It was hard to feel the same after that. Although I tried to stay calm in front of everyone, I could never get myself to not show my vulnerability in front of Vic. It was as if he had the powers to scoop out emotions from the deepest nooks and crevices of my heart. His one look would make me feel like he could look into my soul, and read me even before I could even say anything to him. For the next few days, I cried in his arms, held him while he cried, laughed together, fought with each other, but at the end of the day, hugged each other like we never wanted to let go of the moment. And frankly, we didn't want to. The love that I felt for him was stronger than any other power I felt in this universe. He gave me strength, and I gave him hope. We fulfilled each other, and realized that being a different species didn't change anything for us. We were still the same people madly in love with each other. And no, it wasn't a love that bloomed within a month of me visiting Hestia. But the love that spoke for us, was the one that I left thousands of years back, right at this place. I felt this love everywhere I went. Every stone, every wall, every road, and every house spoke of this love. Because I still remember… that first kiss was just like the last, as the taste of his lips forever remained ingrained on mine. And now, when I visit the same marigold field through which we once ran until we were exhausted, laughed and cried together, I still see us. I still see him. The love of my life. But I can't touch the past. It now remains as a timeless showpiece in my heart. "The blessed touch of love, touches the soul once", they said… Now I understood what they meant.
Vi sat next to me on the bed. We were done with the final bit of packing. We were going back tomorrow.
"Are you… sad?" I asked.
"Not really."
"Really? You're leaving your hometown, and you really want me to think it won't affect you?"
"Well what if it does? Are you gonna leave me here?"
"I- what? No, Vic- I didn't mean it like that."
Vic laughed at me. I really didn't understand if he was upset and was trying to hide it from me, or if he was genuinely okay. Vic placed his palm on my shoulder and looked at me sincerely.
"I really am fine, Moon." He said, "Well, yes. Technically, I do have a lot of memories in Hestia. But none of them were beautiful memories, except for the ones that had you in them. And since I'm going with you, I'll forever be home. Forever."
I didn't know why I was so emotional. This past month was almost like narrating a forbidden fairytale for me, but having Vic by my side, made it a thousand times easier.
"I love you, Vic."
"I love you too, Moon. Just like I always did." He said, as he got up and walked towards the window. It was almost a full moon. The night looked beautiful. I went and stood next to him, leaning on to his tall frame, as he hugged me by the waist.
"I still remember the day I first saw you. I was young and naïve… trying to beat up Vlad for taking away a book. And then, you stood between us, shining your beautiful aura on us. I fancied you the very first day. And then, slowly, we became friends. I remember how we used to fight… not knowing we both had sad stories to tell. And then, one day… I blamed you for turning me." He scoffed. "Stupid me. And then… for ten whole years, you… were gone. They released me almost as soon as you left. But after that, I roamed the roads like stray cat, trying to get to you. But I never could. I never knew where you were. I got beat up everytime I would ask about you, but I never stopped. At one point, I even caved in to my intrusive thoughts… to the demon in me. But then, you came back… you came to me yet again. And our love blossomed like a Moonflower on a full-moon. I realized what love looked like, until-"
"Vic…" I interrupted him, holding on to his hand. "Let's not…"
He nodded. It was good to reminisce about our memories, but it was also important to know how to stop.
"I'm glad you're coming with me, Vic. The USA would be a new life for you. But we'll manage for sure." I said, as I hugged Vic. A short knock on the door interrupted us. I looked at Vic.
"Someone's at the door? At this hour?" I asked.
"I'll get it." He said, and went to the door. It was Anya on the other side.
"Anya? What happened?" I asked. She was silent, and had a long face, and usually it meant that she either did something wrong, or wanted something really bad.
"I- um- I kinda wanted to talk to you about something." She said, not looking at me.
"Yes? What is it?"
Anya kept glancing at Vic, and for some reason, it told me she wanted to speak to me in confidence. And even though I was fine with it, I still didn't understand what was going on.
