Moonlit betrayal

CHAPTER 2: EVENING OF ATTRACTIVENESS

Luna was nursing her drink and attempting to block ideas of Ryder from her head while seated at a small table in the little neighbourhood tavern. She had come here to relax with Selene, but her mind kept returning to the enigmatic festival visitor.

"Hello? Luna?" Selene asked, waving her hand in front of Luna's face. "you have been lost in thought all night."

Luna laughed and shook her head. "My apologies, Selene; just have a lot to consider."

"Is it about that guy from the festival? What was his name again?" Selene asked, grinning mischievously.

"Ryder," Luna said, feeling a flutter in her breast by saying his name. "We hardly know each other; I can't get him out of my head but it's stupid."

Selene bent in, her eyes glittering with curiosity. "Maybe you should investigate it; sometimes you just feel a spark with someone."

The tavern door swung open before Luna could respond and Ryder entered. Luna's heart sped as they gazed across the room. His green eyes locked hers right away, and he looked exactly as beautiful as she had remembered.

"Luna," he said, smiling broadly as he walked toward their table.

"Ryder," she said, attempting to keep her voice steady. "What brings you here?"

"I could ask you the same," Ryder answered, his voice cool and steady. "May I accompany you?"

Of course, Selene said before Luna could reply. "Make a seat."

Ryder dropped down, his presence filling the room right away. Luna sensed the conflict between them, an invisible thread bringing them nearer. They struck up a small conversation about the festival and life in Silverwood, but the undercurrent of attraction was obvious.

Seeing the mounting stress, Selene left Luna and Ryder alone excusing herself to get another drink.

Ryder said gently, his eyes never leaving Luna's: "I can't stop thinking about you."

Luna's breath paused. "I think the same thing. It's strange, isn't it? We hardly know each other, yet..."

"Yet it feels like we do," Ryder finished, coming in closer. Just the two of them were left in their tiny universe as the bar seemed to vanish.

Luna determined it was time to go as the evening wore on. She left the pub into the crisp night air, and she couldn't help but peek back wondering whether Ryder would follow.

In line with his intuition, he showed up behind her. Ryder said, his tone sincere and light, "Allow me to escort you to your vehicle."

Luna answered, her pulse sharpening as they strolled together: "I appreciate that." Their unsaid bond grew with every stride as a comfortable silence engulfed them.

When Luna found her car, she turned to confront Ryder. She battled to understand the complicated combination of feelings his emerald eyes reflected.

" Ryder, I..." Luna started, but before she could complete Ryder closed the distance between them, his lips unexpectedly, fiercely kissed hers.

Luna turned to face the kiss, her arms naturally encircling Ryder's neck and time seemed to stop. She had never come upon such a strong, flawless moment.

Both lost in the moment, Ryder's hands softly cupped her face as the kiss got stronger. It appears their mutual link alone mattered.

Both were breathless as they at last separated. Luna said, "I'm not sure what's happening between us," but "I don't want it to end."

Ryder answered, his voice quiet: "Neither do I." He looked at his adjacent parked automobile. "Join me; let's locate somewhere we might be alone."

Luna paused slightly before nodding. "Alright."

The road to Ryder's remote cabin was calm, mixed with both excitement and anxiety. When Luna arrived, she was in awe of the rustic appeal of the home tucked away far into the forest.

Ryder unlocked the door for her, and they went in. The lodge was cozy and pleasant, with a nice glow across the space from the fireplace.

Ryder murmured gently, "Make yourself comfortable," then pointed her to the sofa.

Luna took a seat and tried to slow her beating heart among a whirl of emotions. "This place is fantastic," she said.

Ryder followed her, fixated on her face. He said, "I seldom bring anyone here," reaching for her hand. But I wanted to show you this unique location.

Luna grinned; warmth coursed through her. "I appreciate you doing."

For a minute they sat silently, the fire quietly flickering in the backdrop. Then they leaned in, their lips connecting in another intense kiss as though pulled by an invisible force.

This time, they let loose. Their kiss grew deeper, hands wandering as their love blazed.

" Ryder..." Luna said, drawing away just enough to meet his eye.

"Luna," Ryder's fingers traced her face as he uttered her name like a vow. "I want this and you."

Luna nodded and her heart surged. "I wanted you too."

With those remarks, their final slights of control disappeared. Moving as one, their bond strengthened with every touch and kiss. The evening went in a cloud of desire, creating a link neither could articulate.

Luna moved as soft morning light came through the windows. She blinked, a little lost at first. Then, Ryder, their evening together, all came back to the bar.

She peered around, but Ryder had left. She sat up, putting the blanket around her, and felt uncertainty and disappointment sweep over her.

She yelled, " Ryder?" her voice resonating in the still cabin. Not one reply arrived.

Luna climbed out of bed, her head whirling. Why would he vanish without saying anything? Had their bond felt so real?

Outside, Ryder walked back and forth, heart weighty. Luna seemed to him his destined mate. He had sensed it last night as their relationship grew. But this reality made him afraid.

Ryder mumbled, "I can't do this," hands tightened. He had never sought a partner or the accompanying obligations. And now, among all individuals, it was Luna—a human ignorant of his environment.

Though it split him inside, he knew what he had to do. Ryder turned and left Luna alone, looking one last at the cabin.

Inside Luna noticed Ryder wasn't returning and a tear rolled down her cheek. She wasn't sure; she had assumed their night signified something.

Luna couldn't get rid of the sense that this was only the start of something more, something she wasn't ready for as she got ready to go.

She could only depart right now, bearing the memory of a night she would never forget.