“Good morning, Lune,” Lucien whispers at my back.

“G’morning, Luce,” I yawn.

“How are you feeling? Are you alright? Did you sleep well?”

“I’m fine,” I say quietly, suddenly remembering we’re both bare.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this deliriously happy before.”

He plants a kiss at the base of my neck, and pulls me closer to his warm body.

“Relax. You need to save some of that happiness for when we-…”

“When we what?” He asks, nipping my ear.

“Nothing,” I hide my face into a pillow, bashfully.

He buries his face into my hair at the nape of my neck, and his cheeks warm. “I’d laugh at your reaction if that thought didn’t just also excite me.”

“Trust me when I say I can feel your excitement, but there’s plenty of time for disappointments between then and now,” I chuckle nervously.

“Don’t be so negative,” he says cheerfully, sitting up. “Let’s go. We have a shop to run.”

I watch him glide around the small bedroom dressing himself in his silk robes, and putting jewels in his hair. The gentle sway of his braid at his back, the way his delicate, silk robes glide up his arm as he pulls it on, and the way he pushes his hair effortlessly behind his ear, away from his face, while he pulls on his shoes is all mesmerizing.

“You’re staring,” he smiles.

“Sorry, you’re just so enchanting. Like a wood nymph or… or even an incubus.”

“An incubus, Lune?” He snickers.

“I’m already feeling fatigued from fighting against you for so long. I’ll soon succumb to temptation.”

“You should get dressed, so I can also be enchanted.”

“What do I look like? A gorgon? A harpy, perhaps?”

“You’re like a siren.”

“Am I your doom, sea man?”

“You are, and I’m enjoying every minute of it as I sink down with my ship.”

I tiptoe down the ladder, noticing the back door is open. Reaching for the nearest objects, a cast iron pan used to weigh down herbs in order to dry them or extract the juices, I tiptoe toward the front of the shop.

“Luna!” Cries Madam Treeleaf.

I catch myself before I trip over a cauldron.

“I see you’ve taken advantage of my hospitality. Had a nice sleep over?” She eyes me suspiciously.

“We could barely keep up with our studies, and the shop at the same time,” I say, immediately on the defensive. “Lucien was nice enough to let me stay the night. I’ll be relieved to finally get back to my bed at the Academy now that you’re here.”

“Oh, you’re such a good liar,” she grins. “Have a pastry. I brought several.”

“I’m not… lying,” I mutter.

“Good morning, Madam Lyra,” Lucien calls down. “I’ll take a pumpkin pastry, if you got one.”

“Of course, my sweet. How was your evening? I see Miss Luna spent the night here.”

“She even took my bed, and forced me to sleep on the sofa. If you hear me scream, I’ve got terrible neck pain,” he lies expertly. “Running the shop was enough to kill me every evening, but that was the icing on the cake. I’m impressed you do all this alone when you’re between apprentices.”

“The shop’s never been this busy in the past. The two of you deserve some of the credit. You’ve helped me get it here.”

“See,” he says, climbing down the attic ladder. “We need our names on the sign. Treeleaf, Masters, and Moonshadow. How was Master Eaimer?”

“He’s so funny.”

“He’s not,” Lucien mutters. “He’s the only one that thinks that.”

“It’s endearing. Thank you, both of you, for minding the shop. You did a wonderful job keeping it well stocked, and tidy. Luna, I saw you also organized my recipes, Master Eaimer’s recipes, and color coded all of it.”

“She gets nervous during examinations, and wants to do anything except study. She’s an absolute nightmare,” Lucien chuckles. “I had to force her to stop working.”

“How are Seraphina and the baby?”

“They’re doing well, the last time I heard… which was just before you left us in this section of hell you call a shop for several months to go on your little adventure with Master Eaimer.”

“How was the room upstairs?”

“The bed’s a bit loud.”

I choke on my pastry, and grab the closest source of water I can find.

“Luna tosses and turns all night. I could hardly get any sleep.”

