The Cursed Awakening book 1

Chapter 8 Moonlight Reflections

Third person POV

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the Beta property. The pool house behind the Beta home shimmered in the moonlight, soft laughter echoing from within. Reed sat on a lounge chair, Zaina curled up next to him, her head resting on his chest. Their conversation was soft and intimate, their bond growing deeper with every word.

Inside the main Beta house, Coral’s parents were tucking the youngest members of the family into bed. Harmony, a year older than the triplets, was lying on her bed with a storybook in her hands, reading quietly to Symphony, who giggled and pointed at the pictures. Romulus and Lyric were already fast asleep, sprawled out in their beds, their matching faces serene. Coral’s mom kissed Harmony on the forehead and gently reminded her it was bedtime.

“Okay, okay,” Harmony said with a small pout, closing the book and slipping under the covers. Symphony followed suit, snuggling close to her stuffed bunny.

Outside on the porch, Coral sat with Eli, her back pressed against the wooden railing as he leaned in close. His lips brushed against her neck, his hands resting lightly on her waist.

“Eli,” Coral whispered, her voice tinged with breathlessness, “I think it’s time for you to go.”

Eli groaned softly, resting his forehead against hers. “Babe, just a little longer,” he murmured, his lips grazing her jawline.

Coral placed her hands on his chest, pushing him back gently with a small laugh. “No, really. It’s late, and you need to go.”

Reluctantly, Eli leaned back, his hands still lingering. “Okay, fine,” he said with a playful grin. “But I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

Coral smiled, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “Of course.”

They shared one last lingering kiss before Eli stood, jogging down the steps toward his car. Coral watched him drive off, her heart light yet tinged with a bittersweet ache.

Settling onto the porch swing, she pulled out her favorite book from the small box beneath the bench. She flipped it open but paused, tilting her head to gaze at the moon. A soft smile tugged at her lips.

“Life is actually pretty great,” she mused quietly to herself. “I’m starting junior year soon. I’ve got amazing friends, an incredible family, and a cute boyfriend who’s about to become a warrior.”

The thought of Eli leaving for camp tugged at her chest, but she reminded herself it was only for eight months. They had one more month together before he’d head off, and she intended to make every moment count.

She exhaled deeply, her gaze returning to her book. But the peace didn’t last. A faint unease crept up her spine, as if someone or something was watching her. Coral glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the darkened yard, but she saw nothing.

Shaking her head, she dismissed the feeling and turned her attention back to the book. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hum of crickets.

But in the shadows, just beyond the reach of the porch light, a figure stood motionless, their gaze locked on Coral. The intensity of their stare didn’t waver, even as she turned the page, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

Jason’s POV

She looks so beautiful sitting there in the moonlight, lost in her book. The soft glow highlights the delicate curve of her cheek and the way her curls fall around her face. I know I shouldn’t linger, but I can’t help myself. I have to talk to her one last time before I leave.

I walk toward the Beta household, each step feeling heavier than the last. She doesn’t even notice me standing at the bottom of the porch stairs, her attention completely absorbed by her book. The sight makes me smile despite myself.

Taking a deep breath, I run a hand through my short, dark brown curls, my blue eyes locked on her. My tan skin feels warm in the humid night air, and my lean, muscular frame feels oddly tense. I may be 6’4 and preparing to head to Elite Alpha School, but right now, I feel like a nervous kid again.

I climb the steps slowly, my boots creaking against the wood. She still doesn’t look up, so I grin mischievously and say, “Boo!”

Coral gasps, her hand flying to her chest as she looks up, wide-eyed. “Jason! You scared the crap out of me!”

I chuckle, dropping down to sit beside her on the porch swing. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”

“You’re so annoying,” she mutters, though her lips quirk up into a smile.

“What are you reading now?” I ask, glancing at the book in her lap.

She slips a bookmark between the pages and closes it, setting it down beside her. “Wuthering Heights. I’ve read it before, but it’s one of my favorites.”

“Figures,” I tease, leaning back against the swing. “You and your tragic romances.”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a softness in her expression.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, then ask, “Are you nervous?”

Her brows furrow slightly. “About what?”

“About me leaving. About... everything,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended.

She studies me for a moment before answering, “A little. But I’m more curious than anything. Are you nervous?”

I let out a small sigh, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “Yeah, maybe a bit. I mean, it’s Elite Alpha School. My dad’s told me all about it how intense it can be and how much they expect from you. But he says it’ll be worth it, so... I’m ready.”

“You’ll do great,” she says, her voice filled with certainty. “I know you will.”

“Thanks,” I say, meeting her eyes. Her confidence in me is something I don’t take lightly.

There’s a brief silence before I ask the question that’s been gnawing at me. “Do you really like that guy?”

Her lips curve into a smirk. “Yes, I do,” she replies firmly.

“Are you sure?” I press, narrowing my blue eyes at her.

“Yes, Jason,” she says with a laugh, shaking her head. “I’m positive.”

I lean back, running a hand over my face. “Okay, if you say so. But he seems a little... handsy.”

She bursts out laughing, the sound light and infectious. “Stop. He’s a good guy.”

“I’m just saying,” I mutter, my tone laced with protectiveness. “Be careful. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

She shakes her head, still smiling. “I’ll be fine. He’s leaving for warrior camp soon anyway. It’s only eight months, but still... you know how that goes.”

I nod, though the thought doesn’t sit well with me. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise,” she says, her voice softening.

I stand, stretching out my arms. “Stand up,” I say, motioning for her to join me.

She looks at me curiously but rises to her feet, brushing a curl from her face.

“This is the last time you’ll see me for two whole years,” I say with a teasing smirk.

She laughs, crossing her arms. “Two years isn’t that long.”

“Feels like forever to me,” I mutter, pulling her into a hug.

Her arms wrap around me tightly, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. When we pull back, our eyes meet, and something in the air shifts.

Without thinking, I reach up, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. My hand lingers for a moment, my heart pounding as I lean in.

The kiss is soft at first, tentative. But when her arms loop around my neck, it deepens, stealing the breath from my lungs. My hands rest on her waist as time seems to stop.

When we finally pull apart, both of us are breathing heavily, our foreheads resting together.

“I’ll see you later, Coral,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

She nods, her cheeks flushed, her brown eyes shining in the moonlight.

I step back, offering her a wink before jogging down the steps. As I disappear into the night, I can’t stop smiling. This might be the last memory I carry with me for the next two years, but it’s one I’ll never forget.