Her voice trembled with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability as she struggled to break free from Theodoreâs embrace.
Helplessly, Theodore let out a sigh and feigned sternness.
âIf you keep squirming, I might just feed you to Rin as an extra meal.
Rin, faithfully trailing behind them, seemed to grasp the situation and emitted a cooperative howl, its tail wagging happily in tandem.
Momentarily rendered speechless, Ariana found Theodoreâs reasoning akin to persuading a kid by threatening police intervention.
She wanted to protest further, but Theodore pressed her firmly against his chest, sheltering her face with his shoulder to shield her from any branches that might scr@pe against her.
Ariana stared blankly, her body pressed tightly against his, her ear attuned to the steady rhythm of his strong heartbeat.
ALL her grievances seemed to dissolve, leaving her incapable of uttering a single word.
The world around them hushed, descending into stillness.
The symphony of cicadas, whispering leaves, the caressing wind, and their synchronized heartbeats wove together, creating a tranquil melody.
Leaning softly against Theodoreâs chest, Ariana embraced the quietude.
Their shared yearning for peace kept them locked in silence, their unspoken understanding profound.
From Theodoreâs embrace, Ariana stole a furtive glance at his side profile.
Bathed in the cold moonlight, his chiseled features appeared even more striking, rendering him an ethereal and captivating figure.
Fear, which had gripped Ariana only moments ago, now evaporated, replaced by a profound sense of security and solace.
Once confined to a wheelchair, Theodoreâs tall and robust figure had been the subject of countless daydreams for Ariana.
And now, her visions materialized before her.
His arms, enfolding her with unwavering strength, displayed no hint of tremor, even after their long trek.
His breathing remained steady, and the bulge of his well-defined biceps offered her a reassuring shelter.
Ariana noticed Theodore deliberately slowing his pace, yet both of them harboured their desire for the road to stretch on indefinitely, yearning for a few more moments in each otherâs presence.
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Emerging from the woods, they were greeted by the lofty moon, casting its radiance upon the path before them.
Theodore, steadfastly holding her, navigated straight toward the illuminated house nestled by the babbling creek.
Arianaâs gaze wandered toward the swing swaying gently in the garden.
With a subtle gesture toward the adjacent dwelling, she whispered, âThatâs where I live.
â
Theodore surveyed the house with a furrowed brow and blurted out, âCan anyone truly reside there?â
Arianaâs words caught in her throat as the image of her filthy, disorderly room stirred her up.
However, it became evident that Theodore was well-acquainted with this place, familiar even with the state of the neighboring house.
Reluctant to return to that unclean, malodorous room, Ariana gingerly withdrew her hand and remained silent as Theodore carried her across the threshold of the house by the creek.
As they ventured inside, Ariana observed their surroundings in silence.