𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟓𝟗 | 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓

𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀

When I woke up in the morning, my body aches all over. Nothing happened but Anthonus never stopped. Kahit humakbang lang ay hindi ko magawa. I groaned as I tried to reach Hideo's food. I prepared boneless fish inside a vase. Napadaing ako habang pilit na inaabot kahit na wala pang metro ang layo nito sa akin.

"You looked sleepless." Zander reached for Hideo's food for me. I instantly looked away and fixed my posture. I bit my lip because I was sleepless.

Nang magising ako ay agad akong bumangon kahit na natutulog pa si Anthonus. I instantly took a bath and when I came back, someone is calling for him. It felt very awkward because Anthonus was still half asleep and hugging me like a baby.

"Where's Hideo? Hindi pa siya kumakain." I cleared my throat. Nag-unat ako sa kama't napadaing na lamang. I'm currently wearing a long grey dress with sleeves paired with a tight black corset. I have a new pair of boots from Anthonus.

"Hideo?" Zander paused. Kasalukuyan siyang abalang mag-ayos ng mga makakapal na aklat. "Which cat? The orange one?" He asked. Umiling ako at bumaba ng kama para naman suklayan ang buhok ko.

"The black cat. Hindi pa siya kumakain ng breakfast." Hinaplos ko ang batok ko dahil hanggang pagkagising ko ay masakit pa rin ito. Zander stares at me intently. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang mag-isip.

"Anthonus had his mark too, right?" Zander's statement made my cheeks flustered. Obvious naman na makikita nila ang marka sa leeg ni Anthonus. Hindi ko ba alam kung ba't need i-mention.

"Yeah." I cleared my throat. Nagkunwari akong nag-aayos ng mga papeles sa loob. I woke up inside the town leader's tent and Zander probably fixed everything's mess from last night. I felt sorry.

"Pasensya nga pala If magulo 'tong tent kagabi ha." I approached him first. Nakarating na ako sa loob niya't abalang nililinisan ang mga natira pang petition. Until now, I didn't know If I should accept these or not.

"I don't mind." Zander stares at me. "Besides, It's given that you had a rough night."

"Rough night talaga?" Nawiwindang kong sabi. I heard Zander chuckles softly. Tinitigan ko na lang ang likod niya nang buhatin niya ang isang box na puno naman ng mga aklat.

Zander's biceps was prominent because he was wearing a tight faded blue tunic shirt. He chuckles once again because of my reaction. Lalo tuloy akong nahiya dahil alam kong siya rin ang nag-ayos lahat ng sinira na petition ni Anthonus kagabi.

Yet even though Zander is laughing, I can tell that he isn't really happy. I can see it in his eyes.

"Wanna grab breakfast together?" The words instantly rolled out from my mouth. Saglitan niya akong tinitigan at pinagpag ang mga aklat na pinatong niya sa mesa.

"Sure." Zander smiled. "Do you eat rabbit though?"

"Rabbit ang ipapakain mo sa akin?" Feel ko ay namutla ako sa tanong niya. Zander narrowed his eyes. Tumabi siya sa akin dahil may inabot siyang makapal na aklat sa gilid ng braso ko.

"Ano ba'ng gusto mong ipakain ko sa iyo?" He whispered. I gulped a big amount of air. I didn't know why Zander sounded different.

Since Zander and Travis broke their friendship and started avoiding each other. I felt like Zander was out of his character.

"Kahit ano'ng gusto mong ipakain. Hindi naman ako maarte." I saw Zander smirk. My forehead creased. Binitawan ko pa saglit ang mga inaayos kong papel. Did he just smirk? It's my first time to see him smirk.

Pinagpag niya na uli ang mga kamay niya. I seriously wanted to drink with him and Travis. Ang gusto ko sana'y pag-usapan nila kung ano man ang hindi nila pagkakaintindihan. How can I do it, though? I'm afraid Zander might say that it would destroy Travis's reputation.

