HIS LUNA; CHOSEN AT A COST

Episode 004

We shared a half-eaten pizza while seated at the kitchen table. The air was heavy. My stomach was too full to eat any more, so I picked at the crust with my fingers.

"Dad?" Silently, I said.

"Yes, dear?"

"Are we having financial difficulties?"

He glanced up from his plate and blinked. "Obviously not. Why would you ask that?

"This morning, I was packing your bag again. A few papers dropped out. The bills had been designated as past due. Additionally, I couldn't find any of Mum's money on the bank documents.

He stopped. For a moment, his eyes narrowed, and then his voice faltered.

"You checked my bag?"

I squirmed in my chair. "I wasn't spying," I insisted. They simply parted ways. I was unable to avoid seeing.

He exhaled, threw his pizza back on the plate, and wiped his face with his hands.

"I'm sorry, my love," he whispered. "I didn't mean to come across as angry. To put it simply, I didn't anticipate that things would get this difficult. Your mother took care of all the financial matters.

A knot formed in my throat, which I swallowed. "How about that work paper? The one bearing Alessio's name?

I requested an advance from him. We just need something to keep us afloat. Don't leave the house. Pay your bills.

What about your promotion, though? And I also have to work?

It was a condition of the agreement. We both figured it out. We relocate to Silvino, where everything is taken care of, and our salaries pay off the loan.

Unsure whether to feel angry or sorry for him, I gazed at my plate. "When will it be paid off?"

"Maybe by the next school year if we both continue."

Nothing further was said by me. After finishing what remained on my plate, I headed up to my room. I tried to act like nothing unusual was happening as I cuddled up under the blanket. that our family was once again just like any other.

The alarm went off much too soon. It is four o'clock. I quickly reached out and slapped the snooze button. Minutes later, it buzzed once more. With a groan, I dragged myself from bed. Take a shower first. I might be awakened by it.

The hot water was somewhat helpful. I let the steam soothe me while I used my tropical-scented soap. However, the chilly air pricked my skin as soon as I went outside. I reached into my luggage and took out the warmest clothing I could locate. Clearly, I needed more clothing. I mentally noted that if I had time, I should check the stores later.

I made lunch for Dad and me in the kitchen. wrote a note to him. It was stuck to the refrigerator. "The top shelf is where lunch is. Remember. I adore you.

I walked out towards the mansion with my rucksack draped over my shoulder. It's still dark and cold. Little clouds of breath blasted out of me. Today, the stone walkway seemed longer.

Alessia handed me a folded uniform and a passkey when I arrived.

She said, "Get changed quickly." "Today you're on the fifth floor."

I didn't ask questions; I just nodded. I quickly changed, gathered the necessary materials, and ascended. I was instructed to keep quiet and not to disturb anyone. In any case, the fifth floor was silent. It seemed as though a ghost resided there. A few rooms appeared to have been unaltered for years.

The bedroom was my last choice. He needed to change the sheets, and he was coming back today. Orders were orders.

I grabbed for the kitchen door.

I was pulled back by a hand.

Before I could even make out who it was, I was thrown against the wall with a powerful hand around my neck. I dropped my garments and struggled to free myself, attempting to remove the grip. unable to breathe.

"What are you doing in my space, and who are you?"

His tone was harsh and irate.

I attempted to respond. "I—I'm Alessio—I'm the new cleaner."

He clenched his fingers. I stopped talking. My vision became hazy.

He leaned closer. inhaled close to my neck. Then he stopped.

“How old are you?” He lowered his voice.

"Seventeen. I rasped, "I'll be eighteen in three months."

He gave me another whiff. Really?

"You're a human?"

What sort of inquiry was that?

I nodded slightly, still perplexed. He relaxed. I tried to pull breath back into my aching throat as I collapsed to the ground, coughing and wheezing.

Too silent to hear, he snarled something under his breath and rushed away.

I lay on the ground for a little while longer, taking deep, agonising breaths. While standing, my legs trembled. After gathering my belongings, I went into the kitchen. I would rather not explain anything to anyone. No way, not Alessia.

Don't let this guy come around again, please. My neck might not withstand another round.

I quickly and thoroughly cleaned the kitchen before moving on to the rest of the floor, except his office and room. I was aware that I would eventually have to clean them. However, it wasn't an immediate necessity. Not immediately after that.

I made my way back down to the staff lockers at 8:30. stayed out of sight. Questions weren't what I wanted.

Already, bruises were appearing. I could feel them forming. Alessia couldn't see. I wanted to avoid being a snitch. Didn’t want to cause Dad additional trouble.

I put on my hoodie and school jumper, trying to cover my neck as much as possible. San-Lorenzo-HIGH couldn't be visited in this manner. Not without someone asking or staring.

I went to the pharmacy on foot instead. I was surprised to see that the concealer I chose matched my skin tone. purchased it. crept into the bathroom in the back. The bruises were more severe than I had anticipated. Black and deep purple.

I applied layers of makeup and dabbed until the bruises were sufficiently gone. For now, it would suffice.

Embarrassed, I arrived at school late. Head lowered, I entered the gates, praying no one would notice.

knocked on the door of the principal.

"Enter now!"

I slowly opened it.

She raised her head from her desk. "You're Luna, must be. You're running late.

"I apologise. This morning, I had to go to work.

Don't ask what occurred, please. Please.

She hesitated. She took a breath, as if something surprised her, but chose not to express it. Instead, she took out a tiny folder with my name on it.

After a time, she closed it. "So far, you've performed incredibly well. at the top of your classes. Only one subject is unique to this town, and that's History. Everyone accepts it.

"All right, what sort of history?"

She smiled a little. The town has a rich history. Soon, everything will make sense.

She got up and gave me a timetable.

"Luna, try not to be late again. On your first day, I would hate to assign you to detention.

"Won't occur again."

I could feel eyes on me as I walked out of the office. There were numerous individuals observing me. There were whispers in the air. There was a new girl in the room. Late. Keep quiet. Put on a hoodie.

Way to fit in, huh?