“That’s unfortunate,” says Madam Treeleaf. “I’ve got a potion for restlessness if you need one, and I can get a new frame.”

“I’m fine. I just don’t like unfamiliar places,” I admit.

It’s not the truth, but it’s not a lie.

“Nonsense, I don’t need a new frame, I sleep soundly,” states Lucien.

“I’ll get a new frame anyway. I might rent the room out when you leave, and I don’t need to hear that sound all day. If you do need the potion, Luna, take it free of charge. I’ve got the task list written. You can get started on that. I’ve got some business to take care of outside the shop for now. I need to find a place that will sell me herbs from Dark Grove.”

“I see Master Eaimer has given you his most prized jewel.”

Her cheeks redden, and she reaches for her ear where a green stone is fastened. “Yes.”

“I suppose a congratulation is in order? Are you Madam Eaimer, now?”

“Thank you, but not yet. The City of Lights does not legally recognize our union, as you know. Not that I’m sharing the news with anybody, nor should you.”

“Of course I won’t. How is his mother? You mentioned the two of you were going to catch up. Has she been well? She’s such a lovely woman.”

“She’s been wonderful, the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.”

“Master Eaimer’s mother is still…? Right, immortal,” I mumble, remembering I should write a letter back home.

Madam Treeleaf and Lucien talk to each other for a time, exchanging news from the Grove, while I skim through the checklist on the table. Lucien is happy to hear that it hasn’t changed much, and excitedly talks about his return trip.

“It never ends… mugwort leaves…” I mutter to myself, searching through the shelves to see if we have any in stock.

“Fourth shelf down by the door,” Lucien informs me, never taking his attention away from Madam Treeleaf.

“Powdered obsidian?” I read off.

“How much?” Asks Lucien.

“Three tablespoons.”

“Left side of the cabinet.”

“How do you know that without looking?”

“You’re the one that organized it. Why don’t you?”

“It’s too logical.”

He laughs.

Around noon, Lucien and I are sitting outside beneath the tree in Madam Lyra’s garden, with sweat on our brows, enjoying the cool breeze, and the shade. I almost forgot what it was like to relax after many months of non-stop working and studying.

“So, Lune, did you really miss your bed back at the Academy?”

“I think I’m going to miss the feeling of you at my side more,” I mumble.

We reach out to each other, and interlock our fingers, our cheeks hot.

“Couldn’t you stay here? Just a few more days.”

“No,” I smile, sitting up, and looking down at him, casting a shadow over him. “I don’t think Madam Lyra would appreciate it.”

“Lune,” he reaches up to brush a finger along my cheek. “We wouldn’t get caught.”

“Lous!” Calls a voice.

“Arthur,” says Lucien, moving away from me.

I stand, and dust off my tunic.

“We’re here in the garden!” Lucien calls out, and waves.

Lucien and Arthur speak in hushed, hurried tones over a cup of tea, while I busy myself with some laundry folding.

“… A rebellion?” Asks Lucien.

“Yes, they’re calling themselves-”

“Selene’s Blessing,” I finish, then cover my mouth.

“How did you know?”

“C-Cyrus asked me to join when he first started it. It was a long time ago. I didn’t think anything would come of it”

“And did you?”

“Well…”

“Seraphina and I did. I think it’s a great idea, seeing as none of the city guards have done anything to help. Or really, anyone.”

“You’re willing to put yourself in danger for-”

“I want my children to grow up in a peaceful time, Lucien!” Cries Arthur. “Tensions are rising, and there’s a war coming. There are rumors of armies departing Solari for the Dark Grove leaving nothing but destruction in its path for any supporters. I’m not going to just sit on my hands, and do nothing about it.”

“You’re putting yourself in danger!”

“Lou! I expected you, of all people, to join us. I thought you cared for Dark Grove.”

“Yes, but this is ridiculous. The matter will settle itself, if you just wait a bit longer.”

“Wait for what?”

“I can’t tell you, but the light elves will step in soon.”

“Soon in elf time, or human time, Lucien? Because those are drastically different! Your kind are not the only ones dying, Lou! Humans are, too.”