"Where will we eat?" Lumapit ako sa kaniya at tinulungan siyang ayusin ang lahat ng mga papel. Nasapo ko na lang ang noo ko dahil na-alala kong hindi ko na mababasa pa ang mga pending petitions.

I almost forgot that my power now is to shift into someone's dream and manipulate minds.

Should I manipulate Zander's mind?

"Do you love refreshers? Lime juice? Flame prepared in the kitchen." He offered and I nodded. Tinitigan ko ang mga dapat pang ayusin na petitions at tatlong box pa ito.
Anthonus destroyed pending petitions but the moment I woke up, I received these.

"Kahit ano." Tinabi ko ang natapos kong ayusin. "Where will we eat?"

"Are you talking to me because of Travis?" Zander didn't glance at me but I can tell the firmness from his voice. Hindi ako nakasagot dahil totoo naman ang sinabi niya.

"Don't worry. I already know it. If you're here to change my mind, I apologize. Buo na ang desisyon ko." He glanced at me for a second. Ngayon naman ay buhat niya ang dalawang box na puno ng mga papel.

"I just want to have breakfast with you." I was careful what to say. I don't want to be sensitive.

I can't tell him that everything will be alright. I can't tell him not to think about it anymore. Malamang sa malamang ay iniisip niya gabi-gabi na ang tanong sumira sa pagkatao't buhay niya ay ama pala ng isa sa matalik niyang kaibigan.

"Suit yourself. I hope you loved the food." This time, I know his job for this morning is done. Abala na kasi siyang magpagpag ng damit niya.

"Kahit ano." I tied my hair in a tight bun. Sumunod ako sa kaniya palabas ng tent at naglakad kami mula sa malayo.

When you exit this forest-like place, you'll be greeted by a small town. Ang lugar na ito kung saan nakatira ang mga kalalakihan dito sa Valernos. They had amazing architecture here. The houses were big and made of bricks and had windows.

"Do you still have something to do?" I asked. Zander glances at me and smiled. Sinilip ko siya dahil mukha pa rin siyang abala sa kung ano man ang ginagawa niya.

"Konti na lang," he told me. Nakasunod lamang ako sa likod niya. I saw him scoop something and grab a glass. He smiled and handed it to me. Hindi na ako nagtanong pa kahit na may naamoy ang gatas. Basta ko na lang tinanggap ang binigay niya. He was holding the same thing too. Pinanood ko muna siya kung ano'ng gagawin ito.

Zander licked his silver spoon. Naiwan akong napaawang ang mga labi dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang inabot niya sa akin. Is this our breakfast already? Cravings ako ng McDo. What if magdabog ako kay Zander at mag-inarte.

''It's an ice cream.'' Zander chuckled, probably because he noticed that I was watching him.

''Ah, ice cream pala kaya medyo solid siya.'' Sinamahan ko siyang tawanan ang katangahan ko.

We stood there, leaning against the brick house, feeling the fresh, cold wind. Habang abala ako sa pagdila ng spoon ko'y nakatingin lang ako kay Zander. He glanced at me and gulped. Nalukot na lang ang mukha ko dahil napansin kong namumula ang mga tenga niya.

"Do you really look at men while licking ice cream?" Zander's voice broke. Natauhan ako dahil hindi ako aware na nakatitig pala ako sa kaniya habang dinidilaan ang ice cream na inabot niya.

''Ay, sorry ha.'' Umayos ako ng tayo at saglit na tinigil pagdila. I wonder if it feels awkward?

''This ice cream was made by me and Flame. It's a hundred percent cow's milk.'' He smiled and sounded proud. Nakangangang tumango na lang ako dahil first time ko ngang ma-discover na may ice cream pala rito.

''Ba't naman hindi mo agad sinabi? Unli ice cream sana ako kapag stress ako rito.'' I joked. Pinalo ko ang braso niya't pati siya ay natawa na rin. Zander crossed his arms. Sinilip ko tuloy ang biceps niya ang pisil. His eyes widened.

''May ganito ka pala eh.'' I joked. Tinusok-tusok ko pa ito't humalakhak na lang siya.