"Uh- Vic, do you mind giving us a moment?" I said. Vic looked at me and raised a brow, but then understood and left. I went after him and locked the door, and then turned towards Anya.
"What is it, Anya? Why do you look like you've committed a murder and you've come to confess it to me?"
"Tch! Moon! Come on, you know I didn't do that!"
"Well, then tell me what's going on? Why the long face?"
Anya took a moment. She shuffled around the room for a bit, before finally sitting still on the bed. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I-I want Vlad to come with us tomorrow. To the US."
There was a long moment of silence. Both of us were staring blankly with each other. I knew I was stunned because I didn't know how to act. While it felt like the best thing to do was to be happy, I was still concerned.
"Anya, WHAT?!"
"What? Vic is also going, right?! So then, why not Vlad? UGH- Moon! Stop being so selfish!"
"Anya, it's not about me being selfish! Vic knew since WEEKS. He had been preparing himself mentally for this, and we also got his tickets booked!"
"Dad booked Vlad's tickets too! And he had been preparing as well!"
"What? When did that happen?"
"Dad did it when he was booking everyone's tickets. I told him at the earliest that I wanted Vlad to come along with us."
"So… You told dad about it?"
"Yes. I did."
"And he agreed, and got him a ticket?"
"Yes!"
"And… he had been preparing himself too? And he wants to come with us?"
"Yes!! He does!"
"Anya, then- why the hell would you not tell me all this while? And what's the use of telling me now?"
Anya came up to me and hugged me tight. Her voice was almost squeaky.
"I-I don't know, Moon! Convincing you and Vic seemed to be the most difficult, so I kept it for the last. I wanted to gather enough arguments to convince you." She said, making the puppy eyes.
"Ugh, drop it!" I groaned.
"What? Did it work? Did the arguments and the puppy eyes work?"
I didn't respond for a brief moment, but then nodded. Anya shouted out loud in joy and hugged me again, making me giggle.
"But does Vic know about it?" I asked.
"Well, Vlad is probably convincing him with the same technique in the other room."
"What?" I gasped, "So you both are in this? Jeez!!"
Anya laughed, and ran out of the room. I sighed. It was alright. She deserved to be happy. And well, after all her fascinations about vampires were coming true, so… why not? I sat silently and smiled.
In about ten minutes, Vic returned with the same smile on his face.
"Convinced you with the puppy eyes?" I asked. He laughed heartily, and hugged me.
"You know it. I can't say no to them. They deserve love too. Just like us." Vic said, lightly brushing his nose against mine. I smiled and laid my head on his chest.
"I can't believe we're going back to the US tomorrow. I can't believe it's already been almost a month."
"Mhm, exactly. It feels like we've lived a thousand lives during this time. And well, we're just getting started, huh?"
"Yeah, exactly. It was magical. Everything." I said, running my hands on his chest.
"I will miss Vesuvia. Everything about it. But I'm sure our journey after this would be equally as enticing." I said, looking at Vic. He nodded, looking into my eyes. It was as if in a moment, I got lost in his dreamy eyes yet again. After all, that was why I fell in love with him in the first place. Vic gently leaned in, making me close my eyes. His nose brushed against my neck, as I felt his hot breath on my skin. I shivered, holding on to him.
"Vic…" I murmured.
"Don't hold back, love… Won't you like to give in to the magic of this night?" He whispered into my ears as his lips gently touched my neck. I breathed heavily, leaning my head on his shoulder. I did not want to say no. It was as if every part of me was screaming for his touch. They were deprived of it for thousands of years, and now they wanted it back. They wanted him. I wanted him.
I moaned, cupping his face as I leaned in for a kiss. He held me by the waist, pulling me closer to him. Our bodies rubbed against each other, but it felt like that wasn't enough. Both of us were hungry for more.
I pushed him back onto the bed, but he didn't let go of me, as I fell on top of him. Our lips didn't break contact. Instead, it got more intense. Vic moaned into the kiss as I ruffled his hair. I bit his lower lip, and pulled, as he groped me more. He was wild, and so was I. I then sat up on his lap, and put a hand on his chest, stopping him from getting up. We were both panting, but still craving for more.
