Forbidden Mate: Awakening

~LILY’S POV~

The sunlight bathed the road giving me little relief after the days I spent in that accursed place. We were almost reaching the grove but we stopped at a stream to bathe, get drinking water and rest before continuing on. The woods we were in was part of our domain so we knew it like the back of our hands. Theo waited inside the bushes for us to finish bathing.

Sarah was being her goofy self and we had a laugh. I missed these little moments and wished we had them more but I had already lost the ability to relax myself. So many things were always going on in my head, so many thoughts, so many unanswered questions, so many worries.

As I reminisced about Adrian, memories flooded my mind. I remembered vivid pictures of our time together. I remembered his infectious laughter that could brighten the darkest of days. I remembered the way his eyes sparkled with mischief whenever we embarked on an adventure in the woods and we would arrive late only for us to sneak in so my parents wouldn’t catch us. I remembered his loyalty, always standing by my side through thick and thin. I remembered the warmth of his comforting embrace, giving me solace during the moments I was doubting. I remembered the sound of his soothing voice, always encouraging me and giving me the support I needed. I remembered his playful nature, finding joy in the simplest of things and reminding me to cherish the present. I remembered the way his presence alone brought a sense of calm and security. I remembered his laughter, the secrets we shared, the bond we had, and the courage and bravery he always showed to protect those he cared for. And how could I ever forget the overwhelming love he showered upon me, making me feel cherished and valued. Each memory kept Adrian present in my thoughts and continued to guide me.

Sarah noticed I was lost in my thoughts and spanked my ass while we were submerged in the water, “Hey frowny face, do you wannna freeze in this cold? The temperature just dropped like -59 Celsius out of nowhere.”

“It’s cus of that smoke we saw…” We had seen a smoke pile on the mountains earlier as we were trekking.

“Shit, are they burning trees now?” She said, looking worried.

“I hope not.” I sighed and floated with her.

“Makes me remember that tree I sung to. You won’t lie, I was kinda good, wasn’t I?” She smirked at me and I looked at her, as if I was pondering on something.

“Uhmmm… out of 100, I’d give you a solid 70 – 50 for saving our asses and 30 for the actual singing.”

“You just like lying to yourself, babes.” We both laughed and swam farther from the dry land.

Sarah then started singing the song again,

Oh, ancient trees, reaching for the sky,

Whispering secrets as the wind blows by.

Your roots run deep, your branches spread wide,

Guardians of wisdom, standing side by side.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

I joined her and we sang together while flapping upside down in the stream, our naked bodies being illuminated by the sunlight.

Oh, guardians of the ancient trees,

Protectors of all that nature sees.

With gradient symbols, their message shows,

Balancing harmony as-

“Can you guys be fast? We don’t have all day?!” Theo’s voice came from afar.

“We’re almost done!” Sarah shouted back and rolled her eyes, “Guys…. never wanting us to have our alone time.” We both chuckled and slowly swam to the shore.

As I was about stepping on the dry land, I felt a strange unease. My eyes widened as a vision suddenly flashed in my mind- I could see Aunt Belinda in danger, held captive by Audrey. Panic engulfed her as Audrey dug nails and objects into her body, torturing the living daylight out of her. She shouted for her to stop but Audrey kept going and laughing in absolute devilish charm.

“Lily? Lily are you okay?” I dropped to the ground and Sarah quickly held me.

“Aunt…Aunt…” I gave out and fell unconscious.

After what seemed like a second, I opened my eyes slowly. I was fully clothed and Theo and Sarah were sitting over me. When they saw I was awake, Theo helped me up to a sitting position.

“What happened?” I asked in a drained voice.

“You passed out.” He told me.

“I was so scared, babes… why do you keep doing that?” Sarah came to me and hugged me, “What happened to you?” She pulled away from me and held my shoulders.

I tried to gather my thoughts, then I remembered. The vision, Audrey, Aunt Belinda.

With a trembling voice, I turned to them, urgency in my words. “I saw something… a vision. Aunt Belinda… she’s in trouble. Audrey has captured her,” I explained.

Sarah gasped, “What?”

Theo looked confused, “You have visions?”

I nodded at him and held my head, “I’ve still not gotten used to their aftermaths…she was being tortured…she was begging…Audrey kept on going. Her face was so evil…”

“But Audrey was banished and she also ran away.” Sarah told me.

“Really?” I think I had heard that before but not confirmed it.

“Yes… how did she then get her hands on Belinda?” Theo asked.

“I don’t care. We need to save Aunt…” I tried getting up and Theo helped me up by holding my waist. Sarah had a look on her face which she quickly changed.

“Are you really sure about this, Lily?” She asked.

“It’s the realest one I’ve had so far…as if I was there and it was happening…I’ve never been surer.”

Theo’s brows furrowed and his calm demeanor dissipated. “Then we can’t waste any time. We have to go help her,” he declared.

Sarah nodded. “We can’t let Audrey get away with this. The bitch will pay.”

“Aunt Belinda is family. We have to bring her back safely,” I said and shook my head once more so the blurry vision I had would disappear. It did.

“Let’s get going.” Theo packed all our stuffs.

Without a second thought, the three of us set on the road. When we got to a particular point, we saw the road and two bikes. They looked abandoned.

“Are they still working?” Theo went to inspect them and when he gave us a sign, we went to meet him. “Whoever left this must have a lot of money. They’re new.”

“Well, good for us.” Sarah said and hopped on one.

“What are you doing?” Theo asked.

“What does it look like I’m doing?”

“I’m driving. You’ll sit at the back.” Theo said and took the helmet from her.

“No, I want to drive.”

Before they started arguing I quickly talked, “Guys, please. Theo, let her drive. I’ll sit behind you.”

Theo shrugged, “Alright.”

When Theo mounted the second bike and I sat behind him, Sarah was looking at us.

“Hold on, Lily.” I put my arms around his waist then realised Sarah was yet to mount hers. “What are you waiting for?”

“N… nothing.” She murmured and climbed her bike.

Theo already drove off while Sarah followed behind.