The Moon Knows How to Play

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

I drew in a deep breath and stared at myself in the mirror. The tuxedo was crisp and black against my frame, but my hands shook slightly as I adjusted the lapel. From the reflection, I saw the door open, and there stood Elunar.

I turned to face her. "Hey."

She walked toward me, the sound of her heels tapping softly against the floor. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of my crooked tie. "Why is your necktie like that? That's not how you wear it." Her hands were already working to undo the knot.

I chuckled. "I don't know how to tie it."

"Good thing you have me," she said with a smile, deft fingers pulling and twisting the fabric. "Papa doesn't know how either. I had to learn for him. And now, I'll do the same for you."

Her closeness made my pulse quicken. I studied her face while she worked—the shimmer of her makeup, the slight bite of her lip as she concentrated.

"You're beautiful tonight," I murmured.

Her gaze flicked up and met mine. A faint smile touched her lips. "I would love to kiss you right now, but it'll ruin my lipstick."

I smirked. "Then let me kiss you somewhere else... where your makeup won't be ruined."

Color bloomed across her cheeks. I laughed at her flustered expression. When she finished tying the knot, I caught her hand. "Shall we go?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Your parents are waiting outside. They said they'll ride with us in the Fortuner."

"Did you see my brother with them? Tornado?"

She shook her head. "I heard your parents say he doesn't want to talk to anyone. Something about Fairel. I couldn't catch all of it."

So Tornado wouldn't be at my engagement. The thought stung, but I swallowed it down. Tonight wasn't about him. Tonight was about Elunar.

We descended the stairs together. Outside, Mama and Papa stood waiting. Papa was sharp in his tuxedo; Mama's crimson gown blazed in the light, her hair curled like flames. They were an image of wealth and ruthlessness—my blood, my name.

"Oh, Thunder!" Mama exclaimed. "You took so long to dress!"

Papa clapped his hands once. "Let's go."

We piled into the Fortuner. Elunar sat at my side; Mama and Papa sat in the back. I drove us fast through the night, the road leading to Algaya and the Cassiopea Resort, where our engagement party was waiting.

The resort glowed by the sea, strings of lights wrapped around bamboo walls, laughter spilling from the open-air hall. It was beautiful—like a dream made real.

As we stepped from the car, I saw Tito Heraya waiting. He stood tall beneath the lanterns, his face unreadable.

"Tito," I greeted.

"I thought the party would start without the couple," he said with a faint smile. He gestured us inside.

Mama and Papa drifted toward the beach, saying something about photographs. Elunar and I walked hand in hand toward the hall.

The moment we entered, the lights cut out. Darkness swept the room. Gasps rippled through the crowd. I pulled Elunar close just as a spotlight flared, trapping us in its glow.

"The couple has arrived!" the emcee cried. "Welcome everyone to tonight's awaited event! Let's clap for the soon-to-be bride and groom!"

Applause thundered. A man guided us onto the stage where two throne-like chairs waited. Elunar and I sat, microphones pressed into our hands.