MOONLIGHT: The Curse Breaker

Chapter 4 : Handsome

In the remaining hours of the night, the Goddess raised her arms, her palms seemingly seeking blessings from the glowing moon, accompanied by the rising water from the Tierra river. She wore a long white dress that resembled wings fluttering in the cool breeze. Her long, golden-tinted hair danced freely with the wind, and her smooth arms shimmered in the moonlight. Her flawless face showed no imperfections, from her deep black eyes to the perfect shape of her nose and rosy lips, undeniable as the goddess who created everything.

"In my departure from the world where I once bestowed my love, I leave behind the fruit that will continue what I have started," she spoke, and it seemed the moon shone brighter at her words. The trees and plants swayed with the cool breeze around. The water from the Tierra Lake slowly formed small droplets, resembling the tears that flowed from the goddess's eyes. "May it continue what I have begun and break whatever curse envelops the world of Arteria," she clasped her hands together, slowly lowering her head and kneeling on the ground, her face veiled in profound sorrow gradually covered by her folded hands. As she kissed her hands, water burst forth from the Tierra river.

Simultaneously, countless droplets of water began to fall all around, the gusts of wind intensified and sped up, and the moon shone even brighter as if drawing energy from something. As the strong wind ceased and the water stopped falling, the moon goddess disappeared, but in her disappearance emerged a gigantic tree made of gold and the birth of a tiny infant that came from its singular fruit.

*End of flashback*

-Najara-

"Are you listening, dear?" I almost dropped the ladle I was holding due to Dad's loud voice. The two of them were now seated together at the table.

Dad sat in the middle with Louise sitting on his right, busy scanning the surroundings of our home. Her mouth is slightly agape as she looked at the large swords hanging on the wall.

'if I didn't know this psycho i will say she looks so cute right now'

Below the swords on the wall, neatly mounted on top of the black cabinet, was the very first sword Dad made with my mother. Its blade was silver, and its black handle had intricate silver carvings of a serpent coiled around it, with a blue diamond at the eye.

He made this sword assuming their firstborn would be a boy and to ensure that it would be raised as a brave knight of the palace. However, all those plans vanished when a baby girl—me—was born. I knew Dad loved me deeply, especially after my mother passed away from a serious illness, but I also knew he desired a son.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I began as I placed food on a large plate. "I just remembered something."

I quickly placed it on the table along with other dishes. I sat to Dad's left and handed out their plates.

Dad immediately thanked me while Louise continued to stare at the swords as if she had never seen anything like them before. So, I gave her a 'gentle' kick under the table to get her attention.

"Ow! Wha--ah! Thanks," she quickly took the plate and held the spoon and fork in both of her hands, eagerly waiting to fill her plate with foods like a kid would do.

"Do you know that the king wants me to make a hundred swords for the new knights of the palace? in just four months!" Father began as he placed food on his plate. "What does he think of me? Do I have a hundred hands? He gave me too short of a time! Now I need to stay at the palace for 4 months straight!" he complained while taking a spoonful of food.

I just shook my head, unaware that the person in front of me was already looking at me, smiling as if waiting for something. So, I pointed at the food using my fork, and she immediately nodded, her smile widening. I pushed the plate of food towards her and gestured for her to take it. Louise continued to stare at me without moving from her seat, and slowly the smile disappeared from my lips as I realize that she wanted me to serve her.

'what a burden.'

Suddenly, her face creased, a sign that she had read my thoughts once again. She glanced towards my Father, who was busy complaining about the king's orders.

She looked back at me and grinned, leaning closer her face just inches away, making it impossible for my eyes not to dart around. Despite feeling a bit uncomfortable, I remained in my place, she may be tough, but I am tougher than her.

"Can't you just stop?" I whispered, loud enough for her to hear.

"Stop what?" she whispered back, making me swallow hard as I felt her breath on my face.

'Is she eating flowers? Why does her breath smell so good??'

"S-stop reading my thoughts," I was surprised by myself with an unexpected stutter, knowing she noticed it as a grin spread across her lips. It infuriated me how she seemed to enjoy the effect she had on me.

'Remember, Ada is the one you love' I tried to convince myself.

But was it still right to continue liking her after what she did to me? Besides, there are a lot of things that are far more important than that.

