Behind the willow

Closer

The next morning, the sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light over the property. The air was crisp, with a promise of warmth as the day stretched out before them, still and quiet. It was the kind of day that felt like a pause before the storm, but for now, it was just them—James and Sophia—alone.

Sophia stood at the edge of the garden, watching the dew-covered grass glitter in the early light. She had woken up with a lingering sense of urgency, but as the hours passed, the tension in her chest seemed to loosen, if only slightly. The events of the previous day still weighed heavily on her mind, but there was something about the calm of the morning that made everything feel a little more bearable.

James, who had been up before the sun, was already working on the grounds. His tall, strong frame moved fluidly as he tended to the land, but his eyes were always on Sophia, watching her as she took in the beauty around her.

He approached her slowly, as though not wanting to disturb the peace, and leaned against the fence where she stood. “You’ve been quiet this morning,” he said, his voice a soft rumble in the quiet of the day.

Sophia glanced over at him, surprised to see him so close, yet she didn’t step away. His presence was comforting in a way she hadn’t expected. “Just thinking,” she said, her gaze drifting back to the glistening grass. “It’s hard to imagine anything’s wrong when it feels so… peaceful.”

James nodded, following her gaze. “The calm before the storm. That’s how it always is, isn’t it? But you’re right—it feels peaceful. And we should take advantage of it while we can.”

She looked at him, studying the lines of his face. There was something about him now—something that had changed since yesterday, after their conversation by the tree. She had felt his commitment then, but it was even more apparent now, in the way he looked at her, in the subtle shifts of his posture as if he were constantly ready to protect her.

He seemed to sense her studying him, and he gave a small, lopsided grin. “You know, you’re welcome to join me. It’s a perfect day to be outside. I could show you around the land, if you want.”

Sophia hesitated. “I’m not sure what I’d do out there. I don’t know much about—” She stopped herself, realizing how silly it sounded. “I don’t know much about anything like that.”

James chuckled, a low, easy sound that made her feel lighter. “You’re not alone in that,” he said. “I didn’t grow up knowing everything either. But I’d be happy to teach you. You might find that you’re better at it than you think.”

She smiled, her chest swelling with warmth at his words. “Maybe I will then,” she said, finally taking a step toward him.

Together, they wandered through the garden, and James pointed out the various plants that grew there. He showed her the herbs he used for cooking and healing, explaining their uses with a calm patience that made her feel at ease.

As they walked, their conversations drifted from one topic to the next—everything from the land to their favorite books, to the music they both secretly enjoyed. James revealed that he had a passion for old vinyl records, something Sophia never would have guessed, and she laughed when he told her about his secret collection of obscure artists.

“Maybe I’ll let you listen to a few tracks sometime,” James teased, glancing over at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. “If you’re lucky.”

Sophia laughed, the sound light and carefree, a welcome change from the tension that had gripped her since the arrival of the rival pack. “I’d like that,” she said, smiling as she walked a little closer to him. It felt natural now, being near him.

They came to the edge of the property, where the willow tree stood tall, its branches swaying gently in the wind. The air felt different here, charged in the same way it had the day before, but there was something reassuring about the way the tree stood, unwavering and strong.

James stepped closer to the tree, resting his hand on the trunk, just as Sophia had the day before. He glanced back at her, his expression serious. “You felt it too, didn’t you? The way the air changed. It’s not just the tree—it’s everything. The land is waking up, preparing for what’s coming.”

Sophia nodded, her throat tight. She felt it in her bones, that sense of impending change. But at the same time, she felt more connected to James than ever before, as if they were facing it together, not just as a protector and the protected, but as two people bound by something deeper.

“I’m ready,” she said quietly, her voice full of conviction. “For whatever happens. I know we can face it—together.”

James looked at her, his golden eyes locking with hers, his heart swelling at the sincerity in her voice. He stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her cheek. “You’re not just ready, Sophia. You are part of this. More than you realize. And whatever happens, I won’t let you go through it alone.”

Sophia’s heart beat faster, a mixture of relief and emotion flooding her. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment, savoring the connection between them.

In that moment, everything felt right, as though the world outside didn’t matter. For now, they were simply two people who had found something rare—trust, and maybe even something more.

As they stood there, side by side, the wind rustled the branches of the willow tree again, its whispers like a promise. Whatever storm lay ahead, they would face it together.