“Elf… time.” He looks down at his feet.

“So they’re probably just sitting around, and waiting, like you? Are you even considering yourself a dark elf anymore? Or are you just hiding like the other half-breeds?”

“Arthur!” I shout.

“Even Luna was one of the first members of the rebellion.”

I freeze, dropping the basket of laundry on the ground, and picking it up again when I return to my senses.

“Luna? You didn’t,” Lucien says sternly. “You lied to me? You said you were helping me. You didn’t tell me you joined! It isn’t safe for you. Tell me he’s lying.”

“I… did,” I say, cowering away from him, forcing the basket of laundry between us.

“You can’t be serious!”

He looks angrier than I’ve ever seen him, and I’m almost afraid. His eyes reflect the light of the fire more intensely than I thought possible.

“Lucien, I agree with Arthur,” I say, standing my ground. “I don’t want to sit around, and watch all of this happen. I thought you wanted to help the dark elves. If you’re not going to join, why haven’t you returned home to begin studying with Master Eaimer, anyway? You could be level six by now. You could be safe. You could be doing anything else right now.”

Lucien huffs, and glares at me. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this. You knew how I felt about it!”

“I’m fine, Lucien. It’s fine. Cyrus hasn’t given me any dangerous tasks.”

“What about that time you came back with a black eye? Was that one of those tasks? Or the knife wound! Were you fine, then?”

He slaps his hands on the table, startling both Arthur and me. Getting to his feet, he rushes to my side, and there’s that look again; worry. He takes my face in his hands, and presses our foreheads together. I try to subtly remind him Arthur is here by cleaning my throat, but he refuses to take the hint.

“Luna, please. You’re almost done with your studies. Don’t throw your life away for this pointless rebellion.”

“What’s the point of having these abilities if not to help?”

“Please, Luna, don’t do anything dangerous.”

“Lucien, don’t you want to do something meaningful with your life? I do.”

“I am, Luna. I’m living it. I’m not trying to find adventure. I’m just enjoying it, and I really wish you’d do the same.”

“I bet the other dark elves were doing the same when they got slaughtered.”

“No. Please,” he says quietly, taking a seat at the work table, and burying his face in his hands. “I can’t have this conversation with you right now.”

Arthur looks over at me with a wide grin, then glances over at Lucien from the corner of his eye, and nods his head towards him. I blush.

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“Arthur, let Luna alone,” says Lucien, exasperated.

“That’s fine,” I comment, continuing my work, eventually finding something at the front of the shop to keep myself busy.

The shop door rings loudly when I turn to count the money in the small wooden box at the end of the day. The coins jingle when I jump from fright. A large man with a scar running diagonally across the length of his face stomps in, and approaches me. The shelf behind me rocks slightly when I run into it trying to back away from him.

“Where is he?” He demands.

“Who?”

“You know who. The dark elf.”

I recognize his face now. It’s the man who had wanted a love potion.

“M-M-Madam Treeleaf will be coming back s-s-”

My words get caught in my throat when he steps closer, and when I try to force them out, he pushes past me, entering the back of the shop. I rush in behind him, and I’m relieved to find the room is empty.

“As you can see, there’s no one here. Now, if you don’t mind, it’s near closing. Madam Treeleaf will be back tomorrow.

“I don’t want to see Madam Treeleaf,” he spits out, over enunciating each word. “I want to kill that fucking dark elf.”

“I’m afraid the dark elf no longer works here with everything happening, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

“Don’t give me that horseshit,” he turns, and approaches me. “I saw him, and his little red-haired friend. That Lynn fellow. So either, you tell me where he is, or I’ll make him come out.”

“Please, sir, with respect, the shop is not the place for this. Feel free to search for him in the city, but do not seek revenge here. Whatever has happened between you and this dark elf is not Madam Treeleaf’s fault.”

He pulls a knife out of his belt, and I reflexively reach for mine, but it’s not on me. The man lunges at me, and I just barely dodge him, using a small gust of wind to propel me away from his blade.

