The Demons of Shadow Moon

Part 126 - SNAP

Extra long chapter!! Maybe being ill, stuck in bed, isn't the worst thing! Enjoy! :3

"How remarkable... I can't believe I didn't see it before. You're Budo's kid, aren't you?" Zenious confronted Luna.

The room fell silent, the weight of his words suffocating any response. Shadow Moon froze, their breaths catching collectively.

Everyone's eyes darted to Luna.

"Uh..." Luna stammered, her voice barely a whisper as she took a step back, her fingers twitching at her sides.

What...? How did he... know that?

Zenious tilted his head, his smile widening into something wicked.

"I'm right, aren't I? You're Luna shomei, the half-blood born in the demon world," he addressed.

"Uh... how did you...?" she began, her voice faltering. Her throat tightened, and she instinctively retreated another step, seeking distance from his piercing gaze.

Zenious chuckled darkly, his comfort with the situation coming back to him. His fingers drummed lazily on the armrest of his throne, each tap purposeful, as though savouring the new control he wielded.

"Akira would talk fondly of you..." he mentioned, tone uncomfortably casual.

Luna gasped, eyes wide as his words hit her!

"I still remember the day he came begging for peace, all to protect the girl he had fallen for," he met Luna's uneasy gaze with a smile.

Luna blushed uncomfortably. Somehow, hearing those sweet words coming from Zenious made them unbearably sour.

"Shame it didn't work out, really. But what can you do when you've got angels with guns ready for your next mistake," Zenious went on, lifting his arms with a sigh as Alizer nodded in agreement.

Luna's head spun, her breaths coming quicker as the weight of his words pressed down on her. Zenious knows about me from Akira...? Just how much does he know?

"And you—" his gaze slid to Aki.

"Aki Tomostu, right?" he addressed.

Aki's body stiffened, his hands balling into fists.

"Hah. I remember when you were born, you know? Budo would bring you here, show you around the castle," Zenious went on, recalling fond memories.

Aki's jaw tightened, his usual composure faltering.

"Uh... wait... you know Aki, too? So you... you have been here before? But... how??? When??" Luna spun toward Aki, desperation and betrayal flickering in her eyes.

"I..." Aki's gaze fell to the floor, words stalling.

Luna paused, not understanding why he couldn't answer. His silence was deafening.

Zenious leaned back on his throne, relishing the tension.

"Oh, my, keeping secrets, Aki? So much like your father..." he mentioned with a grin, knowing the power of his words.

"He had a secret, too. One he kept from even us! A small castle he built with his wife during the Golden Age," Zenious continued, his tone turning almost conversational.

Wait... A castle...?

"... hold on. You're not talking about..." Luna could barely get her words out.

Zenious' smirk widened, his fangs glinting in the dim light.

"Shadow Moon, you called it, huh?" he continued monologuing.