Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 36: Moving Forward

Seraphina's Point of View

Tomorrow, I will reunite with Argus. I will finally be able to hug my brother, hear his laugh, and see him smile. The past years have been challenging for both of us as we made sacrifices to dismantle the Collective. I no longer needed to conceal my identity, background, and purpose. While watching a movie with Adrian, I rested against his chest with his arm around me—a simple yet profound moment for us. It felt liberating not to monitor my words and actions constantly and to blend my different personas into one authentic self.

Rogue texted us that she and Damian plan to visit to brainstorm strategies for integrating drone detection and countering drone surveillance. The four of us will work from our office tomorrow to monitor and act accordingly. This task shouldn't be difficult for us to accomplish, but we must remain vigilant and focused.

Adrian and I cleaned up and aired the house in anticipation of their arrival. Of course, we also got dressed. When I felt them entering the house, I gave Adrian a quick kiss on the cheek. Adrian smiled at me and gently kissed me on the lips. I nestled closer to him, relishing in the undefined moment.

"Is it safe to come in?" Rogue shouted from outside the front door, causing Damian to groan with embarrassment.

"No," Adrian shouted back with a grin as I looked at him in disbelief.

"What, I get to have you to myself for another few moments," Adrian winked while I rolled my eyes.

"Don't worry, Rogue. He's just teasing. Come on in," I called out, as Rogue responded with a few choice words for Adrian while entering through the front door.

"This won't get awkward, will it?" Damian inquired, casting a nervous glance at Adrian and me.

"Nope," Adrian replied, emphasizing the 'p'.

"Adrian, could you show Damian the strategy we discussed in the office while Rogue and I get drinks for everyone?" I asked, observing him closely.

I needed him to lead as he always had and not hold back just because he now knew who I was.

After they left the room, I surprised Rogue by giving her a tight hug.

"I'm sorry, Rogue. I had to conceal my true identity from you and Adrian. It wasn't by choice but out of necessity. You're my best friend, and I would never intentionally harm you," I blurted out.

In a tender embrace, Rogue leaned into the hug and sighed deeply.

"Please tell me that you have resolved things with Adrian since you are also best friends. I'm not convinced this is the ideal choice, especially if you also have feelings for another person," Rogue shared.

"We are in a good place. Nothing is defined, but we know how we feel about each other," I smiled.

"What does that mean exactly?" Rogue inquired, hands on hips, appearing irritated.

"We're friends and possibly more, at least for the moment," I confessed as Rogue maintained her disapproving gaze.

"So, if one of you got involved with someone else, or if you were with Eyrx, it wouldn't jeopardize your friendship?" Rogue questioned.

"I won't hide anything from Adrian anymore," I vowed.

"You'd better not," Rogue grumbled.

"By the way, he's quite handsome," Rogue whispered.

"Adrian? Yes, he is, but he's more than just his appearance," I smiled. "We're well aware of that as his best friends, aren't we?"

"Not him. Eyrx," Rogue murmured.

"You saw him? Tonight?" I exclaimed.

Rogue nodded with a serious expression.

"He's tall, muscular, with dark brown hair and the most gentle hazel eyes. But his voice, Seraphina, I understand why you're drawn to him. Even Luna Jo blushed at one point, and Clara, well, let's not even go there," Rogue chuckled.

"You referred to me as Seraphina," I murmured, taken aback.

Hearing my name on her lips felt peculiar when she had always addressed me as Crypta.

"Damian gently reminded me of what truly matters. It may take some time to adjust to not calling you Crypta, but I will respect your decision and refer to you by the name of your choice," Rogue replied.

"My name is Seraphina. Seraphina Dusk, but Argus and I were adopted by Lucius Void, so for quite some time, I was known as his daughter," I said.

"I know. We all do. The Moon Goddess came to speak with all of us tonight. Eyrx and Luna Jo will be the ones to make sure that Argus and the two operatives safely cross the magical barrier. Alpha Felix will meet them and bring them safely to the packhouse. Wesley and Aralia will stay close to Eyrx and Luna Jo to make sure that nothing goes wrong," Rogue shared.

"Alpha Felix will bring them here once the threat has been neutralized. Are you excited to see your brother again?" Rogue asked as we carried the beverages to our office, where Damian and Adrian were waiting.

"I am. I've missed him tremendously. And now that we don't have to hide who we are anymore, I can't wait for him to meet you and Adrian," I grinned.

We worked late into the night to strategize and finalize our plans of defense with the drones and further enhance the security system we already had in place now that we were aware of additional threats that were previously unknown. Damian stayed in Rogue's room, and I slept in Adrian's. We didn't know if it would be possible with our new guests, so we decided to embrace the opportunity while it was available.

I slept in his shirt, safe in Adrian's arms. Nyx, my wolf, was content and at peace, and so was I.

Eyrx's Point of View

I left after overhearing Luna Jo and Wesley in a conversation. Even though I wished I had spoken up, I needed time to digest what I had heard and compose myself. My mother's disapproval of my feelings towards Seraphina troubled me. While she advocated for friendship, she seemed reluctant to accept anything beyond that for Seraphina and me. I wondered if she doubted my worth or feared I might cause harm to Seraphina.

I heard a knock at the door, followed by voices outside. It was Luna Jo and Wesley. A deep sigh escaped my lips. Sharing the truth about the hidden side of me marked a crucial moment of trust with my friends, evoking intense emotions. Despite their empathy and backing, discovering my mother's doubts about my connection with Seraphina was disheartening.

"I apologize for the distress caused by overhearing Luna Jo and me. It must have been unsettling for you, and I'm truly sorry," Wesley expressed sincerely.

"I've asked your mother to come and clarify matters. With your consent, Luna Jo and I would like to stay to assist you and ensure Aralia is completely honest with you. She claims it was for your protection. I am eager to understand why your mother, with the support of the Moon Goddess, has taken measures to delay your interactions with Seraphina. Luna Jo and I are prepared to stay if you wish."

Luna Jo inquired worriedly, "Do you want us to remain?"

I nodded, feeling a sense deep within that the answers I was eagerly seeking might not be easy to hear.