The Last Lycan Luna

CHAPTER 8 - SLEEPLESS NIGHT - ELARA'S POV

As I laid in the bed, confused about why he'd left me alone for so long. I stared at the ceiling, with my mind racing with questions about his sudden disappearance and the silence that filled the room afterward. What was I meant to do here? I couldn't remember what someone did in a bedroom. I remembered that people had one, but not what they were for.

As the minutes ticked by, my mind wandered, but I got bored by my lack of answers and started looking around for an exit or secret passage. Hoping to find something that would lead me away from here.

But I wasn't sure if I wanted to go anymore. When the man kissed me, I felt... I don't even know what I felt, it was as if time had stopped and there was an amazing buzzing through my entire core, it was the most incredible experience of my life. Though as I couldn't remember my life, I didn't have a frame of reference to compare it to, and without a personal history to anchor me, every new encounter felt like an uncharted territory, territory that frightened and excited me in equal parts, and I found myself longing for him to do it again.

As I paced around the room, I contemplated finding him. Where had he gone? Was he in his own bedroom, and if so, what was he doing right now? Was he thinking of me? When would he return? And then there was the other man. Why did I feel equally as drawn to him as I had to the man who'd kissed me?

When I was rummaging around in one of the drawers to find anything familiar, I heard clumsy footsteps coming from the hall and the faint scent of lavender, vanilla and cherry blossoms lingered in the air, as the footsteps halted. Was the other man coming to see me?

I closed the drawer and stepped back from the door, but then the footsteps picked up again, and another door opened and closed.

Eventually, I gave up puttering around and sat down on the balcony and watched the sun rising higher in the sky, while I continued to rack my brain, hoping for a spark of a memory, but all I could grasp was the shadows of forgotten moments.

The boredom was palpable, and I felt a little hungry, but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to leave the room. Were prisoners allowed to wander around freely?

I was jolted by the abrupt and unexpected knocking on the door and quickly got to my feet, my heart racing with curiosity and a hint of apprehension as the man, Kayson, who'd kissed me, had returned. Did he only come out in the daylight? Is that why he left me alone for so long during the night?

"What are you doing outside?" He asked, his voice tinged with concern as he rushed over to me and closed the doors, before turning and touching my arms, causing the buzzing to begin again "You're not even wearing a coat or dressing gown. There was one in the bathroom, didn't you see it?" He rushed on as he guided me towards the warmth of the fire.

I peeked up at him as he pulled off his coat and placed it around me, covering me in his amazing scent, which was both comforting and intoxicating.

The warmth of his coat and fire enveloped me, and I found myself grateful for his kindness. I hadn't realized I was cold, and without thinking, I leaned up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine.

He seemed just as shocked by my actions as I was, the surprise in his eyes mirrored my own, but he smiled and touched my cheek, reassured me with his gentle touch that I hadn't crossed the line, before leaning down and kissing me back softly on the lips, warming them.

I grabbed his arms as a surge of unexpected emotion propelled me closer to him, and found myself pressing against his firm body, before he straightened up and created a sudden distance between us. The moment was fleeting, but the intensity of it lingered in the air between us, and I couldn't help but touch my lips.

Kayson took my hand, and just as he had last night, directed me to the bathroom and gestured for me to go inside. Did he want me the bathe again? How often did people wash? I looked up into his dark green eyes, but he gave me an encouraging smile, reassuring me that everything would be alright, and I went inside to shower and change my outfit.

Once I was washed up and in one of the other dresses from the bag, I walked out to find Kayson talking to a young girl with hard brown hair pulled up into a plate.

Upon seeing me, her eyes lit up, and she waved excitedly in my direction. Her animated wave was a clear sign that she had been eagerly anticipating our meeting. Did I know this girl? Could she give me answers?

"This is Lorri," Kayson told me, thought I had no clue what he was saying.

"Hello, Luna." She waved again.

"She doesn't understand our language." Kayson spoke, and the girl's expression changed.

Kayson pointed to the girl, "Lorri." Then he touched himself again, "Kayson"

Oh, her name. I nodded in understanding, but the girl frowned at me.

"You can start cleaning her room and wash those clothes, please."

"Yes, Alpha."

Kayson reached out his hand, I hesitated for a moment before finally taking it, feeling the warmth of his grip, his hand closed around mine with a gentle yet firm grill, before he guided me from the room. I looked down at our hands, the connection between them seemed to stir up that wonderful buzzing sensation again. What was that?

