Nocturnal Isle

Chapter Seven: Is It Over Now?

The moment we stepped into the cabin, I knew something was wrong. Adrian, Luna's older brother, was there waiting for us. The look in his eyes told me everything. My time on the island was up.

"You don't belong on this island, human," Adrian said in a hostile tone.

"Adrian, please, just listen," Luna stepped forward, her voice pleading. "Jack's not a threat. He's just trying to survive."

"This isn't just about survival, Luna," Adrian shook his head, his resolve unyielding. "He's a human, and he doesn't belong here. You can't keep this secret any longer. I need to tell Father and Mother."

My heart sank. I knew this moment might come, but hearing it out loud felt like a punch to the gut.

"I understand," I said. "If your parents need to know, then they should. I don't want to cause any more trouble than I already have."

"You're taking this better than I expected," Adrian glanced at me surprised by my willingness to cooperate. "But you need to understand, Jack, this isn't just about informing our parents. Once they know, we'll have to return you to the mainland... and erase your memory of everything that's happened here."

My eyes widened in shock. I hadn't considered that possibility. The idea of losing all my memories of Luna, of everything we've shared, is almost too much to bear.

"Erase my memory?" I asked. "You mean I wouldn't remember anything?"

"It's the safest option," Adrian's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "For you and for us. Humans aren't meant to know about our world. If you remember, it could put you and us in danger."

"Jack, I'm so sorry," Luna looked at me, her eyes filled with worry and sadness. She stepped closer to me, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't want it to come to this. I thought... I thought we had more time."

"Luna, I don't want to forget you," I reached out, taking her hand in mine, trying to find some comfort in the connection we had built. "I don't want to forget any of this. But... if it's the only way to keep everyone safe, then I'll do it. I'll let them erase my memory."

"There has to be another way, Adrian," Luna's grip tightened on my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Please, can't we find a solution that doesn't involve erasing his memories?"

"I'll talk to Father and Mother. Maybe..." Adrian hesitated, clearly torn between his duty to his family and his sister's plea. He looked at me, then back at Luna, his resolve wavering. "Maybe there's another option. But, I can't make any promises, Luna. You know how they are about keeping our world hidden."

I felt a surge of hope, though tempered by the reality of the situation, I knew the decision was ultimately upon Luna's parents.

"Thank you, Adrian. I appreciate you at least considering it," I thanked him.

Adrian nodded, his expression unreadable as he turned to leave. "You both need to come with me. We will settle this back home."

As Adrian exited the cabin, the weight of what was to come settled over Luna and I. We followed in silence, the enormity of the situation pressing down on us.

Adrian's words hung heavy in the air. My memories, everything that's happened on this island, could be taken from me with a single decision. I didn't know what the future would hold, but one thing was clear: whatever happened next, it was going to change everything.

As we walked through the snow covered, moonlit forest, not a word was spoken. Adrian lead the way with Luna and myself trailing behind him. Luna mostly kept her eyes to the ground, occasionally chancing a glance in my direction. Her expression was a mix of both fear, worry, and sadness.