[Episode 5]
Alec eyed Luke suspiciously. The massive frame and menacing aura visible beneath the worn coat were impossible to hide. Alec took a step forward, attempting to pull Rahi slightly toward him.
Noticing his gaze, Rahi stepped in front of Luke. Though her heart felt like it might burst from the overwhelming presence behind her, she forced herself to stay calm and greeted Alec in a casual tone.
"Hi, Alec. What's up?"
"Oh. The festival's coming up, isn't it? I was just patrolling. But who's that next to you…."
Alec barely acknowledged Rahi's greeting, his eyes fixed on the dark figure standing tall behind her.
"Rahi, who's this guy? He's definitely not from our village."
"Oh, well…."
Alec took a step closer, his hand dropping to the hilt of his sword. Rahi could feel Luke's breathing grow ragged behind her. Luke bristled at the sight of the male approaching her. Sensing his rising tension, Rahi slipped her hand inside her cloak and gently grasped Luke's forearm—a silent plea to hold back.
Startled by the unfamiliar touch, Luke flinched.
"Rahi, I asked who this is."
Alec narrowed his eyes. Rahi forced a smile, blocking his view.
"It's nothing! Just an acquaintance. I needed some help with the chores this time. We're actually really busy right now, so we should get going!"
"An acquaintance? You know someone this big? Let me see his face. Why is he all bundled up like this…."
Just as Alec's fingertips were about to reach for Luke's hood, Luke's shoulder muscles bunched. His fist shot upward, aiming for Alec's jaw. A low, rumbling growl erupted from deep within his throat, like a predator baring its teeth.
"No!"
Rahi screamed, throwing both arms around Luke's thick forearm as if hugging it. The force of her sudden pull caused Luke's upper body to lurch toward her. Clenching her teeth, Rahi pinned his arm tightly against her side. He must not cause trouble.
"Ouch! Rahi, what are you doing?!"
Alec, whose fist had sliced through empty air as he dodged, shouted in panic. Luke's fist, still held fast in Rahi's grip, trembled violently.
"Alec, I'm sorry! He has some bad scars on his face, so he hates showing it! I'll explain later, I promise!"
Without waiting for a reply, Rahi pulled Luke's arm with all her might.
"Let's go, hurry! The vendors are waiting!"
Rahi practically dragged Luke along as she rounded the corner and began to run. She heard Alec shouting, "Hey! Rahi! Stop right there!" but she didn't look back. Luke followed her lead, but as they drew further away, he turned his head and growled menacingly toward the spot where Alec stood.
It wasn't until they reached the deserted forest path that Rahi finally let go. Her palms were burning, and her fingertips were bright red from the effort.
"Phew... Luke, we almost got into serious trouble! Why do you always lead with your fists?"
As Rahi huffed, demanding an explanation, Luke roughly adjusted his hood and muttered under his breath.
"...That male was getting too close to you."
"Huh? What do you mean...."
"I don't like it."
Without waiting for a response, Luke snatched the basket from her and strode ahead.
The old cabin door creaked open. Rahi stepped inside, gasping for breath, followed by Luke, whose every step made the floorboards groan.
Silka, who had been sharpening a dagger on a whetstone, looked up. Sensing the menacing aura emanating from Luke, she narrowed her eyes.
"What's that smell? It's not like you went grocery shopping—it's like you went to slit someone's throat. Luke, why do you look like that?"
Kai, lying on the floor, sat up groggily.
"You're back? Did you buy food? Whoa, Luke, why are you so worked up? I can smell the fury from here."
Kai reached out toward the supplies on Luke's shoulder, but Luke jerked away violently, slamming the bundle onto the table with a thud.
"Don't touch it."
Luke's voice was dangerously low. Startled, Kai backed away.
"Whoa, he's really mad. Hey, kid! Did something happen at the market?"
Rahi wiped the sweat from her forehead. "We ran into a friend, and Luke tried to throw a punch."
"A punch? Luke tried to hit a little human kid?" Silka chuckled wryly. "Kai, look at him. His eyes are glowing bright yellow. Could it be… that time?"
"That time?" Kai's eyes widened.
"...Shut up, Silka. Unless you want to die," Luke growled.
"He was flirting right in front of me. That male." Luke's words were brief, filled with suppressed murderous intent. Rahi felt a chill at the strange heat emanating from his back.
"That male? You mean Alec? He's just a friend!"
Rahi tilted her head in confusion at their strange talk—'that time,' 'male,' 'pheromones.' She felt indignant that Luke was picking on Alec. Seeing her glare, Kai and Silka exchanged a sly look.
"Well, well. Looks like you two have gotten close?" Silka teased. "You're the first person I've seen who knows Luke is scary but still acts so bold."
"I don't care if you're friends. I don't like it," Luke stated firmly.
"He's a good person! He was just startled!" Rahi snapped. When she called Alec a 'good person,' Luke's brow furrowed deeply, and another low growl rumbled.
"Are you taking that male's side?"
"I'm not taking sides, I'm stating facts! And stop calling him 'male.' He has a name!"
Rahi stomped into the kitchen, ignoring the snickering behind her. "I'll get dinner ready." She tied on her apron, deciding to ignore their banter. As she began slicing meat, she felt Luke's piercing gaze on her back. He sat motionless, watching her every move.
Squeak, squeak.
Every time the blade hit the board, Luke's ears twitched. In the living room, Silka and Kai's voices drifted in.
"Did you leave a trail? You know Ruki has a poor sense of direction."
"Don't worry," Kai replied, chewing jerky. "I left my markings and our scent. He'll find us."
"Good. If we stay much longer, Luke is going to flatten this whole village." Silka glanced at the kitchen. "But Kai, are we leaving as soon as Ruki gets here? I'm actually liking the bread here."
"We've stayed too long. As soon as Ruki joins us, we're moving on."
Rahi stopped cutting. Ruki? Luke's brother? The thought of another giant like Luke made her fingers tremble.
"Luke, you heard that? When Ruki arrives, we're leaving," Kai shouted.
"...I don't care," Luke spat out, though his tone was rougher than usual. The realization that he would soon no longer see Rahi sent a chill down his spine. He wanted to keep her by his side.
"Rahi, you too…" Luke muttered, almost to himself.
"Huh? What did you say?" Rahi turned. Luke clenched his jaw, hiding his fluster.
"...Nothing."
Instead of answering, Luke snatched the knife from her hand. As his large hand brushed hers, his arm trembled slightly.
"Move aside. I'll cut the meat."
"No, I can do it—"
"I said move," Luke growled, shoving her aside. He brought the knife down with terrifying speed, slicing the meat into perfectly even pieces with heavy, rhythmic thuds.
Silka, watching from the living room, rested her chin on her hand and let out a hollow laugh.