HEARTS OF DIVINE RUIN (The MoonGoddess and The AlphaKing)

Chapter 6 : Inescapable Pursuit

The evening had once been beautiful, painted in the fading hues of orange and pink, but as Alexander continued down the narrowing streets, the sky darkened, taking on deep shades of blue and indigo. The light of day surrendered to night, casting long shadows between the buildings, mirroring the shift in his mood.

The soft click of footsteps echoed behind him, barely audible over the fading bustle of the city.

 Since their earlier confrontation, Alexander's fury had dulled into something more manageable, but annoyance still simmered beneath his skin, like an itch that refused to go away. He hadn't turned around. He didn't need to. He knew who was trailing him . 

Her footsteps never faltered. 

When he stopped, so did she. 

When he continued, she followed. 

The streets around him thinned, the distant sounds of life and people slowly fading as he wound his way through narrow, isolated lanes. The distant hum of the city became a low whisper, replaced by the cold stillness of evening. Alexander could feel his patience waning, the sharp edge of irritation creeping back into his bones.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence and shadow, he stopped in his tracks, his body stiffening. The soft echo of her footsteps ceased behind him.

He turned sharply on his heel, glaring into the dim light, his frustration clear in the deep furrow of his brow. His hand ruffled through his hair, the action betraying the growing agitation he couldn't quite control. 

His piercing gaze locked onto her—Luna, standing there with a slight tilt of her head, her silver hair catching the last remnants of light as it spilled across the skyline. She was looking at him with those damn haunting blue eyes, bright and lively, as if this were a game and she hadn't a care in the world.

"What the hell do you want ?" His voice was cold, as sharp as the chill creeping into the air.

She blinked, feigning innocence -"I'm not following you," Luna said, her voice bright yet teasing. "I'm just going in the same direction you are."

He turned to face her, irritation etched on his face. "You can keep telling yourself that, but you're clearly trailing me like a lost puppy. If you think I'm going to play along with whatever game you're playing, think again."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a flicker of challenge igniting between them. "Game? I prefer to call it survival. Like I said, I'm not following you. I'm just going in the same direction."

"Then my destination is right here. I just wanted to stand alone." He shrugged dismissively, but inside, the walls he built felt increasingly shaky.

"What a coincidence," she replied, motioning to the narrow alley's walls. "These two strong walls and fresh air are just what I need."

"Are you seriously stalking me now?" His disbelief rang hollow, masking a deeper frustration.

"Following," she corrected, her light tone contrasting sharply with his anger. "It sounds less creepy."

"Right. How long do you intend to follow me?" His arms crossed defensively, annoyance simmering as he confronted her.

Luna shrugged, her elegance unyielding, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

"As long as it takes for you to notice me," she replied, her eyes twinkling. When he fell silent, a storm brewing in his gaze, she continued more earnestly, "Until I figure things out. You're the only one I can trust right now."

"How can you be so thick-skinned?" His voice dripped with disdain. "You know how I feel about you. I told you back there, and here you are acting like it's nothing." He chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "Indeed - Pretending nothing is wrong while the world is burning in fire seems to be your specialty. "

Her playful demeanor faltered, genuine pain flickering across her features for just a moment. But she quickly masked it, determination hardening her resolve. "The mortal world has a way of humbling even the most ancient of beings. Maybe you should try living like one. When you don't know who you are anymore, survival becomes a different game. Hunger and thirst shift your perspective quickly. Being hunted by shadows can make you as thick-skinned as I am."

His sigh was heavy, frustration lacing his words. "I don't know, and I don't care. You're nothing to me."

"Nothing?" she replied, her tone shifting, a teasing spark igniting her eyes despite the hurt. "I can be whatever you want me to be." She winked, but the mischief was tinged with vulnerability.

"Really? With your divinity and powers lost, have you also lost your collected demeanor?" His sarcasm cut deep. "It's reckless for someone like you to say such things. You seem awfully naive and reckless for someone who once stood above all."

Her smile dimmed as the weight of his words sank in, the truth of her fallen state making her heart ache. "Come on, I'm a fallen goddess! Surely that counts for something. Now is the time to be reckless."

Alexander's patience wore thin, and he shot her a glare. "You're really not grasping the concept here, are you? I'm not interested in your little game". He prepared to leave, exasperation clear in his stance. "You think I care? You're just another face to me. I won't care what happens to you."

Luna's expression shifted, a flicker of sadness clouding her vibrant eyes before she steeled herself. "You may not want to help me, but I'm going to stick with you. You're the only one who knows me and remembers me."

"Good luck with that," he said dismissively, turning back to walk away. "Just don't expect me to look back."

"Fine by me," she called after him, her voice surprisingly cheerful, though a hint of longing threaded through her words. "Just remember, I'm right behind you!"

Alexander stared at her, frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior, his jaw tight as if fighting a storm within. He didn't bother to respond, instead turning on his heel with renewed determination, his strides echoing through the empty street. Behind him, her soft footsteps resumed, trailing after him like an unyielding shadow.

They reached the hotel at the edge of the city, its warm lights stark against the cold night air. Alexander didn't bother to check if she was still behind him; he could feel her presence, an incessant weight on his mind. He crossed the threshold into the grand lobby, the warmth washing over him like a reluctant embrace. As Luna stepped forward to follow, hotel guards swiftly blocked her path with stern expressions.

"Sorry, ma'am. This is a private hotel. Guests only."

"Don't worry about me," she said brightly, unfazed, a defiant smile lighting her face. "I'll wait."

Alex shot her a glare as he moved to enter. "You think I care? I don't. Stay here all night for all I care."

"Wouldn't dream of it," she replied, her grin unwavering, eyes sparkling with defiance.

Luna blinked at the guards, glancing over at Alexander, who didn't spare her a backward glance as he disappeared into the elevator.

The cold hit her immediately as she stepped back outside, the freezing air biting into her skin. The guards retreated, indifferent to her plight. Luna shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as the night deepened. She stared at the doors Alexander had passed through, a small smile playing on her lips despite the chill that seeped into her bones.

She could have gone anywhere, sought shelter or warmth elsewhere, but something about staying felt right. She wasn't just following Alexander out of desperation. If she could succeed in pursuing him, he might help her or better could directly lead her to Lucifer and Davina . Besides, if those who had harmed her were watching, waiting in the shadows, Alexander's strength as the Alpha King could be her shield.

Her soft steps had followed him this far, and they would continue. Maybe, just maybe, his shadow would lead her to the answers she sought.

With that thought in mind, Luna settled down near the hotel entrance, bracing herself against the freezing night. She could wait. She had waited centuries in the divine realm, after all. What was one more night?