Moonlit Promises

chapter 4

Soft light poured through the only window in the small room, casting a warm glow that gradually coaxed Mira from the depths of her peaceful slumber. When she finally woke up, the first thing Mira noticed wasn't the soft sounds of breathing behind her, the soft light of the rising sun filtering into the room, or the soothing sounds of the birds greeting the day.

No, the strong arm draped across her body was the first thing that seized her awareness. As she lay there, her heart raced in unexpected excitement. The fine muscles under his skin rippled subtly with each breath he took. Only now did she notice the small rose tattoo on his wrist, a striking detail that sparked her curiosity. Slowly, she turned her head to glance at his face. She couldn't help but gasp as she took in the sight before her—his long, silver eyes danced with the light, casting playful shadows across his features. Her gaze moved lower, drawn irresistibly to his full lips, and a thrilling thought raced through her mind: what would it be like to feel them pressed against hers in a fiery kiss? Celin pulled her closer, almost as if he could somehow read her thoughts; stirring from his sleep, he chuckled, catching Mira off guard. "If you wanted a good morning kiss, all you had to do was ask, my dear," he teased, the sound awakening something deep within her. What was going on with her? Celin was her enemy—an inexplicable force that shouldn't draw her in like this. It was baffling; they had only met a day ago, yet it felt like she had been bound to him far longer. Desire twisted with confusion as she grappled with the undeniable chemistry crackling in the air between them.

As if sensing her inner turmoil, he quickly rushed forward, capturing her lips against his. She was stunned as a gasp escaped from her. Celin weaved his long, slender fingers through her hair, pulling her closer.

Something in Mira broke as if the dam of all the suppressed longing she had crumpled under his passionate kiss, and then she remembered a memory she had long since locked away. She had known him all those years ago when her mother left her; Mira had spent days roaming the forest calling for her, only to be met with silence. She had never dared to venture farther than the first couple of trees; she had always kept an eye on the forest edge to avoid getting lost in the woods. Till one day, she could have sworn that she had seen her mother's blonde hair weaving through the trees; she had chased after her. Only to become lost and disoriented. He had found her, led her out of the trees, and back safely.

"It was you!" she shouted, pushing him away, her eyes filled with confusion and a hint of tenderness. You were the little boy," she gasped. How had she not realized back then that the boy was fae? "Why?" she couldn't help but ask, "Why did you help me then? And why didn't you tell me now?".

Shaking his head, he softly said, "I had figured you had forgotten or worse, that you were scared of me; after I had led you out, you never came back." Not daring to meet her eyes, he continued slowly, unsure of the right words. "I had watched you every time you crossed the tree's first line; I was always curious about what you would do, and after a while, seeing you had become the highlight of my day. It was the only time I could escape the expectations placed on me. That day, when I watched you rush deeper than usual, terrified me." he paused, looking deep into her eyes as if searching for something before he continued, "I was terrified something dreadful might happen to you, being so deep in our territory, I acting without thinking, and well you know the rest" he finished looking away from her, swallowing as he waiting for her response.

Mira just sat there, staring at him; she couldn't believe it—this man was the same boy with whom she had fallen in love at such a young age.

Now that she knew, she noticed all the telling signs—his stunning violet eyes—she had never seen another with such a colour—and the soft, faded freckles that scattered across his nose as if they were constellations pulled from the night sky. She had burned the memory of him into her mind back then, vowing she would never forget her saviour.

"Please, say something, Mira," Celin begged, his voice sounding as if he would break any moment now, "Did you know?" She asked, "That I was the little girl from all thought years ago?" looking down, he just nodded. "I would watch from the edge, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, so I would know the moment you came back, or worse, forced back," he said shakily, "I was always worried that you would become the latest victim of my brother." Celin forces out, tears gathering in his eyes as if living through moments that never happened.

"Celin," Mira softly called, raising her hand to his cheek and brushing away the tear that dared to fall. The action seemed to break whatever control Celin had as he suddenly yanked her, smashing his lips back against hers, this time though Mira was quick to push him back away.

"Celin, wait. Please," Mira begged, "just give me a moment to process all of this; I'm overwhelmed. " She cried as she stumbled out of bed, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

"Mira, come back here," he demanded. "I'm not going to let you leave me again," he said, his eyes holding fierce determination that sent shivers down Mira's spine.

Slowly, he stood up from the bed, stalking toward her; the look in his eyes left her paralyzed with fear, but she knew deep down he wouldn't harm her; it was the opposite. She could see it in his eyes, the strong urge to have her, hold her, call her his.

"Celin, please," she softly begged, "just give me a moment, please."

"Mira, I will give you 10 seconds to come here willingly before I come to get you, and trust me, my dear," he purred, his voice heavy with lust, "If I have to come to you, well, let's just say, we will be stuck here for a lot longer then one night."

A sharp gasp escaped Mira's lips as she shook her head, her heart racing. "Just give me one bloody minute to process all of this! Finding out that my first love is a gods-damned Fae, and he's standing right in front of me is a lot to take in!" she erupted, her voice a mix of disbelief and fury. The intensity of her words seemed to shock him for a moment, but then a slow, teasing smile began to form on his lips, and she could see her words sinking in. "Your first love?" he replied, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. He reached out, fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and leaned in tantalizingly, his breath warm against her skin. "Tell me," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down her spine, "Was there ever anyone after me?" Mira turned to meet his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks before finally whispering, "No."