The Twelfth Moon || ✔️

51. Swift Moon pt. 4

"I don't like oranges." My tone was hasted. With all this walking, and training at every break, my body was wearing down and I was growing tired.

Our Moon would soon start her rise, so Jerr and I were now looking for some shelter to spend the night. We also kept playing that mind game, which I was growing rather tired of.

"I do like oranges," Jerr answered. "I won again. You said a lie, a truth, and a lie again."

"Yes," I sighed. I'd grown used to hearing the words I won again, and the game had gotten repetitive.

"Although, I only got you this time because I've seen you eat oranges at breakfast multiple times," he continued. "Not because your mind was wandering. So I assume you've also earned a well done from me."

I raised my eyebrows at this statement. "I kept my thoughts in check?"

"Hmm," he mused. "Your mind has grown tired, too. It seems that does the trick as well. Now you have to figure out how to get your mind clear like that when you're not exhausted or training."

"You say that like it's easy," I commented.

Jerr shrugged his shoulders. "It isn't easy now, but it will be in a few days."

"I hope so," I said. "I'm growing tired of this game."

"One more round," he ordered. "And then we're done for the day."

He pushed a low-hanging branch out of the way and kept it in place until I'd passed under his arm. His scent swept over me at the nearness of him. Until that, I had kept my distance, not allowing myself to let anything distract me. Not that sunburned grin, that wicked smell, or even the warmth of his voice.

We hadn't walked next to each other for a few hours, now. Jerr altered his pacing to mine, seemingly enjoying my close company.

But with Jerr so close - and watching me intently - it would be that much harder to get away with a lie.

That was probably why he fell a step behind, I realized.

I waited for another stupid comment on his part, embarrassing me after this train of thought, but none came.

So, with the confidence that I might win this game, I said, "I'm not sure I like my tattoo anymore. It was a very impulsive decision, and I didn't think the design through."

I could feel Jerr's gaze intensifying on me, hinting at any sign that I was lying. But I kept my face forward, stoic, not giving him anything.

"I initially didn't want to switch packs."

While I hoped Jerr couldn't tell if mine was a truth or a lie, I surely couldn't tell with him. I wondered if it was a lie. Would that mean he thought I was telling the truth?

He had to know I still loved my tattoo. He'd seen me wonder at it a few times in the past days, he had to know.

"I once stole ales from Benjamin's bar, and got drunk when he wasn't looking."

"I was personally trained by Feytan as well."

"I met my mate in Spitta when I was twelve," I said, my voice trembling subtly. I took a shallow breath through my mouth, mustering the courage to get the next words out. It felt cold as it passed my lips. "He rejected me almost instantly."

"I got to say goodbye to my sister the day I left to come here." He tore his eyes off me as he stated, "I won again. A lie, a lie, and a truth."

"Three lies," was all I said.

"Well done," was all Jerr answered, accompanied by a shy, but genuine smile.