“Oh, I see. You’re one of those Mystics, huh? That’ll make this more fun, then.”

“Please, sir, I’ve done you no harm.”

“I’m not leaving witnesses, sweetheart.”

He throws his knife, and I duck, barely managing to cast an air blast spell to parry it. I feel the air shift, and not a second later, there’s a loud thud. His body lies on the ground before Lucien, blood pooling at his side. Lucien turns to face me splattered in blood, his eyes mad with rage that quickly becomes concerned when he looks at me.

“Luna, are you alright?”

Lucien’s face spins, and blurs before me. Acid burns the back of my throat, and I fear I might vomit.

“Lu-Luce, I…”

My mouth waters as the acid threatens to come up. He pulls me off the ground, and sits me down into a chair, forcing me to tuck my head between my knees.

“He didn’t nick you, did he?”

Lucien tugs on various parts of my clothing, searching me for damage. His fingers trail along my scalp searching for bumps or scratches.

“Luna… hurt… Are…-Kay?” Arthur sounds frightened.

“He got … forehead…” I manage to say.

The room begins to spin again when I shake my head. I shut my eyes, and take several deep breaths, leaning back against the chair, wishing I could just lie down on the ground.

“She doesn’t… Luna…”

Lucien cups my face, and slaps it lightly. I open one eye, and he stares at me intently. It’s that look again; the worry. I wish he wouldn’t worry about me, because I’m going to get more worried.

“I think she’s in sh…”

“Hello, my love,” comes a sweet voice.

There’s a smell of lavender in the air.

“Madam… Madam Lyra. You’re here,” I say, watching the room spin around me. “Don’t worry, he didn’t take anything.”

“Luna, love, are you alright?” She asks sweetly.

“Yes. He missed when he threw…”

“Arthur, can you get her back to the Academy?”

“Absolutely.”

“Lucien, get me a Tranquility potion. Be quick about it.”

“We already gave her one.”

“She could use another.”

The next morning after a long night of nightmares, I lie in bed staring up at the ceiling. Gathering up the little energy I have left, I make my way back to the shop.

“Luna, dear, is that you?” A sweet voice asks.

I’m not sure how long I stood out there, hesitating to enter the shop. The man won’t be there. Lucien killed him. If he’s gone, why am I still afraid?

I wave, and force a smile. “Good morning, Madam Lyra.”

The shop door rings when she opens it, freezing me in my tracks.

“Luna,” she says, gently guiding me inside. “You can return to the Academy if you’re not feeling well. I understand yesterday’s events might have left you a bit uneasy.”

“I… I can’t. Lucien needs help.”

“The two of you ran my shop for months without stopping to take a break. I imagine it wasn’t easy to do that, and maintain your grades at the Academy. You could use a small break. Go… frolicking in the forest or whatever it is that elves do for fun. I can handle the shop for the day. It’s going to be a slow one, anyway.”

“We don’t frolick,” grumbles Lucien, emerging from the back room, rubbing his eyes. “We saunter.”

“Well, whatever you do, please take Luna with you. I hear there’s a show playing at the theater. Why don’t you go and watch it? I heard great things.”

“No, it’s fine, Madam Lyra,” I murmur. “Lucien can’t… he can’t go.”

“You can go alone,” mumbles Lucien.

“Uh, well…” Madam Lyra thinks for a moment.. “Why don’t you go and…”

“You can go visit your sisters,” suggests Lucien.

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea.”

“I’m fine, Madam Lyra,” I say, defensively.

“Lucien, get her out of here. I don’t care how,” she insists.

“Yes, Madam Lyra.”

Where did I go wrong in my life to get here? Did I anger the gods? Did I anger Gaia? Am I an idiot?

“Lu-Lucien,” I shiver. “This isn’t helping. I’m going to get sick.”

I’m irritated at how relaxed Lucien is able to look under the rough, freezing waters of the falls cascading over him, but Gods, is he a sight to behold. The only thing keeping me warm is the feeling I get looking at his glistening, nearly naked body under the water.

