Divided

Part 2: Red Moon

A/N: Hiii! So... I know I said there was going to be 2 parts... I lied:P There's going to be a 3rd part of the Red Moon celebration. Hope you all enjoy! 

Caterina's POV

"I think you're forgetting I can feel your emotions, Caterina," Celeste's voice pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. Her gaze is sharp, and I freeze, realizing what she told me before.

How did I forget?

I swallow and quickly glance away, feeling heat creep up my neck. "I'm sorry... I just saw a familiar bird from yesterday," I mumble, my voice almost drowned out by the bustling noise of the crowd.

Celeste studies me for a moment, her eyes softening. She gives a slight nod, like she's understanding something only she can perceive. "Well, I don't feel anything too bad around us. If anyone here was thinking of something bad, I would sense it."

I nod, absorbing her reassurance. Her ability to feel emotions isn't something I've fully gotten used to yet—though, in a way, it's comforting. Still, the sensation of being watched, the strange bird, it gnaws at the back of my mind. But I push it aside for now. There's no danger here, no maliciousness.

"Let's go eat some food," Alistair says, his arm settling softly around Celeste's waist. He motions to me, a subtle but clear invitation.

Gratefully, I follow them. The scent of sizzling meats and spices fills the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. We approach a food stand, where a figure—tall and cloaked in intricate, dark robes—carefully slices large chunks of meat with precise, practiced movements. The sharp scent of roasting meat and herbs overwhelms the senses, and I inhale deeply, letting the warmth of the spices wrap around me.

As we draw closer, the figure notices the royal couple, and without hesitation, bows deeply, his robes sweeping the ground with the motion. The respect in the gesture is visible, and I feel an unfamiliar twinge of awe watching it.

Celeste and Alistair begin to place their orders, speaking in their native language. Their voices are low, fluid, a mix of command and grace. I stand quietly behind them, unsure of what to do, my hands fidgeting nervously as I try to stay out of the way.

The supernatural hands them the food—a steaming tray filled with rich, savory cuts of meat, glistening with juices. They both thank him with a nod, and then we move away, weaving through the crowd. The people around us are wrapped in their own worlds, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the celebration in their own unique ways.

My gaze drifts, catching sight of a row of mats laid out along the ground. The colorful decorations woven into the fabric catch my eye—bright patterns, intricate designs that seem to dance in the light. My fingers twitch, itching to touch them, to feel the texture.

Celeste gives a small wave toward one of the mats. "Sit here, Caterina," she says, her voice light and welcoming. Without hesitation, I drop to the ground, settling onto the mat she indicated, my legs crossing underneath me. I guess the skirt does cover me more than I thought.

Alistair and Celeste both follow suit, each taking their own mats beside mine. The atmosphere feels a little more intimate now, the hum of the festival fading into a softer background buzz.

Celeste sets my plate of food gently in front of me, the warm scent of meat broth rising into the air, curling into my nose. "Today, we do everything the traditional way," she says with a quiet smile. "Just like our ancestors."

I look at her, intrigued by her tone—by the weight the word "ancestors" carries in her voice. I nod, feeling the gravity of her words even if I can't fully understand their meaning.