Nour Ch5 Sneak Peek (7)

The last sneak peek you guys are getting because the chapter is about to come out. I'm just happy to finally be able to get it out and then continue on with the story. I've been on this chapter for so long and I want to keep going forward.

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"Here," $name says, showcasing the odd object. Nour instinctively reaches out to take it, flipping it over.

"What is it?"

"A grass ring."

"Huh?"

"For our wedding." He is no closer to understanding than he was a moment ago, brows still raised as he continues to stare at it.

"Ugh," $name huffs, taking it from him and carefully working it onto his pointer finger. "This is for us two. I choose you."

"Does it matter?" Nour questions, only slightly apologetic for his many questions. "Our parents already said it is to be."

"Yes, it matters. This way, no adults are telling us what to do. They could not force us to be friends, and they cannot force us to marry each other. But, I do not mind marrying you either. You are my best friend. But I also do not want to tell our parents no and get in trouble, so I came up with this. They can think whatever they want, but me and you know we did this. We chose one another." It takes him a few more minutes to understand what $name means, and with a smile, he glances around to make one as well. $name's is made simply from the nearby scarlet grass, but he wanted to make something special.

"Turn around," he orders, frowning as he still looks around. "And close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Just do it," he urges, already darting off. He shouts over his shoulder, "no peeking." He gathers the prettiest grass blades he can find. He makes sure the colors differ as he searches for vines or colorful twine. A flower will not work, but this will at least show his effort. The longer he searches, the more his excitement grows, interested in what $name will think.

Finally, he has done it. With the newly made ring in his hand, he springs back up the hill, giggling as everything forms in his head. He'll do just like what the griffins do. He'll make this into a proper proposal. Because $name, his best friend, deserves it.

"Alright," he laughs and … The flashback dissolves as the real world comes back into focus.

"No!" Nour howls, their eyes wide, gripping onto whatever rests directly in front of them, hoping that the tighter they squeeze, the more likely the memory will return. The haze they usually feel is there, but it feels foreign, like even it knows this is farewell and should not linger.

"You lied to me," Xeno shouts, causing Nour to blink a few times to grasp the situation. Xeno's hands are wrapped around their arms. "You said you burned the rest."

"You brought me out of my memory to berate me?" Nour questions, eyes alighting with fire. Sense flees their being as they punch Xeno in the jaw, the feeling of irritation and rage mounting as the man stumbles back in shock. Another punch follows, another, and another. Shouts of alarm rise up around them, but their focus rests on one man.