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The Gate Of Shadows
Chapter 101: Memorials

Chapter 101: Memorials

The moon festival was moved to the central city, which was already doing its festivities. Most surviving Lycans weren't in the mood to continue the celebrations. However, the other races didn't let them stay alone, sulking in their rooms.

Instead, outside of the inn, they created a minor event with stalls and activities to celebrate the life that the dead had. Usually, this was an elven thing, but Fenris agreed it would be a good idea for the grieving to commemorate the lives of their loved ones.

To the elves, it would make the dead happier to be remembered for their lives than to be mourned. On short notice, the entire community came together to prepare everything for the wolves. Even witches and warlocks who came to participate were allowed into the festivities to open their stalls.

Most were for predictions and tarot cards, marking them as fake magic, but it was fun. Ezra met us outside with Mia and her little brother, Kai, another red Lycan, who was the sweetest thing. When he saw me, he handed me a chocolate heart he had gotten with his sister for me.

Even though I hesitated to go outside the inn, Fenris didn't let me stay behind. He tugged me into the festivities, leaving me little time to worry about anything else. Everywhere, there were officers paying attention to every detail, including vampires at their hour of prime.

After the previous failure, I doubted Stella would try anything before planning it thoroughly, especially after the message I left for her. Hopefully, Cora or the warlock would report it whenever they reached her.

Our first stop was a memorial full of pictures of the deceased. Fenris pulled out three roses from a bouquet we bought near the inn and handed them to me. Out of all the pictures on the memorial, I only knew Owen.

Sadly, to the others, it wasn't like this. They knew more of the ones we lost than I did. Hesitantly, I placed the roses near Owen's picture, followed by the rest. After a brief prayer, we moved on to the festivities, which made me somewhat nervous.

Although everyone wore robes, sun elf style, in similar styles and colors to us, being around so many people was uncomfortable. The food we ate soon drowned out some of my worries since it was one of my tastiest meals, as each bite was savory and flavorful.

Most of the stalls were filled with elven, which I had never tried before. I clung to Fenris's sleeve the entire time, walking through different stores to see what they were selling. I wasn't the only one, as Shade enjoyed devouring anything the boys bought, even if it wasn't for her.

Her gluttony behavior brought tension when Ezra had his meal invaded by her. It wasn't long before an argument broke out between them about how much she was overstepping herself in their meals.

It all culminated with Mia laughing loudly when Shade shifted into her bigger form, swallowing Ezra's plate filled with food. He could do little to stop my rampaging familiar from claiming her dues, or so she said.

In an instant, Mia's smile defeated the grey wolf. Instead of escalating the fight, he stood up and grabbed an extra plate for Shade, who was victorious in every aspect. Ezra quietly shrugged, unable to help himself from enjoying the red female Lycan's reaction.

Fenris tugged me along to the side when everyone was distracted by the duo. Shade was the only one not far behind. He led me toward a stall selling collars and necklaces as the little feline found her way onto my shoulder again.

On our way there, comments erupted around us. Most asked where his fiancée was and how mismatched he and I were. They came from locals rather than the people on the festival grounds, who knew more about what happened.

Another Lycan would've been better for him than me, that much I was sure of.

But is it so strange to see a wolf with a human?

All the comments accomplished were for Fenris to intertwine his hand with mine.

Giving me a soft glance, he smiled at me. "I saw this earlier and wanted to show it to you."

He stopped by a stall before picking out a candy apple and handed it to me. It was so beautifully coated that I didn't know what to do with it.

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I gazed at him, cocking my head. "Is this something you eat or put on display?"

It was so red and sticky that it stuck to my teeth when I tried to bite it. Fenris chuckled, glancing around to check who was watching. "No, you.."

Noticing barely anyone was looking at us, he licked it to show me how to do so.

"Disgusting." One bystander commented, triggering me to tug my wolf into a kiss.

All their remarks annoyed me. He was mine, no matter what they said. Kissing me back slightly, Fenris drew away before coming back, licking my lip and allowing my tongue to meet his shortly. It was warm and...

"Sweet," he murmured, glaring at whoever mentioned us.

After receiving his unspoken message, they quickly minded their own business. It had been an older Lycan this time. Grumpily, I ate the candy apple and made our way to the store. He spoke to the seller once we arrived.

