SORRY, it's been a hot minute. So many things have happened- I got engaged! My sister's bachelorette, my birthday. It's insane, but I'm so excited to be writing again. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. :)

#8 in Asian | 9/8/24

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX | EZRA POV

"If you've waited for me your whole life then whats your plan now that I'm here?"

He puts the menu down, then runs a hand through his already tousled locks. They always look purposefully messy, incredulously perfect.

He pulls his gaze to mine.

"You're here under circumstances that I didn't anticipate." He admits, "If I could, I'd hide you away from everything. But I don't want you to feel caged. I know how much you value your freedom." Although, he has an earnest look I can't help to think back on what we've went through this past week. He seems to sense my apprehension.

"I just want to protect you from it all." He reaches for my hand across the table, rubbing the back of it with the pad of his thumb.

His words feel like it's physically wrapping me with a warm cloak. There's a dull aching sensation on my chest, but it doesn't feel like it's mine. I observe his hand over mine.

"Are you sad?" I ask, testing if my theory is true.

He shakes his head, with a small smile, "So you're able to feel my emotions now?"

"It feels strange." I confess with a light laugh.

"I can imagine it must be for you."

"You didn't answer my question by the way."

"I'm not sad my love, but the thought of what you've went through pains me." His confession leaves a forlorn look on his face.

I shake my head, "Then let's not think about it, let's not talk about it please."

He brings my hand to his mouth, placing a small kiss on the back. Your wish is my command he jests.

"Can I request another thing?" I dare to ask.

He perks an eyebrow at this, "Anything."

"My apartment. I want to see it."

+

My heart thumps with anticipation. As we make our way down the familiar hallway, I find myself passing Ezra's pace despite his longer strides. Once at the door I enter the code on the keypad. The lock hums as it whirls open and I waste no time throwing the door open.

The familiarity hits me like a ton of bricks. Ezra flicks the lights on, illuminating the cozy space.

"This is where you've been wanting to return to?" He asks, the distaste prevalent in his voice. I almost roll my eyes at this, I can't imagine him knowing what it's like to have to earn something as small as this.

"It's small but it's mine." I give him a pointed look and walk over to the books on my window nook. I sift through them, as if they could have changed in this short time frame.

Although it seems like it did.

I turn around to take a better look at everything.

Ezra notices my change of emotion and raises an eyebrow at this.

"Something is off." I mutter, with a shake of my head.

I look around the room, it was at least partially set up before I left. But now it looks like things were rummaged through haphazardly.

Ezra's head cocks to the side, he stands still as if he were observing something unseen. Then suddenly, he grabs me by my hand and shuts the lights off.

Don't say a word. He advises lowly in our mindlink.

He swiftly leads me into the closet, shutting it quietly behind us. We shuffle into the borderline suffocating area, pushing between the bit of clothes that I was able to put away in the ten seconds I was here.

The darkness makes my other senses feel heightened. The stale scent of the closet air, Ezra's arm around my waist, pulling me closely onto his chest. I look up slightly, allowing my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Ezra's eyes are narrowed in focus, standing unwaveringly still.

The sound of the keys pinging on the lock pad, perks my ears.

"Amara?"

A familiar voice calls. I withhold the gasp in my throat at the sound.

Aura.

What is she doing here? Does she know what's going on?

It's okay, It's my sister. I assure him, attempting to take a step out of his hold. He pulls me back onto him. My back hits his chest solidly. He gives me a hard look and shake of his head.

Who is she with?

I furrow my eyebrows at this.

"Aura, there's no one here." Another voice expressed. "There hasn't been anyone here for the past week."

That's Griffin, Aura's boyfriend.

At this point, it's starting to feel ridiculous. At least let me tell them I'm okay- We're going to look ridiculous coming out of the closet.

Ezra doesn't budge. Instead he holds me tighter.

Wendigo.

My chest stops at his statement. Now a million questions race through my mind, but I can't formulate a coherent thought.

Aura is not a Wendigo.

She isn't. But he is.

Griffin? I think back to the year that we've known him, always kind although slightly hard to read but I've never felt endangered around him.

The realization that these creatures could have always been present in our lives, sends a cold chill down my spine.

He knows we're here.

CHAPTER END

Honestly, what took me so long to end this chapter. I was trying to get them out of the restaurant lol.

Thoughts?? Is anyone there?

Also is there a song that this chapter feels like?