Part 34

  "Be patient a little; it's necessary," Noah said as he took Sebastian's hands, and they apparated. Sebastian's heart was racing as he trusted Noah, letting him lead the way. It appeared they were walking along a stone path through the forest. After wandering for about ten minutes, Noah crouched down, carefully guiding Sebastian to do the same.

  "Where are we?" Sebastian asked in a hushed whisper, not entirely sure why he felt the need to be quiet. Noah responded by carefully removing the blindfold.

  When Sebastian opened his eyes, he realized they were hiding in the bushes behind some house. Noah gestured for silence by placing a finger to his lips.

  "Ominis, you remembered what I asked! I can't believe you got this for me!" Sebastian would recognize that voice anywhere; it was his sister, Anna. Noah lowered a branch of the bush slightly to make the scene more visible. The window was open, and inside, a happy and healthy Anna sat at the table, just as Sebastian remembered her before the curse. She and Ominis were celebrating her birthday, discussing the fun they had today. Noah casually glanced in Sebastian's direction, and tears welled up in his eyes, though he couldn't tell if they were tears of joy or sadness. Unintentionally, the branch slipped from Noah's hand, creating a rustling noise that caught Ominis's attention.

  "Is something wrong?" Anna looked surprised in the direction of the window, where Ominis was focused.

  "Nothing, probably just the wind. You know I have excellent hearing," Ominis reassured Anna with a smile, and they continued their celebration.

  "We have to go," Noah whispered to Sebastian.

  "Just one more minute, please," Sebastian pleaded, unable to tear his gaze away from Anna. They remained hidden for another five minutes until Noah took his hand and apparated them back to Feldcroft.

  "I'm sorry about that, but a little longer, and Ominis would have discovered our presence," Noah spoke first.

  "She really broke the curse. I'm so glad she's okay," Sebastian said as they headed towards the wooden tower, and Noah followed.

  "When you think about it, this outing was quite risky," Noah acknowledged. He understood that Sebastian might need more information, but he couldn't reveal Anna's location because he had promised Ominis to keep it a secret from Sebastian.

  "I understand, and I'm immensely grateful to you for this opportunity. You have no idea how much better I feel," Sebastian hugged Noah in gratitude.

  "I'm glad I could help you," Noah hugged him back. At that moment, blood began to flow from Noah's nose, and his vision darkened briefly. Noah quickly composed himself, discreetly wiping away the blood with his shirt sleeve. He didn't want to spoil the evening; he had to hold on at least until the end of the day.

  Sebastian didn't want to let him go; his heart was racing. He felt an overwhelming sense of longing. Why couldn't Noah understand that he was not indifferent to him? What if he tried to confess his feelings? Now was the perfect moment. Sebastian gathered his thoughts and began, still not releasing Noah from his embrace.

  "Can I tell you something?" Sebastian began, his emotions running high.

  "Is something wrong?" Noah asked, a shiver running through his body. He thought Sebastian might have noticed his current state.

  "Please don't be alarmed by my words. You don't have to answer right away; I just want you to know," Sebastian took a deep breath. "I care about you, from the very first time we met. I've been waiting for you to notice, but I feel like I won't forgive myself if I don't confess to you." He finally released Noah from his embrace.

  "You mean a lot to me, and I really appreciate that you are in my life," Sebastian continued, taking Noah's hands and pulling him closer.

  "Wait!" Noah was taken aback and tried to pull his hand away, but Sebastian noticed the blood on Noah's sleeves.

  "What's this?" Sebastian asked, feeling his heart race.

  "This?" Sebastian froze, realizing that Noah was not okay at all.

  "I wanted to..." Noah began to come up with an excuse, but nothing came to mind. His thoughts were overshadowed by Sebastian's unexpected confession.

  "Why didn't you say you were feeling unwell?" Sebastian grew increasingly concerned.

  "I'm sorry; I think it's best if I leave," Noah turned abruptly and ran into Sebastian's house.

  "Wait! Where are you going?" Sebastian ran after him.

  "I need to take care of something," Noah replied as he dashed into the house and closed the door in Sebastian's face.