Stronger Bonds

The midday sun cast a warm glow over Silvi's Coffee Shop. It's rays filtering through the large windows. Dancing on the polished wooden floors. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of baked goods. Creating an inviting atmosphere.

Ayla, with her green hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Moved between the tables. Her green eyes sparkling with kindness as she served the patrons.

"Excuse me, miss!" a gruff voice called out from a corner table.

Ayla turned to see a burly man with a scowl on his face, waving her over.

"Yes, sir? How can I help you?" Ayla asked, her voice polite and calm.

"This coffee is cold, and the pastry is stale," the man grumbled, pushing his plate and cup towards her.

Ayla frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that, sir."

"Let me get you a fresh cup and a new pastry."

As she turned to leave, the man grabbed her wrist. "And make it quick! I don't have all day."

Ayla winced but nodded, pulling her hand free and hurrying to the counter. Luna, who had been watching from nearby, stepped in.

"Is everything alright, Ayla?" Luna asked, concern etched on her face.

Ayla sighed. "A difficult customer. I'll handle it."

Luna shook her head then kissed her. "No, let me help. You shouldn't have to deal with this alone."

Together, they returned to the table with a fresh cup of coffee and a new pastry. "Here you go, sir," Luna said, placing the items in front of the man.

The man took a sip of the coffee and a bite of the pastry, then spat it out. "This is even worse! What kind of place are you running here?"

Luna's eyes widened in shock. "Sir, I assure you, our food and drinks are of the highest quality."

"Highest quality? This is garbage!" the man shouted, causing heads to turn.

Ignatius, who had been upstairs, heard the commotion and descended the stairs. He saw the half-eaten pastry and half a cup of coffee on the counter. He walked over to the table, placing himself between the abusive patron and the two women.

"You've eaten half of the meal and now you complain, demanding a new plate of food?" Ignatius said, his voice calm but firm.

The man glared at Ignatius. "Who do you think you are?"

Ignatius didn't respond with words. Instead, he grabbed the man's ear and pulled him out of the shop. Using his years of martial arts training, he threw the man onto the cobblestone road outside.

"Don't come back," Ignatius warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Inside the shop, Ayla was in tears, holding onto Luna, who was also upset by the brutish man's abusive language. Ignatius returned, his expression softening as he saw the distress on their faces. He pulled Ayla into a hug, holding her close.

"It's alright, Ayla. I won't let anyone bully you. Like that without severe consequences," Ignatius said, his voice gentle.

He led Ayla to a table in the corner, sitting down and pulling her onto his lap. He caressed her hair while holding Luna's hand.

"You are safe here," Ignatius continued. "No one will harm you while I'm around."

Ayla's tear-filled green eyes stared into Ignatius's purple eyes. She began to glow with a magical light. The plants in the store bloomed. Their vibrant colours adding to the serene feeling that settled over everyone.

Luna smiled, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Ignatius. You always know how to make things better."

Ignatius nodded, his gaze never leaving Ayla's. "We are a family, and we protect each other."

The patrons in the coffee shop. Who had been watching the scene unfold, returned to their conversations. The atmosphere now calm and peaceful. The incident with the rude patron forgotten. Replaced by the warmth and comfort in Silvi's Coffee Shop.

Ayla's glow faded, but the serene feeling remained. She rested her head on Ignatius's shoulder, feeling safe and loved. Luna squeezed Ignatius's hand, grateful for his unwavering support.

Together, they sat in the corner, the bond between them stronger than ever. The world outside continued. Within the walls of Silvi's Coffee Shop, time seemed to stand still. Wrapped in the embrace of friendship and love.

***********

Luna sat by the window; her gaze fixed on the ocean that stretched to the horizon. The late afternoon sun painted the landscape in hues of gold, but Luna felt a storm brewing within her. The gentle breeze that fluttered through the open window. Did little to calm her racing thoughts.

She had always struggled with her identity. Caught between the expectations of her parents and her own desires. Growing up, Luna's parents had been adamant that she keep her feelings hidden, to maintain a façade of perfection. She was not allowed to fall for Ignatius.

They believed that emotions were a sign of weakness. A vulnerability to exploit. As a result, Luna had gained to bury her feelings deep within. Presenting a composed exterior to the world. She had used this detachment in the city. As she did what she did to fill the growing hole in her heart.

But now, those suppressed emotions were rising to the surface. Threatening to overwhelm her. The root of her turmoil was her deep-seated fear of rejection from Ignatius. She had grown close to him, finding solace in his strength and wisdom. He would find out about my past. What then, would he throw her away like a used rag.

Yet, the thought of revealing her true self to him filled her with dread. What if he saw her vulnerability as a flaw? What if he turned away from her? What if he accused her of being a whore?

Luna's heart ached at the thought. She had come to care for Ignatius, far more than she had ever allowed herself to care for anyone. His presence had become a source of comfort and security. A beacon of light in her otherwise tumultuous world. But that light also cast a long shadow, one that filled her with fear of rejection and loss.

As Luna sat there, lost in her thoughts, she heard the soft creak of the door opening behind her. She turned to see her mother entering the room, her expression stern as always. They came to visit her to see how her new business did. Upset at the sight of Ignatius they tried to manipulate her.

"Luna, you must come downstairs. We have guests," her mother said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Luna nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course, Mother. I'll be right down."

