SILENCE

His mind wandered back into the past, almost against his will...

He was called by his brother after his hand-to-hand sparring session because of an important meeting with his father. Eron cringed inside, knowing that this would most likely be about the same damn topic that he had heard from his old man even way back since he turned eighteen. 

And yes, unfortunately for him, it was indeed that dreaded topic. 

Yet again… 

Good thing that it was just between him and his father, this time. 

"Son, are you absolutely sure that you don't hear him in your head?" 

He tried to keep his voice toneless just so his irritation wouldn't show, "No, father." 

"Not even a whisper? Or even feel him?" 

"Dad, I'm telling you, I don't have a voice in my head that answers me back. I keep talking to practically nothing! I've tried everything, but I really can't hear anything - or anyone - inside me. Besides, does it really matter to you? I can still do whatever you ask me to. I can easily win in a fight, a battle, even a fucking challenge! I can do all that and more! I can even beat Brother in…" 

"You don't understand, Eron. It's not the same, son! Having that voice inside of you is essential to everyone who is of our line. Our generation demands that we continue the traditions and rituals that are required for us to continue our race. I cannot imagine what kind of grandchildren you will produce for me, considering your 'unique' situation." 

The younger man could no longer hide the disappointment in his voice, "Really, is that all you see me as? Someone who continues the traditions? Someone who creates a perfect generation in the future? Is this why I'm born, Father?"

"That is what is expected of us, my son. It's not just from me. It also includes our people's needs… our race's identity… our family's honor…" 

He has heard this line of reasoning before. However, what he was about to ask his dad now would be the first time he would dare say something that could truly be disrespectful to many. 

And to be honest, during that singular time, he didn't give a damn anymore. 

"Father, answer me this, please. Does my being unique make me less of a son to you?" 

His dad's long and meaningful silence was enough of an answer for Eron. 

And even if his father did leave him alone in the meeting room after that, it was fine for him. He needed time alone to plan, anyway. 

It was the last face-to-face conversation he had with his dad because he soon left the home where he was born… where he grew up… where he was trained in the skills that he has now… 

Which, again, was alright for him. 

He'd rather be tied down to the expectations of others who accepted him for who he really is than be in a family that expected the impossible from him. However, that's the same reason why he made his most recent mistake. 

+++ 

So now, here he was… 

He's stuck in the jungle with just a tent and a teapot. Chilling with his motorbike, who chooses to snub him because she's exposed to the elements. No thanks to him saying no to the offer he was given a few hours before. 

"Awww come on, Scorpia, she told me no in the end, ok? I know I fucked up and didn't jump in the minute Jack asked me if I wanted to rent a room in Diwana's house! But I have my reasons, ok? And they are very good reasons, too…"

And then it hit him… 

"Oh damn, that's her perfume…" he hissed, his voice suddenly going down in volume and confidence. "Is she nearby? And why the heck is she around here?" 

He immediately stood up and used his enhanced senses to try and find the woman who had affected him so badly just a few hours ago. For sure, she wasn't that far from his campsite. It would be quite easy to find her with his scouting skills... 

But did he dare find her? 

And what would happen if he did find her… 

+++ 

She was very upset as she left the lumberyard… 

And she didn't know why. 

Whatever the reason may be, whether it's because this new guy originally rejected the idea of renting a room in her house, or it's because she rejected him when he already changed his mind, she felt only one thing now could cool her head. 

Well, more than just her head, if she was going to be honest. 

After a few hours of searching, she finally found her secret garden. As soon as she saw the crystal waters falling from a small waterfall and into a clear glass-like pool also fed by a spring, she already felt a lot better. 

She sat there a while, just enjoying the view since the spring-fed pond was completely shielded and surrounded by trees and plants. Which was why it took her a while to find it. 

As far as she knows, no one in the village or the sawmill was aware of this mini-paradise hidden deep in the forest… 

And she had no plans of sharing it. 

Soon after, she started removing her clothes, hanging each item - including her delicate lace panties and bra - on top of the bushes surrounding the spring. Now that she was fully naked, she slowly walked into the waters and started to soak herself. 

Unknown to her, her natural scents and body smell that were clinging to her clothes were now wafting through the air. And there was now a man following the fragrance of her "perfume" to where she was bathing… 

Unfortunately for the man, he was also unaware of what he would find as he continued his search.