Chapter 4 - The Luna's Temple

The tree branches are mostly bare. Even as Cole and I hike through the woods, stepping carefully on the stony ground underneath, dry leaves descend from above on us.

It never snows in Bellpond, but winter always graces the island. As the cold wind sweeps past us, I see Cole shudder. The temperature has dropped suddenly, and he has declined wearing a jacket even though I advised him to. I offer him my jacket, knowing that my body is naturally adapted to the climate, but he declines politely.

"How further is it?" Cole asks me, rubbing his palms together. Under his feet, a dry twig crunches. "I didn't think it would get this cold."

"I did tell you it would. Are you sure you don't want the jacket?"

"Hmm, yes," he claims through chattering teeth.

"We're almost there," I assure him and hear a sigh from behind.

After a few more steps, the naked trees surrounding us clear up, and the temple we're looking for comes into view.

I'm always mesmerized by its humble beauty. I know that I always will be. The temple is an open structure made of black stone, barely a few meters wide, with round pillars supporting its tapering roof. There are no walls, and all it boasts is a few stony stairs and an ivory statue at the very center.

The Goddess that my community—the werewolves—worships. The Goddess Luna.

She stands tall and graceful, her face the embodiment of kindness—her arms outstretched. A crescent moon is set in the center of her head, and near her feet, I find several fresh flowers.

"Amazing," Cole exclaims, his eyes gleaming in the pale moonlight. "I should've got my camera."

"We can come here again tomorrow morning. Hopefully, Carol will feel fine by then."

"Nah, she's never interested in this… stuff. People come here often?" He asks, his narrowed eyes watching the idol.

"Yes."

"You?"

"Sometimes."

"To pray? And people worship this? The Luna?" The word comes out fumbly from his lips.

"Not really," I lie. I bite the tip of my tongue lightly and continue, "A few old people do, though. You know, they have weird beliefs." I shrug, mustering a tiny smile.

"What about werewolves?" Cole asks, his lips widening into a smile. He takes a few steps, inching closer to me.

I laugh. "What if I turn into one right now? Would you run away screaming?"

"I thought you said they didn't exist," he says, putting up a dramatic fearful expression over his face. His eyes dart left and right suspiciously, and then he begins laughing, clutching at his stomach while getting closer still.

"Maybe I lied," I whisper, looking him straight in the eyes. It's easier to joke about that than to dodge the topic away. I feel uneasy more often than not when I think of how my ancestors carefully concealed their existence. In truth, they hadn't. Not good enough. Or these fables would not have existed. But there were more lies to them than truth. For a moment, I lose track of where I am, my mind wandering elsewhere.

It happens suddenly—too quick to resist or retract. Cole's lips are on mine, engulfing them in a deep kiss. His fingers are burying into my hair. My hands immediately reach up to his chest and gently push him away.

"Oh," I say, drawing in a sharp breath. "I don't… " My voice trails off.

Cole steps behind, the hurt of rejection evident on his face. He raises his arms in defense, but no words come out of his mouth.

I shake my head and try to explain, "I'm sorry if I gave you any wrong signals, but I like someone else." I make my voice small, not wanting to hurt his sentiments.

Cole waits a while before replying. The shock subsided by then. "The guy at the beach?"

Jordan, I think immediately. Not him, no. Not anymore.

"Umm, yes."

"I'm sorry, Nessa. I shouldn't have done that," he apologizes and hangs his head low, running his fingers through his blonde hair.

"Oh, no. It's alright. Let's get back, right? It's getting late. And you don't want to catch a cold."

Cole nods after a weary sigh.

We do not talk on our whole way back. It's awkward, and I hate that. This has never happened to me before. I thought he was an amazing person, and truthfully, I wanted to talk to him—get to know him better. Perhaps, be his friend. But he had ruined that.

Cole's sister and friends are at the same spot where we left them. They wave, and I mumble a 'see you soon' to Cole, but all he does is press me with a smile that doesn't meet his eyes.

I do not bother meeting the group. They would know how to find their way back to the hotel. Instead, I stand there, barefoot and gaze at the horizon. The seawater glimmers beautifully in the pale light, and tiny waves crash on the shore. The sand is cool between my toes.

As I see Cole and his friends leave, I think of Riley and Niall—their minds deeply focused on the upcoming exams. On the other hand, I am here, contemplating my words and decisions. Maybe it would've been better

 if I had decided to join in the study session.

"Vanessa?" A voice calls from behind, startling me. It's a sudden intrusion into my serene thoughts. I turn around and find Jordan, standing inches away from me.

My mouth opens slightly in shock, but I regain myself instantly. I had failed to recognize his voice. He sounded different than he did that morning. His voice is more composed, his shoulders squared and not drooping. He has changed into a crisp white shirt, the blood moon pendant on his neck looks even more radiant against it.

What does he want? I ask myself, still upset about what happened that morning. My fingers play with the crescent of my own silver chain.

"Hey," I manage with a small voice, straightening my back.

"Can we talk?"

My heart skips a beat. I feel it. I'm not ready for this. When our eyes make contact, all the confidence I otherwise boast of flees from me.

"Er–sure."