Chapter 54: Elune’s Visit
The room was still.
A lamplight warmly glowed on the table, casting quiet gold across the walls. I hadn’t lit it. I hadn’t even moved in hours. I simply sat, elbows on knees, eyes unfocused. The tea Elune had brought me earlier had long since gone cold, its surface a dull mirror.
I was alone in my room, yet I could feel her - Luc.
Like the anticipation in the air before a summer storm, or a spring breeze in my heart - her presence lingered even after she left. Her space was reserved until she returned.
Then a knock. Two soft taps. The door opened a fraction, and Elune stepped in without waiting for permission.
"I brought fresh tea," she whispered, as if speaking too loudly might disturb something not meant to be woken.
I gave a small nod.
She moved with her usual grace and clumsiness, setting the porcelain pot down with both hands. The steam curled between us like a living thing - slow, hesitant, almost watchful. She did not sit until I gestured toward the cushion across from me.
"Couldn’t sleep?" she asked gently.
"I haven’t been able to," I admitted. "Not really. Not since..."
My voice trailed off. Elune didn’t ask me to finish.