Anna

It was a cloudy, rainy day, the kind that made everything feel sluggish and heavy. The sky was a swirling canvas of deep grays, the rhythmic patter of rain tapping against the windows in a quiet, steady lull. The gym, usually alive with motion and energy, had settled into a lazy hush—only a few regulars braved the weather, their quiet determination the only signs of life in the dim afternoon.

I worked through the paperwork Brenna had left me yesterday, determined to get it done, but I couldn't shake the lingering emptiness. Nick wasn't working today, and his absence sat in the back of my mind like a missing note in a song. The space just didn't feel the same without him.  But work is work, and I know I get to work with him tomorrow. and this is not my first rodeo without him. 

As I finished up my notes I let out a huge sigh, Brenna swept into the room, exuding effortless confidence with every step. She was radiant, her presence commanding attention without even trying. She wore her favorite white blouse and black skinny jeans, a silver heart necklace resting at the hollow of her throat, catching the light with a quiet shimmer.

Her red lipstick was bold—a perfect match for the rich crimson waves of her hair, which tumbled in soft, romantic waves down her back, like she'd stepped out of a movie scene designed for leading ladies who never look anything less than stunning.

She carried herself with the kind of relaxed confidence that could only mean one thing.

She had a hot date last night.

Brenna strolled up to the desk, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she reached over and patted my head, her touch light but teasing.

"How's my favorite employee?" she cooed, voice laced with warmth.

Before I could respond, she slipped behind the desk, pulled me into a crushing embrace, and squeezed the very breath out of me.

"Brenna—!" I wheezed, struggling against her vice-like grip. "I can't breathe—you're squeezing my soul out of my body!"

With a delighted laugh, she finally let go. "Sorry, sweetie. You just look so lonely without Nick here." "Then let us have every shift together," I said with a pout. 

Then, without warning, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

A sharp, horrified gasp shattered the moment.

I turned, my heart skipping, only to find Nick standing a few feet away, staring at us like he'd just witnessed the ultimate betrayal.

His emerald-green eyes burned, glowing even more brilliantly against the smoky black eyeshadow and sharp black eyeliner that framed them. His long-sleeved black shirt hugged his figure just right, paired with black jeans, chains swaying from his left side like some kind of warrior's armor. The familiar skull belt cinched his waist, completing his signature dark aesthetic.

But his expression?

Utter devastation.

"How could you?" he demanded, voice thick with dramatic outrage. "She's my woman!"

Before I could even process his words, Nick gasped again—louder this time—and then, like an overdramatic hero in a fantasy novel, he vaulted over the desk, moving with absurd urgency.

"I WON'T STAND FOR THIS!" he declared, scooping me into his arms as though he were rescuing me from some terrible fate.

I couldn't help it—her charm was too strong—I giggled, wrapping my arms around him without resistance. "Nick to my rescue!"

Brenna, utterly unimpressed, arched a single eyebrow, arms crossing over her chest as she stared him down.

"Aren't you supposed to be home today?" she asked flatly, voice bored, like she hadn't just witnessed his dramatic feat.

Nick, still holding me like I was some captured treasure, slowly narrowed his eyes.

"Not when there's treachery afoot."

"Oh, really?" Brenna countered, her smirk deepening.

I looked up, meeting Nick's intense emerald gaze, and reached up to gently poke his cheek.

"Miss ya." My voice was soft, teasing.

Nick's grip tightened slightly, his expression melting into something tender despite his ridiculous display.

"Miss you too, sweetie."

Tilting my head, I raised an eyebrow. "So what are you doing at work on your day off?"

Nick grinned. "Oh, I just wanted to see you, hun. And... ask you something."

He finally released me, stepping back with exaggerated flourish, adjusting his skull belt like a knight preparing for battle. His emerald eyes locked onto mine, sharper, more intense, as if whatever he was about to say carried immeasurable weight.

Then, with a single fluid motion, he waved his hand through the air.

A flicker of shadowed magic curled around his fingers.

In an instant, a bouquet of black roses appeared—deep, velvety petals unfolding like whispers of midnight, rich and breathtaking.

I gasped.

Nick dropped to one knee, his movements smooth, practiced, as if he had been waiting for this moment his entire life. He held the bouquet up to me like an offering to a goddess, his grin playful but his eyes undeniably serious.

"Anna, will you do me the honor of going to the Black Moon Ball with me?"

For a heartbeat, I could only stare, stunned beyond words.

Was this really happening?

A thousand emotions swirled in my chest—delight, warmth, disbelief, the sheer thrill of being asked.

Then, all at once, the excitement exploded inside me.

A delighted squeal burst from my throat, and before I could stop myself, I was bouncing on my toes, practically vibrating with joy.

