Carnival

Atasha’s Point of View

The day turned out to be good. I got along with Leo and Clarence and didn’t experience any trouble at all. I was able to make a lot of invitations and it was fulfilling to see that the mural that was ruined yesterday had been fixed in no time.

As soon as my work was done, I decided to fix my things and prepare to go home. I went out of the Coliseum and looked up at the red-orange colored sky. I couldn’t suppress my smile. My chest felt so light today. I knew I had been so stressed out yesterday but the Moon Goddess seemed to have her way of making up for what I experienced. A day with no issues, trouble, humiliation and the fact that I was getting along with some people here . . . I think I could trade anything for that.

I blended into the crowd who were about to go home and was about to leave when someone slightly grabbed my backpack, stopping me to move any further. I turned around and saw Leo who was grinning playfully as he held the top part of my backpack.

“Not so fast, Tash,” he said and smirked.

My eyebrows furrowed but a soft smile curved in my lips, confused why he was doing this childish act on me.

“Hey, what’s up?” I asked curiously.

He then released my backpack and crossed his arms against his broad chest.

“So, there’s this small carnival that will be open near downtown. Since it's the weekend tomorrow, me and my friends, including Clarence, will go there to have some fun and just relax. I’m thinking of inviting you so you can unwind for a little bit too,” he said.

My face gleamed because of what he said. “Of course! I’d love that. I’ll come with you!”

I clasped my hands together as waves of excitement ran through my veins. I’ve never been into carnivals before and to be invited to visit one made me feel so flutter. Leo’s face brightened more when he heard my reply.

“That’s cool! So, we’re going to fetch you tomorrow afternoon at your house!”

I nodded. “Sure, Leo! And thanks for inviting me!”

He patted my head which ruined my hair. I almost hit his arm as I knew he’d done it intentionally. He just laughed at me and ran away. I even saw him looking back at me and waving his hand. I shook my head and chuckled. In the end, I waved my hand too at him and walked my way home.

That night, I couldn’t even sleep properly as I was too excited for tomorrow. Leo mentioned that he would bring his friends and Clarence . . . it means that I’d get a chance to get along and be friends with them too. I smiled.

The thought of having new friends was the thing that thrilled me the most. Ever since I was young, I only had Astrid. Though I knew to myself that my twin sister was enough for me, it wasn’t a bad thing to open my doors to new friends that I could trust, depend on and I could consider as my family. And I couldn’t wait to see myself being in a group where trust, loyalty and love matter the most.

“Make it a happy day for me, Moon Goddess Selene . . .” I mumbled as I closed my eyes for a good sleep.

***

When the next day came, I was way more excited than how I was yesterday. I woke up early to prepare my meal, and tried to mix and match some clothes I had in my closet. It was almost twelve o’clock in the afternoon when I heard Leo knocking on my door.

“Coming!”

I was standing in front of the mirror and looking at my reflection. I wore a simple nude-colored sweater with an old denim jumpsuit. I let my hair fall at my back this time; it was longer than before and despite how I seldom comb it, it still had this wavy curve. I found some old black boots and wore them. After that, I went to the door to open it.

My eyes immediately checked Leo’s outfit today. He was like a completely different werewolf boy as he looked very ravishing and a head turner. He was only wearing a white t-shirt, jet black- colored jacket paired with well-fitted denim pants. He boyishly grinned at me and slightly scratched his nose.

“So, how do I look?” he asked as if he was really waiting for me to compliment him.

“You look awesome, as usual!” I said and smiled at him, then I started to look around to find his friends and Clarence. But I didn’t see any of them. I glanced at Leo again. “So, where are the others?”

He then stood up properly and put one hand inside his pant’s pocket.

“I did invite them but it seemed that they were pretty busy today. I know you like to go to the carnival so we can still come together instead,” he answered and smiled.

I pouted my lips. I thought I could hang out with different werewolves this time but it looked like I was going to be stuck with Leo for all day, not that I was complaining about that . . . I just really looked forward to this day; to see myself making friends. I guess I will just try my luck next time.

“I see. Well, thanks for fetching me then, Leo.”

I locked the door of my house and turned around at him. I was shocked when he handed me some flowers.

“I found these on my way here and thought you’d like them . . .”

“They’re beautiful. Thanks, Leo!”

His hand traveled all the way up to his nape and slightly caressed it. “I couldn’t help but pick them up as they remind me of you.”

I felt my cheeks turn red all of a sudden. I then punched him in his arm.

“Look at you, sweet talker!” I hissed.

He only chuckled a bit and that made me smile.

I could confirm that Leo was not bad at all. I mean, he had such a charming face, beautiful eyes, and some shewolves also had a crush on him. And I wasn’t that innocent enough not to see that he had feelings for me. He’d been trying his best to get closer to me and I knew that he was protecting me all the time . . .

Maybe the Moon Goddess wanted him for me . . . and giving him a chance wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.

