“Sebastian will walk you home,” she continued. “It’s too risky to let you wander alone from now on.”
“Is it any more dangerous than before?” Eva wondered.
“It is. You must avoid seeing Rannulf at all costs. Don’t do anything in school which might get you summoned to his office. If he calls you, make up an excuse, you’re ill, and go to the nurse’s office. Just stay away from him.”
“Why?”
“Xol’gorog can smell your blood. He’ll know it’s been cleansed and, if he discovers that, then we are all in trouble.”
“I understand,” Eva nodded.
“Now, go, and stay in your rooms for the rest of the day. When there is news, I shall send for you both.”
Eva hugged Amelie and hand in hand with Sebastian, they left her hut. Eva was surprised to see that the hut wasn’t located on school grounds. It was somewhere outside, near, but still a bit hidden in the woods. Amelie wanted her privacy for a reason.
She walked with Sebastian past darkened trees and small brooks which gurgled softly. The dry leaves rustled underneath the weight of their feet, and moist earth absorbed the impact of their steps. The air was fresh and crisp. Eva felt the need to take a deep breath, then exhale sharply. Now that her blood was cleansed, she wanted her lungs to be purified, too.
“Wonderful, isn’t it?” she heard Sebastian say.
He kept walking in front of her, pushing the branches away from her face and hair when necessary, but still holding her hand softly, to make sure she was close behind. She felt safe. His vicinity allowed for this privilege and she was grateful for all he was doing for her.
“Yeah,” she replied.
“Sometimes, I come out here on my own and just enjoy the solitude.”
“I can imagine,” she smiled.
“We all think we miss the city and everything about it, but in reality, this is all we need. Don’t you agree?”
He turned to her, and stopped. Her heart raced and all the blood rushed to her cheeks. His hand traveled to her face, to push a strand of stray hair gently behind her ear. His fingers remained there. She could feel them on her cheek. His face leaned in and his lips pressed softly against hers. It was the sweetest, softest kiss she’d ever had. It was like a butterfly, pressing against her lips, allowing her to feel its grace.
Then, a droplet of rain fell on her face. A second later, several others followed. It was starting to rain heavily.
“We need to get inside somewhere!”
He pulled her by the hand and they both started running. They were back on familiar school grounds now and she knew the direction in which they were running. It was towards the abandoned house. As they ran, the rain started falling more heavily. Eva could feel her t-shirt sticking to her skin. By the time they reached the house, they’d both be soaking wet. She figured, they would crawl into the hidden room and see if they could warm up there. She was sure Frey and Dorian wouldn’t mind.
They reached the house and rushed in. Some parts of the roof were dilapidated and the rain was falling inside, too.
“This way,” she gestured at him to follow her.
She found the entrance easily, and squeezed through. Sebastian immediately followed and they found themselves in a cozy little room. Somehow, it was warmer in there, but still cold. Eva glanced at the mattress and the little cover over it. She lit a few candles and placed them strategically around the small room.
“Quick, take off your clothes!” she urged him, already taking off her t-shirt.
“Wow, you work fast, don’t you?” he grinned.
“Smart ass, take off your clothes so we can warm ourselves up and not catch pneumonia or something!”
As soon as she said it, he quickly took off his shirt and pants. She was also left only in her panties, her hands covering her breasts. She could see that the sight had aroused him.
“Come.”
She lay on the bed, covering herself. Her eyes were inviting him. He got in next to her and put his arms around her. Their skin was covered in goosebumps, still cold. But slowly, their bodies got used to the closeness. They were getting warmer. She leaned her head onto his shoulder. He smelled like the woods. She loved it. She wanted him to kiss her, right here, hidden from everyone. To kiss her and never let go.
At that moment, she heard the sound of familiar voices and Frey and Dorian popped their heads inside. They were all surprised to see one another.
“Hey,” Frey grinned, seeing Eva and Sebastian under the covers together and their clothes on the floor, “I didn’t know we needed to schedule a time for this place.”