We walked for a while until we reached a small shop selling cold drinks and street food. My stomach growled at the sight of the food, but I didn't have any money on me. I approached the vendor and asked.
"Excuse me, do you know where I can find the house of an old woman who's a healer?" I tried to avoid eye contact, worried that she might recognize me.
"What's the name of the one you're looking for, dear? There are many old healers around here," she replied, her words giving me a glimmer of hope.
However, my smile faltered when I realized I didn't know the old woman's name after all.
"Ah, sorry, but can you just point out the houses of these healers? I forgot the name of the one I'm looking for. But it's a small, old hut near an old wall with a forest behind it. There's a big mango tree beside the house. It's also quite far from the road," I described, trying to jog the vendor's memory based on my recollection of the old woman's house.
I hoped that the distinctive features would be enough for her to recognize the place I was talking about.
"A small, old hut near an old wall with a big mango tree beside it?" she repeated, and I nodded in response.
She seemed to be deep in thought for over a minute before her face suddenly lit up with recognition.
"Are you referring to Mrs. Florita?" she asked, her question causing me to furrow my brow. Mrs. Florita? Was that her name? I didn't recall the Lycan King mentioning the old woman's name.
"Sorry, I don't know her name," I admitted, and she nodded understandingly.
"It's okay, dear. But based on how you described the house and its location, it might be Mrs.Florita you're looking for. That's the only house I know of near the old wall that borders the vast forest. And it's only Mrs. Florita who would have the courage to build a house near there, despite the scary stories about what's behind the wall," she said, her words laced with a hint of fear.
I couldn't help but wonder what she meant by those scary stories, and why Mrs. Florita would be brave enough to settle in such a place. Her fear was palpable, and it piqued my curiosity about what lay beyond the wall.
"Why? What's behind the wall?" I asked curiously. Before she answered, she glanced around nervously, as if checking to see if anyone was listening to our conversation.
When she noticed that there were no other people around except for us and the child with her, she leaned in closer.
"Aside from the vast forest behind the old wall, there are rumors of loud howling sounds like dogs. And you know, there are also whispers about people turning into wolves in that area. Honestly, I don't believe in werewolves, but when my family moved here two months ago, I saw it with my own eyes - a person suddenly turning into a big dog. The day I saw the werewolf, I just wanted to go back to our old house. But I have no choice, this is where my husband and I make a living."
As she finished her story, I felt my mouth drop open in shock, and I heard Lilly's voice in my mind, > "A normal human."
I remained silent, my mouth still agape, until the woman spoke again. "Oh right! I forgot about your errand! Sorry if our conversation went off track," she said, and I nodded in response.
"Anyway, I think Mrs.Florita is indeed the one you're looking for. I'll show you the way there, just listen carefully so you don't get lost, okay?" I nodded, and she continued to give me directions to Mrs. Florita's house.
"Miss, I just want to warn you. I don't have any control over what you do, but it's important that I give you this warning. Don't stay there too late. If you can leave early, do so," she advised.
I nodded and smiled, thanking her before leaving. It was interesting to note that there were still normal humans who were largely unaware of the existence of werewolves like us.
I hurried along, following the directions the woman had given me, eager to reach the house of Mrs.Florita.
I wasn't entirely sure if this was indeed the old woman who had healed Lilly and me after we left the forest, but based on the woman's description, it seemed likely.
According to her, Mrs.Florita was the only one brave enough to build a house near the wall with the vast forest behind it, which matched my memories of the old woman's abode.
I walked quickly, my heart beating with anticipation, wondering what would happen when I finally reached Mrs.Florita's house.
After a long walk, I finally caught sight of the house I was looking for. Even from a distance, I knew that this house was owned by the old woman who had healed us. I quickened my pace, worried that it would get too dark soon.
I regretted not having any money to take a tricycle or jeepney, as my legs were aching from the long walk.
My knees were trembling with fatigue by the time I reached the house. I rushed to the door and knocked several times.
After waiting for a few minutes, the door finally opened, and a beautiful woman stood before me.
I was taken aback by her stunning looks and couldn't help but stare in surprise and curiosity.
Who was she, and what was she doing at Mrs. Florita's house? Was she a patient, or perhaps Mrs. Florita's daughter? If so, she was incredibly beautiful.
"Come in," she said with a carefree tone. I nodded automatically and entered the house. She closed the door behind me, and I took a seat.
My attention was drawn to the scattered bottles on the small table and an old wooden-framed mirror.
However, my focus shifted when I noticed the woman heading to the small kitchen area of the hut.
"Ah, Miss, Mrs. Florita here? And who are you? Are you a patient of hers, or her daughter?" I asked.
She had her back turned to me, and as she walked back to where I was seated, she carried two cups and two jars. She placed them on the table, then began to gather the scattered items and returned to the kitchen.
I couldn't help but furrow my brow at her silence. Had I said something wrong that caused her to become quiet?
When she returned, she carried a thermos, and before she sat down across from me, she started brewing coffee.
"Ah, Miss?" I called out to get her attention. She looked up at me, and in an instant, I was shocked as a thick cloud of smoke erupted from her position.
I felt a surge of fear, thinking she might be in trouble, but I almost fell out of my seat when I saw who was sitting across from me after the smoke cleared. My hand trembled as I pointed at her, my eyes wide with shock.
"Y-you...h-how..." My throat was constricted, and I couldn't finish my sentence. I was on the verge of losing my sanity from what I had just witnessed.
The beautiful woman who had greeted me at the door earlier had transformed into an old woman with wrinkled skin. This was Mrs. Florita, the old healer!
"Oh my gosh!!" was all I could exclaim, unable to believe my eyes.
How could she have looked so different earlier? She had been a stunningly beautiful woman when she opened the door for me. But wait, was shape-shifting one of their abilities? Could she change her form from old to young?
"What brings you back to my home, Luna?" she asked, continuing to brew coffee as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Her calm demeanor only added to my confusion and shock.
I sat in stunned silence for a few seconds, until I managed to compose myself. I took a deep breath before answering her question,
"I apologize for coming here without notice, but I need your help," I said, looking at her with pleading eyes.
She didn't respond, instead, she handed me a cup of coffee, which I gratefully accepted. She got up again and headed to the kitchen, returning with a pitcher of water, a glass, and some biscuits.
She placed them in front of me and sat back down. For a moment, I set the coffee aside, realizing that water was what I really needed, as my throat had been parched for a while. I poured myself a glass of water and took a refreshing sip, feeling some relief.
"What kind of help could I possibly offer to a Luna like you?" she asked. I gently set the glass down and looked at her.
"I was wondering if I could stay here for a while, until I find a place to settle in," I said, which caused her to furrow her brow.
"You ran away," she stated, not as a question, but as a fact. I just nodded my head in response, before asking her again.
"Can I?". The old woman nodded, and I felt a sense of relief. "Goddess! Thank you..."
"—but staying here won't be free, Luna," she said, and I fell silent.
"What's the charge for staying here?" I asked curiously. She looked at me, and a smile crept onto her lips, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Your stay here in my home, will be in exchange for you to become my heir."