Rejection Of The Moon Goddess

Elara’s fingers slipped on the tiny button again. She cursed under her breath and tried once more, heart hammering so hard she could feel it in her throat. The high-collared dress refused to cooperate tonight, just like everything else lately. “Come on… just close,” she whispered, twisting in front of the mirror. The door creaked open behind her. Darius stepped in, still in his crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His dark raven hair was slightly messy, like he’d been running his hands through it. Those sharp golden-brown eyes locked on her immediately. “Need help?” he asked, voice low. Elara froze, then gave a small nod without turning around. He crossed the room in three strides. His warm fingers brushed the back of her neck as he fastened the stubborn button. She shivered at the touch. “There,” he murmured, lips close to her ear. “All covered.” She stared at their reflection. The dress hid the large birthmark on her collarbone perfectly. No one would see it tonight. Good. “You’ve been quiet all evening,” Darius said. He turned her gently to face him, hands resting on her waist. “Talk to me, Elara.” She swallowed hard and forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just… preparing for the ceremony tomorrow. You know how everyone watches me.” Darius’s jaw tightened. He pulled her closer until her body pressed against his. “They watch because you’re beautiful. Because you’re mine.” Elara let out a shaky laugh and rested her forehead on his chest. “Yours. Even though I still haven’t given you what everyone wants.” He tilted her chin up with two fingers. “Hey. Look at me.” She met his eyes. They were intense, searching. “I chose you,” he said firmly, thumb brushing her lower lip. “Fate chose you. I don’t care what anyone else thinks.” Her fingers curled into his shirt. “Then why do I feel like I’m failing you every single day?” Darius exhaled sharply. He walked her backward until her back met the wall, caging her in with his arms. “You’re not failing me. You’re everything I want. Every night I come home to you… that’s enough.” Elara’s breath hitched. She reached up and traced his jaw with trembling fingers. “Promise?” “Promise.” He leaned in and kissed her slowly, deeply, like he was trying to pour every unsaid word into her. She kissed him back harder, hands sliding into his hair, pulling him closer. For a moment, everything else disappeared — the whispers, the expectations, the fear gnawing at her chest. They moved to the bed in a tangle of limbs and whispered names. Clothes came off piece by piece. Darius’s mouth trailed down her neck, careful to avoid the covered mark, like he always did. Elara arched into him, gasping his name. Later, they lay tangled in the sheets, breathing hard. Darius held her against his chest, fingers lazily stroking her back. “I love you,” he whispered into her hair. “Never doubt that.” Elara smiled softly and pressed a kiss to his collarbone. “I love you too.” His phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. Darius groaned but reached over to check it. His body went still as he read the message. Elara lifted her head. “What is it?” He stared at the screen for a long second, brows pulled together. “It’s the elders. They want an emergency meeting. Right now. About… securing the bloodline.” Elara’s stomach dropped. She searched his face, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Darius?” He sat up slowly, still holding the phone, his knuckles white around it.