Luna`s Truth

Chapter Five: A New Beginning.

Alex`s pov.

I watched as evelyn finished the last slice of bread. She had consumed everything I had bought her! I had underestimated just how hungry she was. Only the weariness in her eyes remained. I looked at her closely, noting the way she huddled against the dusty floor, shivering slightly in the cold air. It was then that I saw the other tattoos on her wrists, just like the ones she had on her thigh.

"Why are you looking at my hands like that?" she asked, distracting my thoughts.

"Because they're pretty?"

Silence followed.

"Do you want to sleep like this?" I asked, unable to hide the concern in my voice. "On the cold floor, feeling the chilly air seep into your bones?"

She didn't answer, just looked down at her hands.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me. Why did I seem to care so much about her well-being? She was a stranger for crying out loud! Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe all I felt was pity; Compassion for her helpless. That had to be it.

Once more, silence echoed through the room. I wished I could read her thoughts, understand them, know the turmoil that lay hidden behind that guarded face of hers.

"I have a humble place where you can stay for the night," I offered. "You can shower, change, nurse your injuries and have a proper bed to sleep in."

"I`m comfortable here,"

"When are you going to stop lying? "

Did she just refuse my offer? I couldn't fathom why she would turn down such a gesture of kindness. Was it pride, stubbornness, or something else entirely?

Inwardly, I cursed my own confusion, wishing I knew what she was thinking. Any other person would have accepted my offer without hesitation, but not Evelyn. Her reluctance only fueled my curiosity. She was just so different. I lifted her face gently with my fingers till we were looking at each other directly in the eyes.

"Eva, I told you earlier didn't I? I won't hurt you," I said convincingly "I know we just met but just trust me,"

"Okay," she responded after a few seconds.

"Would you prefer to sleep in a hotel then?" I asked.

Her eyes flickered up, confused. "What's a hotel?"

For a moment, I was taken aback. Where was this girl from?

"You've never heard of one before?"

Evelyn shook her head again, her expression revealing her ignorance. Nevertheless, I explained the concept of an hotel to her.

"So?? What do you say?"

"Sure," she responded reluctantly.

"Wait here," I told her as I stepped out momentarily to make arrangements for our departure from there.

Once I was out, I dialed Nathaniel`s number on my phone as I leaned against the cool exterior wall. It rang a few times before he finally picked up.

"Hey alex, what`s up?" Nathaniel's voice came through the line.

"I need you to send someone to bring my car," I said, cutting straight to the chase.

"What for? I thought you were strolling tonight?"

"I need to help a friend."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Nathaniel`s laughter

"Well, well, look at you, mr chivalrous. Who`s the lucky lady?"

I sighed, exasperated by my brother's teasing and naughty mind.

"It`s not like that. She's.....in a tough spot, and I offered to help."

"You offered to help huh," he repeated sarcastically. "

" Nate, I don't have time for this right now,"

" Alright, alright, take a chill pill man, relax" Nathaniel replied, laughing.

When would he grow? Didn't he realize that I was his older brother?

"I'll have the car ready and sent to you in fifteen minutes. Just make sure you don`t scare her off with your brooding vampire vibe."

I rolled my eyes, knowing there was no point in arguing with him.

" Thanks Nate, I appreciate it."

"No problem, " Nathaniel said cheerfully. "Just know I'm waiting for you to come back and tell me all about your damsel in distress later. I want to hear every juicy detail."

With a resigned smile, I ended the call and made my way back in the abandoned house to find Evelyn still shivering, her arms wrapped around herself in a feeble attempt to ward off the chill. I offered her my jacket, hoping to provide some warmth and comfort in the cold night air.

Evelyn hesitated, "What if I soil it? look at me," she said, looking at her dirty dress.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don`t worry about that," I insisted, draping the jacket over her shoulders. "It's not like I`m planning to wear it again tonight."

As I watched her cling to the jacket, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

" It's so warm," she murmured.

I couldn't explain why I felt compelled to help her. It was as if fate had brought us together, weaving our paths together in ways I couldn't comprehend.

The sound of a loud horn blared through the night, startling evelyn. I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction, finding amusement in her innocence.

"It's just my driver," I reasured her, gesturing towards the source of the noise. "He brought the car for us. It`ll be more convenient to look for a suitable hotel, don`t you think?"

Evelyn looked at me quizzically, her expression filled with uncertainty. I couldn't blame her, after all, she knew nothing about me. I gave her a reassuring smile. When we got to the car, the driver opened the doors for us.

"Should I really sit here with my dirty clothes?'

"It's fine, don`t worry about it."

We settled into the back seat and I ordered the servant to drive us to the hotel. The ride was mostly silent, but I noticed Evelyn's eyes light up as she looked out the window.

"The town looks beautiful at night," she murmured, her voice full of awe. "All the lights, the people, the sky, it's so lovely."

For the first time, I saw a genuine smile on her face, and it struck me how much I liked it. Her smile was warm, lighting up her features in a way that made my heart skip a beat.

We arrived at the grand hotel, its name gleaming in elegant script: "Moonlight Palace."

I was pleased. It was my favourite hotel. I was flattered to have such a building in my name. The servant opened the door for us. As Evelyn stepped out, she stood transfixed, taking in the beauty of the hotel.

" You like? " I asked.

" Yes. It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, smiling.

" It's the best in town," I said proudly.

As we walked to the reception, I noticed the way the staff greeted me with respect, their eyes flicking curiously at Evelyn. She seemed unaware of their scrutiny, still lost in the splendor around her. It was a good thing.

"Book a room for her," I instructed the receptionist, who nodded quickly and handed me a key. As I led evelyn to the elevators, she looked nervous.

"What's wrong?"

"I`ve never used one of these before," she admitted.

"It's easy," I said, pressing the button. "Just step in and it`ll take us to your floor."

Evelyn hesitated but followed my lead. Once inside, she clung to my arm as the elevator started moving, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and wonder.

When we reached her floor, I led her to the room, unlocking the door and pushing it open. The room was as luxurious as the rest of the hotel, with a large, comfortable bed, a beautiful view of the city and a spacious bathroom.

Evelyn stood at the threshold, her eyes wide.

"This is...for me?"

I nodded. "Yes. You can stay here for as long as you need. There`s a shower and a comfortable bed. I'll order fresh clothes for you as well."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you Alex. I don`t know why you`re helping me, but...thank you."

I smiled softly. " Just get some rest. We'll talk more tomorrow."

As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but glance back at her one last time. Those eyes were just the best I had ever set my eyes on. There was just something about her, something that made me want to protect her, understand her.