Chapter 80: Bon Iver - Skinny Love
Damien’s footsteps echoed as he stepped further into the kitchen. "Luna, I do not have time."
She chuckled without humor. "That’s your problem, isn’t it? You never have time. Just demands."
"Luna, look at me, please."
Luna hesitated for a heartbeat—long enough for the moment to stretch awkwardly—but then she turned reluctantly, her eyes meeting his.
"I’m sorry," Damien said, the words heavy on his tongue, as if swallowing a live bat. "I am very sorry. Yes, I didn’t talk to you, but I thought—deep down—that you would say no."
Luna’s eyes narrowed. "I would have said no. Do you have any idea what it means to be a banished princess? To know that my people—my own people—have no hope for the future because of me? Everyone has messed with my life: Morvakar, my parents, you! The only person who hasn’t overstepped is Kyllian."
Damien rolled his eyes with a groan that echoed through the kitchen. "Yes, of course—Kyllian. Your Prince Charming. I didn’t see him jumping to your rescue when you needed it. The overgrown fool was about to jump your bones at the slightest scent of you."
Luna’s glare could have melted steel. "You know how heat works for werewolves, you idiot!"
Damien raised his hands defensively, a rare, sheepish grin twitching at his lips. "You know what, you’re right. I’m the idiot here. But—" he stepped forward, lowering his voice — "we still need to talk about us."
"There is no us, Damien. Not yet. Maybe not ever. I’m forging my own path from here on out."