A/N

This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.

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Zachary (POV)

As I arrived at Fiora's place, the sound of loud singing echoed through the air, signaling that a party was in full swing. I hesitated at the door, not wanting to intrude on the celebration. Calmly, I tried to connect with Fiora, but when she didn't respond, a wave of anxiety washed over me. My heart began to pound in my chest as I tried again, my voice tinged with worry. "Fiora... Fiora?"

"Yes?" Her voice finally came through, sweet but oddly distant, like honeydew strained of warmth. "Where are you?" I asked, a mix of hesitation and guilt seeping into my words.

"At the waterfall. Do you need anything?" she replied, her tone cool and formal, almost like she was talking to a stranger.

Confusion knotted in my chest. Why is she talking like a corporate employee? "Didn't you go home?" I asked cautiously, trying to understand what was going on.

"I did, but my father was busy with his friend, so I didn't interfere and came here instead," she answered. Meanwhile, I was already sprinting towards the waterfall, a sense of urgency pushing me forward.

"Why didn't you come back?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. There was a brief pause on her end before she finally answered, "I didn't want to be a burden."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, making my heart ache. I instantly knew I had messed up. When I reached the waterfall, there she was, sitting alone, staring at the cascading water. She looked so small, so isolated, that it twisted something deep inside me.

I approached her quietly, trying not to startle her. "Hey," I said softly. She jolted slightly but then turned and smiled at me—though it didn't reach her eyes. "Oh! Hi," she replied, her voice light, almost too light.

I sat down next to her, trying to steady my racing heart. "It's a little hot here. I was thinking... maybe we could go to our snow lake house? Could you help me get there?" My heart pounded in anticipation, bracing myself for rejection.

To my surprise, she agreed, but there was something off. Her smile seemed forced, and her eyes remained distant. She created a vortex with almost mechanical precision, then gestured for me to enter, her demeanour unsettlingly formal. Frustration bubbled up inside me, and Theo—who usually shared my emotions—was disturbingly silent. Had I messed things up this badly?

Fiora followed me into the vortex, her hands neatly clasped in front of her. The cold air hit us as we arrived at the snow lake house, and I noticed her shivering slightly. I cursed myself for forgetting how sensitive she was to the cold. "Oh! I forgot. Let me get you something warm," I offered, turning to fetch a coat.

"No, no need. I'm leaving," she replied, her voice polite but distant. "Whenever you want to come back, just call me." She gave a polite smile, then began to position herself to open another vortex. Panic surged in me, and without thinking, I grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Where do you think you're going?" I asked, my brows knitted together in concern. She avoided my gaze, trying to pull away, but I tightened my hold and, in one swift motion, lifted her into my arms.

She didn't protest or say anything—just let me carry her in silence. This wasn't the Fiora I knew. She was always strong, always fiery. Seeing her so subdued, so quiet, was tearing me apart. I took her to my room, gently setting her down on the bed before pulling out a crocheted fur coat to keep her warm.

"Do you want some tea?" I asked, hoping to coax some warmth back into her. She shook her head, politely refusing. I was at a loss. I've never been good at comforting people. All I wanted was for her to vent, to shout, even to throw something at me. But this calm, polite Fiora was hurting me more than any angry outburst ever could.

"Do you want to ice skate?" I asked, my voice soft and low, a glimmer of hope threading through my words. She nodded her head a little

As I returned with the ice skates I'd carefully prepared for Fiora after her last visit, I found her still sitting on the bed, her eyes lost in the void between the floor and her thoughts. She didn't even acknowledge my presence, which only deepened the heavy sense of guilt weighing on me. When she finally looked up, she offered me a smile—sweet, but hollow, lacking the usual warmth that always lit up her entire face. She stood up and reached for the skates, the familiar gesture now drained of its usual playfulness.

But I hesitated, pulling the skates just out of her reach, silently pleading for her to meet my gaze. When her eyes finally connected with mine, the sight nearly broke me. Her eyes, once a vibrant kaleidoscope of life and color, now seemed dull and lifeless, as if the spark that once defined her had been extinguished. It hit me like a punch to the gut—had I, in my misguided attempts to protect her, been the one to dim that light?