Her mother paused, her eyes narrowing as she studied Luna's face. "Is something troubling you?"

Luna hesitated, the urge to confide in her mother warring with the knowledge that it would be futile. She had tried to open to her parents before, only to see disapproval and dismissal.

"No, Mother. I'm ...thinking," Luna replied, her voice steady.

Ignatius had sent the maid's home. Her father would try to plough them. Christie stayed with Morgan at her house. Luna's parents had invited people over to the coffee shop. They brought their sons possible husbands for Luna. The wealthy men made the trip out to Misty Cove believing they could win her hand in marriage.

When they saw Luna's ring. Her father had an outburst of anger. He cursed Ignatius, looking around if he could not spot him to vent his frustration. The guests looked at him demanding an explanation, she was married.

Her father tried to rip the ring from her finger with no success. Luna's strength to much for her father. He looked like a petulant child trying to take it from her. When he saw Elysia he forgot about Luna. Mustering all his charm trying to seduce her. He would plough her if she gave him a chance.

Her mother's gaze lingered she had vented her disapproval of Ignatius for an hour. Satisfied she had put her daughter strait. She nodded and left the room. Luna let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders sagging. She knew she couldn't delay any longer, so she stood and made her way downstairs.

The shop was filled with patron chatter, the air thick with the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood. Her father pulled any trick he could with Elysia. He was determined to plough her before he left for Queens town. Elysia waved at her, and Luna's gaze said sorry.

Luna moved through the tables, greeting familiar faces and exchanging pleasantries. She spotted Ignatius across the room. His figure commanded attention as he spoke with a group of elders.

Luna's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. She longed to be by his side, to feel the reassurance of his presence. But she also knew that being near him only intensified her fears. She forced herself to focus on the task at hand. Mingling with the patrons and performing her duties as a business owner. Her father tried to pull Elysia's ring off without success. The pretty vampire giggled as she left, waving. Her father ended up glaring at Ignatius. His attention switched to Ayla. She worked hard to avoid him.

As the evening wore on, Luna stood alone by the fireplace. The flickering flames cast shadows on her face. She watched the fire, her thoughts again drifting to her internal struggle. She knew she couldn't continue like this, torn between her true self and the expectations of others. Her past in the city haunts her fear of discovery. All the orgies she had joined.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke her reverie. She turned to see Ignatius standing beside her, his eyes filled with concern.

"Luna, are you alright?" he asked.

Luna hesitated, the familiar fear rising within her. But she knew she couldn't keep running from her feelings. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Ignatius, there's something I need to tell you," She began, her voice trembling.

Ignatius listened, his gaze never leaving hers. "You can tell me anything, Luna. I'm here for you."

The sincerity in his words gave Luna the courage she needed. She began to speak, her voice gaining strength as she shared her fears and struggles. She told him about her parents' expectations, her lifelong battle to hide her emotions, and her deep-seated fear of rejection.

Luna stared into the fire. "A lot of guys fucked me."

After he had ploughed her, Ignatius suspected she had experience. She guided Elysia and Ayla, knowing what to do and when to do it.

A few men bedding you does not make you a bad person. Ignatius said. Holding her.

"More than a hundred men fucked me and finished inside me," Luna whispered.

Tears welled up in Luna's eyes as she spoke, her vulnerability laid bare. She feared that Ignatius would see her as weak, that he would turn away from her. But she couldn't keep hiding. She had to take the risk.

"Well, more than four hundred, to be honest," Luna said, standing away from him, afraid of being slapped.

"I do not know what to say to that," Ignatius whispered.

When she finished, there was a moment of silence. Luna's heart pounded as she waited for Ignatius's response. To her surprise, he reached out and took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring.

"Luna, I had no idea you were carrying such a heavy burden," he said, his voice gentle. "But I want you to know that I don't see your vulnerability as a flaw. It's a part of who you are."

"A hundred or a thousand men. In the end, you chose me."

"That is what matters to me. Forget the past. Look ahead to a future with me." Ignatius whispered, kissing her hand.

Luna's tears spilt over, her relief palpable. She had spent so long fearing rejection about the truth of her past. Ignatius's acceptance and understanding filled her with a sense of peace. She felt seen and accepted for who she was for the first time.

Ignatius pulled her into a comforting embrace, his arms wrapped around her. Luna rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. At that moment, she knew she didn't have to face her struggles alone.

She had found someone who understood her. Who accepted her for who she was and who would stand by her side no matter what.

As the night wore on, Luna felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had confronted her fears and opened her heart. She had found a new sense of strength and resilience in doing so. She knew there would still be challenges ahead, but she also knew she didn't have to face them alone.

Luna looked up at Ignatius, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you. For everything."

Ignatius smiled, his eyes warm and kind. "You don't have to thank me, Luna. I'm glad you trusted me enough to share your past."

Luna nodded, a smile breaking through her tears. She had taken the first step on her journey of self-discovery. She knew that with Ignatius by her side, she could face whatever came next.

"We should head upstairs. Ayla climbed into my bed, afraid your father would sneak into her room," Ignatius said.

She is a bright girl. Luna said.

"Zarkon will place a ward on my door. Christie flew in before I left. And Zarkon brought Elysia with them. Ignatius said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.