Langshen's voice softened, her words weaving a tale of bittersweet memories.
"Lunarya met him in the forest—alone and radiant, unaware of the storm fate was weaving."
She continued:
"Lunarya had wandered deep into the ancient woods, her divine powers hidden, her title as a goddess left behind. She had wanted peace… a simple life."
That day, she came across a man standing beneath the silver-barked trees, chopping wood with quiet ease.
Curious, she approached him.
"Who are you?" she asked gently. "And what are you doing here?"
The man looked up, startled—but smiled warmly. "I'm Elion. I live here," he replied with innocent charm.
He glanced at her with childlike curiosity. "And you? What brings you to this forest?"
Lunarya blushed. "I… I'm looking for a place to live."
Without hesitation, Elion offered, "Then come with me."
She blinked, taken aback by his sudden kindness. Before she could respond, Elion stammered, "I mean—! I have two houses. You can stay in one, if you'd like…"
A soft laugh escaped her lips, and she nodded.
They walked together through the woods until they reached his home—a large wooden house hidden among the trees. Lunarya was surprised; it was unexpectedly grand for a forest dweller.
Elion opened the door and gestured. "Please, come in."
She hesitated, her divine senses briefly stirring—but she stepped in.
Elion cleaned a room for her, dusting the shelves and fluffing the sheets. As she watched him move around, she couldn't help but giggle quietly to herself.
Noticing her stare, Elion paused, and their eyes met.
She quickly looked away, her cheeks flushed.
"The room's ready," he said with a bright smile. "If you need anything, just ask."
Lunarya nodded with a soft smile. Elion left, and she sat down, brushing her fingers over the neatly made sheets. Her heart fluttered.
That night, he knocked on her door again. She opened it cautiously.
"Elion?" she asked.
"I made dinner," he said, holding a tray. "You haven't eaten all day… so I thought I'd cook for you."
Her heart softened.
He handed her the food and turned to leave, but before he could walk away, Lunarya asked shyly, "Elion… have you eaten?"
He smiled over his shoulder. "I will, Lunarya."
She nodded and closed the door, holding the warm tray to her chest.
This continued… for a whole month.
Every morning, Elion gathered firewood. Every night, he brought her dinner. Slowly, her guard melted. Her feelings grew.
---
Langshen's voice shifted, now tinged with sorrow.
"One day, while Elion was away chopping wood… I came."
Inside Lunarya's room, I appeared quietly.
She was resting on the bed when I gently tapped her shoulder.
She opened her eyes, startled. "Langshen? What are you doing here?"
I crossed my arms, my tone sharp. "I should be asking you that. You left without a word, gave up your goddess title, and now you're… here?"
Lunarya stood, placing a hand on mine. "Langshen, the world is at peace now. I just want to live a quiet life."
She paused. "…And I've fallen for someone."
I stared at her, my voice rising in disbelief. "You what?! Lunarya—are you out of your mind?! Who is he?"
"Elion," she whispered, eyes glowing. "He lives in this house. He's… kind."
I sighed, exasperated.
Then suddenly—knock knock.
Elion.
Lunarya gasped. "Hide—quick!"
I vanished with a flick of my magic, cloaking myself.
The door creaked open.
Elion peeked in with a warm smile. "Lunarya, are you okay? I came to check on you."
She smiled and nodded, hiding the whirlwind of emotions within.
But I… I was watching. And I had a feeling in my gut—a warning the wind carried.
Something about him wasn't right.