of Calian. Okay, so maybe it was the main reason I wanted to stay after all! Even though I had more than enough legal authority to remain at

g." The entire event would be planned by the tribe, and all I h

ed me from snapping at someone. After passing the final cabin, the dirt route came to an end. Now it was time to walk barefoot along the soft grass, passing a dense stand

tance until the scent of water filled my nostrils and muck pressed between my toes at the shore of the lake. I yearned for this lak

em from exploring the world around them, but it didn't deter me from exploring the world around

lake until the water level reached my chest. The dead skin over my shoulders was being nibbled at by minnows as a fish breezed by my leg. The water was chilly but not frigid, and you could generall

fill my brain with peace and tranquility. The churning of the water, the chattering of the birds, and the rustling of the leaves soothed my nerves. I detected a faint whiff of pine tucked away

en such a beautiful sight before.” A

ith my arms. The short-haired man caught my attention as I

you doing out h

to camp. Couldn’t stop myself from

here.” I sneered and av

r taking his eyes from me. “Didn

ttered, meeting h

rieved my underwear. Holding them up with his index

opriate. Please do not tou

aid, dropping them

ng a muscular abdomen with a scar t

join me.” I mana

“I wasn’t asking for permission. More like, a w

w d

“You can always get out and leave,

y over there… O

t might be seen as a sign of contentment. It seemed more like something you'

. Can we talk?” He a

a choice?

nd shook his head.

ngrily. “What do yo

questioned me. “You are marrying t

of your busin

He answered, cr

chest all the way like it

it is my duty to the tribe

not love him

d and glanced do

I could find a way to prevent th

. “I told you no

nds up in defens

vent the wedding?”

ou, you would be an accomplic

ffer it at all?”

the water, he studied me a

oy the forceful tri

m come to

irked. “No, not unless y

. “I do not want to get married to him, but I also do not believe you, an

he lake the way he came in. “Seeing is believing, I g

hing o

f yours.” Peeking over at me, a sly smile formed on his face as he b

” I sh

nto the woods. “If you can catch me,

ng after him with no time to get

houted back but he