When Nyell looked down at the path that led to the plaza and the harbor, he felt a little reluctant. Even if the good night's rest got rid of the muscle soreness, thanks to his fast regeneration as a werewolf, he still got PTSD. It took about an hour to go down, and that was because Allen and Nyell's walking pace was swift. They were practically running. Could someone tell him who thought building a house up into the mountain, almost above the cloud line, was a good idea? He'd have liked to have a word or two with them.
But on the bright side, it was a good exercise to warm his muscles, help digest his breakfast, and chase away the faint fatigue left from yesterday. It was still a pain in the neck, though.
As they were about to reach the first few civilian houses, Allen gestured for Nyell to slow down and take his hand. He got the cue and stepped closer to make it look like they were leisurely strolling on their way to the plaza in a lovey-dovey manner. Not long after, Nyell felt endless gazes fall upon him, but no one dared to approach them. The ushering whispers filled his ears, and Nyell wasn't sure what to think of what he heard.
"Is it me, or do your people believe we can't hear them?" Nyell bent over to murmur in Allen's ear in a barely audible voice. This small gesture of his sent a wave of excitement throughout the hidden crowd, making Nyell's mouth twitch. What the heck was wrong with these people?
"Well," Allen smiled, responding in the same low tone. "I told you that although we're werewolves, most of my people have lost touch with their inner beasts. They're much more interested in shamanic rituals and foreign culture than building and maintaining their relationship with the wolves sleeping in their souls. They retain what they like about our traditions and overlook what they disagree with. Time has changed in my tribe, though I'm not sure if it's for the better."
"Ah. I didn't realize it was to that point." The more Nyell learned, the more he was baffled. "What do they do with their ruts if they can't even tame their inner beasts?"
"Use it as an excuse to assault others."
The curt and cold answer sent a shiver down Nyell's spine. The werewolf society he knew from the jungle wasn't exactly the same in the White Moon land, even if a few things weren't that much different. In his tribe, ruts did send people into a frenzy, but it was no excuse to have their way with others without consent. Werewolves who had mates would pass the nights together, and the others would search for a partner. It usually wasn't difficult, as sleeping around when you were single wasn't frowned upon. It was even encouraged. As long as you hadn't mated yet, everything was allowed, and most werewolves' sexual lives were overly active. Nyell was the strange one for being a virgin at his age, which often raised eyebrows in his tribe. No one dared to comment about it to his face, though.
"What the fuck… There's no punishment for that?"
"An old law protects the offender in that case. I've been trying to change it for ages, but most elders are against it."
"Disgusting."
"Agreed."
Their actual exchange was in stark contrast to what the people thought they were discussing. Nyell could hear some people giggle about how romantic they were for whispering sweet nothings to each other. If only they knew.
"Looks like the lovebirds are up early," a joyful voice resounded from his left, and Nyell tilted his head toward Miell, who had been bargaining with a merchant at his stall. When he caught sight of them, he immediately forgot about the money, leaving the merchant with extra copper coins. It was something that made Nyell frown slightly, for his tribe had no concept of money. They relied solely on the trade of goods. He'd need to ask about these round things later. "So? Will there be festivities tonight? My captain has delayed our departure for a few days. The sea's tantrum of yesterday convinced him to take things slowly, so I have a bit of time to kill. I can't wait for the festival!"
Miell's friendly attitude seemed to stun the passersby. Nyell had noticed yesterday, but the people weren't very forthcoming toward Allen. They seemed to prefer observing him from afar. It was a little odd for him, as he was used to his father roaring with laughter with everyone. The dynamic within the White Moon tribe was starkly different from that of the Black Moon tribe, almost like day and night.
"Well, I'd have liked to organize a feast for my mate's arrival, but that would have to wait," Allen sighed, appearing a little disheartened. Nyell had to restrain a laugh. "Some elders doubt Nyell is truly my destined mate, so we'll have to go through the trial of Fated Mates tomorrow. But after the council recognizes our bond, I do plan to organize a three-day festival. I have already tasked Myrven with the preparation."