Theo, feeling the anguish in my heart, gently took control for a moment. His voice, usually so confident, was laced with fear and regret as he called out to her, "Snowflake..." But instead of the warmth and affection that nickname usually elicited, she quickly looked away and responded in a voice so devoid of emotion it sent chills down my spine. "Yes," she answered, as if talking to a stranger.

Theo withdrew, defeated, his words echoing in my mind, "I think I lost her." The admission felt like the final nail in the coffin, shattering what little hope I had left, but I refused to give in.

"Fiora," I said, my voice trembling with the desperation that clawed at my chest. "I know I've messed up—more than I can ever make up for. Please... shout at me, hit me, anything. Just don't do this... don't shut me out like this." My words came out as a plea, raw and broken as if my heart was laid bare in front of her.

She didn't speak right away. Instead, she stared at the wall, her silence more painful than any words she could've uttered. After what felt like an eternity, she drew in a shaky breath and finally spoke, her voice fragile yet determined. "Zack, Theo... if you don't want me, just let me go. I've told you before how grateful I am that you trusted a stranger like me. I'm even more grateful that you've been there for me at every step, but... maybe I misread things. Maybe I mistook your kindness for something more." Her voice wavered, each word piercing through the guilt that already weighed heavily on my soul. "I know I'm not fit to be your queen. I'm just... I'm just a normal human, or at least that's what I believed before I came here. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I'm something more, something supernatural... but maybe, just maybe, I was never meant to be anything more to you."

Her words were like sharp, cold knives, each one cutting deeper into the fragile bond we shared. I wanted to scream, to grab her and shake her until she understood how wrong she was, how much she meant to me—but the crushing weight of guilt and the stark realization of how much I had hurt her held me back. I had to find a way to fix this, to prove to her—and to myself—that she was everything I wanted and more, that she was my everything

"If I were human, I'm sure you wouldn't have even looked in my direction," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She lifted her head slightly to meet my eyes, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she spoke. The vibrant kaleidoscope of colours in her eyes—once so full of life—seemed to dull with every passing second, like the fading embers of a once-roaring fire.

"I get so confused," she continued, her voice trembling. "Sometimes it feels like we're making progress like we're moving forward, but then... it's like we're back at square one like we're strangers all over again. Theo showers me with love, makes me feel wanted, and you... you give me this hot and cold treatment that leaves me constantly questioning where we stand. How am I supposed to know what I can tell you and what I can't? That's why I don't tell you everything that's going on in my life. Maybe I was hoping, deep down, that you'd trust me enough, that I wouldn't have to spell everything out for you—that you'd understand, that you'd see things from my perspective. But I guess I was making up a fantasy in my head."

Her words hit me like a tidal wave, crashing over me with the realization that I'd been pushing her away without even realizing it. When she bowed her head slightly, the act felt like a dagger to my heart, as if she was surrendering, giving up on something I hadn't even realized I was about to lose. My mind screamed We've lost her, and before I knew what I was doing, I pulled her into a tight embrace, not caring if she wanted it or not.

"I'm sorry, Fiora," I whispered, my voice cracking under the weight of my guilt. "I've been so blind, so wrapped up in my own fears that I never stopped to see the world through your eyes. I thought I was protecting you, but... turns out I was just being stupid." I pulled back slightly, enough to look into her eyes—those beautiful, dull eyes now teetering on the edge of tears. My heart broke a little more at the sight.

"I should've trusted you more. I did trust you, deep down, but I let my past dictate my actions. I know it sounds like an excuse, and maybe it is, but it's the truth. I can't turn back time and fix the mistakes I've made, but I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to change. I need you, Fiora..."

Before I could finish, Fiora threw her arms around me, burying her face in my chest as she finally let go, crying like a child who had held it in for too long. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, silently vowing that I would never let her go again.

When she finally calmed down, she wiped her tears with the back of her hand, still clinging to me. She looked up, her eyes—those vibrant, kaleidoscopic orbs—were back to their full, mesmerizing colours, now sparkling with a mischievous glint. She smiled up at me and asked, her voice teasing, "So, does this mean I can wear your mark?"