"Am I the important one you're talking about?" I knew she can feel the rising annoyance in me, so she was trying to provoke me further.

"If you have nothing else to do, you better leave," I knew my voice was getting louder as Louise glanced briefly toward Father, seemingly indifferent to us. He continued eating and conversing while staring straight at his plate.

I wasn't sure if he was just too absorbed in his food or if he noticed us, but he remained silent. Whatever it was, I didn't care anymore, I just wanted this person to leave my sight or better yet, leave our home.

"Don't worry, I cast a spell on your father. Right now, he sees us quietly eating," Louise replied with a smile. I was about to reprimand her but she spoke again, "If you serve me food right now, I won't tell your father about your little adventure in my forest," a hint of threat in his words. I suddenly felt anxious knowing what a grave sin I had committed, and that the high mages of Heraum wouldn't let it slide. "Or about the bandits, easy right?"

"What do you want, Louise?" I emphasized her name. She paused slightly after I mentioned it, her throat bobbing up and down as her expression turned serious.

"L-later after this, I have to tell you something important, honey" she said in a deep voice, which made the anxiety in my chest return. "But first, do what I say, serve me" she added with a smile, she adjusted herself back into her previous position.

She leaned her back on the chair, arms crossed over her chest, her legs slightly apart, and she stared at me intently, before pointing at the food using her eyes.

I trembled as I reached for the food, partly from irritation and anxiety that she might report me to Father. But irritation still overshadowed everything. I couldn't understand why I let her join us. I should have just left her alone earlier.

I returned to my seat abruptly and ate quietly. Father and Louise exchanged various stories, sometimes making me raise an eyebrow at the lies coming from her mouth.

'Not just a liar, but shameless too.'

_____________________________

"I'm leaving! Take care, especially you, my dear! See you after 4 months!" Father bid farewell as he waved inside the carriage, holding the box of chocolates that I bought for him earlier.

"Take care--"

"Take care, uncle! Good luck!!" my companion suddenly shouted, waving her hand in the air.

I glared at Louise in annoyance and stormed into the house her following me until I reached my room. She flopped onto my bed, so I grabbed her arm and forcefully pulled her to the floor.

"You're so cruel, I just want to take a rest," she replied sadly as she stood up.

"You're filthy! So don't you dare!" I retorted irritably, noticing the stains of blood still on her clothes. It was strange that Father hadn't noticed earlier.

She pouted and stood in the middle of the room. I thought she would cause some trouble, but she just snapped her fingers. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she did the same to me. I was surprised when thick smoke emerged from her feet, enveloping her entire body up to her head. I was about to leave when the smoke suddenly disappeared, revealing Louise in different attire.

She was now wearing black boots and black pants, with a white shirt tucked in. The shirt had only three buttons undone at the top, and the sleeves were rolled up to her elbows. The white bandages on her neck and both arms were still there, but no more blood stain, and I could see some inside of her shirt, suggesting she used them to cover her chest. Her hair was still tied up as before. The dirt on her face was gone, and from where I stood, I could smell some flowery fragrance.

"Handsome" I whispered to myself, clutching my chest.

"What?" I jolted at her sudden question. She was grinning while looking at me.

"F-father looked handsome earlier" I stammered, trying to look around. "R-right?" Louise just grinned and nodded, but she didn't take her eyes off me.

"So, can I lie down now?" she asked, but before I could answer, she had already flopped onto my bed. I remained standing and staring at her. I was about to leave when I remembered something.

"What was it that you wanted to tell me earlier?" I asked with curiosity.

She stood up from the bed and stared at me intensely, her gaze was sharp enough that I couldn't tell if she was angry or not. We stared at each other until a loud knock was heard coming from the front door of the house.

"Jara! Jara! Are you there?" shouted a familiar voice.

"Tsk, f**k it!" I heard Louise mutter before lying back down on the bed. "Open the door, and tell them to shut up" Louise added irritably before waving her hand.

The door opened on its own, and it felt like a gust of wind pushed me out of the room. Annoyed, I turned to face her, but the door slammed shut. Frustrated, I walked straight to the door where Ada was. I took a deep breath before opening it.

"Ada, what are you doing here—oh mercy....."