Eclipsed Love

Chapter 11: Under the Moonlight

Elias Calloway

I stood at the edge of the room, observing the lively atmosphere of the party. The room was alive with laughter and the soft hum of conversation, but my eyes shifted towards Catherine's arrival. Her choice of clothing left me momentarily speechless. I only saw her clad in thick training clothes, always showing an image of strength and discipline that concealed her skin and curves beneath.

But tonight was different. Tonight, she emerged in a long, slit black dress that emphasized her curves, the v-back revealing the elegant contours of her back. Catherine always had her hair pulled up for her to move around easily during the training but tonight it was different, exposing the delicate curve of her neck and the alluring slope of her shoulders. A black choker necklace adorned her throat, glimmering subtly, drawing attention to her graceful neckline. Matching black gloves adorned her hands, adding an air of mystery and sophistication.

As I observed her, I couldn't ignore the glances from other people. Whispers and stares followed her every move, confirming what I already knew — Catherine was captivating the attention of everyone around her. It wasn't just the way Catherine looked—though stunning, it went beyond that. It was the attention she commanded, the way others seemed drawn to her like moths to a flame.

Unexpectedly, a subtle sense of possessiveness crept in, a feeling I hadn't anticipated. I am usually composed and detached, but now I find myself grappling with an unfamiliar emotion—a sense of protective instinct that surged unexpectedly.

The possessiveness I felt was new and caught me off guard. I noticed others attempting to catch her attention, their efforts met with Catherine's polite smiles and nods. I felt a sense of relief and at the same, I wanted to remove all the eyes that were staring at her.

While Catherine moved throughout the room, I couldn't shake the impression that she was a magnetic force, triggering sensations in those around her. I knew Adrian would not pass up this opportunity and would ask her to dance. Thinking that Adrian may find her alluring gave me an uncomfortable feeling.

"Now, I wonder who is the new girl?" Adrian was amused, whispering to himself as he smirked as if he found someone new to toy with.

"Should I look into it?" I asked, feeling uneasy about how to keep this minor detail to myself.

"No, I can do it myself. You should go and look for the spy" Adrian commanded as he walked towards Catherine.

I bit my lower lip as I stood in the corner, watching her take Adrian's hand and dance in the spotlight. I wonder if Catherine, like every other woman, would fall for Adrian, a thought I quickly dismissed as I dragged myself away.

I walked upstairs to observe the venue and search for the spy, but I ended up glancing to see Catherine and Adrian again. I noticed how adorable Catherine is looking for their spy rather than succumbing to Adrian's endeavor.

Adrian was an enigma in his own right. Adrian, unlike me, embraced the spotlight rather than remaining in the shadows. His charismatic endeavors appeared almost magical, enticing people and manipulating situations to his will.

Adrian's ability to achieve whatever he set his mind to has always fascinated me. However, what fascinates me right now is Catherine's strong refusal to bow to Adrian's seduction, as well as Adrian's dissatisfaction with the distracted Catherine.

I got confused when I caught myself smiling. I should not be smiling.

What snapped me back to reality was when I saw the spy moving through the crowds. I went to the stairs and was about to approach the spy when I noticed Catherine heading in my direction, so I changed the route to avoid meeting her.