A sense of apprehension coursed through me. Was this her witch side resurfacing? Was she beginning to remember those aspects of her life but couldn't comprehend them yet? Or was she denying the potential implications?
"Mira," I began carefully, my heart pounding. "Do you think..."
She cut me off abruptly. "We should go for a run, Bastian," she insisted. "Our wolves could use some exercise."
It was a clear diversion, a way to escape the confusion likely swirling within her. But her sudden change in topic left me more concerned. I wondered if she was trying to avoid something she wasn't ready to confront.
Still, I agreed to her proposition, not wanting to push her too hard, too soon. "Alright," I consented, "a run sounds good."
But as we took off into the woods, the wind rushing against our fur, I couldn't shake off the unease that had taken root in my heart. I feared that this return of her witch instincts might overwhelm her, leading to another breakdown.
I looked at Mira. Her wolf form was graceful and swift in the moonlight. Her joy was infectious, yet my heart remained heavy. For now, I had to trust in her strength, the same strength that had seen her through so much already. But as I watched her race ahead, a silent prayer for her safety rose within me. I hoped that whatever was awakening within her, she would have the strength to face it without losing herself.
Our run through the woods, guided by the moon's soft glow, was invigorating. The familiar rhythm of our paws against the forest floor and the wind whistling past filled us with a sense of peace. However, the worry I had felt earlier still lingered. The mystery surrounding Mira's sudden interest in herbs and her confusion was a puzzle I needed to solve.
Afterward, we went back to our cabin, and I fostered mixed emotions. Mira turned back into her human form, and I followed suit. The moonlight shone on her exquisite features as we gazed into each other's eyes.
A comfortable silence enveloped us as we readied ourselves for bed. The day's events had been emotionally draining, and the comfort of our shared warmth was a balm to our weary souls. I watched Mira carefully, her beauty leaving me awestruck even after all this time.
As we lay down, Mira nestled against me, her head resting on my chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against my own, a soothing rhythm that never failed to lull me into tranquility. I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer. Her soft sigh escaped her lips in the quiet of our room, her breath tickling my skin.
"Mira," I whispered, my fingers running through her hair. She hummed in response, her eyes fluttering shut. Within moments, her breathing slowed, signaling her descent into sleep.
As I lay there, listening to her soft breaths, my mind was flooded with thoughts. I was concerned about the path Mira seemed to embark on, but a part of me was also thrilled. I knew she was strong and would stand by her side no matter what. I hoped that she would be able to unlock her past without losing herself.
However, my thoughts were interrupted when Mira began to twitch in her sleep, her breath hitching. I tightened my hold on her, hoping my presence would soothe her restless mind.
A soft glow from underneath our closed bedroom door suddenly caught my attention. I squinted, trying to make out what was causing the strange light. It was unlike anything I had ever seen; it flickered, much like candlelight, but there was an ethereal quality, a magical luminescence.
A feeling of dread stirred in my gut, and I looked down at Mira, her brows furrowing in her sleep. The connection wasn't lost on me. This was magic, I realized, the implications causing my heart to pound in my chest.
Mira's journey toward her past was beginning to reveal itself in unexpected ways.
Chapter Fifteen
Unraveled Realities
Bastian
The morning sun painted the sky with shades of pink and orange as I stirred awake. Mira was still asleep, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. My thoughts drifted back to the previous night. The lights that had streamed from under the door of her room were not something I could brush off, not even in the dawning daylight.
"Mira," I nudged her gently, my voice a low rumble in the still morning air. Her eyes fluttered open, confusion briefly flickering across her face before she recognized me.
"Bastian? What is it?" she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep.
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Last night, I saw... lights under the door of our room." My voice trailed off, the heavy implication hanging in the air.
She looked at me, her eyes wide. Then she shook her head, a laugh escaping her lips. "Lights? You're probably imagining things, Bastian."
But I wasn't. I knew what I saw. "No, Mira. It wasn't the moon or a reflection. I saw them clearly. They were... enchanting." I chose that word intentionally. Mira's laughter died away, replaced by a silent concern.
"Bastian, you're worrying too much. It was nothing," she insisted, her eyes avoiding mine. There was a palpable tension in the air, the kind that was birthed from unspoken fears and hidden truths.
Yet I remained persistent. "Mira, there was no moon last night," I said, looking directly into her eyes. Her gaze flickered back to mine, but she said nothing.
That moment of hesitation, the brief flicker of something in her eyes, convinced me she wasn't telling me the whole truth. But I didn't push her. After all, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd seen, and I didn't want to upset her over my suspicions. Instead, I opted for a careful approach. "Mira, whatever it is, you can trust me," I reassured her, my hand covering hers.
"I know, Bastian," she replied, squeezing my hand lightly before turning away, her face inscrutable. I watched her, and my mind filled with doubts and unanswered questions. The morning had begun with a mystery, and as I looked at Mira, I knew I was only beginning to unravel it.