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, turning my face a deep crimson as memories of the night of Theo and her flooded my mind. Even though I wasn't in control, I had felt every single moment, every sensation. Only I knew the strength it had taken not to mark her then and there. My thoughts spiralled until they were abruptly interrupted by the sound of Fiora's soft giggles.

"What?" I asked, trying to mask my embarrassment.

"You're as red as a tomato," she teased, laughing a little more, the sound lightening the air between us.

I couldn't help but smile at her playful tone, but I quickly sobered up, realizing there was something important I needed to say. "Fiora, I need to tell you something," I said, my voice urgent, almost pleading for her full attention.

Her laughter faded as she nodded, her expression serious now, her eyes locked onto mine.

"I...lo... I'm not good with emotions," I began, stumbling over my words. "I'm overprotective, and I don't always pick up on the unspoken things. I'm not great at reading between the lines, and I'm not the most emotional person. But... if you ask me for something, if you just tell me what you need, I'll do everything in my power to give it to you. You just have to say it..... Do you still want to be with me?" My voice was filled with nervousness at the last sentence

Fiora looked up at me, her playful demeanour fading into something more vulnerable. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. "I'm... I'm a spoiled, emotionally pampered kid. I'm too carefree for my own good, and I stumble into trouble more often than I should. I'm super mischievous, and I overthink everything. My heart usually wins over logic, and, honestly, I'm probably more of a headache than I should be...... Do you still want to be with me?" Her big doe eyes, filled with uncertainty, searched mine for reassurance.

I couldn't help the small, amused smile that tugged at my lips. "Can't you just say that we both have our strengths and weaknesses?" I teased gently, trying to lighten the weight of her words.

She arched an eyebrow, not missing a beat. "Can't you just admit you want me to be your piggyback for the rest of your life?" she retorted, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes.

I felt a flush of warmth spread across my cheeks, half from embarrassment and half from the truth of her words. "Do I ever win an argument with you?" I asked, already knowing the answer but needing to hear it anyway.

"Not a chance," she replied with a playful smirk, her tone teasing but resolute.

At that moment, Theo surfaced, his voice carrying a weight of regret and tenderness. "I'm sorry," he murmured, the words filled with sincerity.

The shift in Fiora's demeanour was immediate. Her face lit up at the sound of Theo's voice, her eyes sparkling with the affection she reserved just for him. "Theooo," she exclaimed, her voice bright and filled with emotion. She instinctively started to throw her arms around him, but then, as if caught in a sudden wave of doubt, she hesitated. Her hands froze mid-air before she folded them back, her expression turning uncertain. She looked up at him, her eyes now clouded with scepticism as if she wasn't sure whether she still had the right to embrace him so freely.

Theo's eyes softened, but there was a flicker of hurt when Fiora hesitated to embrace him. I didn't miss the opportunity to tease him. "I know I've got trust issues, but what's your excuse?" I smirked, poking fun through our shared connection.

His response was swift and dry, "I was trying to be on your side, but clearly, that was a mistake." His tone carried a mock irritation that made me chuckle.

"Oh, too bad. You're stuck with me now," I shot back, feeling the tension between us ease slightly. But I could sense his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Turning my attention back to Fiora, I saw her looking at us with a puzzled expression that screamed, "What are you two even talking about?"

Theo, always quick with his tactics, flashed his big, soft puppy eyes at her—the ultimate weapon in his arsenal. But to my surprise, it didn't work. Fiora remained unfazed, her gaze unwavering. Theo, undeterred, tried again, his voice dropping to that irresistibly apologetic tone, "I'm sorry."

Fiora studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before she tilted her head and asked, "What will I get in return?"

Both Theo and I blinked at her, thoroughly confused. she further clarified, "If I accept your apology, what do I get in return?"

Theo, ever the negotiator, immediately asked, "What do you want?" His voice held a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

Her eyes shifted from a serene sapphire blue to a mischievous kaleidoscope of colours, and a devilish smile curled her lips. "Can I rub my head against your fur whenever I want?"

Theo raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by her request, but he shook his head. "Nope."

Without missing a beat, Fiora responded, "Then no apology accepted."

I couldn't help but laugh, speaking through our mind-link, "She wasn't kidding when she said she's extremely mischievous."

Theo's reply came almost immediately, "Mischievous and crafty, all rolled into one."

