Chapter 13: The Weight of Guilt

Mike stood before the charred remains of his family's home, the memories of that fateful day still etched in his mind like a fresh wound. He had agreed to help the resistance fight Geneessis, but first, he needed to confront his past.

"Luna, I need a moment," Mike said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Luna nodded and stepped back, her eyes understanding.

Mike approached the ruins, his heart heavy with guilt. He fell to his knees, his hands clasped together in a pleading gesture.

"Forgive me," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm so sorry. I was the one who invited Geneessis into our home. I'm the reason you're gone."

Tears streamed down his face as he remembered the laughter, the smiles, and the love they had shared. All gone, because of his mistake.

"I was so blinded by my desire to be noticed by the world," Mike continued, his voice shaking. "I didn't see the monster I was dealing with. I didn't see the danger. And now, you're paying the price."

The wind rustled through the grasses and little trees that have grown in the burnt house, as if carrying the whispers of his family's spirits.

"Forgive me," Mike pleaded again, his body racked with sobs. "I'll make it right. I'll destroy Geneessis. I promise."

Luna approached him quietly, her hand on his shoulder. "Mike, you aren't alone in this. We'll fight together."

Mike looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. "You don't understand. I'm the reason they're dead. I'm the reason Geneessis came."

Luna's expression softened. "We all have our secrets, Mike. But it's what we do next that matters."

Mike took a deep breath, his determination renewed He could see that Luna was not as bubbly as when they first met she is not different more reserved although she let her other side show onece in a while. "Let's do this. Let's take down Geneessis."

"Luna, what's going on?" Mike asked, noticing her distant expression. "You seem...troubled."

Luna hesitated, her eyes darting back and forth. "Mike, I...I have something to tell you." Luna said as she wanted no more secrets.

Mike's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Luna took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I lied to you, Mike. Back in the cave...I wasn't honest with you."

Mike's expression turned serious. "What did you lie about?"

Luna's eyes dropped, her voice trembling. "I told you that I was cursed by the Lord...but that wasn't the truth."

Mike's eyes narrowed. "What was the truth?"

Luna's struggle was palpable. She seemed to be battling with herself, unsure of whether to reveal the secrets she had kept hidden for so long.

"Luna, you can trust me," Mike said softly. "Whatever it is, I'll listen."

Luna's eyes met Mike's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, in a rush, the words tumbled out.

"I was betrothed to Vex," Luna said, her voice cracking. "And when I refused to marry him...he cursed my family."

Mike's eyes widened in shock. "Why did you lie to me?" He has know there was more to the story but he did not envisioned it like this.

Luna's face contorted in anguish. "I was ashamed, Mike. I didn't want you to know the truth. I was afraid of your judgment...afraid of losing your trust."

Mike's expression softened. "Luna, I'm glad you told me. We all have secrets, but it's how we move forward that matters, remember a wise lady once told me that few minutes ago."

Luna's eyes filled with tears as she smiled. "Thank you, Mike. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

As they hugged, Mike realized that Luna's confession had made him fall in love with her the more but there is no way he was going to tell her like why will failed person like him have the right to her.

As they hugged, Mike felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had been carrying the weight of his secrets for so long, and it felt good to finally share them with someone.

"Thank you, Luna," Mike said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "That means a lot to me."

Luna pulled back and looked at him with a smile. "Anytime, Mike. We're in this together now."

Mike nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "Yeah, we are. And we're going to take down Geneessis together."

Luna's smile grew wider. "That's the spirit, Mike. Let's do this."

With renewed energy and a sense of purpose, Mike and Luna set off towards the resistance base. They knew the road ahead would be tough, but they were ready for whatever came their way.

As they walked, Mike turned to Luna with a curious expression. "Hey, Luna? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing, Mike," Luna replied, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's on your mind?"

Mike hesitated for a moment before speaking. "What's the deal with Vex? Why did he curse your family?"

Luna's expression turned serious, and she slowed her pace. "Vex was...is...a powerful warewolf whose family can do socery," she began. "He wanted to marry me because of my family's magical legacy. But I refused, and he got angry."

Mike's eyes widened in shock. "That's it? He cursed your family just because you refused to marry him?" The curiously miked asked her. "Are all your family ware wolfs or just you?"

Luna nodded, her eyes clouding over. "Yes. And now, my family is suffering because of me."

Mike's heart went out to her. "Luna, that's not your fault. Vex is the one who made the choice to curse your family."

Luna smiled weakly. "Thanks, Mike. Just knowing that you believe me makes me feel a little better."

"You know you don't have to come with me tomorrow right?" Mike said with concern.

She looked at him smiling. "You know better than anyone that no matter what you say at this point am not going to change my mind."

"Just trying my luck."

Well you have to try harder than that, the only way you can convince me not to go is you don't go yourself." Luna said she knows she is being selfish. But who could blame her she doesn't want to lose the only person who cares about her, since her family abandoned her blaming her for what they have become. But tomorrow is going to determine her's and Mike's future.