CHAPTER SIX

ARIELLA'S POV

THE rest of the week went by faster than I thought. Luckily, there was no animal attack this week, and people had been moving in groups. Well, I'd always moved with Steve, Rachel, and Austin. It was totally normal.

I focused my gaze on the huge map in front of me. I was in Dobana Library. Though it wasn't as big and impactful as those in other states, it however contained various geographical books and that's why I made it a habit to come here every Friday afternoon.

The library was big enough to fit in 250 people but we were less than. 25 here. Well, it's not like we're like a million citizens. Every day, more and more citizens run away cause they want something better for themselves. Plus, the recent dammed animal attacks frightened the hell out of people.

I also want to leave.

I yearned to embark on a journey of discovery, to satiate my wanderlust and ignite my senses. My eyes craved the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that the world has to offer, while my body longed to immerse itself in the diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures that make our planet so breathtakingly unique.

"Miss Reas," I nearly flinched when a familiar voice called out. I turned to see my mysterious History teacher gallantly entering the library. He was clad in a sleek black leather jacket, paired with a dark, high-collared sweater and fitted trousers, exuding an air of mystery and intrigue. The somber attire seemed to whisper secrets, drawing me in with an otherworldly allure. He trapped me with his gaze, but I bit my lip to turn away.

What the actual hell was he doing here?

Why of all places did he have to come here, one of my comfort zones?

I scuffed and glued my eyes to the European region on the map. "

"Paris is overrated. I'll never get why humans are so drawn to it," Mr. Steele said in a disappointed tone, his shoulders slumping slightly as he spoke.

Again, he was speaking as though he wasn't human. I didn't need to turn to know he was seated on the empty chair beside me, his proximity causing a subtle shift in my posture.

I secretly engulfed his rare, manly scent, my nostrils flaring slightly as I breathed it in. It was intriguing and alluring, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Ariella, please stop it, for fuck's sake.

"Well, I don't know. Never been there before," I sighed. "Never been anywhere actually," I admitted, resting my head fully on the worn, creaky chair, its wooden slats digging gently into my scalp.

"Not like you're missing out." His voice was low and smooth, his words dripping with an air of secrecy. He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a knowing spark as he whispered, "Trust me, Miss Reas, this world has more to see than this map can fit in."

He was right. I, for one, believed that every place had a wealth of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and I yearned to capture their stories through the lens of my camera. My eyes sparkled with curiosity as I turned to Mr. Steele. "So, where are you most fond of?"

His burning gaze drifted, his eyes clouding over like a moonlit night. "Home," he responded without hesitation,

"Where is home?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

Mr. Steele's expression turned enigmatic, his lips pursing slightly as he paused, collecting his thoughts. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of unspoken secrets. I held my breath, my heart pounding in anticipation. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured, deliberate. "Far from here," he whispered, the words hanging in the air like a challenge, beckoning me to unravel the mystery that shrouded him.

I wished I wasn't interested but I was.

I could have pressed further but if he didn't tell me then it's because he didn't want me to know. It's always good to respect one's privacy and Mr. Steele was my teacher. He couldn't be anything more than that.

But why was I secretly wishing, hoping for something more?

The next few hours in the library were truly unforgettable. I was captivated by Mr. Steele's stories of adventure and travel. His voice was soothing, and his green eyes sparkled as he spoke. I couldn't help but notice his messy, curly brown hair, which added to his charming and worldly demeanor. As we pored over the map together, our hands touched, sending a shiver down my spine. I felt a flutter in my chest, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to touch him everywhere.

I'd surely die from all the excitement. Come on Ariella, get a grip.

His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like I was drowning in their depths. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. But it was his stories of Mumbai, India, that truly drew me in, painting vivid pictures of the city's vibrant streets and ancient traditions

He had apparently traveled to India for fun and received an invitation to an Indian wedding. I had watched countless videos of Indian weddings and couldn't wait to experience one in person. His curved lips moved in a captivating rhythm as he recounted how the family almost forced him into marriage after he caught a glimpse of their only daughter, a member of a prominent dynastic family. His story was so amusing that I burst into laughter, momentarily forgetting we were alone in the library.

As our eyes met for the millionth time, the air was charged with an intense, unspoken connection. Mr. Steele's gaze held mine, sending shivers down my spine. But in an instant, he broke the spell, rising from his seat, and left without a word, as if our hours-long conversation had never occurred.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

Actually, what the fuck was wrong with me? I shouldn't even be bothered by his presence, absence, and much less, his actions.

Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that our moments together were palpable, and his sudden departure had left me bewildered and I dared to add hurt.

It was almost evening, and I knew it was time to leave. I took one last glance at the map, imagining what it would be like to explore those places with Mr. Steele.

Holy Shit, I'm really losing it.

SYLAQ'S POV

Where is home?

When Ariella asked me that question, I was sort of surprised. It's true that I actually loved my home. I'm not ashamed; I'd never been ashamed of being a vampire. I even told her about my experience in India. If only she knew that the event took place a century and decades ago, back when I saw the world as a friend, not as my enemy.

I had to leave the library immediately because I was feeling things that I wasn't meant to feel. I was feeling a sense of comfort, and peace, as though being with her could fix everything. It would have been better if I was only sexually attracted to her without any of these unwanted attachments.

I had to do something, and that, too, quickly, before Hazelnut took control of my head. Yeah, head, not heart. I couldn't lose my heart to anyone, much less to a human.

After all, Sylaq Steele had no heart.

*******

Hi, Sweeties and Hotties💕

LOL, who do you think is more confused, Sylaq or Ariella?

Y'all should have a nice weekend. I'm gonna spend this weekend preparing for Anatomy test.

Kisses💕

Aduke 💖