Hollow Grounds

Behind his cold mask

"Can't do what ?" She asks again almost like a whisper.
" Do you trust me?" He asks. He does not wait for her reply and walks into the night.
Luna follows him.

Jasper mounts his majestic black stallion, its coat as dark and mysterious as his owner'. The horse's muscles ripple beneath its sleek skin, its eyes gleaming with a fierce inner light. Jasper settles into the saddle, his movements fluid and confident.

He reaches down and offers Miss Luna his hand, his eyes burning with intensity. She hesitates, but takes it, and he pulls her up onto the horse, seating her in front of him. The stallion snorts, its ears pricking forward as it senses its rider's tension.

As they ride out, Jasper's arms encircle Miss Luna, holding her close against his chest. His body shields hers, protecting her from the wind and the world. The stallion's mane flows like a dark river, its hooves pounding out a rhythm.

Miss Luna feels safe, enveloped in Jasper's embrace. She leans back into his chest, her heart pounding in time with the horse's hooves. The world narrows to the two of them, shining like a beacon in the darkness.

The wind whips through their hair, their faces set against the night. Jasper's jaw is clenched, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. Miss Luna wonders what drives him, what secrets he keeps hidden behind his enigmatic gaze.

As they ride, the night air is filled with the scent of wildflowers. The stars twinkle above, a canopy of light in the dark sky. Miss Luna feels free, unrestrained by society. She knows, it's wrong but she's exactly where she's meant to be – in Jasper's arms, riding into the unknown.

William watches as Miss Luna rushes out of the ballroom, her skirts fluttering behind her. He feels a pang of sadness, knowing that she's gone to find Jasper. He can't help but wonder if he'll ever have a chance with her.

Despite his doubts, an edge drives him to follow her. He can't quite explain it - a mix of curiosity, concern, and maybe even a hint of jealousy. He wants to know where she's going, what she's doing, and who she's with.

William makes his way through the crowds, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Miss Luna. He spots her slipping out into the garden.

Without hesitation, William follows, keeping a safe distance. He watches as Jasper takes Miss Luna's hand, leading her away from the ballroom, away from the city.

William's heart sinks as he sees Jasper helping Miss Luna onto his horse. He calls out to them, his voice echoing through the night air. "Luna, Milady wait! Where are you going?"

Miss Luna turns back, her face illuminated by the moonlight. "Don't worry, William,"she calls out, her voice gentle. "It's Jasper. We'll be back soon."

William's eyes narrow, his mind racing with questions. Miss Luna's voice carries on the wind, "And please, William, don't tell my brother. This is...personal."

William's eyes lock onto Jasper's, a silent war passing between them. He nods, his voice barely above a whisper. "I won't tell."

As Jasper turns the horse around, Miss Luna's gaze lingers on William, a hint of apology in her eyes. Then, they're gone, disappearing into the darkness, leaving William with more questions than answers.

As he walks, back in , William can't help but wonder what the future holds. Will he ever find a way to win Miss Luna's heart, or will he be forever stuck in the shadows, watching as she loves another? Only time will tell.

He remembers the countless moments they shared, the laughter, the adventures, and the quiet moments when it was just the two of them. But despite their deep connection, William knows he can never truly have Miss Luna's heart.

Jasper, with his complicated nature has a hold on Miss Luna that William can't compete with. It's as if she's drawn to the very darkness that William has always tried to shield her from.

William's eyes drop, his gaze falling to the floor as he processes this painful truth. He feels like he's losing Miss Luna all over again.

With a heavy heart, William comes to terms with his unrequited love. He knows he must find a way to let go, to move on, but for now, he's trapped in this bittersweet moment, forever in the shadow of Jasper's hold on Miss Luna' heart.

As they gallop away from the city, the wind rushes through Miss Luna's curls, her heart pounding with excitement. Jasper's arms encircle her, holding her close as they ride into the unknown.

The city lights fade into the distance, replaced by the stars twinkling above.

As they ride, Jasper's silence is no longer oppressive, but comforting. Miss Luna knows he's taking her somewhere special, somewhere only they can be alone.

As they approach the outskirts of town, the horse's pace slows, its hooves echoing through the stillness. Jasper guides the horse to the banks of the lake, glistening in the moonlight.

With a gentle nudge, the horse comes to a halt, its reins held loosely in Jasper's hands. He turns to Miss Luna, his eyes locked onto hers, and offers his hand to help her dismount.

Miss Luna takes his hand, her touch sending shivers down his spine. Jasper's grip is firm, yet gentle, as he assists her down from the horse. Her skirts rustle against his leg, her scent filling his senses.

As she steps onto the grassy bank, Jasper releases her hand, but his eyes remain fixed on hers. The air is filled with tension.

The horse snorts, breaking the silence, and Jasper turns to pat its neck. "We're here,"he says, his voice low and husky.

Miss Luna's gaze wanders to the lake, its waters reflecting the starry sky above. "It's beautiful,"she whispers.

Jasper's eyes follow hers, his expression softening. "Yes, it is," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "I come here when I need to escape, to clear my head."

Miss Luna turns back to him, her eyes searching. "What do you escape from, Jasper?"she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jasper's gaze drops, his jaw clenched. "Everything"