I

Governor Draeko felt his heart dribbling like thunder. “Who is Grazziena?” he thought. He felt too confused now.

Lumaro went out of the Provincial Hall feeling triumphant. He is confident that once Governor Draeko saw Grazziena shift into her wolf form; he will faint in fear and he will run away from Grazziena; then Grazziena will come to him. He will accept her and take care of her like he is his knight in shining armor; then he will bring her to Mt. Reveree. "So easy to have you now Grazziena," he murmured with shining eyes.

On one hand, Grazziena has a heart-to-heart talk with her known parents; Aling Lumen and Mang Ruben. She needs to explain to them everything because she does not want them to feel betrayed.

“Papang and Mamang, I am sorry if I have not told you earlier about me having a romantic relationship now with Governor Draeko; I was trying to find the opportune time to tell you.” Grazziena looked down, too ashamed to even look directly into the eyes of her known parents. She broke their trust in her and it is something that she regretted.

Aling Lumen and Mang Ruben glanced at each other. Deep inside they are happy that it was Governor Draeko who caught the heart of their Grazziena. However, they still fear for her sake.

“Grazziena, we are just worrying about you. Would Governor Draeko understand your situation? Would he accept you if he eventually found out your secret?” Aling Lumen asked with sadness in her tone. If only Grazziena is just a normal girl, they will not worry at all. Governor Draeko is a known dignified man and they knew in their hearts, by merely noticing how the governor, looked at their daughter, they could tell that the young man's intentions to her are genuine. The young governor loves their Grazienna and it was clearly evident in his eyes.

“We want you to be happy Grazziena; we will not hinder you neither control you as to who you will choose. Governor Draeko seemed to be just a dream for us Grazziena not only because of our status in life but also because of your real identity.” Mang Ruben seconded Aling Lumen’s statement

Aling Lumen further stated, “I heard Lumaro’s suggestion and I guess he has a point. Maybe, since it was that witch who curses you; she might also be the one who can remove her curse against you,” she said, hopeful.

Grazziena became silent. Her fear is growing; she cannot take it if he will lose Draeko. She could tell from her heart that she wanted no other man than him.

“What am I going to do Mamang and Papang? Should I just tell Governor Draeko the truth as early as now or I will try first to cure this curse?” Grazziena suddenly asked, too confused.

Once again, Aling Lumen and Mang Ruben looked at each other. They too are too confused about the situation.

Mang Ruben softly said, “If you are going to tell Governor Draeko now about your real identity, you should ready yourself for the worst.”

Grazziena looked down and her tears started to flow. “The worst that might happen is for Draeko to run away from me. Papang, I don't think, I can take it,” she admitted while sobbing.

Aling Lumen and Mang Ruben both looked at Grazziena with sadness in their hearts.

“But what if he will understand and accepts everything about me?” Grazziena muttered trying to develop some hope in the situation. She could not just easily give up on what she and Governor Draeko have now. She could still remember what he said to her and she will dearly hold on to it.

“This is the opportune time that you can be able to test how much Governor Draeko loves you Grazziena. If his love for you is deep enough, sincere, and true, no matter who you are and what you are; he will embrace you and never let you go.” Mang Ruben tried to console Grazziena.

“What if he will not accept me?” With tears in her eyes again, Grazziena looked at her adoptive parents.

Aling Lumen hugged her adopted daughter tenderly, “You have no other recourse but to accept it Ga.” How they wish, Grazziena never suffers this kind of agony in her young life.

II

Inside his booked room at Triple K Hotel, Lumaro is walking to and pro. He suddenly realized that if Grazziena knew what he did, she might be mad at him and she will not trust him anymore. However, if Governor Draeko would eventually leave Grazziena because of her real identity, Grazziena would be so vulnerable and it would be easy for him to convince her to find the cure in Mt. Reveree; and that would be to seek forgiveness from the witch, Tuthaara.

Somehow, Lumaro has been pacified after weighing down the problem that he created a while ago when he visited Governor Draeko in his office.

Lumaro was planning to go to Grazziena’s house when he heard knocks on his door. Thinking that it might be one of the hotel’s bellboys, he immediately opened the door.

“Leslie, what are you doing here?”Lumaro was surprised to see the woman outside. At that moment, his wolf Lumao wiggled happily but Lumaro was not. He stayed cold, with such an unfathomable expression.

“Can you please let me in first?” Leslie said that upon hearing her words, Lumaro immediately motioned to her to get inside.

He moved aside to give way so that Leslie could enter his room.

“What were you doing at the Provincial Hall Lumaro? I saw you a while ago.” Leslie asked him like she was accusing him of something.

“I had a meeting with Governor Draeko,” Lumaro simply replied to Leslie.

Leslie step forward and stopped too near Lumaro. She looked up at the six feet tall Lumaro, “What did you say to Governor Draeko Lumaro?” she said, her fresh breath filling the nostrils of Lumaro that made Lumao, his wolf, wiggle again.

“Leslie moves away or you will regret it,” Lumaro warned her hoping that she will listen to him. Lumao, his wolf inside was growling and got excited when Leslie’s sweet scent started to linger more in their nostrils.

“Why should I go away Lumaro? Can't you handle my presence?” Leslie whispered as she got closer to Lumaro.

“Leslie, I am warning you.” Lumaro’s voice was hoarse and his breathing was rugged. When Leslie quickly cupped his face and kissed him; the remaining rope of patience of Lumaro, lose-up.

Lumaro quickly grabbed Leslie’s waist and lifted her going to the bed. His wolf inside has been growling with intense desire.

“Leslie, you have to say no now before it's too late,” Once again Lumaro warned Leslie but the woman seemed to be not afraid at all.

“I won’t say no Lumaro,” Leslie whispered.

Lumaro looked at Leslie and he was drawn into her deep-seated brown eyes. When they kissed again, Lumaro was able to forget about the reason why he went to Albaya in the first place.