''What do you expect? I always carry things,'' he flexes his biceps. Ang yabang naman pala ni Zander. ''I can even carry you,'' he added.

''Weh?'' Paghahamon ko sa kaniya. Tinawanan niya na lang ako pagkatapos. We ended up chilling outside when he told me that he takes desserts first before breakfast. He asked me if I find it weird, I said no. Nanahimik kaming dalawa habang pinagmamasdan ang mga busy na tao sa labas.

''Travis tried to talk to me.'' Zander said. Muntik na ngang hindi marinig dahil binilisan niya ang pagsabi na akala mo rapper. I glances at him and saw him staring at the air. Napansin ko ang malalim niyang pagbuntong hininga.

''Ano'ng sabi mo sa kaniya?'' I commented. Ang dami kong itanong pero mas mabuting siya na lang mismo ang magsabi ng lahat ng gusto niyang sabihin. It's hard to force people to answer everything at once. Besides, it's a good thing that he opened up first.

"I told him to show me proof of his explanation. He explained... What did he explain? I forgot. Masyadong sarado ang isip ko't ayaw ko siyang makita. I told him that he belonged nowhere in this world. I told him that he should just forget me and focus on how to hide better from his father, Alastor's hunters.'' Tinitigan niya ako na para bang inaasahan niya na magagalit ako. I just held Zander's hand for support.

Hindi naman ako katulad ng iniisip niya. Kung feel niya na magagalit ako dahil kaibigan ko si Travis ay mali siya. They are both my friends. And they are both victims of unfortunate situations.

"You should talk to him if you're ready to listen," I told him. Hindi ko pinutol ang tingin sa kaniya't naiwan din siyang nakatitig sa akin. ''I won't tell you that everything will be fine because I know it will never be. Forever na kayong dalawa stuck sa sitwasyon niyo. The only thing you can do is to talk it out and accept things.''

''Aren't Travis is your hand?'' He asked. Napabuntong hininga ako dahil inaasahan ko na sasabihin niya 'yon. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay kong nakahawak pa rin sa kanan niyang kamay.

''You're both my friends. You're both important to me. Mali namang kampihan ko ang isa sa inyo. I talked to Travis last night. Ikaw ang bukambibig niya at kung ano man ang mga sinabi niya sa akin ay mas maganda kung sa kaniya mismo manggaling.'' I sighed.

Zander just stared at me, and I was supposed to say something, but my eyes widened when he pulled me into a tight hug. Ilang segundo pa ang nakalipas para haplusin ko ang likod niya. I know Zander needs this. He needs to feel that someone understands him. I felt him bury his face in my neck, and I let him.

''You can talk to Travis anytime,'' I whispered. Humigpit lalo ang yakap niya sa akin. He didn't talk but I could feel his arms becoming tighter around me. I let him.

''I feel sorry for my pride.'' I can feel the frustration in his voice. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto ay bumitaw na siya sa akin. I fixed his collar and he smiled.

''Can I take you somewhere? I wanted to show you something.'' He offered. Tumango ako't dumaan muna kami sa mga nagbibigay ng breakfast. Kung ano man ang ipapakita niya sa akin ay sigurado naman akong importante 'yon.

When he finished our ice cream, Zander gave me our breakfast for the morning. We walked back through the woods before I opened our breakfast. Mabuti na lang ay may mauupuan akong natumbang puno. I felt relieved when I saw that the breakfast was a huge Hungarian sausage and two eggs.

''Why? Is it your favorite?'' Zander opened his breakfast too. Nakangiti niya itong binuksan habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin.

''Medyo.'' Isang malaking subo ang ginawa ko sa saussage, I saw him blush again. Napanguso na lang ako. ''May ganito rin kasi sa mundo kung saan ako galing.''

''Oh, really?'' He bit his eggs. It was fried egg. ''How are foods in your world?''

''Fast foods madalas. Madaming klase. Mahilig ako sa sisigan. Gusto mo tikman?'' I grinned. His forehead creased.

