The Crowns of the Gods.

Falling in love again Luna/AnAnke

Luna settled beside Blair, a knowing smile playing on her lips, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She anticipated her next question wouldn't sit well with her sister. Despite the warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth, a chill of apprehension ran through Luna's veins. Blair had been distant lately, withdrawn into a shell that seemed impenetrable. Luna knew pushing her would be risky, yet she couldn't shake the nagging curiosity that had kept her awake at night.

Blair, lost in thought, absently stirred her soup, the steam rising in curls that mirrored the tension in the room. Luna hesitated, watching Blair's furrowed brow, the subtle lines etched by recent worries. Each passing day seemed to deepen Blair's solitude, isolating her further from the family that cared so deeply.

Taking a deep breath, Luna leaned closer, her voice softer now, tentative yet determined. "So, you and Hercules?" The words hung in the air, charged with unspoken concern. She knew she was tiptoeing around Blair's defenses, navigating the minefield of emotions Blair refused to confront.

Blair's spoon clinked against the bowl as she set it down abruptly, her gaze meeting Luna's with a mix of weariness and guarded curiosity. Luna held her breath, sensing the weight of unspoken words hovering between them. The crackling fire seemed to echo the tension, casting flickering shadows that danced on the walls, mirroring the uncertainty in Blair's eyes.

A silence stretched between them, pregnant with unvoiced fears and unshared burdens. Luna's heart raced, knowing she was pushing the boundaries of Blair's fragile emotional state. Yet she couldn't retreat now; not when Blair needed someone to break through the walls she had erected around herself.

"We're just friends. We both understand loss," Blair replied curtly, her tone cutting off Luna's probing.

Undeterred, Luna persisted, "Do you think—"

"Yes, I'll ask him about you. Can I please eat in peace now?" Blair snapped, her frustration evident.

Luna threw up her hands in surrender, a wry smile touching her lips. She returned her attention to her dinner, listening as Bayo and Jinx exchanged old high school stories. Despite being among family, Luna couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. Blair and the others shared a history she had yet to fully grasp. The only person she felt truly close to was currently shutting everyone out. She hoped Manny would reconsider Blair as a partner; ever since their meeting, Blair had withdrawn into herself, refusing to divulge what had transpired, only hinting that things hadn't worked out.

Determined to break through Blair's walls, Luna turned to her sister. Standing abruptly, she took Blair's hand and guided her out into the hallway and up to Blair's bedroom.

"Luna, what the hell?" Blair demanded, irritation evident in her voice.

"Enough. You have to talk about what happened with Manny. If you won't tell Bayo or Jinx, you're going to tell me. Now, talk," Luna insisted firmly.

"Luna, it was traumatic. I really don't want to talk about it," Blair protested, her eyes pleading for understanding.

"Too bad. Spill," Luna said with unwavering determination.

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you," Blair said with a resigned sigh.

With a flick of Blair's hand, Luna felt the familiar pull of magic as they were transported back to the night Blair met with Manny—a power she had recently acquired and was eager to discuss. Luna watched as Manny and Blair conversed, the tension palpable even in the memory. Everything seemed normal until he kissed her. Luna witnessed the horrifying aftermath: Manny slowly withering away from that fatal kiss. Blair's panicked call to Hades, the desperate attempt to save him, and finally, the solemn burial—all flashed before Luna's eyes. Abruptly, they were back in the present.