Mixed blood

Chapter 17: Daggers

Luana heard a knock at the door and went to answer it. A young man from room service stood there, holding a medium-sized box wrapped in simple, unmarked brown paper.

"This is for Mr. Russo," he said, handing her the box with a polite nod. "As requested."

She took it, muttering a quick "thank you" before closing the door.

"What on earth is this?" she murmured, turning the box over in her hands as if the answer might be written somewhere.

He got up, coming over with a smirk as he carefully unwrapped the package to reveal a sleek telescope.

"A telescope? What are you planning to do with that, become an astronomer?"

He chuckled, "Not exactly. There's a phenomenon that happens once in a blue moon, and I intend to see it."

Now she was hooked. "Can I join? I mean, if it's that rare, I'd love to see it too."

"You? Last thing I need is more trouble. You'd better stay here and behave yourself."

She feigned innocence, clasping her hands with wide eyes. "Me? Trouble? You do remember what happened the last time you left me alone, right? That's when the real trouble started."

He exhaled in mock exasperation. "Touché." He ran a hand through his hair, as if reluctantly conceding. "Fine, I'm left with no choice. You're coming along."

She grinned triumphantly. "Good decision. So... what should I wear? Something glamorous, right?"

He rolled his eyes, "Unless 'glamorous' means warm, practical, and good for climbing a mountain, I'd say keep it simple. It's going to be a cold night."

"Fine, fine. At least tell me what phenomenon we're watching?"

He tilted his head, his gaze teasing. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

She nudged him playfully. "Come on, tell me! You're clearly dying to show off that you know something I don't."

"Where's the fun in that? You'll find out soon enough." He said, walking back to his laptop.

She followed him and started nagging. "Come on, just a hint? A tiny, little clue? It's a lunar eclipse, isn't it? Or maybe a blue supermoon?"

His face remained impassive, "Not telling."

"Oh, really?" She poked his shoulder.

"Think of it as a surprise," he said, clearly enjoying her impatience.

She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "I don't like surprises."

"Well, you're about to."

---

With everything packed and ready, William slung the telescope bag over his shoulder and gave Luana a nod. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

They headed out into the chilly night, where a narrow, winding trail led them deeper into the rugged landscape. Not too far from the cabin, they came upon a glistening river. William pointed to a series of rocks, perfectly spaced across the water.

"Think you can handle it?" he challenged, already stepping onto the first stone.

"Please," she scoffed, following him with ease.

Halfway across, though, Luana wobbled, and William instinctively reached out to steady her.

"See?" he said with a smirk. "A little too ambitious, aren't we?"

"Careful," she shot back, finding her balance and hopping onto the next rock. "Or I'll just let you go first into any trouble we come across."

Once they'd crossed the river, they continued along the path, soon reaching a cliff they had to jump.