"YES! I WOULD LOVE TO!" I screamed, the words tumbling out in a breathless rush.

Nick stood, a victorious grin stretching across his face, his entire body exuding triumph as he handed me the bouquet.

I pressed the flowers close to my chest, inhaling their rich, sweet scent—the intoxicating perfume of midnight roses wrapping around me like a dream.

"Hey Nick, do you want to hop in with work? You seem to like being here a lot lately when you're off. I could use extra help with cleaning the bathrooms," Brenna said with an evil smile across her face.

Nick visibly tensed, eyes widening slightly before he smoothed his expression with casual ease.

"No thank you, Brenna."

"Okay, sweetheart, see you tomorrow." Brenna grinned wickedly.

But before she could act on her threat, Nick vanished into thin air, disappearing before she could rope him into actual work.

That night, I was chilling when I got a text. 

It was from Nick.

"Meet me at the park by your house."

Nick's text lingered on my screen, sparking a rush of excitement in my chest.

I grabbed my light jacket, knowing the evening chill had begun to settle in, and slipped into my new blue jeans—the pair Mom had bought me to celebrate my progress. Down to 154 pounds now, a size 13—it was a huge victory, one that made me feel good. I paired it with my black T-shirt, throwing the black lightweight jacket over my shoulders to complete the look.

With a quiet breath, I snuck out the front door, the crisp night air brushing against my skin as I headed straight to the park—toward whatever moment Nick had planned for us.

The park was breathtaking at night—a wide, shimmering pond, gothic tall trees stretching into the sky, flowers clustered around ancient stone paths. In the distance, the playground stood empty, the massive green slide and red jungle gym bathed in silver moonlight.

When I arrived, my breath caught in my throat.

Laid before me was a picnic blanket, red candles flickering, and a basket set perfectly in the center. The stars above gleamed, crystal-clear against the vast night sky, while the full moon bathed everything in its silver glow.

My heart thundered.

And then—I saw him.

Nick stood there, waiting for me, his shoulder-length black hair tied into a half bun, loose strands framing his sharp, striking features. His same outfit from earlier—dark, bold, magnetic—only looked more powerful beneath the moon's light.

As I drew closer, he reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine with quiet reverence.

And with that touch, something electric stirred in the air between us.

Nick's fingers curled around mine, warm and steady, his presence pulling me deeper into the moment. His emerald eyes searched mine, soft yet intense, as if he were memorizing every detail of my face.

"You look gorgeous," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart fluttered. "Thank you," I breathed. Then, before I could stop myself, the words tumbled out:

"And you look hot—I mean beautiful—no, wait, handsome!"

I instantly wanted to sink into the ground, my face burning with embarrassment. My words had come out a chaotic mess, my thoughts tangling around each other like ribbons caught in the wind.

A quiet chuckle escaped Nick's lips—a deep, amused sound that sent a delicious warmth through my chest.

Before I could scramble to correct myself again, his hand lifted my chin, his touch impossibly gentle.

Time slowed.

The world around us faded until it was just him—his gaze locking onto mine, his breath a whisper against my skin.

And then—before I could even process what was happening—his lips touched mine.

Soft, warm, patient.

A kiss that wasn't hurried, wasn't just a stolen moment—but one that lingered, deep and utterly intoxicating. My first kiss.

Heat rushed through me, my pulse hammering against my ribs, a sensation too intense, too perfect to be anything ordinary.

By the time he pulled away, his green eyes shimmered—brighter than the stars overhead, burning with the intensity of fire and the glow of moonlight combined.

I could barely breathe. My fingers trembled against his, my heart racing like the sky had cracked open and scattered fireworks through my veins.

I was flustered—dizzy with happiness, warmth flooding through me like a dream I never wanted to wake from. Above us, the moon gleamed bright and watchful, silver clouds drifting lazily across its light like veils sliding from a secret.

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Hey, lovely readers 💛

This chapter is one I’ll remember for a long time. It was born from the push and pull of longing, chaos, teasing, and the quiet strength beneath it all. As Anna and Nick stepped closer to each other—and into the night—I felt the shift with every line. Thank you for sharing this moment with me. For witnessing the laughter, the storm, and the softness.

Midnight is calling. Keep your heart open and your shadows close.

— Luna-chan 🥀

Next time...

A kiss beneath the stars. A whisper in the dark. Nick’s lips promised forever— But the fire remembered another name.

Bound to a pyre. Branded by legacy. Anna wakes with scorched sheets and a name that isn’t hers.

In Chapter 14: The Blood That Binds Us, desire turns deadly, and history claws its way into the present.

Who is Maria? Why does the blood still burn? And who opened the window?

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