“Don’t you feel refreshed and cleansed?” He asks, his eyes shut in meditation.

“I feel cold,” I splutter.

“What would you like to do, then?” He asks, opening one eye to look at me.

“Can we… watch the stars?”

He rolls his neck, and sighs. “I should have guessed, but that won’t be for a while.”

“We could take a nap at the shop.”

“Why don’t we just take a nap in the shade of that lovely tree? There’s a patch of sunlight just for you.”

Searching across the horizon for the specific tree he was talking about, and my mind wanders to the previous night. A splashing fish pulls me out of my momentary nightmare, startling me just before the man throws his dagger at me.

“Sure. Lead the way.”

I watch the light peeking between the leaves of the tree overhead, while Lucien eyes me carefully, studying me like one of his textbooks.

“Luna, are you going to be alright?”

“Hmm…?” I look at him, and smile. “I’m fine… I’ll be fine.”

“Talk to me when you discover you’re really not.”

“Luce, I was scared.”

“That’s understandable,” he says gently, giving me a sad look. “The man attacked you.”

“I mean… He could have killed me. I barely reacted. I was useless in helping you.”

“You were scared. That’s what fear looks like for some.”

“You dealt with him before I could even figure out I was in danger. How did you do that? How can you do that? I want to learn.”

“Why? What is this ‘Selene’s Blessing’ group having you do? Are they putting you in danger?”

“No, but should the war reach us, I want to be able to fight, or at the very least, defend myself. Could you teach me?”

“Of course,” he says, defeatedly, lying back, and closing his eyes. “Seeing as I probably can’t convince you to just stay away from the battles. I can at least help you stay alive. Just promise me it’ll just be in self-defense. Will that comfort you?”

“It will. Are you really going to nap?”

“Promise.”

“Fine. I promise it’ll be for self-defense.”

“We’re not starting now, though. I’m not working, and I don’t have anything to study for at the moment. I can do whatever I want. You should do the same.”

“That’s true, there’s no rush.”

“Come on, then. Lie back. Let the sunbeams warm your face, and lull you into a deep, comforting sleep, and when we wake, we can watch the beauty of the night sky together. It won’t be as good as it is in the Grove, but it’ll suffice.”

“Or Bellehaven,” I mutter.

His ears twitch. “It can’t be just as beautiful as the Grove.”

“It is. You’ll see.”

“I’ve seen the stars from Bellehaven, you’ll have to see them at the Grove.”

“Fine.”

“And,” he says, taking a peek over at me with one eye. “I bet you’ll never leave.”

“Oh? Do you really think so?” I ask, poking his side.

“Lune,” he warns. “I swear there’ll be a permanent divot there if you keep poking me. Don’t start a fight you won’t win.”

“I never start fights I have no intention of winning, Lucien.”

“Is that so?”

He has me pinned to the ground before I can even react. My body warms instantly, and I can barely catch my breath.

“I must admit, I enjoy the feeling of your body beneath my own. And your reaction,” he moves away from me. “But now’s not the time for that.”

“It’ll work better to calm me than those falls.”

“Lune,” he chuckles.

“Luce,” I pout. “I thought you wanted me.”

“And when I take you, I’d like you to be a little less traumatized,” he says, taking my hand and intertwining our fingers. “I want to share my soul with you, Lune.”

“Trauma is part of the soul, Lucien.”

“I’ll let it settle down first, then.”

I try not to look so disappointed.

Lucien rushes towards me in the middle of the forest, causing me to flinch. My reaction makes him smirk, and he plants a gentle kiss on my lips, freezing me in place.

“I’ve caught you,” he declares. “Your reaction time is awful.

“I hate you,” I grumble, when I’ve finally caught my breath. “You cheated.”

“How did I cheat?”

Grabbing hold of the collar of his robe, I pull him close, causing him to trip over the root of a tree, and fall over me. I kiss him over and over, each kiss becoming more deep and slow. He pins my legs beneath his body, and both of my hands above my head.

