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Chapter 9 Glimpse of Time.

Our first winter in Longrbear had finally arrived. The mountains and fields were cloaked in deep white, and the trees stood bare and lifeless, their branches frozen in time. The days and nights blurred together under the unrelenting gray sky, making it hard to tell one from the other.

Kamui and I worked tirelessly to survive. We ensured the animals were fed, kept the fire burning through the long, frigid hours, and did whatever else was needed to keep the cold at bay. Despite our efforts, the rhythm of life slowed, as if even time itself had surrendered to the winter's grasp.

Life has slowed down as we find ourselves staying indoors more often, engaging in activities to pass the time rather than braving the cold outdoors. Kamui frequently visited the mine, where he worked for a couple of hours each day. He said it helped him stay active and fit—and he was right. Meanwhile, I spent my days tending to the animals under my care.

Our food supplies were just enough to get by, but a growing concern loomed over us. Once the long winter ended, we would need to grow our own food again. The animals would also need feed, and the entire process—preparing the soil, planting, watering—would take time before any harvest. It weighed heavily on my mind.

One dark night, after we had finished eating the fish Kamui had caught from the river, he turned to me with a serious expression and said,

“Lawjayden, there's something we need to talk about."

“Spill it out," I replied, bracing myself. “What's worrying you?"

“We're running out of food—and so are the animals."

“I know," I said, trying to reassure him. “I'm doing my best to—"

“No, Lawjayden," he interrupted gently but firmly. “I'm worried about our future here. This is our first winter in Longrbear, and I fear it might be our last. But I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to keep us alive."

I felt a pang in my chest. “I don't want to leave, Kamui. I love living here. It's so peaceful. But… I understand. If there's no other way, we'll do what we have to."

“No, my love," he said softly, taking my hand. “Let me finish."

“Sorry," I murmured.

“There used to be a small village about two days' ride from here," he continued. “I don't know if the war has reached it or if it still stands, but I think it's our best chance. If you agree, and if you promise me you'll be safe, I'll go there to try to arrange food for us and the animals. But, Lawjayden, you must swear to me that you won't come after me, even if… even if I don't return."

I squeezed his hand tightly, my voice trembling with emotion. “Don't you dare say that to me again. If it's necessary for our survival, then go—but I command you, Kamui, return to me."

He smiled faintly, his fingers brushing against mine. “I promise you. I'll start packing right away."

From his pocket, he pulled out a small bag and opened it to reveal gleaming gems—red, blue, and translucent stones that sparkled even in the dim light.

“I've made some jewelry," he explained, “and a few farm tools. That village is in the countryside, so I might be able to trade. And these gems… they could fetch us a bit of extra money if we need it."

I marveled at his foresight. “You're so thoughtful. You plan for everything, even when I can't."

He stood, already gathering what he would need, but I couldn't resist wrapping my arms around him from behind. “My only fear…" I whispered, “is them. The people from the capital."

His voice softened as he replied, “In my heart, I believe they haven't made it this far. And now, with winter freezing the western river's barrage, they'd have to wait for spring to resume their search—if they haven't already forgotten us and assumed we're dead in the wilderness."

“I hope you're right," I said, my throat tightening. “I can't imagine being without you."

He turned in my embrace and kissed me deeply. “Neither can I, Bunny."

That night, Kamui held me very tight in his arms and he was very caring and thoughtful. The sex was tender and slow, when we finished he asked me to go to the mine with him, for a surprise.

• But it's so cold outside, I want to stay close to you.

• I will always carry will in my arms, come with me, I promise you will not regret it.

• Okay, carry me then, husband.

We put on clothes and we covered each other with heavy blankets, then Kamui took me to the mine, right beside the entrance door that was a new door.

• I don't recognise this door.

• Well, surprise!!

When he opened the door, I could feel the heat coming in, and the steam all over the place.

• Is this a sauna?

• It's better than a sauna, it's a natural and thermal bath that I have discovered here.

• Oh my, I can't believe it!!!

• Yeah, baby, nice and warm, just the right temperature.

He gently left me on the blankets and took off his clothes. He entered the bath with the water covering his waist and extended his hands to me.

• Come, darling, the water is just perfect.

I took off my clothes and gave my hands to him, then pulled me in gently closer to his body and hugged me. I was laid on his breast feeling his heart beating and his chest go up and down as he breathed.

• Uhmmmm this is so good.

• which part?

• All of it, the water, you.

He didn't say anything, but just kept hugging me and caressing my body.

• Kamui, please, return to me.

• I will, bunny, I promise.

Before he left the next morning, we had sex. This time I sat on top of him, on his lap and I was the one who was moving until he grabbed me by the waist and moved me back and forward. He was so tender and he could stop staring into my eyes as he wanted to see my true soul and he surely got it.

"You are so beautiful, Lawjayden. I love you."

"I love you too, Kamui," I replied softly.

He left then, while the sky still held a faint brightness. I stood by the door, watching as he disappeared into the woods, his figure swallowed by the mountains and snow. His last words echoed in my mind like a sacred promise:

"In four days' time, look to the horizon at the beginning of the fifth day, and you will see me returning to you. Close the door, and don't open it for anyone."

As the days stretched on, I tried to keep myself busy. I fed the animals, milked the two cows and the goat, and collected the eggs from the chickens. Afterward, I churned some butter and set the bread to bake. Kamui had left me enough fish to last a few days, a comfort amid the uncertainty.

