HEARTS OF DIVINE RUIN (The MoonGoddess and The AlphaKing)

Chapter 2 : Crossroads of Destiny

Luna trudged along the road, each step feeling heavier than the last. The relentless sun beat down on her, and her vision blurred at the edges. Just as she felt herself on the verge of losing consciousness, a figure appeared before her—a frail old lady with a kind, weathered face.

"Oh dear, what's wrong with you?" the lady exclaimed, concern etched into her features as she approached. Her eyes widened in alarm, taking in Luna's disheveled appearance. "You look like you've been through hell."

"I... I've been lost in that desert for days," Luna managed to say, her voice barely a whisper. The fatigue weighed heavily on her, each word a struggle.

"What desert?" the old woman asked, tilting her head slightly, brows furrowed with worry. There was a depth in her gaze that suggested she had seen far too much suffering in her lifetime.

Luna turned around to point towards the arid wasteland she had come from, but when she glanced back, the scene shifted dramatically. The desert was fading, its desolation replaced by bustling streets filled with life and color. People moved past her, absorbed in their own worlds, some glancing at her in disbelief, while others walked by without a second thought.

She blinked, trying to make sense of it all. The once barren landscape had vanished, revealing a town alive with activity. Laughter, chatter, and the scent of food wafted through the air, overwhelming her senses.

As she stumbled forward, one face caught her attention—an undeniably handsome man, his striking grey eyes enchanting against the backdrop of his dark midnight hair that fell perfectly across his forehead. Yet it was not merely his looks that drew Luna in; it was the unsettling familiarity that tugged at her memory, a whisper of recognition that sent a shiver down her spine.

But before she could reach out, before she could call out to him, her body betrayed her. The world around her began to fade, slipping away into shadows.

"Stay with me, dear!" she heard the old woman's voice call out, filled with worry as her mind drifted into a soft, enveloping slumber. Luna felt herself sinking, warmth wrapping around her like a cocoon, and then—darkness.

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Luna slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the harsh overhead light. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, and the rhythmic beeping of machines surrounded her, connecting her to a world that felt both foreign and strangely comforting. She took a deep breath, steadying herself against the wave of confusion that threatened to pull her under.

"Hey there, sweetheart," a middle aged nurse said softly, noticing her stir. "How are you feeling? Can you tell me your name?"

"Luna," she replied, her voice calm despite the circumstances.

"Luna," the nurse echoed, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I'm glad you're awake. I'll get the doctor. Just hang tight." As the nurse left the room, Luna allowed herself a moment to gather her thoughts, recalling the arid desert and the strange encounter with the old woman.

Moments later, the doctor entered, accompanied by the same elderly lady from her fading memories of the desert. Luna felt a sense of relief wash over her as their eyes met.

"Luna, it's good to see you awake," the doctor said, his tone both professional and reassuring. "You've been through quite an ordeal—dehydration, exhaustion, and some minor injuries. You fainted and were brought in just in time. We're keeping you here for observation."

The old woman nodded, her expression laced with genuine concern. "Thank you, doctor. I'm so grateful for your care," she said, her voice steady and warm.

Once the doctor stepped out, the old woman turned her full attention to Luna. "You scared us, dear. I'm so relieved you're alright."

"Thank you." Luna said, her voice soft yet composed. "I will pay you back. "

The old woman's eyes sparkled with kindness. "No need . but it's not me who helped you. A young man paid for your hospital bills and carried you here. How can my old bones carry you ."she chuckled . 

A flicker of recognition stirred within Luna. The memory of the unordinary man with enchanting grey eyes surfaced, though it remained elusive. "What was his name? Where is he now?"

The old woman sighed, a hint of melancholy shadowing her features. "He left shortly after bringing you in. He had a lone, dark aura about him, yet there was something undeniably good in him. Just like every other living soul , it was clear he has endured much."

"Do you know where he went?" Luna inquired, her curiosity piqued, though she maintained an air of composure, masking the urgency that stirred within her.

"I'm afraid not. He simply slipped away into the night," the old lady replied, her tone sympathetic. "But he was genuinely concerned for you, my dear. The man asked me to stay here until you woke up."

A wave of gratitude washed over Luna, mingling with an inexplicable ache. "Thank you for staying," she said, her voice steady, betraying none of her inner turmoil. "I won't keep you long. I'm fine."

"Do you have any family?" the old lady asked, placing a gentle hand on Luna's. "Someone I can contact before I leave?"

"Family?" The word slipped from Luna's lips, a whisper that felt foreign and distant. She had once known the warmth of family thousands of years ago, but now it was a ghost, haunting her thoughts. She looked at the old lady, who awaited her response, and shook her head slowly.

The old lady's brow furrowed, confusion washing over her as if she were debating something profound. 

Finally, she said, "Then you can come stay with me until you recover."

"No," Luna replied immediately, the sharpness in her voice surprising even herself. How could she burden this woman? She was a goddess, not a mortal seeking refuge. "I have somewhere to go."

"Where will you go in this condition? Please, stay with me until you're better!" the old lady urged, concern etching her features.

"But—"

"Don't worry; I won't let you live for free. I need someone to help at my store."

"Your store?" Luna raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself.

"Yeah, I own a vintage shop in this small town. It's not big, but it's enough for these old bones to get by. Plus, it keeps me company; my lonely soul loves talking to people. You can call me Dorothy" The old lady chuckled softly, a warmth in her gaze.

"Alright, it's decided then," Dorothy declared, leaving no room for argument.

As Luna settled back against the pillows, the weight of her decision settled in. Staying for a few days would give her time to untangle the events of recent days.  

The man's grey eyes lingered in her thoughts, captivating yet elusive. What if staying meant she would see him again? She closed her eyes, seeking calm amid the chaos, hoping for a glimpse of the memories that danced just out of reach, ready to guide her back to her past.