Celestial: Fallen

Chapter 50: A Moment of Unspoken Truths

I was still amazed that we had almost finished all the food on the table. Diarmid smiled as he led me back to the living room, leaving the others still lingering in the kitchen, laughing and chatting over the last few bites.

"Don't tell me you prepared all of that," I teased, throwing him a playful glare.

He chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich, as we stepped outside onto a small porch. The cool night air brushed against my skin, and I couldn't help but take in the view before me. The vast field stretched out, illuminated just enough by the moonlight. From where we stood, I could see a basketball court in the distance, and a few scattered white chairs placed around what looked like a firepit.

"Maybe I did," he replied, still teasing, his lips curling into that mischievous smile. "Would that impress you?"

I smirked, rolling my eyes. "Maybe," I said, playing along. "But I'd be more impressed if you did all the dishes too."

He laughed, a sound that sent a little flutter through me. "I'm good, but not that good."

As we walked a few steps away from the mansion, the scenery changed. A massive, sparkling pool suddenly came into view, its surface reflecting the dim glow of the soft lights scattered around the yard. It was breathtaking, the kind of pool you see only in luxurious resorts or fancy movies. The lighting was subtle, barely visible, as if it came from behind the carefully placed plants surrounding the area.

Diarmid gently guided me toward a nearby bench that overlooked the pool, and we sat down. The night was peaceful, the quiet broken only by the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. I could feel the weight of the evening settling in—warm and intimate, yet filled with an energy I couldn't quite describe.

"This is beautiful," I said softly, glancing over at him.

He tilted his head, watching me closely. "You haven't seen anything yet," he replied, his voice low and laced with something that made my pulse quicken.

The gentle breeze ruffled his damp hair, and I found myself wondering how he always seemed so composed, so effortlessly confident. There was something about him—something that felt both thrilling and dangerous. Yet here we were, sitting side by side in this quiet, perfect moment, as if the world had paused just for us.

"Thank you... for inviting me here. I don't usually... get out like this," I admitted, breaking the silence.

Diarmid's gaze softened. "You belong here, Arwen. More than you know."

I felt a warmth spreading through my chest at his words, the weight of them settling over me like a blanket. The way he said it, with that quiet conviction, made it feel like he wasn't just talking about the evening, but something much deeper.

I glanced out at the pool, my thoughts drifting between the calm water and the man sitting next to me. "I don't know what it is," I began slowly, "but being here...it feels different."

Diarmid didn't reply right away, but when he did, his voice was soft, almost a whisper. "Maybe because it is different."

Our eyes met, and in that moment, I felt something shift between us. Something unspoken, but undeniable.

I bit my lip, trying to steady myself under the weight of Diarmid's gaze. The intensity of his eyes made my heart race, and I couldn't help but remember that afternoon in the library—the moment we had shared a kiss. My heart thudded faster in my chest, and I turned away, unsure if I was ready to talk about it. Shifting slightly, I looked anywhere but at him, trying to avoid the growing tension.