Novels2Search

Chapter 23

The moon has been high above, protecting dreamers with its silver light. The mansion falls into the realm of dreams after a long day. Yet, alone in the garden, a girl quietly gazed at the tender moon. When her eyes are closed, she can hear the songs of cicadas, celebrating the return of summer. The wind of the night, bearing the scent of daffodils, faints in the air. Memories of that person once again returned to her mind. The way he smiles, the warmth from his hands... her lips curled into a soft smile. Since when she acts this way, the answers cease to be known. Countless, incomprehensible emotions tore up her heart. But she knew, deep down, missed his presence. Can’t believe I would feel this for a person I just recently met, Cecil laughed to herself.

Alone, sing the song that honors you.

The starry sky is not lonesome, accompanied by the glowing moon. Even nature has its own partner, she ponders. And now, at this very moment, with her hands reaching to the moon, she hummed a tune.

The blue moon, the moon carries sweet memories

Please fall down into my hands

Hovering around the silver sleeve

Please fade away this burning pain, even for once

Holding onto the body, she never realized the night had always been this cold. Wherever he was, did they share the same moon? Only the silence of the night cruelly answered her. The crimson curls fell down on her cheeks, hiding the sadness in her eyes. Little did she know, there was no point in sitting here. Though, her heart speaks differently. It knows he will be back, and she wants to be the first to welcome him home.

If they knew I was here, it would be bad, with Cecil buried deep in his thoughts. But none of that matters now. The sky carries her, awaiting. Cecil sends the crescent moon in hopes of a reunion. To, once and for all, finally, become a full moon.

Could it be that a young lady's genuine feelings finally moved fate? Returning from the forest after days, there he was, the man she is looking for.

Luke still hasn’t noticed the girl, continuing to approach the back entrance near the garden. The usually neat hair has become tousled, falling over those chestnut eyes. Luke then unhooked the bulky cloak, heaving a sigh of relief. After all, there's nothing better than returning home after days out there. Despite his appearance may normal from the outside, the fatigued look on his face is undeniably clear. Perhaps he was in such a hurry that he hardly got any sound rest. Naturally, the man had already heard about the festival and the myth it sparked from the nurses. He knows that she is excited about that day and that Cecil will be the most stunning of all. But this time, he is not coming back with bare hands. Looking up at the brilliant moon above him, Luke can already taste the acridness. He was too late, too late to see her smile in the flickering lights.

“L-Luke”, a trembling sound, calling his name. The figure shifts his focus.

There she was, dazzling as ever, the girl he had been waiting for. Cecil appears so graceful, perhaps even more charming than he remembers. Her beauty tonight seems to make words impossible to get out, with countless stars shimmering beneath those bright green eyes. Cecil’s crimson hair resting on her shoulder caresses those blushing cheeks, residing kindly on her rose petal-like lips. They said, like a daughter of the ancient forest once again comes out of the shade of the moon, her figure comes to light. In her pure white dress, she stands there. Luke is in awe. The next thing he knows, silver drops are quietly strolling down her cheeks. Drops follow drops, shining under the moonlight. Luke can’t seem to control himself any further. Only a few steps away from her, but why does it feel like hundreds? The moment she saw him, walls of emotion broke into pieces.

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“I’m sorry," she sobbed, “I don’t know... I can’t stop." Cecil had never been in a state like this before, of being impotent. Gently and tenderly, a warm hand carefully wiped away her tears, a touch with such dedication as a fragile leaf. From the tips of his fingertips, he could feel the cold tears on her soft skin. Bitterness dyed his chestnut eyes. The last thing he wants is to witness her crying. Words transformed into tears, releasing all the words trapped in her heart. Like a summer rain, it falls. Luke in front of her was unhurried, patiently caressing her cheeks until the flow stopped. These last defense walls soon collapsed, and for the first time, his heart's voice began to dominate his thoughts. She falls gently into his warm embrace, her heart trembling with joy. Luke tightens the embrace, shielding her from the coldness of the night. The steady sound of his heart chased away her tears.

Then, as if a dragonfly were pedaling on the water, a light kiss rested on her forehead. How soft his lips were, full of warmth and esteem. A split second is all it takes for Cecil to feel the power of the kiss. It’s the benign wind that has carried away the burdens and pains weighing down her shoulders. A calm and peaceful summer night. “I’m back." Luke said in a whisper. She says, with a smile, leaning against his chest, "Welcome home." Using all his might to separate the hugs, Luke takes something out of his pocket. A pure white flower fits in her palms. Its petals are clear under the silver light, dyed with the glistering color of tears and the pure beauty of the moon. “I saw it on my way home," he looks shyly. “It reminds me of you…I can’t hold myself." Staring at the flower in her hands, she sobs once again. Even when danger awaits him beyond this garden, even when sleep has become a privilege... her figure is still in his heart. His hand, leaning on the waves of her hair, placed the flower on her ear. “Just like I had imagined. It suits you perfectly," said Luke, pleased.

“May I have the honor to have a dance with you?”, he bows to Cecil, “My Lady.” He smiled at the person opposite, uttering the greeting that was suppressed deep in his chest. Her honest smile, like the march sun, imprinted in Luke's mind, bit by bit, into the sobbing heart, a beautiful scene. The trembling heart does not dare to speak while holding her in his arms and feeling her movements.

Hands in hand, they danced under the silver light. The songs of the night carried their steps. As if they were born for each other, it takes no effort for them to harmonize. With a gentle movement, he turns her around in her soft giggles. Firefly lights illuminate the garden, bathing it in a dim light. Patiently, quietly they lean on each other. Even when the dance has ended, the songs fall silent, they still can't let go. For them, they have tasted the sweet taste of this feeling blooming. They are so close, close enough to drink him in her begonia scent. Look at each other, their eyes fill with adoration. The blush on her cheeks is brighter, her lips trembling for words they can’t get out. Caress her lips, the soft touch shaking his heart. Lowering his head, he can easily capture her, devour the sweetness of her lips, inculcate every drop of this moment.

Yet, he didn’t dare to please his hungry heart.

“Thank you for everything." He let her go, “It’s been late, I will escort you back.” Cecil is astonished at his answer, questions rummage in her mind. Why are his eyes tinted with such sadness? When will I be able to share your burdens? The whole way back falls into an awkward silence, as if what they just had belonged to a distant dream. Until then, the two reach Cecil’s room. “Thank you," she gives him an assuring smile, telling him it's alright. Luke flinches for a second. With a nod, he disappeared into the hall.

Staring at his back in all its complexity, the smile fades away. The little hand touched the cool petals of the flower on her ear.

No matter how much time will pass, she will always be here, waiting for him.