''You can bring me into your world?'' He asked. Tumango agad ako kahit hindi ako sure sa mundo. I also thought about that. I wonder if I can bring them into my world as well. I wonder if this world has a portal into my world too.

''Oo naman.'' Desisyon ako pero agad naman siyang ngumiti.

''I was looking forward.'' He smiled. We talked about a lot of things too like an update regarding Ehmyr's situation because he had a mark. Zander said it was approved. I asked why Ehmyr needs such approval since he's loyal. He simply answered that it was because Ehmyr preferred to be a commoner.

To be honest, I was expecting backlash for marking Ehmyr. I thought some people would call me filthy, disgusting, and other names because he's a minor. I'm ready to defend myself at any time. Alam ko naman kasi sa sarili ko na naging careful ako. We didn't kiss. I only marked him using my saliva.

''Your black cat is named Hideo? Val is taking care. You also have white cats, right?'' He initiated the conversation. Itatanong ko na rin sana kung ano ang update sa tatlong pusa. I instantly nodded. Naubos ko ang saussage sa tatlong kagat lang.

''Boneless fish saka ham lang ang kinakain ni Hideo.'' I told him. Zander chuckled and told me that Val knows. Naghanda nga raw si Val ng isang sakong boneless fish. Natawa na lang kaming dalawa dahil sabi ni Zander amoy tuyo na raw si Val.

Val is your big daddy who loves fluffy, cute cats. I wonder if he even takes a bath with those three as well.

''You need to see this.'' Tumayo na si Zander at nagulat na lang ako dahil may dala siyang malaking pala. I looked back while my forehead creased. Nagulantang ako dahil basta na lang siya naghukay.

''Saan galing 'yang pala mo? Shookt naman ako sa 'yo, Zander!'' Pinalo ko siya sa braso't humalakhak na lang siya. Nalukot ang mukha niyang tumingin sa akin pero nakangiti.

''Shookt?'' I know he didn't that word. Pinanood ko siyang maghukay dahil curious din ako kung ano'ng ipapakita niya sa akin.

However, the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I felt a presence watching us. I instantly looked behind us.

''I feel like someone is watching us—'' My heart pounded hard when I saw the same silver ring roll from the ground. I already learned from what happened to the carriage, I started chanting a spell, but I realized that all I had was Anthonus' power right now.

Just like before, there was a huge explosion. I called for Zander but he was nowhere to be found. Tumilapon ang ulo ko't tumama sa matigas na bagay. I whimpered when I discovered that my right foot had been struck by a branch. Huminga ako nang malalim at sinubukang alisin ang sanga ngunit napadaing lang ako sa sakit.

''Zander!'' My voice broke. Sinubukan kong ibangon ang katawan ang katawan ko ngunit mas nangibabaw ang kirot mula sa kanan kong paa. I tried moving my foot's heel but it has the same pain. Napadaing ako't nanginginig ang buong kamay.

''Zander! Nasaan ka!'' Muli kong sigaw. I felt like my world stopped when I saw another silver-rolling ring beside me. Taimtim akong nagdasal dahil buong akala ko ay katapusan ko.

This silver ring. I'm sure it's the same silver ring that exploded when I was riding Damian's carriage...

However, I felt surrounded by a blinding silver light. My body was floating in the air, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself sitting on someone's lap.

I heard someone panting and the sound of wheels. When I glanced at my back, I saw Will Luthor.

''Who brought you here? This is a dangerous forest!'' He exclaimed. I glanced at my back. Sinubukan kong hanapin si Zander ngunit kahit saang parte ng kagubatan na ito ay hindi ko siya makita.

''Where's Zander? I'm with him!'' I told Will Luthor. Nalukot ang mukha niya't habang hirap na hirap na igalaw ang mga gulong ng wheel chairs niya. I bit my lip and I tried to stand but my foot hurt.

''Don't move!'' He begged. ''I have a cabin here! I can bring you there!'' Gusto ko sanang itanong kung ano'ng ginagawa niya rito. My forehead creased as I suddenly realized how strange it was to have a cabin within a forest.

