Moon Bounded

Chapter 15 Elara POV

The journals lay open on the small table, their cryptic markings and faded words blurring together after hours of pouring over them. My eyes burned from the strain, and my head ached with the weight of unanswered questions. Across from me, Azerin stretched, the chair creaking under his weight as he leaned back.

"Alright," he said, rubbing a hand over his face. "I think I've officially stared at enough symbols for one lifetime."

I laughed softly, closing the journal in front of me. "You? Tired of brooding over mysterious curses? I didn't think that was possible."

He smirked but didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he tilted his head toward the window, where the late afternoon sun was casting golden light across the forest. "Let's take a break," he suggested. "Get some fresh air. Maybe even go into town."

"You want to go to town?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Who are you, and what have you done with Azerin?"

He rolled his eyes, pushing back from the table. "Very funny. Look, I just think we could both use a change of scenery. Besides, it's been years since you've been back, right? Don't you want to see how much has changed?"

The thought stirred a mix of emotions in me. Black Hollow was as much a part of my childhood as Azerin was, but coming back had dredged up more memories than I was prepared for. Still, the idea of stepping out of the cabin, of escaping the suffocating weight of the curse—even for a little while—was tempting.

"Alright," I said, standing and stretching. "But if we're going to town, you're buying me coffee."

"Deal," he said, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. "Let's hope they still have that bakery on Main Street. You used to love their cinnamon rolls."

The mention of the bakery made me smile, a pang of nostalgia tugging at my heart. "I can't believe you remember that."

"Of course I do," he said, his tone softer now. "I remember everything about you, Elara."

His words hung in the air, warm and heavy, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. Instead, I grabbed my coat and pulled it on, focusing on the simple act of tying my scarf. When I finally looked at him, he was watching me with an expression I couldn't quite read.

"Let's go," I said, breaking the moment.

The walk into town was peaceful, the cool autumn air brushing against our cheeks as we followed the winding path through the forest. The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves a riot of red and gold, and the distant sound of the river added a soothing undertone to the quiet. It reminded me of simpler times—times when Azerin and I would race down this very path, laughing and teasing each other without a care in the world.

As we reached the edge of Main Street, a voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.

"Elara? Is that you?"

I turned toward the sound, and my heart leapt as I saw a familiar face. It was Mrs. Harper, the owner of the bookstore I'd practically lived in as a teenager. Her warm, round face lit up with a smile as she hurried over, a stack of books clutched in her arms.

"Mrs. Harper!" I said, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over me.

She set the books down on a nearby bench and pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh, my dear, it's so good to see you! It's been far too long. I was just saying the other day how much I missed seeing you around here. And look at you—still as lovely as ever!"

Azerin hung back, his hands in his pockets, watching the exchange with a small smile.

"I've missed this place," I said honestly, pulling back. "It feels like not much has changed."

"Not much indeed," Mrs. Harper said, her sharp eyes darting to Azerin. "And you, young man—I didn't think I'd see the two of you together again. It's like the old days."

Azerin offered a polite nod but didn't say anything, his usual reserved nature kicking in.

"We're just visiting," I said, though the words felt incomplete. After a beat, I added, "Well, sort of. I've actually decided to stay... at my aunt's cabin."

Mrs. Harper's eyes softened with something like approval. "Oh, Elara, I think that's wonderful. Your aunt would've been so proud. That cabin's been empty for too long. It's good to have it—and you—back in the Hollow."

Her encouragement warmed me in a way I hadn't expected. I hadn't told many people about my decision yet, mostly because I still wasn't sure how permanent it would be. But hearing her say it like that made it feel real.

"It just felt like the right thing to do," I said, glancing at Azerin.

"I'm glad," Mrs. Harper said, picking up her books again. "You should stop by the bookstore before you go. I just got a shipment of some fascinating old texts—you'd love them."

"I'll try," I promised, though I wasn't sure if we'd have time.

As Mrs. Harper bustled away, I turned to Azerin, who was watching me with a faint smirk.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "It's just funny seeing you like this. Like you never left."

"Maybe I didn't," I said quietly, the words surprising even myself.

We wandered through the town, stopping at the bakery for coffee and cinnamon rolls, just like we used to. The warm, sugary pastry melted on my tongue, and I couldn't help but moan softly in appreciation.

"Still your favorite, huh?" Azerin said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Don't ruin this moment for me."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

As we sat at one of the small outdoor tables, the sunlight filtering through the trees above, I found myself relaxing in a way I hadn't in weeks. It felt... normal. Like we were just two people enjoying a quiet afternoon in a small town.

As we head back for the cabin, it almost feels like someone is watching us.