Second Life's Revenge

The crickets' chirping filled the silence surrounding Laura as she sat on the cold ground with her hood on. She was hiding something, and it was visible on her face. She couldn't face her reality right of the moment. 

To hear that Tine was getting engaged to Prince Winston. Something must have happened in the past few days. Then the rumors about those two getting along were true. What about Serena? She must be heartbroken about this sudden news.

Things are just getting worse than better.

Still, what scared Laura the most was that her future was not changing at all. Everything was so sudden, and she didn't know what to do. Her body didn't have any energy to move, and her gloomy eyes looked like she was mourning someone.

What was worse was that she didn't have information about Tine, and it was just all just about Marquess Rogen. And now that she's engaged with the prince, it means that the royal family supports her.

Laura didn't know what Prince Winston was thinking, though knowing what kind of person Tine is. She isn't an angel. She's a demon. It was frustrating not to do anything, but what did she expect when she didn't know it would happen?

Laura curled into a ball, hugging her knees and slowly closing her eyes. She didn't want to think about it anymore; the more she thinks about it, the more she felt anxiety-filled. 

Seriously, the past few days have been so stressful for Laura. Emotions were filing in her though it was not necessary during this journey. When she thought everything was going to be alright, it turned out to be the opposite.

Only if life wasn't that stressful then she would be living a tranquil life.

The sound of a footstep crunching against the ground was heard and it stopped in front of Laura. Laura didn't know who it was, but she didn't have the strength to look up and see who it was.

"Do you need someone to talk to?" The familiar voice asked while Laura didn't answer. Erwin ruffled his messy hair and sat beside Laura and spoke, "I think you do."

Laura bit her lip and continued to stay quiet. Questions filled in her like of all people, it always has to be you? Of all people, why is it always him seeing her weak side? She felt embarrassed, showing him this side of hers.

"I'll wait, no matter how long," Erwin said as he leaned back onto the boulder.

"Why is it always you?" Laura muttered, but it was hearable to Erwin's ears.

"Because I know you more than the others?" Erwin smiled, asking in a questioning tone.

Laura shivered, and in an angered tone, she questioned, "Just what is Winston doing?" 

"You're calling him by his name?" Erwin asked with a hint of jealousy in his tone.

"He told me to call him that," Laura answered, revealing her face to Erwin. "There must be a reason why he decided to do it."

"Don't call him that," Erwin's lips slightly frowned.

"Why?" Laura titled her head.

Erwin stayed quiet while Laura started into his gorgeous eyes. To think his eyes would attract her that much, it was weird. But because his eyes looked calm and it somehow comforted her. 

"Don't mind what I said earlier. Winston must have a reason. He wouldn't make such decisions without thinking. Also, I don't think he'll like it if she ever gets a man."

"She?" Laura questioned and slowly became interested. It must be Serena. How nice it is to be in love.

"You're friend," Erwin chuckled once, and his eyes looked at Laura under his breath, he spoke, "Beautiful."

Erwin didn't know whether the moonlight was enchanting Laura's face because she looked prettier than other days despite looking worn out. Or maybe because he had fallen deeper into her.

"Did you say something?" Laura asked, and Erwin shook his immediately head.

"So, don't dodge my question because I am not letting you go until you tell me," Erwin said with all seriousness making it irresistible for Laura to run away. Though he did not want to force Laura to speak up it is better to say it than not.

"In the past, Tine and Prince Winston were engaged, and because of the royal family's support, Tine successfully accused me. Honestly, just thinking about it scares me so much," Laura shuddered.

"And maybe around that time, I was already dead," Erwin scoffed himself for being pathetic.

"How unfortunate our lives are," Laura reminisced, rubbing her arms as the wind blew to their direction.

Unfortunate. Their lives were full of sadness but no happiness. Erwin died because of his uncle, Marquess Rogen while Laura died because of the false accusation of Tine. 

Not only that, to think that Marquess Roge and Tine were somewhat connected with something that they didn't know it is mindblowing. But because of the information that they received from J it all became confusing tooLaura.

She didn't know what was right and wrong anymore. But the good side was Erwin would finally be free from the chains that Marquess Rogen chained him. Soon he will be eliminated, and Tine will lose a big supporter of hers.

It was one step; however, it wasn't enough. Now that Tine's engaged to Prince Winston, it means that the royal family's support will be with her. Not only that but because she is the priestess meaning that the church is by her side too. Well, expect for Gusion.

Erwin brushed a strand of Laura's straight black hair and kissed the tip. He smiled then said, "But I'll be here to help you, and so there is nothing for you to worry about. I promise."

Upon hearing his comfort words, Laura held her breath as she held her tears. She didn't want to cry any longer; it made her feel weak if she did. And it isn't like her to be weak.

"If you say so. That's why if you break that promise, you're going to be the second person whom I'll kill," Laura laughed, and her face turned sour. "I'm serious. If you break that, I'll kill you."

"I understand my princess," Erwin said, releasing the strand of hair he held. "That's why you tell me all your concerns, and I will help."

To think the person who would be comforting her was Erwin. His words were compared to a shield, ready to protect when the enemy strikes. The more he kept pushing himself into Laura's life. The more she became lonely without him, it was weird having these thoughts, but it was the truth.

The whole night Erwin questioned Laura more about her life. He learned so many new things about her, what she liked, and what she disliked. He was thrilled that she finally decided to open up about herself.

Bottling feelings and worries in one jar are something people shouldn't be doing. It creates more stress into the body, and if that jar explodes, who knows, it might be the end of them.

The sun raised, and the forest was still dark, but Angelo was up to gather more firewoods. He rubbed his eyes and waited for his vision to be clear. What day is it, he wondered, stepping out of the cave.

As Angelo walked further out of the cave, he saw Laura and Erwin deep asleep, leaning to each other for support. He paused, contemplating whether or not to wake them up. But in the end, he quickly grabbed a blanket, covering them both.

Angelo frowned, remembering something unpleasant. He still had not revealed himself as the man who stole her necklace, making her life harder. It must be hard to live as a noble, and not to be accepted by society.

He sighed, walking away, not until he felt someone pulling his cape down. Angelo turned his head and saw Erwin's eyes opened, shocking him. He instinctively bowed, using hand gestures, he asked if Erwin needed anything.

"Water," Erwin whispered, and Angelo followed.

Erwin avoided moving his head, not wanting to wake Laura up. He couldn't hide his expression, looking at the defenseless Laura. All the more, he wanted to make a move on her, but as a gentleman, he stopped himself. Only if time can stop, he would stare at her all day long.

Angelo walked towards them as quiet as possible and handed Erwin a steel cup filled with warm water. The refreshing water soothed his dry throat and sighed out of satisfaction.

"Is there anything else you will need?" Angelo whispered. Angelo slightly shook his head as an answer, and Angelo left to pick more sticks.

Under the blanket, Erwin's hand made way to Laura's. Slowly and gently, he intertwined his fingers with hers, warming her cold fingers. He tightened his grip and closed his eyes back.

Knowing how easily Laura could get flustered, he couldn't wait to see the face she makes, realizing their fingers were intertwined with each other. 

Only if this temporary happiness could last forever.