The Taste of Seduction

After what felt like hours, Meredith finally gave up and emerged from her tent, her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the campfire.

She saw Marcus sitting on a log, his eyes fixed on the trees surrounding them. He was supposed to be doing the night watch, ensuring their safety from any dangerous animals or other threats.

"Marcus," Meredith said softly, approaching him. "Want to doze off a bit? I can watch for you."

He turned to her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "No, I can\'t," he admitted. "I\'m too worried about all of us, especially for you. I need to keep watch."

Meredith sat down next to him, grateful for the company. They sat in silence for a few moments, watching the fire flicker and listening to the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Meredith remembered what had happened between them before they traveled back to earth. She remembered the kiss she shared with him, remembered that Atlas and her fought because of him.

His love is indeed strong and he even dedicated his time following them so he could further protect her. She knew that he knew that she loves Atlas, yet he is still here for her.

How unconditional his love is indeed… and she knows for sure that they have to talk about what\'s in store for the both of them.

Finally, Meredith spoke up. "Marcus, I need to talk to you about something."

He turned to her again, his expression concerned. "What is it?"

"It\'s about Atlas," she said, taking a deep breath. "I know you love me, and I care for you too, but I love Atlas. I need to be with him."

Marcus\'s face fell, but he nodded slowly. "I understand," he said. "It hurts, but I understand. We can break the soul tie with the help of the book of spells."

Meredith nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Marcus. I\'m sorry."

"Don\'t be sorry," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I\'ll always be here for you, no matter what. I\'ll protect you until the end of our journey."

Meredith smiled at him, feeling grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Marcus. We can still be friends, right?"

"Of course," he said, returning her smile. "I\'ll always be your friend."

The words not only stung Marcus\' heart, but his tongue as well. It felt so heavy to say that they could remain as friends when he has loved her so dearly.

But that\'s the thing about love, right? If you love her so much even though she loves someone else, you learn how to let go.

They sat together for a while longer, talking about their hopes and fears for the journey ahead. Meredith told Marcus about the things she had seen during their travel, especially their time in Ireland. Marcus listened to her with rapt attention, nodding and offering his own insights.

They also laughed at the thought that he stalked them from afar and not helped them gather clues about the leprechauns.

He reasoned that it would be so awkward to suddenly pop out and chime in to their adventure. But then this time, he was left with no choice as her safety was at stake.

As the night wore on, they grew more and more comfortable with each other, opening up about their pasts and their deepest desires.

As the breeze began to filter through the trees, Meredith realized that she had never felt so close to Marcus before. She knew that he loved her, but she had never fully appreciated the depth of his affection until now.

She felt a pang of guilt for hurting him, but she also knew that she had to follow her heart.

It is what they say, right? The heart wants what it wants.

"Marcus," she said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Thank you for being here with me. I\'m sorry things had to be so complicated."

"Don\'t worry about it," he said, smiling at her. "I\'m just glad we can be honest with each other."

Beside him was his coat. He got something from it and extended his hand to Meredith, making her blink her eyes for a few times as she listened to him explain what he was giving her.

Marcus handed her a small notebook. "Here," he said. "I want you to have this. It\'s a journal I\'ve been keeping since we started the journey. Maybe you can use it to write down your own thoughts."

Meredith took the notebook, feeling touched by the gesture. "Thank you, Marcus," she said, giving him a hug. "I\'ll treasure it."

They stood up, stretching their stiff muscles. Meredith felt a sense of peace settle over her as she looked out at the forest, the breeze now coming to them. She knew that there would be challenges ahead, but she also knew that she had a true friend by her side.

"Well, I guess this is the last time," Marcus said, Meredith looking up at him as she cocked her head to the side.

"What is?"

"That I do this."

Marcus kissed the top of her head and stayed still for a few seconds. Her body stiffened for a while as she didn\'t expect what he did.

The gesture was simple, yet intimate in a way. No words were exchanged, but she felt pain and at the same time love in what he did. In a way, it was his way of saying "I\'m letting you go; but I\'ll always be here when you need me."

Soon, Marcus took a few steps back, a small smile tugging the corner of his lips as he spoke.

"Get inside," he said, his eyes turning glassy. "It\'s the only thing and the last thing I\'ll do. I know Atlas will kill me," he added jokingly, Meredith not knowing what to say.

With a nod, she only smiled at him and left, Marcus watching her retreating figure with an aching heart.