Secrets under the Moon.

The evening passed slowly as Ethan and Elena sat in the bed with some papers, journals and a calendar, researching when the next full moon would set, a thought came to Elena's mind, wondering what Ethan needed the setting of the full moon for.

"Ethan if I may ask what do you need the full moon for I may ask," turning the pages of a book in her hand. 

"Um I need it for some research that I was told at school before, but it is not so important," frowning his face.

They continued with their research "It has to be connected," he murmured, glancing at Elena, who was scanning a different book with equal intensity.

Elena nodded, her lips pursed. "The full moon is key. Every significant event in this cycle has happened on or near one. But the timing is odd… the lunar calendar doesn't match up with any of the traditional dates." She sighed, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's almost like..."

"Like something is shifting them on purpose," Ethan finished, his voice grim. He leaned closer to the book in front of him. "I found something here. Look there's a notation about a 'blood moon' appearing much earlier than expected in the last recorded cycle. And it says here that the next full moon will be… in two days."

Elena's eyes widened as she looked over at Ethan. "Two days? That's okay, it is good you have gotten answers.

Elena reached out and placed her hand gently on his arm, her touch soft but reassuring. "It was a nice time with you Ethan."

Ethan looked at her, feeling the weight of her words and the warmth of her touch. He hadn't realized how close they had grown over these past few weeks. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension in the room shifted. Something unspoken passed between them, but neither said a word. The world outside their research seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in that quiet moment of understanding.

But just as quickly, the moment was interrupted by the sound of soft giggles.

Ethan and Elena turned their heads at the same time to find the two girls standing at the doorway, their hands covering their mouths as they giggled uncontrollably.

"Ethan and Elena are sitting close!" Anna teased, her wide eyes gleaming with amusement. 

Ethan cleared his throat, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. "How long have you two been there?" he asked, doing his best to sound stern but unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"Long enough!" Anna chimed in. "You looked like you were about to kiss!" She and Emily broke into more giggles, clearly enjoying themselves.

Elena, who had been trying to stifle her laughter, finally gave in. She shook her head, smiling warmly at the two girls. "We were just doing research, you two. Not so important."

Anna stepped forward, her eyes curious. "What are you researching?"

Ethan exchanged a glance with Elena, who gave him a small nod. He turned back to the girls, his tone more serious this time. "We're trying to figure something about the full moon.

The girls' laughter faded as they sensed the shift in tone. Anna's eyes widened. "Is it dangerous?"

Elena glanced at Ethan, then back at the girls. "We don't know yet.

The girls nodded solemnly, and for a moment, the room was silent except for the gentle hum of the lamp. Then, Anna's face lit up with a bright idea.

"Can we help?" she asked eagerly. "Maybe we can find something?

Ethan chuckled, standing up from his chair and ruffling Anna's hair. "Not tonight, squirt. You two should be getting ready for bed.

The girls groaned but eventually agreed, giving their sister Elena one last hug before heading to their room. Ethan watched them go, feeling a wave of affection and concern.

As the door closed behind the girls, Ethan turned back to Elena, who was still seated on the bed, her eyes on the notes spread out in front of her. "So I think you have gotten your answers right?" she asked softly.

Ethan nodded, but his thoughts lingered on that brief moment earlier when everything else had faded away. It was a dangerous time for distractions so he could unlock the power of the seven soon.