I used to think forever was simple.
A promise whispered under the stars, two hands tangled together, laughter echoing in the dark. Back then, it was just him and me—no secrets, no claws, no hunger gnawing at the edges of my soul.
But forever is a cruel word.
Because even as I loved him, I knew one day I would leave. And when that day came, I saw the way his eyes broke, like glass shattering in silence.
I told him I'd hurt him. He didn't believe me.
Now I almost wish he had.
****
Ten years ago…
They say love arrives when you least expect it. For me, it was always there—glaring, undeniable.
My heart pounded wildly, sweat clinging to my palms as I looked at her.
Small lips. An oval face. Perfectly arched brows. Long dark hair flowing down her shoulders. And those sapphire eyes—locked on mine, waiting.
The moon bathed us in silver, and I realized it more than ever. My best friend was the most beautiful girl in my world.
"Elara, I… I…" My tongue twisted, betraying me, though I had practiced this moment countless times.
She raised a brow and smiled. "Lucian, come on. What's with you? Don't tell me you want my help talking to another girl again. I swear, I'm not saving you next time—you literally froze the last time."
Her voice was music. For a moment, I almost forgot what I wanted to say. Almost.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
"Elara… it's not that. This is… more important."
Her expression softened into something serious, and the weight on my chest grew heavier. But I had decided—tonight, I would tell her the truth.
"I don't know if I can say it in a way you'll understand but…" I faltered, and her face lit up—curious, hooked, waiting.
"Go on," she said, her tone gentler now.
I swallowed hard, gathering every shred of courage.
"I love you."
Her body froze. Fingers fidgeted. My heart skipped a beat, but once the words were out, the rest came easier.
"Where do I start? With your sapphire eyes? Or your voice that's always pulled me back when I felt small? Elara… no one compares to you. From the way you've stood up for me against bullies, to how you've always been there when I needed someone. You're more than my friend—I've fallen for you. And now… I can't let you go. So I'm asking… will you be mine?"
My voice trembled. Sweat rolled down my neck. My heart thrashed in my chest, waiting for her answer.
She looked at me, silent. Her eyes darted, her lips parting only to close again. Finally, she sighed, fingers nervously twisting the edge of her gown.
I knew that look. My heart cracked. That was the way she rejected things—gently, politely, but firmly.
Still, I clung to hope. Maybe she wanted to say yes but was just shy. Right?
"Lucian… I… I'm sorry."
The words echoed like a death knell.
"I can't date you. Not now."
Everything inside me stilled. Should I laugh it off? Pretend it was a prank, a dare, anything to save our friendship? My head spun with excuses, but even at ten years old, I knew some things couldn't be undone.
"Oh." It was all I managed. Forcing a weak smile, I said, "Haha… okay, Elara. I should go. It's getting late."
I turned away, head hung low, every step heavy. Behind me, I didn't see the sorrow in her eyes.
"Lucian…" she called softly.
I froze.
Move. Just move. Don't turn back.
But I couldn't. Because warmth pressed against my back—a soft body clinging to me.
"Lucian, it's not like that. I… I love you too. But not right now. We can't date yet, okay? Maybe in a few years. For now, let's stay friends. I promise—we'll date someday. Are you okay with that?"
Her voice was tender, a balm to my breaking heart.
"Really?" I blurted..
She chuckled. "Really."
And under the gentle moonlight, a boy and a girl—just ten years old—stood wrapped in each other's arms, holding onto a promise neither of them knew would be broken.
**************
Elara's POV
A sigh slipped from my lips as I watched the boy walk happily toward home. My heart wavered.
What have I done? Why did I promise him that?
The thought filled my chest like lead, but I couldn't break my promise. Could I?
"Miss…"
An aged voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see a man with white hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His face was lined with years but still strong, his posture straight. My butler. My personal guard. Father always said he was the strongest of the bodyguards assigned to me.
"You shouldn't give that human hope," he said, his voice calm but firm. The gentle reprimand made guilt twist inside me, and I bowed my head.
"I know. But… why can't a wolf and a human be together?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
"Young miss, you already know. It's not possible. A human and a wolf cannot work. You will outlive him—if he even survives long enough. You'll be putting him in danger simply by being with him. You deserve a strong Alpha wolf, not a weak human. If not for—"
He stopped abruptly, as though biting back the rest.
"If not for what? Say it. Sigh… Mother and Father moved here so I could grow up among humans, so it would be easier to interact with them in the future, right? So dating one shouldn't be so hard," I argued, but silence was my only answer.
He'll reject it again, I thought, resigning myself to my fate.
But his next words shocked me.
"All right, young miss. Do what you like. You can date him in the future," the butler said evenly.
I froze. Was he serious? When I looked up at his stern eyes, I knew he was. He rarely joked.
I can actually date Lucian?
My heart fluttered as memories of him filled my mind. Happiness spilled into my chest as I turned and gazed at the moon.
Finally, I can do what I want?
But my joy was short-lived. I would not have been so happy if I had known what he was truly thinking.
"Go on, young miss," the butler thought as he watched the boy disappear into the night. "Enjoy this while it lasts. In six years you'll transform into your wolf self… then you'll understand more. You want to be with a human? Out of them all, you chose that weak boy?"
His glowing blue eyes followed Lucian's retreating figure, a low growl almost slipping from his lips.
....
First chapter, tell me your thoughts and it's like childhood crush/confession .. cough