“Lune, what are we doing?” He pants, rolling himself off me. “If this is going where I think it is, can we just-?”

“Can we just… what?” I ask.

He swallows hard as his hands wander to my belt. My cheeks burn as I puppet his hands in the undoing of the buttons of my shirt. He mutters curses I don’t understand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.”

“Lous! Where did you go?” Calls Arthur.

“Gods, that’s Arthur,” Lucien panics.

“It’s fine,” I say, straightening my shirt. “This is probably not the right time for this, anyway. We should be focused on training.”

“I’d really appreciate it if Arthur didn’t find out, either.”

“Why? Think he’ll talk you out of it?” I grin.

“No. I’ll just owe him several gold coins.”

“You made a bet?”

“Yes. I told him you’d never consider a dark elf.”

“Luci-”

“This was years ago, when you and I first met.”

“Gods, I would have taken you then, too.”

He blushes, making me chuckle.

“What is it, Luce? What’s got you all bothered?”

“Nothing,” he says, quickly, looking past me.

“What the hell are you two doing? Rolling in the grass?” Arthur asks, immediately noticing Lucien’s disheveled hair.

“I scared her, she tripped, then took me down with her,” Lucien responds, matter-of-factly, removing forest debris from his hair.

“Lou?” He asks, turning to face me.

“It was something like that.”

“It’s a good strategy.”

“You should try it on Se-”

“LUNA!” Shouts Lucien. “Come on, we’re training.”

I laugh, and pull Arthur along with me. “You should try it on several other opponents.”

With the last strand in place, I fasten Lucien’s hair tie. I sigh, take a step back, and admire the work I’ve done on his hair.

“It looks much nicer. You really should care for it better, though training makes it difficult.”

“You promised you’d do it once it grew back. I could always cut it again. It was much less work.”

“It’s so exhausting,” I say, stretching, and lying back. “Come, let’s put on your jewels.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be going to bed soon enough.”

“With this, and our training, I don’t know how I’m going to survive my studies and the shop,” I fall back on the grass and stare up at the stars.

“You could stop your training, and focus on your studies,” he suggests, leaning close, and placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

“If you keep doing that, we’re going to be washing your hair again,” I threaten, pulling him closer by his braids, and kissing him again.

His lip forms a half smile. “That’s hardly a threat.”

“Not for you. It is for me. Come, we still have time to watch the stars.”

He gets to his feet, and helps me up. The world flashes before us, and the next moment I’m falling onto something soft.

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather just stare at you tonight,” he says, handing me a small bottle.

I take in my surroundings, quickly recognizing it as his room above the shop.

“What’s this?” I ask, drinking it, the acidity burning on the way down.

“It’s a contraceptive. It should be potent enough to last the whole night.”

I swallow hard, my heart immediately beginning to race. He takes the bottle from me, and places it on a nearby desk.

“What’s the matter? Do you have an upset stomach? I read that was one of the side effects,” he says, taking my hands, and guiding me to the edge of his bed.

“N-No, I’m fine.”

“I hope you know that despite past relationships, I don’t make these decisions lightly. You’re very precious to me. More precious than anyone else I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I need you to understand that, as I’m… very nervous. Extremely nervous, and a little bit afraid.”

“The great Lucien Moonshadow gets nervous?”

“Luna, what sort of picture have you built up in that imaginative head of yours of me?” He asks, poking the tip of my nose lightly. “I’ve prepared dinner, and I won’t pressure you to do anything if you don’t want-”

I crash my lips into his, savoring the sweet taste of them.

“We’ll remain friends, if things don’t work out?” He asks, when we stop to catch our breaths.

“Yes,” I sigh into his mouth.

I lie back, and wrap my legs around his hips.

“We should really- Whoa!”

I take his hands, and pull him down over my body, enjoying the weight of him.

“What were you saying?” I ask.

I push his robes off his shoulder, and they slide off like water gliding over the edge of a fall.