We went to the carnival and I was in deep awe as the place was truly beautiful. There were rides everywhere, small restaurants and cafes, and there were a lot of families having fun as I looked around. I didn’t even expect that the East Land had this kind of place. I once thought that this territory was only filled of laborers and slaves . . . but I guess I was wrong to think about it. The people here need something like this place so they could have fun too.

My thoughts went back to reality when Leo tapped my shoulder.

“Hey, Tash. Let’s try that restaurant!” he said, his fingers pointing at the restaurant near us.

“Sure, let’s go!”

We entered the restaurant and I got fascinated instantly as the entire place was truly stunning. It was filled with gold-colored interior designs that scream of elegance and power. I was beyond amazed as I felt that I was in an elegant dining area of a castle.

But I got dismayed a minute later when I saw how the guards kicked a kid out of the restaurant. “You’re not allowed to be here, slave. This restaurant is only for higher ranks!”

The sight of it sent shivers down my spine. I recalled the very first day I entered the Crimson Moon Pack territory. I was treated badly because of the fact that I was a mere slave. If not for Elijah Montreal, their soon-to-be Alpha, I wouldn’t be able to get away from that horrible fate . . . because he chose me to be his contracted mate and soon-to-be Luna, my life there had changed in an instant. I didn’t know if I should be thankful about that knowing that Elijah was still an enemy.

I sighed as Leo and I occupied an available table for two.

I glanced at the door. The guard was still kicking the kid out. I didn’t really understand why there was such a thing as class and hierarchy within the pack. No one deserved to experience such sufferings only because he or she was an omega, or even a slave.

I came back to my senses when the waiter showed up in front of us and asked for our order.

“Serve us your most expensive meal,” Leo ordered.

Shock immediately crossed my face.

“What? You don’t need to, Leo. I don’t have any money!” I said, worried.

“Come on, Tasha. It’s on me so you have nothing to worry about.” He smiled reassuringly and proceeded with the order.

The food was served in just a couple of minutes and I had to admit that all of it was mouth-watering. We started eating and I was really chewing the food very slowly.

“So, how is it?” Leo asked me curiously.

I have never been into any fancy restaurant. I must admit that the food here tasted really good and it reminded of the course meals I had from the Crim—

I shook my head. I shouldn’t think about it anymore . . .

I cleared my throat and licked my lower lip as I tried to gather my thoughts to give Leo a better statement. “This is delicious. It's my first time tasting such food, Leo. Thank you!”

“I’m glad, you’re impressed! Once we’re done with our meals, I’ll take you out and roam you around. We will also try the rides out,” he said.

“Sounds like a plan!” I smiled and nodded.

After our meal, we went to each stall to check on the items the merchants were selling. We also rode some rides and it was indeed fun. I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed every moment here with Leo. It was actually the first time I experienced this in my whole life.

As we roamed around, I recognized some of our pack mates that were having fun from a distance too. I smiled as I somehow felt the comfort of having a peaceful life. I just wished that I could also share this moment with my twin sister, Astrid.

It was already late afternoon when Leo decided that we would ride on a Ferris wheel. He noticed that I was already exhausted so he let me sit comfortably on the bench and then he made his way to buy the tickets from the ticket booth.

My eyes wandered in every corner of the place. My smile couldn’t be suppressed as I watched the kids running around happily with their parents, couples and even groups were everywhere too.

Minutes passed and a certain guy wearing a fox mask suddenly appeared in front of me.

“Hello, Atasha. Mr. Leo asked me to escort you now in the Ferris wheel.”

My brows furrowed but I just nodded and followed him all the way to the Ferris wheel. I was wondering what Leo had been thinking right now. Perhaps he wanted to surprise me or something? That, I wasn’t sure but I guess I just had to figure it out myself. “That Leo, really come this far?” I murmured and smiled.

The guy with a fox mask opened the door of the cabin where Leo and I would be seated. It was just small with a large window where we could see the beautiful sunset and the entire East Land.

As I seated, I noticed that the guy also went inside and forcedly closed the door. I was confused by what he did and was about to say something but stopped midway when the ferris wheel started moving.

I immediately looked around and saw the ticket booth. Leo was still there!

I shifted my gaze on the guy sitting on the seat in front of me. “Who are you?”

He didn’t answer. I swallowed so hard as the fear started to creep into my entire system.

“Again, who are you? Leo is still in the ticket booth. He’ll get worried if he found out that I’m missing so please, would you tell me who you are and quit—”

I gasped and my heart started pounding aggressively when he removed his mask. The familiar emotions began swirling inside my chest. This got me more dizzier compared to the rides I tried with Leo.

My eyes got teary as I looked at this familiar god-like face of this man in front of me.

“Atasha . . .”

I breathed out as I heard him speak and confirmed that I wasn’t dreaming . . .

It was no other than Elijah Montreal.