"How bad do you want it, Vic? How bad do you want me?"
"I want you real bad, Moon. Don't keep me waiting. I can't tame my beast within."
"Serve me, then. Show me how you do it."
Vic smirked. It wasn't the first time I had bossed him around, right? In a swift motion, Vic turned to the side, making me fall on the bed, as he got on top of me. His blue-green eyes were looming all over my body. In an instant, he pulled off my clothes, and I pulled off his. He was restless.
"As you wish, my Queen." He said, as he went down on me. My back arched almost instantly as his fingers skillfully kept playing on my nipples, that evidently perked up with each of his finger movements. I moaned,as his tongue went in me, running up and down my slit, making me wet. I held his head tighter, as I moaned into the night. He was swift, and fast, as he then moved up to me and cupped my breasts in his hands and kissed me deep. I held his length in my hands, and rubbed it passionately, and with each stroke I could feel his body shiver.
"Mm-mm." Vic whispered, "Lay down, princess, Let me help you."
I blushed, as he moved up, his throbbing shaft right near my lips. I couldn't wait. I went all in, making him moan loud. He grabbed my hair and pushed it in, making it wet. While my fingers did the job as I pleasured him, I didn't have to continue for long. He was aroused and so was I. He swiftly moved down, and with one final kiss on my fruit, he entered me roughly. I was about to scream, when he cupped my mouth, and went on.
"Shh, relax, now, milady~" He whispered. I clasped the bedsheet and closed my eyes, while he entered me like a beast, hitting the spot. I didn't even realize when it all became so intense, we were even sweating like crazy. Vic's muscular body shone in the dim lights of the room, making me want him even more. I yanked him by the neck, and pulled him in for a kiss, while Vic still went on like a machine. He only pulled away from the kiss, when he couldn't control himself anymore. He went down on my neck and bit me hard. It almost felt like his teeth sank into my flesh, which wasn't surprising. As a werewolf, Vic marked his mate. I shouted in agony and pleasure at the same time, as his actions made me spray all over Vic. Vic also moaned loud, and came all over me. He laid down next to me on the bed, panting, as he gently turned around and licked my wound clean. Vic smiled at me.
"Was I good, milady?"
"Yes. Very." I said, turning towards him to lay my head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and for the first time in a long while, I felt safe… I felt home.
Everything was moving quickly. The next morning, I woke up early to get ready. We were finally leaving for the US. Although it was hard for me to not focus on the events of last night, I was still having a hard time doing so. Standing in front of the mirror, I looked into the mirror at Vic, who was still sleeping peacefully. His ruffled hair, the blanket clumsily covering his body down the waist, and the cheeky smile plastered on his face, made me blush hard. I could not help but stare into the mirror, and look at myself. There were marks along my neck and chest, and my hair was almost all over my face. I smiled, and covered my face with my palms. I could still hear him loud and clear as I closed my eyes…
"Ohh… Ohh, Moon- Y-Yes! I-I- I can't… I can't hold anymore- I- Aughh- I-I'm gonna- I'm gonna- Hnghh!!"
"Mhh- you're up already?"
Vic's calm, and hoarse morning voice forced me out of my daydreams, as I turned to look at him. He only somewhat moved around the bed to look at me, still visibly unwilling to get out of the bed.
"Um- Yeah, of course. We need to get ready, remember?" I said.
"Ugh- come on, we still have time… c'mere and give me a kiss." Vic said, making me gasp.
"Vic, I-"
"What? Don't tell me you're still shy after what happened last nigh-"
"AHHHH OKAY OKAY JESUS, STOP! I-I don't need a reminder of last night!" I said, blushing hard as I covered my face. Vic's velvety laughter made me even more shy. He got up, and walked over to me, leaving the blanket on the bed.
"V-Vic- you're-"
"I know," He said, as he hugged me from behind, and nuzzled my ear. "I know, and I don't care." He whispered, kissing me gently on the neck. I shivered a little, and like a shy cat, squirmed out of his grip, making him giggle even more.
