La Luna - His Time || Bruno Madrigal Fanfic || Book Two

First Defeat

Luna's POV

"No no no no no..." My insides twisted, making me grab hold of the table before I toppled over. I felt lightheaded as another wave of searing pain hit me. Please, no. "Diego?" I could barely see between the dizzy fog and my blurry eyelashes. What's happening? María's arms were pulling me to the cold kitchen floor. Gasping for air, I laid broken like the pieces of shattered ceramic next to me. "María?", I couldn't speak the words, uttering them into existence. No, not this. Diego was our miracle. IS our miracle...

"Just wait... Hold still hermana!", María's hands searched over my stomach. Please, don't let this happen, I prayed.

"He's...", her face pulled together as she concentrated. "He's... okay?" Was it a question? I was panicking.

"Is he??", I trembled, unsure if I had imagined her words.

"Sí, amor. Diego is still with you. It's okay, just breathe.", she stroked my hair in her lap.

But if it's not Diego? My heart sank. No. Our bond?

"Bruno?" My tears stained María's skirt. Why? I couldn't make sense of it but I felt it. My soul screamed out in agony for his. Pieces of him fractured between our connection. I placed my hand over his ink on my arm. 'Bruno'. If he goes, he'll have to take me with him. He promised he'd follow me into the sky so he can't leave me first. He was the sand at the ocean's shore, under my sky. Without him there would be no push and pull.

"Luna, Diego is okay but..", it looked as if she was beginning to worry. It wasn't even close to the level of panic I was feeling.

"I think you should probably lay down for today.. Don't overdo it right now." I tried to focus on my breathing. I have to be strong, I have to be strong, I have to. Repeat it til I believe it, that's what I'll do.

"Tía, let me help you up..", Isabela wrapped her arm under me, helping me catch my balance. Another sharp pain hit. I tried to hide it but my face winced as I reached for my stomach. "Bruno...", tears welled up again. Please stay with me, please.

The ragged sounds of Benji inhaling and exhaling had the three of us snap our heads up in his direction. His body vibrated as he clenched his fists. His own tears threatening to fall behind his brown eyes. I put on a brave face for him but it was too late. He knew.. His black hair whipped through the air as he bolted out the door, Isa sprinting after him. He had been the strong one for us, taking care of us while he silently burdened his own loss. This was too much for him. Isa will catch him before he makes it to the river. She has to.. I have to be strong, for them now. No more sorrow, I told myself. Be brave.

María guided me onto the bed, checking Diego one more time. "I'm going to go get Julieta. Stay there. Don't move. Promise?", she glared at me as if that was a threat.

"Sí señora..", I attempted a half smile for her. Be brave, I reminded myself.

Mateo's locks peeked around the doorframe, defeat in his eyes. No, not my sunshine boy, my throat went dry seeing his happiness dim.

"Wanna sit with me mijo?", I tapped the blanket, forcing the smile back. Blue eyes held mine for a moment as he considered. Was he too afraid he'd hurt me?

"I could really use one of your special hugs.." His gaze softened at that. As he walked in he pulled Chaina behind him, their hands interlocked tightly. Teo will be the absolute best big brother. That thought alone eased some of my pain.

The bed bounced as he flung his arms around my neck, squeezing me so hard his muscles shook. Once he let go I took his cheeks in my hands, looking deep into his ocean eyes, "You are the best, you know that? I'm so so lucky to have your hugs all to myself." He smiled against my kiss.