365- A Night of Hope Under the Full Moon
POV Viktor Averwyn:
They nodded. And stayed with me, talking, discussing possibilities, until well past midnight.
I sent them home when Cezar yawned for the fifth time and they got up. That was when someone knocked on the door.
My heart sped up when I saw a guard from one of the secret passages rush in, holding an envelope. I walked toward him, asking:
“A note from Katarina?”
“Yes. She left it in the forest, and Virgil gave it to me at the hideout. I came as fast as I could.”
He saluted us, sweating, and left just as quickly.
I tore the paper open, Katarina’s tight handwriting forming a simple message:
“I managed to get in. I’m working in the kitchen. She is well and happy. I asked her to keep it a secret, and she sent a message. In a few days, I’ll send more news.”
Below that was another text, in a broader, more embellished handwriting I recognized immediately. Adelina’s:
“Dad, believe me, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I miss you, but I’m living the best days of my life. I’ll protect Katarina here, no one will know anything. I love you.”
I folded the paper as relief washed over me.
I knew it was only temporary comfort, but the news calmed me—they were both safe. At least for now.
A huge weight lifted from my chest as I handed the note to the two of them to read. They smiled, also more at ease.
“Does your heart feel lighter?” Florian touched my shoulder gently.
“For now, yes.”
“We’ve gained time.” Cezar smiled. “Then we can have the Full Moon gathering tomorrow! It’s a reason to recharge and celebrate.”
“You’re right. Let everyone know that hope remains.”
“Now go sleep at home. Adelina and Katarina are fine, and the attacks have stopped for now,” the older one insisted.
“You win. Thank you.”
“Get some rest.”
I accepted the advice and walked along the empty path back home. Everything was quiet there, and I went straight upstairs.
My gaze stopped at the closed door of the guest room.
I imagined Seraphine inside. I felt the urge to go in, to tell her the good news, even if temporary.
The need to see her, to smell her, was overwhelming. It stirred my senses, set my body on fire. Even more so with her scent of lilies and nutmeg lingering in the air, inviting me to indulge in pleasure.
It was hard to restrain myself, my mind full of obscene images, her taste still on my lips. Before I lost my mind completely, I went into my own suite.
It was better this way. I already had too much to worry about without making things worse.
(...)
POV Seraphine Valerian:
“Come help me, Seraphine!”
I had barely come down the stairs when Daciana grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the kitchen, a wide smile on her face.
“What happened?” I followed her, curious.
“Viktor just left and gave me news that eased my heart. Katarina sent a note. She got into Lucian’s village—they’re both fine. Adelina wrote too, saying she’s never been happier!”
Relief washed over me, and I smiled, though still uncertain.
“But we can’t trust him, can we?”
“Of course not! But for now, we can breathe, have hope! This war needs to end soon—then it’ll be easier to bring that stubborn girl back!”
“It’s going to be all right.”
I wanted to believe that with all my strength, and I looked at the huge amount of ingredients spread across the table.
“Didn’t you say you wanted something to do? How about cooking with me?”
“Really? You’re going to let me touch your pots?”
“Just today!” She laughed, going to grab an apron.
“Is this food for the whole village?”
“Almost. Tonight we’ll have a gathering in honor of the full moon. With a bonfire, moderate drinks, food—everyone coming together. We do it once a month, and I thought that, with everything happening, Viktor wouldn’t allow it. But he did. Do you know how to cook?”
“A little. Not like you.”
“Then get to work, girl!”
It was a morning when I felt good, smiling as I listened to Daciana’s stories about the villagers—the comedies and tragedies she had seen unfold. I even learned how to make some traditional dishes from the region.
I loved mici, a long roll made of minced lamb, pork, and beef, well seasoned. As well as platou, a large board of meats and cheeses. Not to mention the treats that made my mouth water.
“Do you make all this every month?”
“Not this much! Other villagers bring things too, and my son Petru’s bar sells cheaper drinks. But Viktor always encourages these moments, because it’s a way for us to stay united, talking, sharing stories. It feels like we’re one big family, you know? I think it’s great that we don’t lose that—especially now, when everyone is shaken.”
“Won’t they mind me being there?”
“They’re curious about you. This way, they’ll get to know you better—and you them.”
I didn’t want to build false hopes, because I might not even have a future there. I had gone to sleep the night before swearing I would never leave the castle again. And that morning, I was cooking, afraid of being rejected.
I also didn’t know how I would face Viktor, after being thrown out of his office like that, after practically offering myself to him. Shame and anger burned in my chest.
He didn’t come for lunch, and later we heard that new attacks had come through the main gate, with the invaders armed. The guards held their ground in the reinforced towers, and new explosions followed. We didn’t know exactly how things stood, and the tension returned for everyone.
That night, I wore a light blue dress Daciana had lent me, with long sleeves to protect me from the cold air. But I went outside and picked orange flowers near the woods, placing them in my hair. I missed my colorful clothes, my beaded bags, the jewelry I used to make. There, nothing was mine.
Daciana’s husband came to help us carry the food to the center of the village. It was sweet to see the two of them together, full of affection. I wondered what it would be like to spend centuries in a marriage.
“Were the attacks at the main gate contained?” I asked, worried.
“Yes. They retreated once again.” Florian smiled at me.
“They forget we’re miners—we have plenty of explosives to use. And right now, we’re using them on them.”
“That’s good!” Daciana seemed relieved. “So peace has returned for today?”
“We noticed movement in the western field, but I believe it’s just another patrol. Viktor is keeping an eye on it.”
“I hope no more trouble comes and he can join the gathering with us.”
I tried not to care about his presence, but I found myself wishing the same as she did.