"Jeez, what has gotten into you today!"
"Hmm, nothing much, just the love that I got from you yesternight-"
"VIC!!"
"Haha, okay okay- no more teasing, I promise."
"YES. THANK YOU." I said, smiling. My cheeks were still red, as Vic swiftly pecked me and went to the bathroom.
"I'm gonna be quick!" He said.
In about an hour, I went to the shower and freshened up. Today was a big day. And it almost felt like a dream after everything that happened. Even though Misaii's disappearance felt ominous, still, I was glad that this was finally over. Coming out of the shower, I found my outfit ready on the bed. Astra chose it especially for me. It was a beautiful lilac gown that Dione used to wear. She paired it up with some earrings and a tiara. I smiled as I looked at the clothes. Touching the fabric almost made me nostalgic. It was beautiful how the dress retained its color after centuries of being unused.
"Time to get dressed, I guess." I said to myself, as I began getting ready. It didn't take me long to get ready, only about forty-five minutes.
"Ready for the day?" Vic asked me as he entered the room. He was dressed well in new bright coloured clothes for the day, and he looked a lot different than usual.
"I am, just a little nervous, I guess." I said, still fixing my hair.
"Nervous? Why?"
"I don't know… it just… feels a little weird that I came here just a few days ago, and now all of a sudden, I'm an important person."
"You always were important, Moon. Even when you didn't realize it. But don't worry, I'll be by your side all the time." Vic said, as he gently pecked my forehead.
"Are you guys ready yet? Everyone's waiting outside!" Astra said, as she burst into the room with a bunch of bags in her hands.
"Come on! You guys are gonna get late! Get moving!" She said.
"Are the Hestians outside?" Vic asked.
"Yes, of course! They are waiting to see Moon, and hear from her."
I walked towards Astra and held her hands.
"Thank you, Astra."
"Thank you? Why?"
"For always being there for me. The sacrifices that you did for me were immense, and I will never forget them. YOU are a big reason why I'm still here, Astra. Thank you for everything."
Astra was in tears. She threw all the bags aside and hugged me tight. I hugged her back.
"I will never forget you, Moon. Never. This land owes you a lot. And we will always look forward to you coming back. I would've come with you, Moon, but Hestia needs me. I need to help restore everything, but I promise to keep in touch. Don't forget me, okay?"
I pulled away and smiled at her, as she smiled back at me, wiping her tears away.
"I won't, Astra. Thank you."
"Mhm. Now come on, you two. Don't get late, alright? People would be waiting for you." Astra said and I nodded, as she left.
It was around ten in the morning when we all gathered at the grounds. The people of Hestia, and a few residents who decided to come back, gathered around, to bid us goodbye. Vic and dad stood on either side of me, and Anya and Vlad stood a little away. I stood at the center of the crowd and looked at everyone's faces. I then turned to look at the Türbeh: The life of Hestia. I remembered every moment I spent here, every moment it gave me strength and hope. I remembered my past, and expressed my gratitude for the present. I looked inwards. I could still see Dione. Her aura lit me up, as if she told me that this light was now mine. I had my soul light.
I looked up at the expectant people. I was told to give a farewell speech. Taking a deep breath, I spoke, with a peaceful smile on my face.
"I know we lost a lot. But this isn't the end. Every end signifies a new beginning. And this beginning needs you. And it needs you to remember the tale of Malvic, and always remind yourselves that no matter what you do, no matter what religion you follow, no matter what work you do, if you do not have true love in you, it will destroy everything." I addressed the crowd. The crowd bowed their heads down to remember the fallen. I did too. The face of my mom, my great-grandpa and great-grandma floated in front of my eyes. I teared up almost instantly, but as I looked up, Vic gently squeezed my shoulder. I turned to look at him for a moment to get some strength, as I then took a deep breath.
"This might be a departure for now, but I promise I shall be back again, whenever my land calls for me. I will always be here in soul… just like I always was…"