Chapter 78: Between Warmth and Storm

Chapter 78: Between Warmth and StormThe thunder clapped even louder, and the darkness that enveloped the outside told Ariana just how harsh the rain had become. She turned to Zavren, surprised to see how calm his face looked despite the growing storm. Inside the carriage, the atmosphere had dimmed; the only light came from the occasional blink of lightning flashing through the window. "The carriage had stopped because of some issue with the rain," his calm voice cut through the sound of it. They hadn’t even gone far, and she wondered what would happen now. What about the horses? Were they okay? She knew how hard the rain was—she could only imagine how much worse it must have hit them. Was that why they stopped? "Are you hungry?" she heard Zavren ask suddenly. His hand was still on her. She turned to him and shook her head, though truthfully, she was a little hungry. She hadn’t eaten much this morning—she had been too worried about this man beside her. She could not help but wonder why he suddenly asked. "Don’t lie to me." Zavren’s deep voice made her freeze. Again, she shook her head. His eyes locked onto hers before his gaze shifted. Another rumble echoed through the sky, and Ariana flinched slightly. Zavren pulled her closer from where he sat beside her. "We have two options now," he said. A long pause followed, and Ariana waited for him to continue. It was as if he was deeply lost in thought. His expression stayed neutral, his jaw ticked slightly, and his grey eyes flickered from the window, then back to her, before looking away again. "Either we wait for the rain to stop—which I doubt will happen anytime soon—or..." His words were cut off by the soft growl of Ariana’s stomach. His gaze locked onto her, icy and unreadable, and a flush of shame burned her cheeks. Her lie had been seen through. "We’ll be taking option two," he said, his voice low and chillingly calm. ’Option two?’ Ariana blinked. But he hadn’t even said what option two was. She had no idea what it could be. Before she could think further, Zavren moved. Her eyes stared at him in disbelief as he began removing his shirt. He was so calm, so composed—like he had all the time in the world. She just watched, unsure whether to think or not to think. She didn’t want to think about anything dir... ’W..was this option two?’ Her heart began to race wildly in her chest. Zavren’s lips curled up slightly as he turned to her his expression now turning serious. "Do not go anywhere. Stay here. I’ll be back." Her brows furrowed. Wait, what? What did he mean? He was leaving? She turned to him, eyes filled with curiosity. The rain hadn’t stopped. He took off his shirt completely and gently placed it over her shoulders. His intoxicating scent wrapped around her like a blanket. Her eyes moved from his face to his chest—his well-defined abs and torso. Her face flushed even more. Now she was even more curious—what exactly was this option two? Zavren moved to leave. Ariana’s gaze followed him as he reached the door. He turned to her once more. "Stay here..." There was a slight softness to his tone that Ariana didn’t miss. It felt like a spell had been cast over her. She nodded gently. He opened the door, his arm braced against it. The wind rushed in, harsh and cold, hitting her face and body sharply. Ariana’s lips parted at the sight before her. There he stood now under the rain, the clouds darkened behind him, making him look otherworldly. The rain hit his skin, cascading down his hair to his neck then body, and for a moment, no one would believe he was real. He looked like a god—a god of rain. And then, lightning struck. Ariana’s mouth dropped open even more, her eyes locked on him. That flash made him look even more surreal. She quickly looked away, not wanting to be caught staring. But Zavren had already seen her. His lips curved up slightly as he shut the door again. As soon as he did, the wind died down. Ariana stared at the shirt now draped on her shoulders, and before she realized it, she leaned in slightly, gently sniffing the fabric. It really smelled like him—rich and spicy. She slipped her hands into the shirt, her eyes widening. It was so big. Just how tall was he? she wondered. She looked out the window. Where did he go? She was starting to get worried. But... she decided to trust him. He had said he’d be back. She just needed to wait. She had already lied earlier about not being hungry. Twice now. And she didn’t know if she could lie to him again. She had told him she would stay—and that was exactly what she was going to do. Time passed, and it seemed the rain was only getting angrier by the second. Ariana’s heart began to beat faster as the rain pounded atop the carriage. Her face fell. ’Calm down, Ariana. He’ll be here... Distract yourself. Anything. Sing, sing, sing,’ she repeated in her head as she clutched his shirt. "Ehh... Rain, rain go away... come again another day... My husband and I want to go back home..." A sigh left her lips. It felt like the more she sang in her head, the worse the rain became. She decided to stop. She needed to check, even if it was just a quick peek. Finally, she moved. Just as she reached the carriage door and pushed it open, her body staggered back. Her eyes widened in shock. In front of her was Zavren. A lightning flash lit up the horror in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to be there. Her hands instinctively rested on her chest as the wind slapped her face again. Zavren’s eyes narrowed in displeasure, the rain hitting him as he spoke—still standing outside, while she remained inside the carriage. "I told you not to..fuck Aria," he spoke his smoldering gaze now staring at her with deep intensity. Ariana noticed the coldness seeping from him. Her body ran cold too—not from the weather, but from the chilliness of his eyes on her. "We have to go now," she heard Zavren say. She turned as realization hit—there was now a horse standing before them. Was that why he’d been gone so long? He must’ve removed the horse attached to the carriage, possibly arranged the saddle and reins too. "You’ll catch a bit of cold, but I’ll make sure we reach as soon as possible," he said, his tone calm, though his eyes seemed distant—thinking. Zavren had originally wanted to turn into his wolf, but he wasn’t sure if she was ready for that. It was better he stuck to what she was used to. They would have to ride the horse through the rain. His face held deep displeasure; he could only imagine the cold she would feel, but it was the best option. Ariana was hungry, and waiting would be foolish. The rain had no intention of stopping. Ariana nodded. She didn’t like how the rain was beating down on him, even though he seemed completely unbothered by it. He was standing outside, while she was still inside. Zavren brought out his hand. Ariana stared at it. He moved, his hand resting on her waist, and just as she felt the coldness of his touch—despite being covered—her lips shifted into a slight frown, worry settling across her face. He moved again and gently lifted her. A soft gasp escaped Ariana’s lips as the rain seeped through her body, hitting her gently as Zavren pulled her to himself. "We’ll be there soon enough," he said, his voice coaxing. His warm breath fanned her ear, bringing warmth back to her body. Her hands rested lightly on his chest as he moved, carrying her. "Climb gently," he spoke, and Ariana’s eyes moved to the stirrups. She placed her legs in them just as Zavren carried her up. Before she could even push herself, her eyes widened slightly. Was there any need for her to place her legs if he knew she wouldn’t even use them? This man... Now she rested on the horse, her hands gently placed on its neck. The last thing she wanted was to pull at it and cause it to move. Her heart dropped at the thought alone. Zavren climbed up behind her, and as he sat, her back now rested against his chest. She leaned into him, her breath beginning to calm. He was here now, and even if she touched the reins, she wouldn’t feel any fear. Her hands remained lightly on the horse as the rain continued to fall, but Ariana didn’t mind anymore. The warmth between them kept her steady. ’I hope this horse gets all the care it needs once we arrive,’ Ariana thought. Zavren shifted slightly, taking hold of the reins—and then the horse began to move. The other horse followed behind. "No matter what happens, do not look down. Is that clear?" Zavren’s cold voice rang in her ear. Her heart stuttered, and before she could even nod, her eyes shifted downward. Oh no. And just as she did— Her body froze. She stared at the ground ahead. A flash of lightning blinked across the path. The carriage driver’s head... it lay there. Headless.