Bound by shadow

Chapter 10 The twin I never knew I had

Luna's POV

I trudged back to my room, shame and frustration weighing me down. The encounter with Foxy and Darius's subsequent praise for her still stung.

As I shut the door behind me, I leaned against it, letting out a deep sigh.

Was Foxy really the problem, or was it Darius?

His words, "You're awesome, Foxy. I haven't met anyone like you," echoed in my mind.

Why did it bother me so much?

I pushed away from the door and began to pace.

Darius was just Darius - arrogant, enigmatic, and infuriating.

Why let his opinions affect me?

I stopped pacing and gazed out the window.

The truth hit me like a cold breeze:

I wasn't just angry at Foxy or Darius's praise.

I was jealous.

Jealous of the attention, the admiration, and the connection Darius shared with Foxy.

My pride rebelled against the admission.

Fine. I was jealous.

But that wouldn't control me.

I squared my shoulders, determination igniting within.

I'd prove to Darius, Foxy, and myself:

I was more than just jealousy.

I was strength, resilience, and power.

The fire within me roared back to life.

Tomorrow, I'd face Darius and Foxy with a newfound resolve:

I wouldn't let emotions rule me.

I would rule them.

With a steady breath, I began to calm the turmoil within.

The room grew quiet, the shadows cast by the fading light a reminder:

Tonight, I'd regroup.

Tomorrow, I'd rise. I'll keep telling myself this until I feel better.

I stood at the window, lost in thought, when the door opened. Beta Elias entered, his presence a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

"Luna, how are you feeling?" he asked, his deep voice gentle.

I turned, attempting a nonchalant shrug. "Fine."

Beta Elias's gaze pierced mine. "Don't lie to me, Luna. I saw what happened."

I looked away, embarrassment warming my cheeks.

"Darius was goading you," Beta Elias said, his tone measured. "Praising Foxy to provoke a reaction."

My eyes snapped back to his. "Why?"

Beta Elias leaned against the wall, his expression thoughtful. "To test your control. And to understand what drives you."

I frowned, processing his words.

"Darius knows what he's doing, Luna," Beta Elias reassured. "He's pushing you to confront your emotions."

I took a deep breath, letting Beta Elias's calm demeanor soothe me.

"You'll be fine, Luna," he said, his voice low and confident. "Stay calm and collected, no matter what Darius throws at you."

Beta Elias's gaze lingered on mine, and for a moment, I sensed something more in his eyes - a flicker of warmth, of understanding.

But it vanished, leaving me wondering if I'd imagined it.

"Remember, Luna," he said, his tone measured, "your strength lies in your self-control."

With that, he turned to leave.

"Beta Elias?" I called out.

He paused, looking back.

"Thanks," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Beta Elias's expression softened, and for an instant, I saw a glimmer of a smile.

"You're welcome, Luna."

As he departed, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

Beta Elias's words echoed in my mind:

Stay calm and collected.

I could do that.

Or so I thought.

Beknownst to me, Beta Elias's eyes lingered on the closed door, a hint of a smile still playing on his lips.

"Luna," he whispered to himself, "you have no idea how strong you truly are.”

As Beta Elias departed, his low mutter echoed down the corridor: "She's stronger than she thinks... and more fragile." The words hung in the air like a whispered secret.

I settled onto my bed, intent on calming my racing thoughts. The silence enveloped me, a soothing balm for my frazzled nerves.

But as the stillness deepened, faint murmurs drifted through the air.

At first, I thought it was my imagination.

Then, the whispers grew louder, though still indistinct.

Curiosity piqued, I rose from bed and approached the door.

The murmurs seemed to emanate from nearby.

I stepped into the corridor, following the sound.

It led me to a door at the end of the hall.

Darius's room.

My heart skipped a beat.

What was he doing?

Who was he talking to?

The whispers ceased.

Silence.

I stood frozen, wondering if I should retreat.

But my curiosity refused to be satiated.

I leaned in, my ear inches from the door.

Waiting.

Listening.

For any sign of what lay beyond.

The darkness seemed to pulse with secrets.

My breath caught in my throat.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Darius stood before me, his eyes piercing.

"Luna," he said, his voice low and husky.

My heart raced.

What had I stumbled upon…

And what would be the cost of my curiosity… probably he'll punish me by not giving me delicious meals like he does.

"Eavesdropping, Luna?" Darius asked, his brow raised.

I straightened, feigning nonchalance. "Just... lost in thought."

Darius's gaze narrowed. "Outside my door?"

I shrugged. "I was looking for... Beta Elias."

Darius's skepticism was palpable. "At this hour?"

I forced a smile. "I couldn't sleep."

Darius stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter.

"Better we discuss this inside," he said, his tone measured.

I hesitated, then followed him into his room.

The space was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls.

"Today's events," Darius began, his voice low and even, "were... enlightening."

I swallowed hard, anticipating his lecture.

"Your emotions control you, Luna," he said, his eyes piercing. "You must learn to control them."

I nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

"I know," I muttered.

Darius's gaze lingered on mine. "Do you? Truly?"

His words struck a chord.

"I'll try," I promised.

Darius's expression softened slightly.

"Try harder," he advised. "Emotions cloud judgment. In our world, that's a lethal weakness."

The weight of his words settled upon me.

"I understand," I said, determination rising within.

Darius nodded.

"Good. Now, let's analyze today's events... and how you can improve."

The night wore on, filled with strategy and self-reflection.

As I left Darius's room, the darkness seemed less daunting.

I had a newfound resolve:

Control my emotions.

Master my powers.

And uncover the secrets surrounding Darius and whatever he was hiding