By afternoon, a snowstorm rolled in, blanketing the world outside in icy silence. Unable to do much else, I spent the day knitting by the fire, the steady rhythm of my hands a small distraction from the emptiness creeping into my heart.

Dinner came and went, and I ventured out one last time to check on the animals. The cold was biting—baltic, as Kamui would say—and without his warmth beside me, I clung to the fire for comfort. The loneliness pressed down like the heavy snow on the rooftops, a stark reminder of the life I once knew. Memories I thought I had left behind resurfaced: the isolation I used to feel in my own world, the family and few friends I had there. But even then, I reminded myself why I was here—why I had chosen this life. It was Kamui. Only him.

Time ran so slow but eventually in the last morning, I took the shovel and cleared the paths buried under the storm's wrath. The animals were fine, and the routine of caring for them steadied me. But as I fed them, a sound broke through the stillness—a distant, eerie howl.

A wolf.

The sound sent a shiver down my spine. It was faint, far enough to be safe, but still, it unsettled me. My mind spiraled into darker thoughts. Could it really just be a wolf? Or was it something more sinister? My past enemies? The fear took root and spread like frost, turning every shadow into a threat.

I reassured myself that the fort was secure. The door was chained, and the walls were far too high for any wolf—or anything else—to breach. Still, unease gnawed at me. What if my fears were true? What if the past I thought I had escaped had finally caught up to us?

Kamui had promised to return by the next morning. One more night, I told myself. I just had to survive one more night without him.

As darkness fell, the howling grew louder. Each cry pierced the quiet, an unrelenting reminder of my vulnerability. I couldn't stop my thoughts from spiraling: what if this wasn't an ordinary wolf? What if it was a Beast Man? What if we had been found?

Panic crept in as the walls of Longrbear began to feel less like a sanctuary and more like a fragile barrier. The thought of losing everything—this life we had built, Kamui—was unbearable. I clutched a blanket tighter around me, praying for the night to pass quickly.

But deep down, I knew: until Kamui returned, the shadows of my fears would not rest.

Then I heard it—a sound from outside. It was still distant, but steady and unmistakable. The animals stirred, their restless cries breaking the heavy silence. They sensed it too. Whatever was out there, it was coming for them, for us all.

Panic gripped me, my heart racing as I tried to figure out what to do. Instinct took over. I grabbed a sharp knife and the bow and arrows Kamui had crafted for me, lighting a torch to cut through the oppressive darkness. If it came to it, I would fight with everything I had—for my home, for Kamui. Either the beast or I would die that night.

I climbed the ladder to the small guardhouse inside the fort's walls, my breath clouding the frigid air. From there, I scanned the perimeter. At first, I saw nothing, the world beyond shrouded in shadows. But then the animals' cries grew louder, more frantic. Whatever it was, it was close.

And then I saw them. A pack of gray wolves emerged from the darkness, their forms blending with the snowy landscape. They weren't Beast Men—just ordinary mountain wolves—but they were no less deadly. The pack must have caught the scent of the animals or stumbled upon us during their hunt.

I took a deep breath, steadied my hands, and loosed an arrow. One of the wolves yelped and collapsed. I allowed myself a moment of triumph.

“Good. Go away, you beasts."

But they didn't retreat. Instead, they turned their attention to the front gate, clawing and digging at the base.

“Oh no, you won't," I muttered, knocking another arrow.

I continued to shoot. Some arrows found their mark, others missed as the wolves darted and circled. Their glowing eyes reflected the torchlight, gleaming like tiny moons in the darkness. I counted seven of them. I managed to bring down two, but the remaining five were relentless, circling the fort like shadows come to life.

Then an idea struck me.

I ran back to the house, grabbing a basket of fish Kamui had left. If I could lure them away to the bridge that led to the mine, perhaps I'd have a better vantage point—and a chance to finish them.

Torch in hand, I sprinted toward the bridge, my boots crunching through the snow. When I reached the edge, I threw the basket into the abyss below. The scent alone wouldn't be enough, so I did what I had to. Grabbing one of the chickens, I steeled myself, whispering an apology, and quickly slit its neck. I hurled the bloodied bird into the chasm, its crimson trail stark against the snow.

The strategy worked. The wolves snarled and turned, drawn to the scent. As they tore into the food, I took aim from above and released arrow after arrow. One by one, they fell.

By the time the sun began to rise, my body ached from exhaustion, my arms trembling from the strain. Of the seven wolves, two had vanished into the woods, leaving only their fallen packmates behind.

The fort was quiet again, the animals calm, but I was far from at ease. I leaned against the guardhouse wall, my breath shallow. I had survived the night—but it wasn't over. Kamui had to return soon. Until then, I'd remain vigilant, for myself, for him, and for the life we were building together.

Not long after, the first rays of the sun broke over the horizon, painting the snow in hues of gold and pink. I ran to the front door, my heart pounding with hope and desperation. I stood there, scanning the distance, and then—I saw him.

It was him. Kamui.

I could hardly believe it. My legs moved on their own, and I threw the heavy doors open. He was running toward me, his face pale with fear, his eyes darting around at the scene before him. The ground was littered with the aftermath of my battle: lifeless wolves, blood-streaked snow, and scattered arrows.

“Lawjayden!" he shouted, his voice trembling with both relief and terror.

I wanted to answer, but my body betrayed me. The exhaustion I had held at bay for so long finally overtook me. As he reached me, I stumbled forward, collapsing into his arms. His warmth surrounded me as I whispered his name, and then the world faded to black.

TO BE CONTINUED......