Chapter 2: Morning and Shadows

The morning was strangely still.

Golden light spilled through the open window, casting soft warmth on the three figures sleeping side by side—Luna, Rain, and Asher.

Luna's eyes fluttered open. Her breath was slow, but her heartbeat was loud, fierce. She turned her head slightly—Rain was sound asleep. And on the other side… Asher.

Suddenly, Asher stirred. His eyes opened—lit with a reddish hue, intense and unreadable.

Slowly, he leaned toward her. His breath grazed her neck.

"What are you doing?" Luna whispered, voice hushed. "Are you insane?"

Asher answered in a low, quiet tone, almost lost in the morning air— "Don't say a word. Not now."

His cold fingers wrapped around her hand, firm but not forceful.

Luna quickly glanced at Rain—still asleep, his breathing steady and unaware.

Gently, she slipped her hand free and sat up.

"I'm leaving," she said.

She walked into the washroom and shut the door behind her. Waves rose in her chest. She stared at herself in the mirror—eyes wide with fear… and something else. Something unspoken.

She splashed water on her face, trying to calm her breath. But it wouldn't settle.

As she reached for the door again—there he was. Asher. Standing by the doorway.

Before she could say anything, he took her wrists in both hands. Slowly, he pulled her closer. Their faces were inches apart.

"You know you want this," he whispered, gaze unwavering.

Luna didn't speak. Her breath caught in her throat.

Asher leaned in further. His voice was a whisper in her ear—

"You can't deny it."

Luna's eyes closed. Her lips trembled.

And then… for a single heartbeat, she pressed her lips to his neck.

A restless, uncertain, burning touch.

No words were spoken. Time held its breath for what felt like twenty-one seconds—only the sound of breathing and two hearts racing in silence.