Faris appreciated that Cassandra had picked on his apprehensions.
"I understand your point. But I feel like I couldn’t protect Ara. She is gone, and I am just ready to move on...the feeling hurts like it stings and is the wrong course of action."
Faris laid out his truth to the people he trusted most in this world.
"Faris! All of us grew up together and Ara was the sweetest and gentlest among us. And for as far as I could remember, she adored you and trust me when I say this she would want you to be happy." It was Lana who gave him this reassurance. She had placed her hands on her belly and gently held it.
"I agree with my mate," Ranon quipped.
"Let the process of healing begin between the two of you. Love cannot be forced but has to build gradually. Since my mother chose Aiko for you, she will help you along this journey. One step at a time," Cassandra added while remaining nestled in Siroos’s embrace.
"Your decision regarding your mate is solely in your hands. You are my brother and I simply wish the best for you. But I want to see you happy. Who would tease me if not you." Siroos provided his input as well.
The reassurances from his family and friends opened this whole new perspective to Faris.
"I appreciate it guys." He smiled, getting up. "I think I will go have another talk with her."
Cassandra and Lana encouraged him.
He needed to find her and was actually looking forward to her reaction to the revelation that she was a part of a prophecy. They had already decided to be friends and just give each other time to heal and slowly move forward. Fate would take them where they were meant to go.
But Faris was now realising their paths were interconnected for a reason.
He found her in the Saffron fields outside. Pack members were levelling them after the Sikala had destroyed about a half. Although the lost plants would only be replaced next August, they wanted the fields to be prepared.
A loose cotton dress she donned on her well-built body. She had shed the heavy clothes she was used to wearing in the West to be replaced by knee-length cotton dresses as were mostly the norm of these lands.
Her scent wafted towards him making the mate bond come alive in his chest.
With her hair neatly tied in a braid her brows were slightly scrunched in the center as she tried to focus on shovelling the ground alongside her brother.
"Offer a prayer before you sleep. The Goddess watches over us; that’s how I was able to find you and Mom," she slowly said to her brother.
"Yeah! And also because of Alpha Siroos. Do you think I can meet him?" Armond asked his sister as he dipped the shovel into the soil and pressed the upper tip with his foot to submerge it further in.
The enthusiasm in his voice and sparkle in his eyes made Aiko smile at him and she patted his head, ruffling his dark hair.
Before she could speak, Faris beat her to it, rushing closer.
"Of course! But you will need to bring him wildflowers that grow on the bank of the oasis. He eats those for breakfast; that’s the secret to his strong muscles," Faris deadpanned as he extended his hand, asking for the shovel Aiko was holding.
She pursed her lips too tightly so as not to laugh while handling the shovel to Faris who sympathetically watched the young boy.
"Really?" Armond asked, slightly perplexed.
"Yeah! Why don’t you run along and make a small bouquet? I am sure he will love it," Faris offered another piece of advice with a straight face.
"He will?" The enthusiasm in his voice intensified and revealed how he had begun to admire Siroos. The man had saved his life and Armond had elevated him to the status of hero.
Besides, he could turn into a dragon; who didn’t love a dragon?
Faris placed his hand on Armond’s shoulder and said in all seriousness.
"Absolutely, he loves the yellow ones. Go now." Armond nodded in reverence, throwing the shovel on the ground he took off.
Aiko couldn’t hold her laughter any longer and let out a chuckle with her hand on her mouth.
"That was subtle, Armond has been enamoured by your brother."
Faris turned to face his mate. Her skin was so neat and he couldn’t help but stare as she pulled a hair back and tucked it behind her slowly reddening ear. As much as she tried to hide it, he affected her.
"I know, I can tell by the way he stares at him. Can we take a walk?" Faris requested, gesturing with his hand, "There is something I would like to discuss."
"Of course!"
Faris let Aiko move ahead like a gentleman and then followed before falling into step with her.
He led her away from the saffron fields and towards the training arena. It was deserted for now so they could speak in peace and privacy.
The newly formed mate bond between them was still volatile but both of them tried to ignore the stinging feeling it brought.
The itch to touch.
To take deep whiffs and take in each other’s scents.
To stare deeply into the eyes.
Faris cleared his throat and began, keeping his hands behind his back so he wouldn’t touch her.
’Just a tiny caress won’t do any harm, Faro. You are such a wimp,’ his fox spirit teased. Faris ignored his provocation.
"How much do you know about my pack? And the curse which has been placed on both my brother and my SIL?"
Aiko was holding her hands in front, interlocking her fingers. His sudden question slightly threatened her but she kept herself composed.
"I don’t know the details. Just that they can’t mate, in the literal sense." Heat travelled to her ears and they crimsoned.
"Yes! I will narrate the true events behind the curse and a lot else. After that, I need you to make a decision because it involves you. Can you do that?"
Aiko was slightly perplexed by this, but Faris was taking the initiative of talking to her, she didn’t wish to miss.
"I think so, let’s hear it."
Faris began.