Chapter 40(The Strange Encounter)

Chapter 40(The Strange Encounter)
Roman's pov

The priest’s voice became a faint echo. I could barely hear the chants. My body locked, and my mind raced, as Zach began to move closer. Shadows wrapped around him like smoke.

I wanted to move, to challenge him, to rip through the circle and face him. But I couldn't, I couldn't do anything. I kept telling myself, “Just pretend it's not here, and he will go away.” But the more I did, the closer he came. My hands clenched, and my heart pounded really hard in my chest.

“Get up…I dare you,” Zach said, laughing.

I buried my eyes to the ground, pretending I wasn't seeing anything.

"You can't run away from me, no matter how hard you try. I will keep coming, until I destroy you." He continued.

I closed my eyes, with my lips pressed together. My hands gripped the side of my trouser really tight, and I kept praying he would disappear.

“Coward,” he screamed. “ You are just a coward, hiding behind power. After killing me, you feel you can be happy? …Murderer…murderer!...open your eyes and see me. Open your eyes Roman. Open your eyes you coward."

I couldn't take the torment anymore, my eyes opened wide in anger, I moved my hand, trying to stand up, to face him, when a warm hand pressed over mine.

My eyes immediately turned to the hand holding me down, and it was Kaelenya. Her fingers was pressed tight on my palm, and her eyes was still facing the priest, but her lips was moving, but she wasn't saying anything.

Suddenly, It seemed like the air around us shifted, and I had this strange feeling. But I quickly brushed it off in anger.

How dare her, I screamed in my mind. How dare her pay her dirty hands on me. I tried to remove my hands, but she held it tight, and just like that, it was like a cold air blew over me. I turned my eyes to were Zach had been standing, and to my greatest surprise, he wasn't there anymore. It's like he disappeared, just…vanished.

Something wasn't right, I slowly turned my head back to Kaelenya, and her eyes met with mine. My eyes opened wide in shock, as I stared into her eyes. For a heartbeat, her eye colour changed. They… glowed. They were bright green. Sharp and bright like a wild flame.

And just like that, they were gone. Her eyes turned normal again….dark as night.

I blinked hard. My mind swirled. Did I just…imagine it?

Suddenly, she pulled her palm away from my hands, like someone who was possessed or controlled.

The priest’s voice cut through, startling me. “The Moon accepts our offerings. The child is blessed, and protected.”

The elders bowed, the chants faded, and the torches crackled. But I barely heard them. I kept looking at Kaelenya. My thoughts spun like a storm. What did I just see?...Are my eyes playing tricks on me, or am I going crazy for real?

Kaelenya’s pov

The night air stayed on my skin long after the ritual. I was quietly escorted back to my room by the guards. Even when I closed the door, I could still smell the sage and the blood from the ritual.The sound of the drums and the chants stayed also echoed in my mind.

Something wasn't right, I felt a little light headed like someone who had just done a heavy job. Something strange happened at that ritual. I can feel it deep within me, but I don't know what it was. It was like something changed within me. I have never felt the way I did today. There was this surge of power in my body, that I can't explain.

I stood up from my bed, and paced the room. My feet sounding softly against the floor.
And why did my fingers grab Roman's hand? I wasn't even scared, it was as if something took over me, and I just had this boldness. But the worst thing was the way it felt when I touched him, I can still feel it now.

I sat down back on the bed, and placed my hands on my laps, as my feet gently tapped the floor. When my hand touched his, the air around us changed.It was like it was just the both of us there, and I had this tingling sensation. It was like the heaviness that sat over us all night just broke, like a door slamming shut.

And the way in stared at me. Come to think of it, why did Roman look at me that way? The look in his eyes was filled with shock, and fear. Like he was staring at something very strange. Was it me, or was it something else.

I know he hated the fact my hands touched his, and when he is ready for me, I will get an ear full. What have I done?

I turned my head and looked at the window. The moonlight shone softly and bright. It lay across the floor like a path. I caught my reflection in the glass...pale and sad as usual.

I gently placed my hands on my stomach and caressed it. At least one thing went right this night...the protection ritual. I feel a little more relax now, knowing my baby is safe.

Whatever happens next, I know the goddess will protect us. I hugged my arms around myself. Cold slid over my skin even though the room was warm

A soft knock broke my thoughts, causing me to flinch.My heart kicked against my ribs, as the door opened. I felt it was Roman coming to scold me for today. But Janet peeked in, and I let out a sign of relief.

“Luna, are you resting?” She asked.

“Yes,” I answered really fast, as I forced a small smile.

She looked at me for a long moment.
Her eyes searched my face.I think she felt something too. “Do you need anything?” she asked.

“No,” I whispered. “Just… sleep.”

Janet nodded, "Okay Luna, sleep well." She closed the door, and the click of the latch sounded loud in the quiet.

I lay back on the bed, and closed my eyes. My body needed rest, but sleep did not come. Every time I tried, I saw Roman’s face again...The fear in his eyes when he stared at me.