I settle into the plush armchair in the parlor, cradling my warm tea in my hands. The sweet scent of the Circle of Life bouquet envelops me, calming my senses. Soft sunlight filters through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the room.
As I take a sip of my tea, the warmth spreads through my body, soothing my muscles. I close my eyes, letting the gentle breeze rustle my hair. The leaves outside whisper secrets, their soft murmurs a lullaby.
In this peaceful moment, I feel the world slow down. My thoughts untangle, and my heart rate slows. I breathe in deeply, letting the tranquility of the parlor envelop me.
The warmth of the tea, the sweetness of the flowers, and the gentle caress of the breeze blend together in perfect harmony. I feel my soul relax, letting go of the restlessness that often plagues me.
As I sit here, a sense of contentment washes over me. This is my happy place – surrounded by nature's beauty, savoring the simple joys of life. I feel my worries fade away, like the ebbing tide, leaving me serene and calm.
Just as I'm savoring the peacefulness, I hear the soft rustle of skirts and the gentle creak of the parlor door. My sister, Aria, enters with a weary expression, her eyes drooping like the petals of a tired flower.
"Luna, I'm so exhausted," she says, collapsing onto the sofa beside me. "I don't know how much more of this I can take." She said before Exhaling loudly.
I set my tea aside and turn to her, concern etched on my face. "What's wrong, Aria? You look like you've been carrying the weight of the world." I said Chuckling quietly.
Aria lets out a deep sigh, her shoulders sagging. "It's just...everything. Mother's been pushing me to practice my magic nonstop, and Father's been breathing down my neck about my duties as the future matriarch. I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities."
I nod empathetically, knowing exactly how she feels. We've both been under immense pressure lately, our roles in the family and community weighing heavily on us.
"Come," I say, opening my arms to her. "Let's take a break from it all. Just for a little while, let's forget about our duties and simply be." I said as I sipped my sugary Tea resting my back on the sofa.
Aria smiles weakly, but nods, leaning into my embrace. We sit there in comfortable silence, the warmth of our tea and the soothing scent of the Circle of Life bouquet enveloping us, as we let our worries fade away...
Aria smiles, her eyes sparkling with affection. "You know, Luna, I have to say, my brother has been absolutely wonderful to you. I've never seen him so happy and caring." She said while I purposely Dragged my eyes from her Face.
I blushed, feeling a warmth in my heart. "He's been amazing, Aria. Luca always knows how to make me feel loved and supported. He's the rock I lean on, my partner in every sense." I said staring into space.
Aria nods, her expression sincere. "I'm so glad to see that. Luca deserves all the happiness in the world, and I know he's found it with you. The way he looks at you, Luna... it's like his whole world revolves around you." She said before Looking around the house probably wondering when her Turns gonna come.
I smile, feeling grateful for the love we share. "He's my everything, Aria. I don't know what I'd do without him." I said while Aria Just Stared at me with an Unreadable expression.
Aria's eyes mist, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. "You two were meant to be. I'm honored to have you as a sister, Luna." She said as she smiled warmly at me.
Just as Aria and I share a warm smile, the tranquility of the moment is shattered. The parlor door bursts open, and three strangers rush in, carrying Luca's battered body. My heart stops as I take in the sight of his bruised and swollen face, his eyes closed, and his body limp.
Aria gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. "Luca! Oh no, what's happened to him?"
The strangers, dressed in dark clothing, look around frantically. One of them spots me and rushes over. "Please, you have to help him! He was attacked, and we can't wake him up!"
I'm in shock, but my instincts kick in. I rush to Luca's side, feeling for a pulse. It's weak, but he's alive. I look up at the strangers, demanding answers. "Who are you? What happened to him?" I asked.
The lead stranger hesitates before speaking. "We're... associates of Luca's. We were ambushed, and he took the brunt of it. We managed to escape and bring him here." The explained while I shrieked at the Thought of Luca's Body.
Aria steps forward, her eyes blazing. "Take us to whoever did this. Now." Aria said looking around furiously for God knows what
The strangers exchange nervous glances, and I sense a deeper story. But for now, my focus is on Luca. I turn to Aria, my voice firm. "We need to get him to a healer, now."
I cradle Luca's head in my lap, my heart racing with fear. "A Pack attack? Who would dare harm him?" I asked while the men Ignored my and tried to help Luca.
Aria's face sets in a determined expression. "We'll find out, and we'll make them pay." She said gritting her teeth furiously.
I try to hold back tears, but they flow freely as I gaze at Luca's battered face. His eyes flutter open, and he whispers my name, his voice barely audible.
"Luca, stay with me!" I beg, my voice shaking.
He tries to smile, but winces in pain. "Luna... my love... I'm sorry..." He stuttered.
I sob, my body shaking with fear and worry. "Don't apologize, my love. Just stay with me. Please." I said while Shooking my head in Denial.
Aria places a hand on my shoulder, her eyes welling up with tears. "We'll get through this, Luna. We'll make sure he's okay." Aria said as she kept sobbing while avoiding Luca's bloody figure.
The strangers, who introduced themselves as Luca's allies, quickly arrange for a healer to be summoned. I hold Luca close, praying for his recovery, as the room spins around me, And everything turned black.