The Vampire's Luna -
Chapter 64: Taylor Swift - Daylight
Chapter 64: Taylor Swift - Daylight
She sighed, looking down once more. Her gaze wandered over the crowd; carefree children dancing. "I wish I could go back to that age."
He stepped closer, warmth radiating from him. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, fingers lingering just a moment too long. "Whatever number of days you have left," he said gently, "spend them ticking things off your bucket list. Be impulsive. Do the ridiculous things."
She raised a brow. "Are you encouraging royal recklessness?"
"I’m encouraging you," he said, brushing his knuckles against her cheek, "to go out with a bang not that I’m encouraging you to go out at all."
She looked up at him, heart caught in her throat. "Thank you. I guess I’ll have to go back to the castle and get a pen and paper for that bucket list."
Kyllian’s smile could’ve powered the castle. "That’s my girl," he said proudly.
*****
Luna did cheer up. She allowed her mother to fuss over her.
Close friends filled the castle’s grand hall, laughing and toasting to her health as if the rumors of her fate hadn’t seeped through the corridors. No one spoke of them tonight. Not aloud. Tonight was a birthday, and Luna had decided not to let dread steal this joy.
There was a cake, tall and frosted in swirls of silver and purple.
She danced with Kyllian until she was laughing with her head thrown back, eyes sparkling. They ate. And when the fireworks began, cracking like thunder across the sky and lighting up the night, Luna’s laughter rang out louder than the explosions.
Her smile wasn’t forced. Kyllian stood by her side, close enough that their shoulders brushed occasionally and he memorized the sound of her laughter. He looked at her like the rest of the world could burn, and he’d still believe it was a good day because she had laughed.
And then Damien arrived.
His entrance was quiet.
Some people turned their heads out of curiosity, others out of caution.
Magnus remained completely unbothered.
He took one look at Damien, shrugged, and raised his wineglass in a lazy salute.
As Damien approached, his eyes found Luna immediately.
Luna’s heart gave a familiar lurch.
Kyllian had hoped for this one day. Just one uncomplicated, uninterrupted, drama-free day with Luna. A day he could keep tucked away in the back of his mind. If the worst were to happen, and the thought made his throat tighten, he wanted something to hold on to. A memory. A laugh.
Luna, meanwhile, was doing her very best to breathe. Being around Damien was like standing too close to the sun. He made her feel things.
Luna turned, her heart stuttering.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
Before Damien could answer,
"I invited him," Queen Ravena announced.
Every neck in the room whipped toward her. Ravena stood poised, her back ramrod straight, a polished wine glass in one hand. Her sharp eyes were locked onto Damien’s.
"You invited the vampire prince," King Magnus said.
"Yes," Ravena replied, clearly unbothered. "Why does everyone look surprised?"
"Nothing!" Magnus answered . "It’s just...wow."
"Come, Prince Damien," Ravena said, turning gracefully. "We were just about to cut the cake."
The gathering moved behind Luna, forming a semi-circle of smiling guests with plates at the ready.
While everyone cheered, Damien leaned toward Queen Ravena.
His voice was a whisper. "You do not have to be nice," he said, not unkindly. "I will do my best to save her, no matter how you treat me."
"If you can save my daughter," Queen Ravena whispered, "be damned sure I will move heaven and earth to make sure she stays with you. I don’t give a shit about the kingdom. I care about my child."
It wasn’t the kind of statement Damien had expected.
He nodded once, a solemn, purposeful motion. Well then. He’d just been handed a mission and a blessing all in one go. Funny how motivation came in unexpected packages.
The cake was cut with flair.
Damien used the moment to sidle up to Luna. Her laughter was still floating on the air, music he’d missed.
"Happy birthday," he said.
Luna turned, her face blooming into a smile. "Thank you," she replied softly. "How have you been?"
"Well, I’m currently trying to get used to staying in the castle without you again... so there’s that."
Luna narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "What are you talking about? I was only there for a few days. Are you saying you’re addicted to me already?"
Damien leaned in a fraction. "I’m always addicted to you. You know that."
Luna looked down for a second. "Me too."
He smirked. "See? How hard was that?"
She laughed, but it was strained. "Don’t be mad at me, Damien."
"Never, Moonlight. Never..." His eyes held hers. "I got you something."
"Yeah? Where is it?"
He gently took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. That simple contact made her heart stutter. His hand was cool. Without another word, he led her to the courtyard, where his car waited.
He walked to the trunk, popped it open and reached in to retrieve a long rectangular box. It wasn’t wrapped, but the craftsmanship on the box itself was intricate. Then he shut the trunk and placed the box gently on top, turning it toward her.
"Oooh, shiny!" Luna said, eyes wide as she leaned in to examine the swirling metallic inlay along the lid. "Okay, look, if this is another necklace or jewelry box, I swear I’ll perish right here and now."
Damien laughed, the sound unguarded. "Good thing it’s not then. Go on, open it."
With a playful glare, Luna flipped the lid open. Her teasing vanished the moment her eyes landed on the gift. Nestled in deep indigo velvet was a dagger. Sleek. Lethal. Beautiful. The hilt was wrapped in black leather, the guard ornate with delicate carvings that shimmered. She picked it up slowly and pulled it from its sheath.
(Shout out to Atiabeth_Necketoe, farzahara_Barokah, ejptweety)
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