VEUX

Thirty One

March 7

The lounge was dimly lit.

In the east hall of the lodge, down a corridor of rarely used rooms reserved for guests, three bodies sat along a couch. Only the lights from the television screen and two lamps at the far ends of the room illuminated their faces; two solemn, one tear streaked.

"So this is heartbreak, huh?" Saoirse rubbed and rubbed with her sleeved palm at her reddening nose, unable to contain herself.

She had found Eye huddled here hours ago, and spent every last minute catering to him with food and water. He was almost fully rested now, his skin soft and pale like usual. He could move functionally, but he wasn't to place too much stress in any such area to revoke his healing. So he spent his day flipping through movies, chest aching at the scenes of Saoirse's life.

Odeya was close by, afraid to let Saoirse out of her sight. She feared she had revealed too much information, and had to keep a tight leash on the Luna. However, here Saoirse was pressed up against the Alphas worst enemy.

The pair hugged and every limb of their body touched, but they had not kissed. Not held hands. Saoirse's elbow was folded over his shoulder, knees drawn into her chest as Eye kept a barrier of wool blanket between them. He needed not Obsidian's wrath, but he couldn't dismiss the girls pain.

Hours went by of talking. And not talking. Sobbing then laughing. Over and over, Eye had to explain to her that they could no longer be together. For her sake. She had to become a Luna.

"It'll be alright," He murmured to her.

The pair acted as though Odeya wasn't there. She could hear every word, see every action, but she didn't interfere. She'd done quite enough, unknowingly.

"This world has a plan for you, much bigger than being with me. That would just be too simple." Eye further said.

Saoirse rubbed at her red eyes. Every piece of her was breaking. She wanted nothing more than for once, something simple. Something trustworthy and safe like a life with Eye.

Her last tear had him frowning so deeply. Oh, why couldn't he just cradle her in his arms and promise her sweet nothings... why did she have to be mated to Obsidian. Eye lifted one of his hands, wiping her damp cheeks with the back of his knuckle.

"This is what the universe wants," He spoke softly to her, avoiding any mention of the gods that tore them apart. "You need to be Luna to complete whatever mission it has sent you on. You can not settle for just a pack life with me. You are so much greater than that."

Eye struggled to keep to his word as her head sunk and collapsed against his chest, hiccups breaking through her sobs. He struggled to remain platonic with Saoirse, out of respect for Obsidian. To help guide her back towards him, into the life he wanted her to live. He couldn't tell what was right or what was wrong. So instead, he did as he always did, and did what he was told to do.

With her face pressed deeply into Eye's shoulder, Saoirse hadn't noticed the shadow bounding down the hall. The way it's thick mass passed by the sheer curtains of the windows, slowing at a haunting pace. She could only hear the glass of the door breaking as it was torn open roughly.

"Saoirse!"

She loathed that voice. Her head had popped up, but she wished she hadn't seen. Obsidian in all his stature and might stood raging still against the door. His face was complexly contorted with anger, such a frown deep on his face that she shook with freight.

"Go to our room. Now!" His shouts at her didn't soothe the aching throb that rummaged through her chest.

She felt weak and folded, and his commands to her raised no protest. Saoirse quickly pulled herself up, stomping her small feet angrily against the floor as she stalked out, wiping again and again at her eyes.