The Moon Knows How to Play

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I faked a ringtone on my phone.

"Won't you answer that, hijo?" Tito Heraya asked, his brows lifting.

I forced a smile, lifted my phone, pretended to read a message. "My parents need me," I lied smoothly. "I have to go, Tito."

He nodded.

"So early, hubby?"

My eyes slashed toward Eclips, sharp and cutting, though I masked it from Tito. Under the table, my fist curled until my knuckles ached. I exhaled slowly, dragging the anger down into my chest.

"I'll walk you out, hijo."

I gave him a polite smile. "I can do it myself, Tito. Please, continue your dinner. I don't want to interrupt."

He studied me a second, then nodded. "If that's what you say."

"I'll come with you." Eclips's voice rang out, her tone dripping insistence.

My jaw clenched. I didn't want to be rude in front of her father, but she was pushing me too far.

"No. Stay here and eat." My answer was cold as ice.

Her lips pouted. "Feed me once, at least?" She parted her mouth wide, the same mouth that once dragged me into hell, the same mouth I wanted to tear away from memory. I shook my head.

"I don't have time for your childishness, Eclips. You're a grown woman, act like one." My tone was flat.

I rose, pushed my chair back, and left the dining room. I glanced once at the stairs.

Quietly, I ascended, step by step, the air heavy around me. Where is Elunar's room?

At the second floor landing, my eyes landed on a door—the first one, with a sticker plastered across it.

Elunar's Room. Knock before opening or fuck off.

A small grin tugged my lips.

I knocked.

No answer.

But the sign said knock before opening, right? I knocked again... then turned the knob. The door creaked open.

"Elunar?"

Her room smelled of Christmas. That nostalgic, sweet scent—pine, cinnamon, vanilla—that pulled me into memories of home, of warmth, of comfort I thought I had lost. I stepped inside, eyes roaming the dim room. Only the silver light of the moon spilled through the wide window, painting everything in quiet blue.

"Elunar?"

Suddenly, light burst, blinding, stabbing my eyes until they adjusted. She stood near the switch, a baseball bat gripped tightly in her hand. The sight of her made my chest weaken instantly.

"Elunar..."

Her green eyes widened. Then her expression hardened like stone. "What is my brother-in-law doing in his soon-to-be wife's sister's room?" Her words sliced like a blade, her gaze locked on me, sharp enough to kill.

"Listen to me—"

"Who told you to enter my room?!"

I swallowed. "I knocked."

"Get out." Her voice cracked like a whip. Her grip on the bat tightened. "Or do you want me to hit you with this?"

I stepped forward. "I'm willing to take the pain, Elunar. I deserve that."

"I'm not joking—don't come closer." Tears swam in her eyes. Her voice broke. "Please stay away..."

But I kept moving.