Chapter 8: A Day Out

The bustling sounds of the city faded into a serene hum as the soft warmth of the afternoon sun bathed the streets. It was a rare day in the capital where the air felt calm and unhurried. Luna walked beside Serion, her brother, in the streets filled with merchants and aristocrats alike. Their outing, one that had been long overdue, was a brief respite from the weight that had clung to their lives since the accident.

The scent of fresh bread and blooming flowers wafted through the air, and the chatter of the town felt like a distant hum. Luna, felt the energy of the city through the steady pull of the crowds, the warmth of the sun, and the slight tremble of Serion's hand on her arm as he guided her.

"How are you feeling today, Luna?" Serion asked, his voice tinged with both warmth and concern. His protective nature seemed to seep through every word, but there was something else, too — a flicker of hope. It had been a long time since he'd seen his sister like this, smiling, laughing, and filled with light.

"I feel fine," Luna replied with a soft smile. Her face, once shadowed by sorrow, now carried a faint glow of contentment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for her to appreciate this fleeting moment of peace. "Thank you for bringing me out today."

Serion's gaze softened, his lips curling into a smile as he lightly squeezed her hand. He had always been there for Luna, though he had struggled to keep up with her pain. He had tried to shield her from the harsh reality of their world, but today, he was allowing her a glimpse of normalcy.

After their walk through the cobblestone streets, they arrived at one of the most renowned restaurants in the city. Its elegant facade stood tall, with vines crawling up its stone walls, offering a cozy haven to escape the heat of the day. Serion had made a reservation, knowing that Luna would enjoy the fine cuisine, and perhaps, for just a moment, forget the weight of the past.

As they entered the restaurant, the warmth of the interior embraced them. The clink of glasses and the laughter of patrons filled the air, blending together into a quiet symphony. Luna, could see the shift in the atmosphere as they were shown to a private table by the window. The sunlight filtered through the delicate curtains, casting a soft glow on the polished wood table.

Serion settled into his seat across from her, his posture still stiff with the weight of his responsibilities. His ice blue eyes studied Luna intently, as if searching for signs of her health, of her emotions, of any hint of the girl she once was before the accident.

"Is the food to your liking?" he asked, his voice light, trying to make conversation.

Luna nodded, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her glass. "It's perfect," she said softly. "I didn't expect such an extravagant place."

Serion chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "I thought you deserved it."

As they ate, Luna's mind drifted back to the past — back to the days when she was an ordinary girl, without the weight of the devil's curse. She had often dreamed of days like this, moments of simple happiness with her family that were indifferent to her. But now, she was no longer Sia. The memories of the original Luna, the blind girl whose life had been tragically cut short, flickered at the edges of her consciousness. She couldn't escape it. But she would not let it define her. She couldn't.

Serion watched her, noticing the subtle shift in her expression. She was still troubled by something, he could tell. He had known his sister all her life, and her emotions had always been transparent to him. But this... this was different.

He cleared his throat, pulling her from her thoughts. "Luna, I... have some business to attend to this afternoon," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "I know you've enjoyed the day, but I think it's time to return home. You can rest, and I'll finish my work. We can spend the evening together."

Luna's brow furrowed, and she shook her head, gently pushing her plate aside. "I understand, Serion. But... I was wondering if it would be alright if I visited a friend I've made."

Serion's eyes softened as he studied her for a moment. He knew how difficult it had been for Luna to make any new connections, especially after the accident. But he also recognized that this was a part of her healing — a chance for her to regain some semblance of independence.

"A friend?" he asked, curiosity mixed with caution.

Luna nodded, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of her glass. "Yes, a woman I met at the market. She owns a café. Her name is Velira. She's... kind. She's offered me a place to visit whenever I wish."

Serion's protective instincts kicked in, but he held himself back. "I don't mind, but you know the rules, Luna. You'll be safe. I can have the knights accompany you, and—"

"I won't need them," Luna interrupted softly, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I know you worry, but I'll be fine. Besides, Velira's café isn't far. I'll be back before you know it just leave the carriage here."

Serion hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly. The fact that Luna had started making connections outside their household was both a relief and a cause for concern. He knew that she was not as helpless as she seemed, but he couldn't help feeling protective. She had been through too much.

"You promise me you'll be careful?" Serion said, his voice quiet but firm.

Luna smiled, her voice light. "I promise. You don't need to worry about me. I'll see you soon."

Serion stared at her for a long moment, as if trying to gauge her sincerity. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I'll drop you off, but I'll be waiting for you to return."

Luna smiled and stood from the table, feeling the tension ease slightly in her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt like a part of the world again. She was more than just a victim of fate. She had a purpose. She had a life to live, and she would not allow the shadows of the past to consume her.

After leaving the restaurant, they walked through the quiet streets, and Luna felt Serion's watchful presence at her side. She could hear the faint clatter of the carriage's wheels on the cobblestones as they made their way toward Velira's café.

"Here we are," Serion said, his voice steady.

Luna stood still for a moment, feeling the air shift as the café's cozy atmosphere enveloped her. "Thank you, Serion. I'll be fine now. You go ahead and take care of your business."

Serion gave her a final, lingering glance, his eyes filled with unsaid words. "Be safe, Luna."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Luna standing at the entrance of Velira's café. She took a deep breath, feeling a flutter of excitement and apprehension. She was about to meet the woman who had offered her a way out of the darkness. A woman who had answers to the questions that had been haunting her for days.

As Luna stepped inside, the scent of freshly brewed tea and baked goods greeted her. The soft murmur of conversation filled the air, and the warmth of the café was a stark contrast to the coldness that often lingered in her heart. She could sense the presence of someone at the counter, and as she approached, the familiar voice of Velira greeted her.

"Luna, welcome," Velira said, her tone warm and inviting. "I'm glad you made it. Please, take a seat. I'll bring you some tea."

Luna smiled, feeling the weight of the world lift slightly as she went to a quiet small private room,She could hear Velira's footsteps as she moved around, preparing the tea. The sound of the kettle pouring, the clink of porcelain, and the soft rustle of the teapot were like a balm to her weary soul.

And as she stood there, waiting for Velira to return with her tea, Luna couldn't shake the feeling that today was the beginning of something much bigger than she had anticipated.