[31.1] The Moon is Watching

As Cyrus and I stood in awkward silence staring up at the floating lanterns, I heard Zephyr shout from behind us, "Oi!"

I turned to see Zephyr and Hazel walking towards us, waving. I removed my hand from Cyrus's and turned my attention to them, "Did you two also release a lantern?"

Hazel blushed shyly, "O-Oh… But that kind of thing… We aren't a couple so-"

Zephyr looked at me closely, "Did you and the blonde-haired brat?"

I nodded, "We did."

Hazel's mouth dropped, "WHAT?!"

Cyrus cleared his throat awkwardly, "I-I'm going to grab something to drink."

Hazel watched him leave with her mouth wide open, "Y-You both- You-"

He started walking faster.

She ran after him, "Prince Cyrus! Explain!"

Leaving the two of us alone, we both looked up at the night sky and watched the lanterns slowly turn into stars. While I looked up with eyes of admiration, Zephyr stared up at the moon with uncharacteristic loneliness.

I noticed his somber mood and moved next to him. I nudged him softly, "Is something wrong?"

He continued to stare up at the moon, "I used to have a sister who loved the moon."

"Used to? Did she…"

"No! I mean… I don't know. After I got stuck in that stone, I never saw my remaining siblings again. I have no idea if they are alive or dead…"

"...I'm sorry."

"Eh. It's fine. Even if they were alive, I doubt they'd seek me out. Even my twin didn't come to find me. I guess they will always consider me a traitor." He let out a soulful sigh, "That woman really did take everything from me."

"Not everything." I reached out to pat his hand, "I'm still here."

He grinned at me toothily, "Why would I care about you, trashy girl?"

I laughed and rubbed the top of his head, "Why don't you go buy us another chicken leg? All this sad talk is making me hungry."

He happily grabbed my coin purse from me, "With pleasure!"

I watched him bounce happily into the crowd where Cyrus and Hazel eventually emerged holding drinks. Hazel shoved one of the glasses into my hand with a grin, "I got you one."

"Ah, thank you." I took a sip and made a face, "It's very sweet."

She gulped hers down and licked her lips, "Isn't it good? They only have this during festivals."

Ugh. It's so sweet it makes me feel sick.

I looked down at the surface of the drink not wanting to take another sip. Hazel noticed I was hesitating and forced the cup to my mouth. She pushed the cup's bottoms up so I had no choice but to gulp down the drink. I choked and started coughing.

Cyrus grabbed the cup away from me and glared at Hazel, "Don't force her to drink it."

Hazel pursed her lips guiltily, "I didn't want her to waste it."

I grimaced as I felt my face heat up. I rubbed at my cheeks, "Ugh… I need something savory to wash that taste away… Is Zephyr back yet?"

Hazel looked around, "I don't see him. Where did he go?"

"Oh… He went to buy some more food… But I don't think he has come back yet."

Her smile slowly faded away, "Hmmm."

Without a word, she turned around and left our group. Cyrus looked over at me, "What's wrong?"

I responded absentmindedly, "It seems like Zephyr is missing."

He stared at me with a strange look, "You don't seem that concerned."

I looked back at him, squinting as I did, "He's probably just hiding so he can eat food without me."

Cyrus stared at me a little longer before letting out a sigh. He held out his hand, "Should we look for him?"

I grabbed his hand and stood up, wobbling as I did so, "I guess we should."

Cyrus walked after me, staring at me with a look of concern, "Do you feel alright?"

I looked ahead with a dazed expression, "I feel as good as I look."

Actually, I feel like I'm not actually in my body.

Ah.

Well...

Technically I haven't been for a while.

He spoke again more concerned, "You don't look that good."

I glared at him, "I look fabulous."

He spoke quickly, "I-I didn't mean you didn't look good! I meant that you just look-"

With a toss of my hair, I walked toward where Hazel had gone.