Shade nuzzled my cheek, "Can I have a bite?"

My wolf never let go of my right hand, entwined with his left.

"Which one would you like?" he asked, the little feline shifting her focus from the treat to the stall.

His question triggered her to jump from my shoulder into the booth. She glanced around, picking one out that appeared like the one he got for her all those years ago. This one, though, had a white bell on it.

The moment Fenris noticed, he couldn't help but chuckle at her. Even in her rowdiness, she had a soft spot for him.

"Shut it! I think red looks great on me!" She pouted, shifting her eyes towards me. "Put it on Lily!"

All I could do was smile while outfitting the collar on Shade.

Is it okay for me to be this happy?

Fenris's ears twitched upon hearing something I hadn't. Shade was modeling around her new collar when I gazed at my troubled wolf. Before I knew it, he tugged me along again, but this time to a more secluded festival area, an alley.

Memories of what happened the last time we were in one rushed into my mind, especially when he pinned me against the wall, covering my mouth.

"Hush, not a word." He whispered, glancing towards the exit to see Layla searching for him.

Once in the clear, he released a sigh, uncovering my mouth. That was when he noticed we were alone with Shade in the alley. He gazed at me lovingly before picking me up by my waist, pulling me higher than his height.

My wolf held me up with one arm, using the other to caress my cheek.

"You look beautiful in that flower pattern gown." He simpered, cheeks rosy.

At that moment, my rationale hit the wagon. I let go of the candy apple, much to Shade's pleasure, before pulling him into a kiss. A second later, he responded with the same passion. My hands caressed the back of his head, coiling my fingers into his hair.

He took a few steps back to the wall to reinforce his stance with it as I tugged away from our moment.

"Feeling weak on the knees?" I giggled.

Fenris licked his lips before smiling at me, "A bit."

At that moment, I felt something in my snap.

Ah... You're so... tempting.

A second later, I attacked him again. For a while, we enjoyed each other. Well, until Layla shouted his name nearby. His name echoed throughout the festival as a growl left his lips. He wasn't the only one who was annoyed by the interruption.

The whispers were being ravenous again.

Kill her.

Intruder.

"I want to tell her you are mine." I let my jealousy show.

Fenris licked my lips teasingly. "You can, but it won't change our situation until we meet with the elders. So, I recommend you wait until the meeting if you want to avoid trouble." He cautioned me.

"I don't want to hide anymore, and I don't want her to touch you." I pouted.

He chuckled, "Hey, I don't want her to touch me, either, and I'm not hiding... well... kind of?"

Even though it was frustrating, he was right. I sighed, deciding to let it go for the time being. However, I wouldn't throw the battle. The whispers in my head wouldn't allow me to.

You're mine and only mine.

"Then should we retire to our room? Say that I feel ill." I whispered into his ear.

It caused him to raise his eyebrows, surprised at what I was insinuating.

"I hope you know what awaits you in the room. In the inn, there are sigils." Fenris informed.

My cheeks flushed pink at the tone he used, but that wouldn't stop me. No matter what we did in the room, I would enjoy it to the fullest.

"I want you, Fenris. This morning wasn't enough." I kissed him lightly on his cheek.

He bit his lip before slowly letting me down.

"Okay. Your wish is my command, my little witch." Fenris smirked playfully.

He turned around, gesturing me to mount him. "It'll be an easy sell if you hold onto me tightly."

A second later, I wrapped my arms around him, enjoying the warmth he provided before we were on our way. The moment we came out of the alley, we ran into Layla.

"Couldn't you hear me? I've been looking all over for you!" She huffed, shifting her eyes towards me.

Instead of letting her rant off, I held onto Fenris tightly, smothering myself onto his back.

"I'm sorry, Lilith isn't feeling good. So, if you'll excuse us, I need to make sure she's okay." He excused himself.

"That isn't fair! You can leave her and come back." She whined, grabbing onto his arm that held me up.

"No, I can't." My wolf excused himself, tugging away from her.

However, she flared up before he could step away from her.

"Fenris! This can't keep going on! People are talking!" She snapped, triggering him to face her.

"Let them talk." He huffed, walking away from her.

I felt guilty for taking this wolf away from her, but all was fair in love and war.

Fenris is mine, and nothing will stop me from having him; even if your only crime is loving him, I can't let you have him.