MoonBound

#03.

“I'm Bane, this way” he said, without wasting any time.

“Okay.” He led her to a black SUV outside the airport, opening the passenger side door for Adriana to get in, before getting into the driver’s seat. She placed her bag between her legs before securing the seat belt around herself.

He turned the ignition and the car purred to life and they pulled away from the terminal, heading straight for Juliette.

Bane had been driving for a while, the silence almost comforting. Adriana stared out the window as he drove them through the city but eventually city lights faded, and they were on a highway, some kilometers in he eventually turned off the highway onto winding roads and long stretches of trees.

The deeper they went, the more she became aware of her surroundings. Her thoughts drifted toward what lay ahead.

It had been over a year since she last saw Juliette. They’d once been inseparable, closer than most sisters. Until she disappeared, Adriana couldn't stop thinking about what her life had been like all this while, who she's marrying?, how they met?, why she didn't call or text all these while if she was okay?

Twenty minutes in, they were still surrounded by trees. No road signs. No houses. Just more trees. And nightfall fast approaching.

“Uhm… How much further?” she asked Bane when the road seemed to be unending.

“Not much further anymore, just a few minutes” he responded.

She sighed, going back to watching the trees pass by, wondering what hid under the blanket of the dark.

Eventually, the SUV turned off the road onto a dirt road, after a little while on the path they slowed to a stop in front of a tall, wrought iron gate, flanked by thick stone columns entwined with vines *Dark Eclipse* written in bold letters at the top. The gate groaned open almost immediately and as they entered she felt something shift in the air, she couldn't quite tell, and thought probably her nerves.

The woods beyond the gate felt different; quieter, deeper, like stepping into a place the rest of the world had long forgotten. The trees stood taller, their branches almost forming an arch above the narrow path. After another ten minutes, the road curved and the sight of the trees parted for the sight that nearly stole her breath.

Beyond all the nature stood a beautiful town. Nestled in the woods like a well-kept secret, it glowed with soft light and quiet life. Beautiful townhouses, shops with wooden signs and flower boxes. Small cottages with wraparound porches. A bakery with smoke curling from the chimney. String lights hung above cobbled paths where children ran barefoot and some adults lingered by benches.

It was beautiful. Peaceful. And completely unexpected.

“Where am I?” she whispered to herself but Bane seemed to have heard if his light chuckle was anything to go by.

The car rolled slowly through the streets, then turned down another path that led up to a very nice looking mansion.

It was massive, glowing with warm light, framed by gardens and ivy-covered balconies. A fountain burbled in the circular driveway. It looked old but timeless, like it had been standing for generations and would continue long after she was gone.

On the front steps, stood Juliette in a beautiful black flowy dress, a flower crown resting atop her head as she bounced on her feet. She looked absolutely beautiful, like she had been plucked from a princess fantasy novel.

Adriana got out of the car just as Juliette came flying towards her with open arms.

“Driana!” she squealed, pulling her into a very tight hug.

She hugged her back, half worried she'd disappear just as fast as she appeared.

“You're finally here” Juliette said, pulling back. “I missed you so much.”

Adriana smiled faintly. “Yeah. It’s been a while.” she said as her eyes scanned Juliette from head to toe, making sure she wasn't hurt anywhere.

“Come on. You’ve gotta be tired. Wait till you see the room I prepared for you. I'm so glad you're here” she said, locking their arms in the familiar but almost forgotten way she used to, pulling her into the elaborate mansion which Adriana found to be extremely stunning. Wide, polished floors. Arched ceilings. Warm lighting. It wasn’t cold or overly formal, it felt like a home well lived in.

Juliette led her up the stairs, down a hallway, while she reinstated how much she missed her. They turned right at the end of the hallway to another long hallway but they finally arrived by the door to Adriana’s room. She pushed the door open leading the way into the beautiful cream colored room. The bed looked like it could fit three people without any discomfort.

“What do you think, Dri?” Juliette asked, as she took in the room.

“It's huge... and very beautiful.” she replied, wondering how rich Juliette's groom is to be able to afford all this.

The bed covers reminded her of dark clouds and rainy nights, a fireplace sat beneath a mounted painting and a cushioned window seat overlooking the gardens. An open door on the left led to an equally huge bathroom.

“Wow, definitely massive.” she said.

“You should freshen up. The pa… uhm.. everyone already ate dinner but I'll go fix something up for you, you must be starving.” She said lingering for a moment, like she wanted to say more.., but then she turned and left.

Adriana sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, then took in a deep breath. Letting herself relax a bit into her surroundings.

She didn’t know what Juliette’s life had been like or what she went through but this seemed like a good place to be, it felt a bit relaxing and she didn't have to think of what to do with her life, at least for now, it was a pause. A moment to be still.

She peeled off her clothes, grabbed a fresh tank and shorts, before stepping into the breathtaking bathroom. Stone floors, rainfall shower, lavender soaps, and a bathtub big enough to swim in. She drew herself a bath before losing track of time and herself soaking in the tub.

“Adriana..? Driana..? Driana…?”

She opened her eyes to see Juliette looking down at her. “You must have been really tired… I was half tempted to let you sleep, I would have if I wasn't worried you'd drown.” she said as she made her way back out.

Adriana washed herself off, toweled her body dry, changed into her tank top and shorts before joining Juliette in the room. Her nose immediately took her in the direction of the nice looking piece of steak and salad.

“I was hoping the smell would draw you out of the bathroom but when it didn't I knew immediately something was up” she said, nestled on the bed.

Adriana quickly tore into her dinner while Juliette explained some details of the wedding, saying it wasn't like a normal traditional wedding but she'd definitely love the diversity.

She was really glad to be there at this moment, wishing it wouldn't end, she devoured her dinner half tired, half asleep, didn't even remember getting into bed, she just slowly succumbed to the call of the dark as the day's fatigue finally set in.