Hollow Grounds

Duty

Andre's eyes widened as he took in the scene before him.

"Sir...what happened?" he asked, his voice laced with shock.

Jasper's expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of tension.

"He got too close," Jasper said, his voice low. "He had to be silenced." Andre's gaze shifted to Luna, still shaken but standing beside him.

"But... Miss Luna? What was she doing here?" Jasper's jaw clenched. "She followed me. Uninvited."

Andre's eyes darted between Jasper and Luna, confusion etched on his face.

"I was waiting for your signal, sir. But...I didn't expect this."

Jasper's gaze locked onto Andre's. "The situation changed. Adapt."

Andre nodded. "Yes, sir. What are your orders?"

Jasper's voice was crisp. "Take her home. Ensure her safety. I'll handle the rest."

Andre hesitated, glancing at Ryker's lifeless body.

"And...the body, sir?"

Jasper's expression turned cold. "Dispose of it. Quietly."

Andre nodded, his face set in determination.

"Yes, sir."

As Andre turned to escort Luna away, Jasper's voice stopped him. "Andre?"

"Yes, sir?"

Jasper's eyes narrowed. "Keep Luna safe. At all costs." Andre's gaze met Jasper's, understanding the unspoken message.

"Yes, sir. I won't fail."

Luna's eyes blazed with determination as she walked alongside Andre.

"What's going on, Andre? Tell me the truth," she demanded.

Andre's expression remained stoic. "I'm following orders, milady."

Luna's grip on his arm tightened. "Jasper's orders? What's he hiding?"

Andre's jaw clenched. "I'm sworn to secrecy, my lady." As they emerged from the forest, Madina sat on a nearby rock, her face stained with tears.

"Oh, Milady, you'll be the end of me!"Madina exclaimed, rushing to Luna's side.

Luna's gaze never left Andre's. "What happened?"

Andre's voice was measured. "She wandered off, got lost. We found her."

Madina's eyes welled up anew. "I was frantic with worry, Milady."

Luna's eyes narrowed. "That's not the whole truth, is it, Andre?"

Andre's expression didn't waver. "That's all you need to know, milady."

Madina's hands wrapped around Luna's arms, guiding her toward their horse.

"Come, Milady, let's get you home. Your parents will be worried."

Luna's gaze lingered on Andre, searching for answers.

Andre's voice firm. "I'll escort you ladies to Hemmet Mansion. My orders are to ensure your safety."

Luna's gaze lingered on Andre, searching for cracks in his stoic facade.

"Jasper's orders, I presume?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

Andre nodded curtly. "Yes, milady."

Madina intervened, her voice soothing. "Thank you, Andre. We appreciate your protection."

As they rode, Luna's mind whirled with questions. What secrets was Jasper hiding? Why did that man have to die?

Andre's watchful eyes scanned their surroundings, ever vigilant.

Upon arriving at Hemmet Mansion, Andre dismounted, assisting Luna and Madina.

"At your doorstep, safe and sound," he said, his expression softening slightly.

Luna's eyes locked onto Andre's. "Thank you, Andre. But I want answers."

Andre's mask slipped back into place. "My duty is your safety, my lady. Nothing more."

Madina's gentle touch on Luna's arm. "Let's go inside, Milady. Your parents will be worried."

Luna nodded reluctantly, her gaze never leaving Andre's. Andre's expression remained impassive, but a flicker in his eyes betrayed a hint of warning.

As Luna disappeared into the mansion, Andre's gaze lingered on the door.

Madina's soft voice broke the silence. "Thank you, Andre. For keeping her safe."

Andre turned to Madina, his expression softening.

Madina's eyes, still red-rimmed from tears, met Andre's.

"You're more than just a loyal guard, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Andre's face inches from Madina's, his voice low.

"I'll always protect those I care about."

Madina's hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Andre's forehead.

A tender gesture, charged with unspoken emotions. Andre's eyes fluttered closed, his breath catching.

For a moment, they stood there, the world around them melting away.

Then, Andre's eyes snapped open, his mask slipping back into place.

"I'll ensure Luna's safety from afar," he said, his voice measured. Madina's smile hinted at understanding.

"I know you will, Andre."With a gentle nod, Andre turned to leave. Madina's whispered words stopped him.

"Andre?"

He turned back, his eyes locking onto hers.

"Be careful."

Andre's expression softened.

"For you, Madina, I'll always be careful."

Their gazes held, a silent promise passing between them.
This might be the start of something new.
*****

Hii guys. It's been a while. I guess writer's block really exists. I'll be waiting in the comments and counting on your votes. Have a lovely week! 💕