As Lily ventured beyond the castle grounds, the desire for freedom compelled her to explore. Tiffany had chosen a spa day, leaving Lily with the itch to get out and wander. She couldn't sit still to read and she didn't want to play any more videogames.
'Why can't this day move faster?' Lily thought as she stomped through the snow.
'Freaking out about is not going to make this any easier. Be calm,' Dina answered, noting her restlessness. 'Ethan promised to update us when Debra arrives. You just have to wait.'
"I know, I know, I just can't stop thinking about what we should ask her," Lily groaned in frustration.
Dina's suggested, 'Let's run this energy out. You can't think if you're running.'
Lily started jogging, her pace quickening as the wind whipped through her hair. She continued until her body protested, and she slowed to a stop. At that moment, she sensed a familiar presence.
As she turned, she was met by the sight of Garrett standing before her. Her guard went up immediately, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. Lily's greeting was replaced by a direct accusation, "If you're here, then Luna Debra must be here too."
Garrett's demeanor reflected a mix of acknowledgment and tension, his words sincere yet strained, "You are still upset." He wasn't surprised that she was still upset. Garrett had hoped that she was a little more happy to see him.
'She is,' Berric said, 'She is hurt. Dina is more forgiving but still hurt.'
"Why shouldn't I be upset with you? You lied to me," Lily snapped.
"I know, and I am sorry," Garrett's admission filled with remorse.
"You're not sorry. You just regret me finding out. Did you have fun playing with me? You're just like your brother," Lily retorted bitterly.
Garrett's frustration surged, a defensive tone underlining his words, "I am nothing like my brother. Of all people, I understand what you went through, and you should understand how I feel about the situation."
Lily's voice wavered between hurt and resentment, "I do understand, and you should have trusted me! Was everything a lie?"
"No, I care about you. I meant everything I said," Garrett confirmed.
"How could I even believe that? You refused to mark me, even after I was vulnerable with you. I allowed you to do things I have never done or experienced."
"Lily, I..."
"I can't do this," Lily responded as she attempted to walk away from him. Garrett caught Lily's wrist, preventing her from leaving.
"Garrett, let go," Lily's voice mixed irritation and vulnerability. She tugged at her wrist, attempting to free herself from his hold.
He hesitated momentarily, his gaze searching hers before his fingers reluctantly released her wrist. "We really need to talk this through," he said, his voice low and urgent.
Lily crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "There's nothing to talk about."
"Look, I know I messed up," Garrett admitted, his tone laced with regret. "I should have been honest with you from the beginning."
Lily's eyes held a mixture of anger and hurt. "You lied to me, Garrett. About who you were, about everything."
He took a step closer, his hands open in a gesture of sincerity. "I know, and I'm sorry. I never meant for it to go this far."
"Sorry doesn't change anything. It doesn't change the fact that you betrayed my trust."
Garrett's jaw tightened, his expression determined. "I'm not here to make excuses. I want to make things right if you'll let me."
Lily's gaze remained guarded, but a flicker of curiosity shone in her eyes. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "By showing you who I really am. By being honest, starting from now."
Her skepticism was evident, but her expression showed a hint of consideration. "Actions speak louder than words, Garrett."
He nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I know. That's why I want to show you."
'Have him prove it. Prove that he is worthy of us,' Dina suggested, and Lily smirked, liking the idea. "Prove it, then. Show me," Lily said. "Show me you are worthy of my attention and time."
A determined glint entered Garrett's eyes. Berric howled in excitement. 'She wants us a display of power. Force her into submission,' Berric responded. 'She doesn't want that. She can't possibly want that,' Garrett said. 'Trust me,' Berric reassured.
"Alright. Let's spar," Garrett said.
Surprised, Lily asked, "Spar? You want to fight?"
He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You want me to show how I am worthy. This is the perfect way."
Her lips curved into a smirk. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The tension between them began to shift, replaced by a different kind of energy. With unspoken understanding, they moved into a ready stance, their eyes locked in a silent challenge.
As they sparred, the clash of their movements echoed through the crisp air. Lily's speed and agility proved impressive; her strikes were calculated and precise. Garrett found himself genuinely impressed by her skill and determination.
But experience and strength eventually won out. Garrett managed to disarm Lily with a deft move, his arms pinning hers above her head as he walked them back into a tree. Their breaths mingled as they were nose to nose. He met her gaze, a silent question in his eyes.
Lily's response was to close the gap between them, her lips meeting his in a fierce and passionate kiss. Their bodies tumbled backward, the snow cushioning their fall. They rolled around, while they fought for dominance. Garrett growled locking Lily in place, holding her in place as he nipped down her neck, but Lily grabbed him by his crotch earning a gasp from him.
When did Lily get this forward? Before he could act, Lily leaned forward slamming her lips against his against as she deepened the kiss.
Moments later, their lips finally parted, their breaths heavy. Lily looked up at Garrett, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know," she said, a playful smile on her lips and pushed Garrett off her, so she could stand, "I expect to see you in my room in five minutes."