, feeling both comfortable and light-headed.
"On second thought, the idea of two men and one woman seemed like a dream come true" What? didn't I say I'll be well-behaved from tomorrow, but my hopes were swiftly dashed by his blunt explanation. "There isn't a two-man scenario; there's a man with two forms and two identities," he clarified, crushing my fantasies. "You're tedious. Can I speak to Theo instead?" I requested. "We coexist," he replied, Theo's laughter echoing in my mind. Turning to Theo, I sought advice. "How do you tolerate him?" I questioned, as I remained locked in Zack's embrace."Just the way you can't get enough of him, the same goes for me and Hazelnut, You probably should restrain yourself," he advised, a hint of amusement in his voice."Ugh... fine... how boring," I grumbled, conceding defeat. I remained like that for a few moments, and after that what happened, I don't remember, the last words I heard were "Good night little fairy"
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A/N
Word count:- 2900
Hello, my lovely readers, I hope you all are doing well
Here, is the 19th chapter of my book
I hope you all liked it and have a great day ahead
Ok
Thank you
Love you
bye:)
Apologies I forgot to mention; I intentionally omitted Zack's physical features to leave room for your imagination—whether he's slender, muscular, healthy, over the top, way too low, or whatever suits your fancy and your preferences.
Ok byee :)
Until next time
Happy reading 💐
Date:- 11/04/2024