“Pace-” he sighs when I begin to kiss his bare chest. “Ourselves, perhaps?”

“Pace ourselves?” I frown, pulling his belt off, and tossing it somewhere behind him. “Why?”

“Lune,” he says, gently untying the strings of my corset. “We have all night. I even prepared dinner for us.”

“Lucien,” I whine, pushing him over to mount him, and removing my own corset with haste. “It’s not nearly enough time for me to do everything I dreamed of doing to you.”

He gives me a nervous grin.

“What?” I ask, irritably.

“You’re scaring me,” he chuckles. “I didn’t think you’d be so… forward.”

“Am I?” I hesitate, my hand hovering over the waistband of his pants. “Should I slow down? Is that preferable?”

“I thought we’d take our time, and sort of uh… ease our way into this,” he says, helping me remove his trousers.

“How can I put this?” I wonder out loud, hoisting my skirt up my hips. “You’re like a fine wine that has been sitting in a cellar, and I finally have permission to taste it.”

“A wine, Luna?” He asks, looking slightly insulted, fiddling with the exposed ends of my petticoat with his fingertips.

“A good cheese?” I ask, repositioning myself over him again, feeling him tremble beneath me.

“That doesn’t help at all. If I’m a fine wine, you should savor me,” he says, crossing his arms, and pouting.

“Lucien, you misunderstand,” I groan, forcing his arms apart, and holding them at either side of his head. “I’ve been savoring you for the past ten years. I’ve smelled you, admired your color, observed the- the- the veins you leave on the sides of the glass. It’s time to drink!”

“Lune…” he blushes.

“I’ve watched everyone else have a taste of you, and not appreciate it; Your sweet apple taste, your beautiful, silken hair, the way you glide across the floor as if you’re a wood nymph,” I say, kissing the back of his ears. “It’s my turn, and I feel I’ve waited long enough. I took a sip already, and you are delicious.”

I lick his lips, then steal another kiss from him.

“So you’re just going to chug the rest of the bottle down like a cheap ale?” He breathes against my mouth.

“Lucien, I’m not going to chug you down, but I want to get drunk off you. So, I can’t afford to waste any time on the parts that don’t matter.”

“Very well, but we’re still having dinner, and you’re going to savor that, at least.”

I roll my eyes, and grin. “Fine.”

I nibble on a piece of honey cake, and groan when I feel Lucien’s fingers trail down my legs.

“Hurry up,” he whines. “We’ve only got a few more hours until the shop opens.”

“You insisted we have dinner, and I’m going to savor it because you made me, Lucien.”

“Sweet Selene,” he says, eating the rest of the honey cake between my fingers, and licking them clean. “I’ll make you more, I swear.”

“You better,” I give him a playful pout. “You barely ate anything.”

He lifts me effortlessly, and lays me down softly against his bed.

“Right now, you’re all I want to taste,” he mutters.

“I simply did what you told me.”

“Forget what I told you! I was wrong.”

“Splendid Sol, you look terrible, Lucien!” Cries Arthur. “Did you even sleep?”

“Good morning to you, as well, Arthur,” I say, cheerfully, trying to make my way across the shop without wincing from the dull ache in my belly. “Would you like some tea?”

He takes a seat at the work table, and pushes aside some of the baskets I’ve piled with herbs to be dried. “Yes, please. I’m-”

Lucien vanishes, and reappears moments later, placing several gold coins on the table.

“What’s this?” Asks Arthur.

“I’m going to make a delivery. I’ll return later,” Lucien murmurs, taking up a wrapped box, and his cloak. “Arthur, help Luna. Don’t make it awkward.”

“Awkward?” He watches Lucien leave. “Why did you…”

“I’ll see you later. Don’t bother Luna.”

Arthur becomes red as realization dawns on him. Lucien walks out, and I’m too stunned to stop him.

“Lu-”

“Don’t,” I scold. “I can’t talk about this. Especially not with you.”

“No, I won’t tease you. Should I get Seraphina over here? Did he… were you both… Was he- Are you both alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about,” he cackles.