"Some elders have quite the audacity to doubt your words," Miell whistled loud enough to attract people's attention. He might have been careful about slandering the elders if his interlocutor hadn't been the chief, but since Allen was obviously offering a perch, who was he not to take it? Jawe was already out for his crew, anyway.
"I do understand their concerns, though," Nyell shrugged, playing along and adding oil to the fire as his eyes discreetly scanned the crowd in search of some odd reactions. He was already in hunting mode. "I mean, you can let just anyone become the chief's mate. What if I've used some underlying methods to charm him?"
To Nyell's absurd statement, many eavesdroppers couldn't help but spit out as they tried not to laugh out loud. Allen? Enchanted? What a good joke! The Lord of the White Moon land was renowned for his exceptionally high spiritual energy, which was almost on par with the divine. And who was Nyell? A mere werewolf from the backland. They were all brawn and no brains in the jungle, so how could he ever charm a powerful shaman? Even the foreigners were aware of that much. Goodness! Was Allen's fated mate really this ignorant? The answer: of course not! But no one realized Nyell was leading them by the nose, making himself appear somewhat naïve. The guileless act would undoubtedly lower their targets' guard. The less alert they were, the better it was for Nyell.
"To be fair," Allen smiled sweetly, "I did feel enchanted the moment I saw you. It was like something sparked inside of me. I couldn't take my eyes off you, and I had that overwhelming desire to make you mine."
"And you made sure I wouldn't be able to refuse. You stuck to me like a shadow for days until I gave in, didn't you?"
"What else could I do? You were so distant at first…"
"Let me be, will you? I was a little overwhelmed that my fated mate was someone like you. I needed time to sort out my feelings! You're not exactly a nobody, whereas I'm just a warrior from the jungle. I was in shock, understandably so!"
"Fair enough."
The exchange was short, but it told everyone what they needed to know. The one who pursued the other had been Allen, not his fated mate. The one who was head over heels was also Allen, not his fated mate. It sparked another round of rumors that traveled throughout the whole tribe at lightning speed, adding to Nyell's reputation. The elders had already leaked that he was a warrior from the Sun tribe, also named Nyell, like the Black Moon tribe's successor. People's imaginations had been lit ablaze, and the hearsay grew out of proportion soon enough. Not like Nyell cared, however. He was used to it.
"Miell," Allen called, startling the beastman, who tilted his head with question marks in his eyes. He was happily chewing on a meat skewer, enjoying the show. He hadn't thought he'd get dragged into it. "I have to attend some meetings with the council today. Would you mind showing Nyell around?"
"I'm not a kid!" Nyell pouted. "I can get by on my own. I won't get lost, you know?"
"I don't doubt it, but wouldn't it be better with a guide? Miell has been doing business with us for almost a decade. He knows his way around and can show you the best spots."
Nyell got the cue and ultimately nodded. He'd have liked to parade alone and attract attention that way, but he guessed Allen was still worried for his safety, even knowing how strong Nyell was. Or maybe Allen needed a scapegoat to pass on whatever mess he made, and Miell just so happened to be nearby. Nyell felt a bit of pity for the beastman.
"See you later," Allen commented before planting a kiss on Nyell's cheek. He then let go of his hand and veered off course, leaving him stunned for an instant. Their lovey-dovey pretense wasn't something he didn't know they would go for, but until now, he was the one clinging to Allen. It felt strange to be on the receiving end.
"He didn't even wait for my answer," Miell mumbled, looking at Nyell in a dumbfounded manner.
"Well, would you have been able to refuse?"
"No?"
"Then why should he have waited?"
"…"
Tyrants. Both were tyrants! But regardless of how much Miell thought these two were no better than dictators, he decided to follow along. Because of his small chatting session with Nyell yesterday, he had a hunch his relationship with his fated mate wasn't as harmonious and close as they let on. They were also drawing way too much attention, which wasn't like Allen. Something smelled fishy, and thus, while pretending to offer a meat skewer to Nyell, he bent over and mouthed:
"Are we playing bait?"
To which Nyell responded with a vicious smile. He snatched the offered food and bit into the tender meat with satisfaction. The lure was cast. Now, they only had to wait.