Donan, now aware that the mansion was his and that the vast forest was part of his family's territory, felt renewed by the memory. He had something no one else there possessed: knowledge of the area, the secrets of its environment, and, most importantly, how to use it to his advantage.
As he walked through the mansion's secret corridors, his mind began devising a plan. He recalled the monkeys that always appeared in the tallest trees of the forest near an isolated area he used as a refuge. At night, the monkeys would often gather there to hide, safe from any threats.
But he wouldn't rely solely on the monkeys. There was the white raccoon—a peculiar creature. Donan knew that as long as no one approached it, the raccoon would remain calm. But if touched, the animal would transform into a ferocious beast. That, without a doubt, could be useful for catching someone off guard. Donan knew exactly where to find it.
Finally, he thought about the bat cave. No one dared to go near that place, but he had already explored the region and knew what to do to unleash the creatures, which were extremely effective at causing panic. They would be perfect allies, ready to sow chaos wherever it was most needed.
Now fully aware of the resources at his disposal, Donan knew he had to act quickly. As he moved through the forest, he planned how to use these animals to distract Moldor's henchmen. He relied on their strength but knew that the best way to win was through surprise.
In a moment of pure confidence, Donan approached the area where the monkeys were. With silent precision, he released a small amount of fruit to attract their attention.
Eager for food, the monkeys began descending from the trees and running toward him. Using a subtle signal, he directed the monkeys to a more distant area where Moldor's henchmen were patrolling.
He knew the situation with the white raccoon would require a different approach. The creature was quietly lurking in the shadows near one of the houses on the property. Donan cautiously approached and touched its fur.
The white raccoon immediately transformed into a wild beast, its sharp teeth bared and ready to attack. Without wasting time, Donan captured the creature with an improvised net and then released it, directing it straight toward the arrogant Builder, who had no idea what was about to happen.
The white raccoon, in a frenzy, rushed at Moldor's son. Builder's initial reaction was one of surprise, which quickly turned to panic.
He attempted to back away, but the raccoon bit him viciously, eliciting screams of pain and fear. Amidst the chaos, the monkeys joined in, throwing rocks and creating an even greater frenzy.
The bats, released by Donan, began flying throughout the area, causing further confusion and allowing the young man to reclaim lost ground.
With the henchmen distracted, Donan knew the moment to rescue Luna was approaching. But now, he had something more in mind. The plan was no longer just about survival—it was about victory, with the forces of nature and his courage as his allies.
Helping Luna
Donan took a deep breath, still absorbing the tension of the battle he had just endured. He had faced challenges, using the secrets of his home and the power of nature to his advantage. But now, there was something even more important to accomplish.
He needed to tell Luna what had happened, not just to ease the weight he felt, but also to ensure she was aware of his plans.
As he entered the small space where Luna was resting, he approached her with eyes filled with a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
"Luna, you won't believe what happened out there," he said, trying to maintain a calm tone, but his voice betrayed the storm of emotions consuming him. "The animals… I managed to use the monkeys, the white raccoon, even the bats. They helped me distract Moldor's henchmen."
Luna looked at him, her eyes still tired but with a faint smile on her lips. She could sense the intensity of Donan's transformation, his shift from an impulsive boy to someone more serious, more responsible.
Something inside her warmed, but it wasn't the time to get lost in feelings. She knew what needed to be done.
"I don't care about that right now," she replied, her voice firm despite her body still showing signs of exhaustion. "What I need is a bath. I can barely stand."
Donan looked at her, surprised for a moment. Her priority was something so simple, so human, that he almost forgot about everything happening around them. But he knew that to continue, Luna needed to be well—she needed strength for what was coming next.
"You're right," he said, his expression softening. "But you'll need to be ready for my plan. I want you to be at your best, Luna. You can't let yourself grow weak anymore."
Luna raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"And what's your plan?"
Donan smiled, a smile that wasn't arrogant but one of calm, mature confidence. He didn't want to reveal everything yet—he wanted her to feel secure by his side, even if words couldn't fully express what he had in mind.
"It'll be better if you're clean and relaxed first; then I'll tell you."
Luna realized he was caring more about her well-being than his plan at that moment. Without saying another word, she nodded.
"Okay, Donan. I trust you. Let's go, then."
He moved closer to her, helping her up, his eyes reflecting the delicacy of the moment. Even amidst the war and tension, he knew he needed to take care of her. That's what mattered, in that instant.
They began walking toward the bathroom, the two enveloped in a comfortable silence, heavy with meaning.
In the bathroom, he helped her undress carefully, without rushing, respecting her boundaries. He knew she was tired and hurt, and his demeanor was that of a man who now understood the importance of respecting fragility, not just strength.
When Luna stepped into the warm water, she let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and feeling the weight of her suffering slowly dissipate.
Donan lingered for a moment, watching her, before stepping away to give her some space. She, in turn, felt the warmth of the water mingled with the gentleness of his care. He had changed, and she knew it.
After a few minutes, Luna finished her bath and emerged from the water, her face calmer and her skin softer. Donan offered her a towel, and as she took it, their fingers brushed briefly.
She looked at him, and something in that silent exchange made the atmosphere around them even more charged with tension.
"Now…" she said, breaking the silence. "Now, you tell me your plan."
Donan looked at her, feeling the strength of this woman before him—the bravery she carried despite all the pain. He knew she was strong, stronger than anyone else. But at the same time, he knew she needed him, and he was there to be her support.
He stepped closer, taking a deep breath, and began to explain the plan, every detail carefully laid out, every action strategically thought through.
But Luna wasn't just focused on the plan anymore—on what was coming next. Something between them was shifting.
And without either of them planning it, their eyes locked with an intensity that couldn't be ignored.
Without more words, Luna stepped closer and, in a gesture of need and affection, kissed Donan. It was a warm kiss, full of repressed emotion, of everything that had gone unsaid until that moment.
Donan, surprised at first, let himself be enveloped by the intensity of the moment. His arms wrapped around her, and the kiss deepened, but deep down, Luna still knew.
She knew that despite the passion, there was still a plan to follow—a mission to complete.
She gently pulled away, with a tired but sincere smile.
"First the plan, Donan… then whatever we do."
Donan smiled, his eyes shining. He knew that after everything they had been through, what mattered most now was being with her, by her side. The rest would come in due time.