My Beast

7

"He was cursed by someone that he once loved years ago,"

The words echoed in Elizabeth's mind, tugging at her heart. As she worked in the kitchen with Luna preparing supper, Elizabeth couldn't shake off the sorrow she felt for Kieran. "Is there any way to break the curse?" she asked, her hands busy with the dough for the bread.

Luna took the dough from Elizabeth and placed it in the oven before turning to her with a serious expression. "Yes, there is a way. Kieran is searching for the missing pieces to lift the curse," she explained as she wiped the flour off the marble counter.

"Pieces?" Elizabeth's curiosity piqued, her hands pausing in her seasoning of the roast for tonight's dinner. "What pieces? Do you mean a potion?"

The fox let out a chuckle. "No, my dear. Do you remember when I told you that Kieran was cursed by someone he loved?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Heart," Luna explained. "That's the missing piece. The curse took his heart, so he can't form bonds or fall in love. He's heartless."

"Whoa," Elizabeth's eyes widened. "How is he still alive? If that happened to me, I would've gone in a heartbeat."

"Elizabeth, watch your language!" Luna scolded, giving her a light smack on the head with the wooden spoon she was stirring with. "Let's not discuss such morbid topics. He's a Fae, immortal. He can't die. You, on the other hand, are alive because of your mortal heart."

Rubbing her head, Elizabeth nodded. "Got it. But what is the bond that Kieran and I have? Is it even a bond?"

"I don't know love. I don't know."

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The dining hall was cloaked in a heavy silence as Elizabeth sat between Luna and Penelope. The once grand and vibrant room now stood as a somber reminder of the solitude that had enveloped the Moon Palace for years. Dust piled up and gray cobwebs dripped from the chandelier, painting a picture of neglect and abandonment.

Penelope, the wise and enigmatic sorceress, observed Elizabeth with a knowing smile. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering under the faint glow of the moonlight that filtered through the dusty windows. She had been a steadfast guardian of the Moon Palace, entrusted with protecting its secrets and guiding those who sought wisdom.

Sensing Elizabeth's curiosity, Penelope leaned closer and spoke in a voice that held both ancient wisdom and gentle reassurance. "Hello, I don't believe we met," Penelope smiled sweetly at Elizabeth.

"I don't believe so, Luna spoke of you a lot," Elizabeth replied.

"I see. I hope it's all good things," Penelope said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Luna, the caretaker of the moon palace, interrupted with a chuckle, "It's always good things, Penelope."

"Does Kieran eat too? I know he's a Fae" Elizabeth cuts her roast and crowns it in gravy

"Only sometimes, he's been more distant. I can't blame him. He's not used to outsiders" Penelope said

"Aren't you an outsider as well?" Elizabeth questioned, "You look mortal"

"Well in that case I would be, but I've known Kieran for years, ever since he was a tween. The fae world time is different from our time back home. In our village I would be almost two hundred years old" She chews nonchalantly

"Oh my! Don't you ever want to go back home?"

"No I have my own family right here," she says gesturing towards Luna and the empty palace"