''Why do you have a cabin here?'' I can't help but to ask. Tumalbog ang wheel chair dahilan para tumalbog din ako sa ibabaw ni Will Luthor.

''It's a hideout.'' Mabilis niyang sagot sa akin. ''Stay still, we're near,'' he whispered. I felt his lip brushing my back.

I instantly grabbed the side of his wheelchair. I saw him narrow his eyes, and he grabbed my waist, slowly brushing his fingers up and down. I looked away. Hindi na lang binigyan ng malisya at tinulungan siyang igalaw ang kaniyang mga gulong.

Seconds later, I could see a cabin in the distance. Hinayaan kong maupo na lamang ako sa kandungan ni Will Luthor hanggang sa makapasok kami sa loob. When I entered the cabin, my forehead creased because the only thing I could see inside was a huge bed. Pinilit kong tumayo't napadaing na lang ako habang nakahawak sa pader bilang suporta.

Will Luthor instantly grabbed my hand, and my gut was telling me something when I saw him lock the door.

''You're hurt. Sit on the bed,'' he held my hand tightly. I bit my lip because I didn't want to make any strange noises. Hanggang sa makaupo ako sa kama'y tiniis ko ang sakit. My eyes widened when Will Luthor raised my leg.

''W-what are you doing?'' I was nervous. He stares at me with blank eyes.

''You're hurt?'' Sinubukan kong hindi gaano ibuka ang mga hita ko nang ipatong niya sa isa kong hita sa right leg niya.

I was wearing a skirt. Yumuko siya't may kinuha sa ilalim kama. He was holding a small can that looked like ointment. I was right when he started applying it to my foot.

''Ah!'' I groaned and he immediately glances at me. Lalo niyang diniinan ang paggalaw ng mga daliri niya sa paa ko. I ended up reaching at to him but my hand landed into his thigh. Tinitigan niya lang ako.

''It hurts?'' He whispered in a low tone. Tumango ako bilang tugon.

''I'll be gentle.'' He was still staring at me. This time, he pressed gently on my foot, and I arched my back. Will Luthor's eyes darkened.

''Ang sakit!'' I shrieked. His hands messages the heel on my foot. After seconds of massaging, I felt relief. Naging maayos na konti ang kalagayan ng paa ko ngunit hindi ko alam kung bakit tila ayaw niyang ibaba ang nakapatong kong hita sa kaniya.

''Are you feeling good?'' He asked. Tumango ako bilang tugon. I wanted to ask but I looked everywhere.

''How are you?'' I didn't know why my question felt awkward for him. Natigilan siya saglit sa pag-gamot ng paa ko para lang titigan ako.

''You?'' His answer was short.

''Just reading pending petitions that I received. Natambakan kasi ako.'' I explained. I saw him smirk.

''It's just a petition, you don't need to read everything.'' Hinaplos niya pataas-baba ang paa ko. Napaisip naman ako sa sinabi niya. He was right. I didn't know why I felt like reading everything was my job. I just realized why Anthonus sounded frustrated that night. Tama nga siya.

''Really?'' I even asked for Will Luthor's confirmation. He traces the side part of my foot. Medyo nakikiliti ako ngunit hindi ko lang pinahalata.

''Of course, that's why It's called petition. They need to defend why they need a thing. What was the thing that they needed from you? It's your mark, right? Even men from Kazva knew it.'' Will Luthor grinned. Nanahimik na lang ako dahil ayaw ko na pang mag-isip pa. My forehead creased because I thought I saw someone standing at this cabin's window.

''Something moved.'' Dinuro ko ang labas ngunit lalong nangunot ang noo niya't lumingon dito. I narrowed my eyes because I was sure I saw something.

''You're seeing things. You need a rest.'' My eyes widened as he started coughing. Lalo akong nanginig dahil nakita kong may dugo ang ubo niya.

''B-bakit may dugo sa ubo?'' I panicked. Binaba ko ang hita ko na nakapatong sa hita niya't napabalikwas ng bangon. Hinila ko pa ang gilid ng wheel niya para lang palapit siya sa akin. I looked everywhere for a cloth, but this cabin only had one large bed.

