Liam stood patiently, scanning the surrounding woods for any sign of movement or sound. After a few minutes had passed, he saw the figure of a man emerging from the trees.
It was Keiran. Liam could tell that Keiran was watchful, his eyes darting around the area as if searching for something. However, there was no sign of fear on his face, indicating that he was a bold city guy.
Liam couldn't help but shake his head at Keiran's apparent ignorance of the dangers that lurked in the forest. It was plain stupid to think that one could explore the entire forest without encountering any wild animals.
Perhaps Keiran was unaware that many of these same dangerous animals could also be found in the city. It made Liam wonder if it was necessary to educate Keiran about the risks of venturing into the forest unprepared.
It dawned on Liam last night that Keiran was, in fact, the nephew of Mr. Fergus. This revelation was a welcome piece of news for Liam, though he couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Fergus had mentioned anything about him to Keiran.
Liam's curiosity regarding the matter was piqued, as he knew that Mr. Fergus would not want to scare his own nephew with tales of the dangers lurking in the woods. Perhaps Keiran's presence in the forest was the result of an insatiable sense of curiosity, or a desire to explore the unknown.
Whatever the reason, Liam knew that he needed to exercise caution in his interactions with Keiran, for the safety of both himself and the young man.
Upon laying eyes on the lake, Keiran was instantly captivated by its shimmering, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking beauty. The lake's surface was a sight to behold, radiating a sense of purity and refreshing coolness. The lake was known as the "Lake of Werewolves", named after a legend of a werewolf who used to bathe there over a hundred years ago.
While werewolves seldom visit the lake in modern times, the name still persists. However, Keiran was indifferent to the lake's mysterious past, as he was simply enamored by its pristine serenity. Liam, on the other hand, had a deep appreciation for the lake's tranquil atmosphere and cherished it as a personal sanctuary.
As Keiran gazed out at the serene water, he seemed oblivious to Liam's presence, who was hiding nearby. Keiran's tired demeanor was evident as he stood with his hands on his waist, taking deep breaths in and out. He appeared to be struggling with exhaustion, and as a result, he bent down to pick up some stones and threw them into the water.
Liam watched from his hiding spot and contemplated whether he should reveal himself and join Keiran. However, he hesitated, gripping onto the tree trunk tightly, unsure of how Keiran would react if he suddenly appeared before him.
Keiran washed his face in the cool water, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation and enchantment. The tranquility of the woods was soothing, and he felt compelled to explore further. He ventured towards the spot where he had seen the man he met last night, but his feet led him instead to the lake.
As he gazed around, Keiran's eyes were drawn to the mountain just a few meters away. His attention was immediately captured by a heart-shaped, massive stone perched on the mountain's crest. He couldn't help but feel a sense of romance and wonder at the beauty of nature.
The natural world had a way of captivating him, and he found himself lost in thought as he contemplated the significance of the heart-shaped stone. To Keiran, it was a reminder that even in the midst of the wilderness, there was beauty and love to be found.
Liam watched with a shake of his head as he observed Keiran's behavior. The sand beneath Keiran's feet was soft and fine, and the water flowed gently around him. Although they had only just met, Liam felt like he could read Keiran's mind. He guessed that the city guy was yearning to go for a swim, and Liam's intuition proved correct as Keiran removed his shirt and dove into the water.
Keiran disappeared beneath the surface, he moved through the water with ease. When Keiran resurfaced, he was already a considerable distance from the shore, and he continued to swim farther and farther out into the lake.
Liam watched with a mix of concern and curiosity as Keiran pushed himself further and further out into the water. He wondered if Keiran knew how far he was from the shore, or if he was just lost in the thrill of the moment.
Liam stepped out of his hiding spot and made his way towards the serene lake, the sun setting behind him casting a warm glow on the surroundings. As he approached the water's edge, he scanned the lake for any signs of Keiran. Suddenly, he spotted him - Keiran was in the middle of the lake, swimming with ease. Liam couldn't help but smile as he watched him glide through the water.
When Keiran noticed Liam, he stopped swimming and turned towards him. Liam waved, and Keiran responded with a warm smile. He began to swim back towards the shore, his strokes slowing down as he grew tired.
He emerged from the water, and he greeted Liam with a tired but happy "Hi!"
Liam couldn't resist teasing Keiran a little. "What if there's an alligator in there?" he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Keiran let out a laugh, "I'm the fastest swimmer around here. And besides, I'm not scared of a little alligator. What are you doing here by the way?"
"It's I who must ask that question: What are you doing here?" He glanced at Keiran.
"Look dude, the lake has a serene mien, the woods lovely and calm. What else?" Keiran thinking. "Ah, I want to be like uncle Fergus, do you know him? He's well known in this place, my uncle is a good hunter. He's the best hunter."
Liam feels like he's been stabbed in the chest ten times. He missed Mr. Fergus's embrace.
"Keiran, listen the woods aren't safe," Liam said with full concern.
Keiran burst into laughter. What's funny?
"Are you a hunter?" Keiran asked looking at him.
Liam shrugged his shoulders.
"C'mon tell me" Keiran begged.
Suddenly, Keiran's face lit up, and Liam was taken aback by the sudden change in expression. What did Keiran see in him? Liam thought to himself, feeling a bit self-conscious. Keiran's lips drew into a smile as he looked Liam in the eye, and their gaze met. They held each other's gaze for a moment, both of them lost in thought.
Liam felt a bit uncomfortable, but he couldn't bring himself to look away. There was a calmness in Keiran's eyes that he found captivating. He had never really had the opportunity to stare into the face of someone from the city before, and he found himself drawn to Keiran's features. His face was so different from anyone else's Liam had ever met before, and he found it enticing.
As they continued to look at each other, Liam felt a connection growing between them. It was as if they were seeing each other for the first time, really seeing each other, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the whole experience.
Liam could read what was in Keiran's mind. He couldn't understand and it was impossible. He could hear Keiran's breathing and even in Keiran's scent, prevail his being.
Why? He asked himself. Is that the reason why Keiran looking for him? Because Keiran's heart beats for Liam. Does an ordinary man like Keiran when he falls in love become a fool? Liam is clueless. He takes his eyes off Keiran and looks at the lake.
Keiran remain silent yet, in Liam's peripheral vision he could see that Keiran's biting his lower lip and smiling. Liam stood up and stretched his body.
"Keiran go home safe and don't wait for the night just go home now."
"Oh, thanks for your concern dude."
"If you're listening you'll be safe." He said with a scowl.
"What's your name?" Keiran stood up too.
"How about calling me? Mr. Whoever."
He burst into laughter again.
"I'm going home now," Liam said and turned his back on Keiran.
"I'll be seeing you. Mr. Whoever."
Liam nodded and started walking. His mind was filled with questions.