We both laughed, our shared amusement echoing through our bond. We silently thanked the Goddess for bringing Fiora into our lives—her vibrant spirit was exactly what we needed.

In the end, Theo caved, agreeing to her terms. Fiora beamed with triumph, unaware that Theo was already scheming his own playful revenge.

Then we both shared the control and asked her "Do you wanna Ice skate?" she shook her head "It's freezing outside and there's a snowfall going on to" 

As soon as she mentioned being cold, it hit me—I'd completely forgotten to warm up the house amidst all the chaos. I jumped to my feet and hurried to turn on all the heaters. Sometimes I forget that her body isn't designed to endure the harshness of winter.

While I busied myself making the house cozy, Fiora popped out of my room and began trailing me like a mischievous shadow. Occasionally, she'd do something playful, bringing a fleeting smile to my face despite the weight on my mind. Eventually, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I turned to her and asked, "Fiora, can I ask you something? But you have to promise to be completely honest, no matter what, okay?"

She nodded playfully, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I hesitated, then finally asked, "Why do you like Theo more?"

Her gaze sharpened as if my question had been plucked straight from a fool's handbook. I braced myself for the expected lecture—something about Theo being more approachable, funnier, blah blah blah. But instead, she tilted her head and side-eyed me with a look that pierced through my defences. "Are you serious? You don't know why I like him more than you?"

A sharp pang of hurt lanced through my chest. Her words confirmed my fear—she truly did prefer him. My heart faltered.

I swallowed hard, not trusting my voice, and shook my head, hoping my silence would mask the emotions I was struggling to contain.

Then, in an absurdly cute manner, she cupped her face with both hands and, in a voice as sweet as honey, replied, "Because he has soft, long, cottony fur!" She then burst into a fit of childish joy, jumping up and down as if she were in a daydream, while Theo howled with laughter.

I stood there, dumbfounded. Had I really lost to Theo just because he was... furry? No... no... that couldn't be it. I must have misheard. Gathering myself, I asked again, this time with a serious tone, "Fiora, I'm not joking."

Her expression shifted, the lightness in her eyes darkening as she asked, "Do you really want to hear the truth?" I nodded slowly, a sense of unease crawling up my spine.

"It's not easy for me to say this," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hesitation was palpable, and my heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last. "But... the truth is... ummm..." She paused, and the silence stretched, thick with tension.

My breath caught. What was she about to reveal? Then, just as the suspense became unbearable, she suddenly blurted out, "It's because he's... fluffy!"

The room exploded with laughter—Fiora's laughter, bright and carefree, and Theo's deep chuckles echoing off the walls. But I could only stand there, frozen, as the tension snapped into a maddening anticlimax.

"Fioraaaa," I mockingly growled, frustration seeping into my tone. She stopped, her playful mirth still dancing in her eyes, and took my hand, her touch warm but firm.

"Yes, it's true," she admitted, her voice now soft but serious. "I'm more biased toward him because he's fluffy, and I love fluffy things. If you want me to treat you both the same, I'm sorry, but I can't. Every time I see him, all I want is to hug him, play with him... It's just how I am." She paused, her grip tightening on my hand. "But you're different, okay? You and Theo... you're not the same. I've never compared you, and I never will." She smiled sweetly, but the words felt like a toy knife twisting in my chest.

I stared at her, my mind racing. "I cannot accept this," I muttered, my voice barely controlled. "I can't lose to him just because he's hairy!"

Fiora's eyes gleamed with mischief, her lips curling into a sly grin. "Well," she said, her tone playful yet unsettling, "it is what it is. Can't change it. Sorry."

The finality of her words sent a jolt through me. I couldn't just let it end like this. The air around us grew taut as if waiting for the next move. Without warning, I lunged at her. Fiora's eyes widened in surprise, but she was quick—much quicker than before. She darted away, a streak of laughter trailing behind her as I gave chase.

When I finally caught her I started tickling her not realizing how close we were.

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A/N

Word count:- 3400

Hello, my lovely readers, I hope you all are doing well

Here, is the 44th chapter of my book

I hope you all liked it and have a great day ahead

Ok

Thank you

Love you

bye:)

Until next time

Happy reading 💐

Date:- 17/08/2024