Chapter 11

  Sun sets, the sky sleeps.

  The three were practically out of the mountains now. Their camp was set up near the lush green forest. They were sitting around a fire, keeping warm from the cold breeze. Unfortunately, there was only one tent. Matteo was going to keep watch again, and Nikolai and Sonas had to share the tent.

  Sonas was yawning. It was cold and dark. The clouds cover the white glow of the moon. Its light is barely visible.

  Nikolai faced Sonas, who sat to the right of him.

  “Tired, huh?”

  “Hm? Yeah, it’s freezing.”

  “Then go to bed.” Matteo joined in.

  “I suppose it is getting late.” Sonas looked at the tent behind her.

  “I’m feeling the same as well. I think I might go to bed.”

  Matteo smirked sheepishly. He was going to tease the two about sharing a tent together. He looked at Sonas, his smile mischievous.

  Sonas looked at Matteo’s cheeky grin. She flusters in embarrassment.

  “Don’t look at me like that!” She yelled.

  “Like what?”

  “Like that!”

  Matteo’s smirk grew wider. Nikolai flushed in embarrassment as well, realising that Matteo is just making things awkward

  “God, I hate you.” Sonas grumbles.

  “Yes, I know, you say that everyday. But, that won’t stop me from looking at you mischievously.”

  “You’re a dick, you know that?”

  “Yep!”

  Sonas groaned in annoyance. She stood up and made her way to the tent, Nikolai following behind.

  “Please keep to one side of the tent, I like to have space when I’m sleeping.” She sighed.

  “Ok.”

  The two bent down and crawled into the tent. Matteo still had a cheeky smile on his face.

  ??

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  Matteo put out the fire the next morning. He stretched and looked around him. It was still freezing cold first thing in the morning. He could hear the sound of birds waking and the horses snorting.

  He grinned as he looked at the tent. It seems Nikolai and Sonas aren’t up yet. He tiptoed over to the tent, opening it slowly. There, he saw Sonas and Nikolai sleeping face to face, cuddled up in their jackets for warmth. So much for keeping their side of the tent.

  “Psst! Lovebirds. Get up.” Matteo smiled.

  The two groaned, before they slowly opened their eyes. Sonas’ eyes widened and left the tent instantly in embarrassment.

  “We were cold!” Sonas defended her and Nikolai, crossing her arms.

  “Uh huh, sure you were.” Matteo smirked.

  “We weren’t naked, don’t think of it that way!”

  “Too late.”

  Sonas groaned. Nikolai exited the tent.

  “You thought we were having sex last night?!” He flustered.

  “Ha! Yes, yes I was.”

  “I will kill you, Matteo. Mark my words.” Sonas clenched her fists.

  “I’d like to see you try, Tiny.”

  “Do not call me Tiny.”

  “I won't call you Tiny, Tiny.”

  “Grr!” Sonas growls.

  Matteo enjoyed stirring her up. It was amusing to him. He had a cocky smirk as he looked down at her frustrated face.

  Nikolai interfered. Trying to break the two up again.

  “You two, stop fighting! Is that all you two ever do?!”

  Matteo and Sonas said in sync, “Yes.”

  Nikolai facepalms.

  ??

  The three were on the road again. Sonas leaned against Domino’s back in boredom. Matteo was on Apollo, who was dragging the cart Nikolai was on. The scenery hasn’t changed one bit. Just oak trees and green grass

  “Matteo, I’m hungry, can we eat?” Sonas groaned, bored and miserable.

  “Not yet. I just said that 5 minutes ago.” Matteo replied. He seemed annoyed.

  “But I’m hungry.”

  “Don’t care. Shut up and be patient.”

  “I agree with Sonas, I’m starting to get a case of the munchies too.” Nikolai spoke. He was leaning his back against the hard and splintery cart.

  His arms behind his head, with one leg over the other. His head faced the direction of the tree limbs that casted green and yellow shadows over them from the brightness of the sun. Although blind, he could feel the warmth and comfort of the sun. He’s never really felt the sun this way before. It felt peaceful. The way his body was exposed to the sun provided comfort towards Nikolai. He enjoyed it.

  Sonas looked behind her, noticing Nikolai’s expression plastered onto his face. She smiled softly.

  “You seem to be enjoying yourself.” She observed.

  “Yeah, I don’t get out much.”

  “You’ve never felt the sun like this before?”

  “No. Steinfoss is always cold. No matter how the sun would shine through the trees, I’ve never really experienced its warmth like this before.”

  “It is called “The place of Snow” for a reason. That makes sense.”

  Nikolai chuckles softly.

  “It sure does.”

  “Do you wish that the weather could stay like this forever?”

  “Yes. It makes me feel rather…Oh, what’s the word for it?” Nikolai lost the word he was looking for. He placed his fingers on his chin, thinking of the right word to describe how he was feeling

  “Astonished?” Sonas suggested.

  “Yes, that’s it. Astonished.” Nikolai nods.

  “So, it makes you feel astonished?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t blame you. I do, too, enjoy the way the sun beams onto my skin.”

  “There’s something that makes me curious, though. It’s about you.”

  “What is it?”

  “What are your biggest goals or dreams? I know you want to reunite with your biological father, but after you do, what future do you want to have?”

  “Well, I suppose once I reunite with my father, I’ll do everything in my power to protect what my ancestors have protected for generations, and potentially, the same will happen for many generations to come.”

  “So, you don’t want anything to change about how things are run in Orilon?”

  “Well, there is one thing.”

  “What is it?”

  “I want to change the rules with the act against Hybrids. I believe that not all Hybrids deserved to be killed, especially if they had no involvement with the murder of my mother.”

  “I respect that. I’m guessing you’re going to help Sonas with that, Matteo?”

  “Hell yeah I am.” Matteo nods. He had a determined grin on his face.

  “He’s all the way with this idea.” Sonas mentions.

  “I’m guessing from day one?” Nikolai guessed.

  “From day one.” spoke Matteo.

  The three chuckled softly. They were enjoying the conversation between each other. It was nice to be social, and being exposed to the opportunity of a good conversation during a challenging trip.

  “Hey, Matteo?” Sonas asked.

  “Yeah?” He looked at Sonas.

  “Can we eat now?”