I slap his arm lightly. “He’s clearly fine.”

“I don’t know, Lou. It looks like you wore him out.”

“Stop,” I blush. “Stop talking.”

“When will I be hearing wedding bells?”

“Arthur-”

“And see little Luciens and Lunas running around the shop?”

I fall into a seat, lost in my thoughts.

“No, that won’t happen. He’s returning to the Grove, and I’ll be… here,” I murmur.

Arthur reaches across the table, and I place my hand into his open palm. He squeezes my fingertips reassuringly, and smiles.

“I don’t know much about what goes on in that horned head of his, but I know Lucien loves you very much, Luna. I know you love him, too.”

“I do.”

“Things will work out, and even if they don’t, I think you’re both going to be alright.”

“Why are you being nice? Is there something you know that I don’t?”

“Sorry, I left a package,” says Lucien, reappearing.

“Let me help you with those. I’ll be heading to that part of town myself,” says Arthur, quickly getting to his feet.

“Luna, I don’t know what’s happening. I can’t get enough of you, lately. You consume my every thought,” says Lucien, lying with me, squeezing me tightly.

“That sounds like an exaggeration.”

“About half my thoughts. Possibly three-quarters,” he admits, without hesitation.

“It's just natural, I think. When a woman and… an elf?”

He nods, approving my word choice.

“When they love each other very much-” He kisses me again.

When he chuckles, I can feel the pull of his lips against my own, the soft puffs of air over my cheeks, and the vibration of his chest thrumming. I’ve also suddenly become more aware of the pleasant weight of his body on mine.

“Rude,” I tease him. “You didn’t even let me finish my thought.”

“You love me?”

“Have I not made that clear to you?”

“Say it again,” he whispers, as he trails kisses down my neck.

It’s enough to make me feel faint.

“Oh, well, I-I do,” I shudder when he kisses my collar bone.

“You still haven’t said it.”

I push him away, and hold his face in my hands. His eyes glisten, and he smiles softly.

“Lucien Moonshadow, I love you. Is that good enough?” I state, matter-of-factly. “And not just love… as friends or lovers. I love you with my whole being. With my whole soul, even! You’re my favorite of all living things in this universe, and I thank Selene for you every day. I thank the universe for creating you and allowing me the pleasure of kissing you, of holding you, of just allowing me to meet you, and getting to know you.”

He smiles, and leans against my hands, the warmth of his cheeks like the afternoon sun on my skin. Tears well in his eyes, and his lip quivers.

“You’re not going to cry, are you?”

“I’m sorry. I think I might,” he says, pressing his forehead into my palm.

“Oh, Luce! You’re so sentimental,” I choke back tears of my own.

“Sorry,” he blushes, wiping away a tear. “That was… thank you.”

I pull my tunic over my head, then watch Lucien tuck stray strands of hair back into his braid as best as he can. When he notices me watching, he smiles tenderly, and approaches me. With one hand at my waist and the other at the nape of my neck, he embraces me.

“We really shouldn’t get into the habit of doing this often, you know,” I tease him, combing my hair with my fingers, and patting it, encouraging it to sit flatter.

“Of course not,” he says, nipping my ear, causing me to shudder.

“I’m serious. We’ll get caught, and then what?”

He shrugs, gets to his feet, and holds out a hand for me. “Then what?”

“Well, I don’t… really know.”

“What are you afraid of?”

“Madam Lyra might fire me for distracting her favorite apprentice, for one,” I mutter, smoothing out the wrinkles of my tunic with a simple spell.

“That’s all you’re afraid of?” He smirks.

“It’s mostly that.”

“That’s not what I was expecting you to say, honestly,” he laughs, lowering the attic ladder for me.

“What were you expecting, then?”

“Nothing. It’s alright. Besides, you’re her favorite. Not me.”

“I very much doubt that. Are you still afraid because we’re… we shouldn’t?”

He gives me a sad smile, and nods.

“Stop that. It’s not fair. I told you that I love you.”