''Wait lang, Will!'' My skirt was 2 inches below my knee, but I didn't mind tearing a few inches off of it. Pinagpag ko pa ito dahil baka madumi't bago ipangtapal sa bibig niya. He instantly held my hand.

''Don't mind me. This is just a genetic disease—''

''Ano'ng genetic disease? What can I do for you?'' I panicked. Lalo siyang umubo kaya napuno ng dugo ang labi niya.

This time, I destroyed my whole skirt for him. Good thing I was wearing a safe shorts that I made. I saw his gaze landed on my thighs. Hindi na ako umimik pa't nilinisan ang labi niya.

''What genetic disease? What is your di—''

''Don't ask anymore because only a woman can cure.'' He cut me off. Nalukot ang mukha ko't hinila uli ang gilid ng wheel chair niya.

''I'm a woman,'' I told him firmly. ''I can cure you. Is it a woman's mark?'' He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer.

''It's more than a woman's mark,'' he whispered. Lumingon ako sa kaniya't napabuntong hininga.

''Ano nga?'' I made sure my voice was gentle.

''The cure is a one-hour intercourse with a woman.'' Will Luthor's breath brushes on my skin. Nanlamig ako bigla at hindi nakapagsalita. I stared at him with horror but he was just staring at me.

''What's wrong? You asked for the cure, right?'' He narrowed his eyes. Napaiwas ako ng tingin dahil hindi ko kayang ibigay kung ano man ang hiling niya.

''You can't do it, can you? Are you ashamed to do it with a man who can't stand?'' Tila may diin niyang sambit at agad akong umiling sa kaniya bilang sagot. Kinabahan ako dahil humawak siya sa gilid ng kama't sinubukan niyang tumayo.

I instantly moved to catch him because I thought he was going to fall to the floor, but he just fell onto my shoulder. I froze as he leaned closer and kissed the side of my lips. Sa gulat ko'y parehas na kaming natumba sa kama. He was on top of me.

''Will Luthor, sorry pero—'' My eyes widened when I grabbed my hand and sniffed it. He pressed his body on mine. And kissed my wrist.

''It's just one night. Just think of it as my request because you left me that time in the forest,'' he whispered.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. My heart pounded as he started removing the buttons of his shirt. He exposed his chest. He grabbed my other hand and guided it to trace his chest.

Bumaba na rin ang kamay niya sa hita ko. He got an easy access because I destroyed my skirt for him. I felt him touching my inner thigh.

''I didn't left you—'' He cut me off when he grabbed my hand. Pinatong niya ang kamay ko sa puson niya't unti-unti itong bumaba.

I felt my entire body becoming sweaty. He leaned closer and plant kisses on my ear. That's when I realized what the hard thing was that I was feeling in my palm. He leaned closer. And I took a deep breath when I felt him licking my earlobe.

I was left staring into nothingness, and the question crossed my mind why there was only a bed inside the cabin. He was just putting ointment on my foot a while ago. How did the conversation turn out like this?

''It's big, right? Do you like it?'' He whispered as he kisses the side of my lips again. I stared at him, dumbfounded.

I didn't know what to say as he brushed his lips on the side of my neck. I took a deep breath as I felt him planting kisses on my neck. He leaned closer and gave me a short peck until he bit my bottom lip and inserted his tongue inside my mouth.

Was Will Luthor serious when he said that having sex with him was the cure to his disease?

𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀𝘿...

𝘞𝘏𝘖 𝘓𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘚 𝘞𝘐𝘓𝘓 𝘓𝘜𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘙? (𝘔𝘌 𝘛𝘖𝘖) 𝘗𝘚: 𝘐𝘍 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘞𝘈𝘕𝘛 𝘈 𝘋𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘊𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕, 𝘑𝘜𝘚𝘛 𝘋𝘙𝘖𝘗 𝘈 𝘊𝘖𝘔𝘔𝘌𝘕𝘛.