CHAPTER 17: A DIFFERENT KIND OF NERVOUS

She didn't know what scared her more standing in front of those people or the way they all kept staring like she was speaking a language none of them understood. The place wasn't noisy or crowded, but it felt like everyone's eyes were sitting on her shoulders.

Her palms had been sweaty since morning. She had gone over her points over and over, but now everything felt scrambled.

Dawn had sent her a message earlier: You'll do great. Just be you. She was surprised unlike Dawn , Dawn can always be unpredictable 

She had smiled when she saw it. Now, she wasn't even sure what "being her" meant at that moment.

When she started talking, her voice was small, unsure, like someone walking barefoot on hot ground. But after a while, it picked up. Her points connected. She explained her work the best way she could. A few people asked her questions. Some were hard. Some were just annoying. But she didn't back down. She gave answers. Maybe not perfect ones, but she tried.

When it was over, she walked out of there with her body feeling strong and light at the same time. Her paper was damp with sweat, and her mind couldn't even remember half of what she said.

Outside, the air touched her face, and she let out a deep breath.

Her phone started ringing.

It was Dawn.

Hello, she said, still trying to catch her breath.

How did it go? he asked.

I didn't faint, she said with a small laugh.

That's good enough.

It was okay. I think I did well enough. Some of them were giving me hard faces, but I stood my ground.

He paused, then said, I'm proud of you.

POV: Good heavens! What came upon Almighty Dawn Bill

She smiled, even though he couldn't see it. Thanks.

Are you free now?

Yeah… Just tired.

Come over, he said.

To your side?Ain't you busy ? Didn't go to work?

Yes. You need rest and food. And I want to see you.

She paused. It wasn't just a normal invite anymore. Not like before. Things were shifting between them, slowly. Every little thing now felt bigger. But still, she wanted to go.

I'll come, she said. Let me freshen up first.

Don't take too long, he said and hung up.

The taxi halted in front of a quiet, gated building with high walls and black ironwork, one of the Bill family homes. Luna stepped out, the warmth of the evening sun brushing against her bare arms. She glanced at the house, then back at the gate.

Though I've been here before, it's always so magnificent, she murmured. It was unmistakably Dawn's place. She took a breath and pressed the buzzer.

The gate buzzed open slowly. No greetings. No gatekeeper in sight. The silence was unnerving yet typical of Dawn. Always mysterious. Always calculated.

She walked in.

The mansion was neat as always. Polished tiles led her up the stairs to the apartment. Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door opened.

He had been waiting.

Dawn stood in the doorway, his broad frame shadowing the dim hallway behind him. He didn't speak. His eyes scanned her face—not hungrily, not lustfully, but intensely. Like he was reading her. Like he could hear everything she didn't say out loud.

 POV: If I had the power to do anything, I'd read Dawn's mind. I can never predict that face.

You made it, he finally said, voice low and even.

She nodded. You called.

He stepped aside, letting her in.

The apartment was like Dawn sophisticated. Gray tones. Clean surfaces. Warm lights. Everything in place.

She moved in slowly, catching the faint smell of something spicy in the air. She didn't ask. He didn't offer. That wasn't why she was here.

He gestured toward the couch. Sit.

She obeyed, placing her bag beside her. He poured her a glass of water from a sleek jug. No wine. No performance. No games.

How did the defense go? he asked, handing her the glass.

She took it. Fine. They tried to be intimidating, but I was more prepared than they thought."

A shadow of a smile crossed his lips. "Of course. You're always good at doing the unthinkable... when doom is expected."

Then silence.

It wasn't awkward. It was loaded. Charged.

Why did you really ask me to come? she asked, not breaking eye contact.

Dawn sat across from her, resting his forearms on his thighs. He leaned in. His voice dropped lower, colder.

I needed to see your eyes. To read the fire in them. You're one little mysterious girl.

Luna frowned.

You're changing, he continued. "You're stepping into your own storm. I just wanted to see it happen… up close.

She swallowed. And what if I burn everything down?

His stare didn't waver. Then I'll watch it all burn with you.

A pause. Her heart thudded. His words weren't romantic at least not in the usual way but there was something binding in them. Something terrifying. Something real.

Luna shifted slightly, brushing the hem of her top. You think I'm ready?

"You're not. But you're angry enough. And anger makes you dangerous. It's only a matter of time."

She exhaled.

I won't hold your hand, " he added, "but I'll point when it's time to strike."

Luna nodded slowly. I'm not afraid.

Good.

He turned to his system, clicking through files and messages.

Luna smirked. I thought you called me over to rest and eat. You're back to work already.

He stood and moved toward the kitchen. Calm. Measured. Like he owned time.

Do you want something to eat? he asked without looking back.

She didn't respond right away. Food felt too... normal. Too soft.

But then again, wasn't that how war always started? Quietly?

Just water is fine, she said.

He nodded.

And that was that.

No hugs. No small talk. Just silence. And understanding.

Dawn wasn't here to romance her. He was here to fuel her.

And she was ready.

"Have you ever regretted anything?" she asked suddenly, her voice low, almost unsure if she truly wanted an answer.

Dawn turned slightly, his gaze cutting across the room to meet hers again. "Regret is for the undecided," he said. "I make choices and live with the consequences. Always have."

Luna nodded faintly. She understood what he meant. But she wasn't sure she had that kind of resolve yet not fully.

I stood, the chair groaning softly beneath me, and made my way to the kitchen, unsure if I was feeding my stomach or my confusion." 

I stood up to fix something for myself. Maybe Dawn invited me over for hunger strike.

I rose slowly and headed to the kitchen. The kitchen looked like it was worth more than my entire head lol, nothing is worth more than me, though.

Everything was placed perfectly, well-stocked like it belonged in a lifestyle magazine. Dawn's bills are full of mystery. One day, I hope to understand the full picture. I haven't seen a single cook or house help since I've been h

ere and this is my second time. Very unlike the Bill family I know of in Live Well City.

Let me know when it's time, I said.

I will, he replied.