He led me through his home, and into a big room filled with trays of dishes that all smelt incredible. He gestured proudly to the spread and said another sentence I didn't understand, before he picked up two plates and passed me one. I followed him down the line of food, carefully observing his choices, and mimicking his actions and ensuring my plate mirrored his selections. I noticed he opted for the meat dishes, ignoring anything green, his decision to skip the salads or fruits was noted. I wanted some of the fruit, but I too, bypassed them, maintaining the symmetry of our plates. I didn't want to upset him.

We sat down at a table, and he began eating instantly, filling his mouth with food as if he'd never eaten before. Watching him devour the meal with such enthusiasm made me feel safe that nothing was poisoned, so I began eating too, savoring each bite.

"You know, we really have to come up with a name for you." Kayson spoke, his mouth full, but when I glared at him in disgust, he realized his mistake and quickly swallowed. "Sorry. So? Name?"

I frowned again.

He touched his chest, "Kayson." And then he touched mine, but like yesterday, I shook my head, I didn't know my name.

"You have to make something up." He told me and frowned, he touched my chest lightly again. "Kara?"

I screwed up my face and shook my head.

"Okay, not Kara." He sat back, "Sophie? I shook my head again. "Krista?" I shook again. "Sasha?"

I exhaled and touched his hand, and shook my head.

"Alright, I get it. You don't want a fake name." He shrugged, "We'll figure it out eventually."

I returned to my food, but when I tried to discreetly sneak a peek at him, I realized he was already looking at me. I couldn't help but feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I ducked my head again and continued eating. What was wrong with me? Yesterday, he tried to kill me, and now I was imagining his lips on mine again.

I felt his hand gently brush my hair back, and I stared up at him again. "You are so beautiful."

His touch was tender and reassuring, and even though I didn't understand what he'd just said, I felt my heart flutter in response to his touch, and I could feel a warmth spreading through me, ignited by the sincerity in his eyes and the gentle gesture.

"Kayson," I said his name slowly, before pointing to the window. "Flowers."

Kayson frowned, "You want to go outside?"

He stood up and offered me his hand again, so I took it. I stood up, but then my head swam, and I groaned and touched my skull.

"Are you in pain?" He asked me a question and touched my cheek.

His eyes searched mine for an answer to his question, but I had none to give. I didn't know what he was asking. I assumed it was some kind of response or concern for my pain, but it had passed, though I felt slightly drained.

I smiled, hoping he would understand that I was okay, before I pointed outside again.

He seemed to understand I was fine, and together, we left the room. Another man was standing in the hallway. He looked up and his eyes scanning me with curiosity.

"Sidney, this is your Luna." Kayson spoke to him.

"I'd heard you met your mate, Alpha. Congratulations." The boy spoke, "It's nice to meet you, Luna."

"She doesn't speak our language, but she is learning, so interactions brief."

"Yes, Alpha, I will." The boy continued as I looked around at the painting in the hallway. "Would you like me to clean up now, or are you still eating?"

"We're finished, excuse us."

Kayson's fingers tightened around mine, and he started pulling me with him again. We left his home, going into the odd metal box once more, and appearing again in the other room. We'd started in yesterday. If I ever learned his language, I'd have to ask him what it was and how it worked. Was it magic?

Could I do magic? Was it real, or was my mind playing tricks on me? I thought back to yesterday when I'd marked that man. How had I done that? I looked at my hand in confusion but saw no signs of anything unusual, not that I would know what was classified as unusual.

Kayson looked at me. "Is your hand hurting?" He took it and examined it, but I smiled and pulled it away, and he continued walking. I noticed everyone watching us as their whispers grew louder around us, so I moved closer to him, seeking comfort in his presence.

When we were outside, I looked at the woods. Was now my chance to run? Did I still want to run? Did I want to attempt to escape into the unknown depths of the forest in search for answers, and leave everything behind? I looked back at Kayson. Did I want to leave him?

I stood there, the weight of my decision pressed heavily upon me, urging me to choose my path, when Kayson laughed softly and reached for something on my shoulder.

I looked to see a butterfly. "You have a friend."

I watched it fly away, and I realized at that moment that I didn't want to. I wanted to stay here with Kayson, but why did I feel so strongly about this? The intensity of my feelings was perplexing. I didn't even know him. It was as if an invisible force was compelling me to remain by Kayson's side, leaving me both intrigued and confused.