Sand and Stars: A Moonbli Story

Qibli

"You?" asked Qibli, "Why?"

"First of all, you two are perfect together. And second of all you didn't seem to be making any progress. And third of all, you both had got it into your heads that the other didn't like you," Sienna explained.

"I guess you were the one who tore the painting," Qibli said.

"Yes. Ebony's pretty clingy, but I needed to get you two together," Sienna admitted, "I also put the painting there so Moon would realize you liked her. I was hoping my intervention would go unnoticed, but I guess not."

Qibli felt like he was trapped in a sandstorm the size of the continent.

Sienna must be crazy. I know I like Moon, but It doesn't go both ways, does it?

"I should probably go," Sienna said, striding out of the library.

"Bye," Moon called. 

"So, Moon-," Qibli began.

"Moon," a voice called. It was Shard.

"Just for a moment," Moon called back.

I knew she didn't  like me, Qibli thought nervously, but he wasn't so sure. Maybe I should tell her.

He dismissed that thought instantly. It was absurd. Of course Moon didn't like him. He thought back to that day in Queen Thorn's Stronghold. He'd believed it then. That was a long time ago, Qibli told himself, but his thoughts whispered back Not that long ago.

He could hear Moon and Shard talking quietly together. Most of it was too quiet for him to hear, but here and there, he caught a few words.

"Why...Qibli...great," Shard said.

"You...now...possible," Moon replied.

"Okay...but...great," Shard added.

"Now...choice," Moon told him.

Qibli was starting to feel sick. It sounded like she was telling Shard that she liked him, not Qibli.

I should have known she didn't like me. I should have known she would choose Shard. Then it wouldn't have hurt. Then I could have felt less crushed.