Under The Moonlight

Light blue eyes like aquamarine, platinum blonde that shined brighter under the moonlight. That was how others describe the heir of the Skydane family, Astell Skydane.

His light blue eyes gaze into her red eyes. A bit surprised to bump into her ever since. Adriana was left in a daze while his eyes shifted at her bare feet.

It was inelegant, but he didn't seem to care. Instead, he was feeling a bit jumpy to see Adriana unguarded. But at the same time, it was his fault for entering an occupied room.

Adriana recalled if she turned the wooden label to occupied and remembered she had forgotten about it. She felt like an idiot who made a common mistake. She should have walked back to her room instead of using the resting room.

"No, I should be the one apologizing. It's my fault. I forgot to turn the sign," apologized Adriana, and Astell looked at the sign, which was written unoccupied.

Now Adriana thought about it. His voice sounded a lot different. Was it possible to change that fast after two years? But all is well seeing him safe and sound.

While Adriana wondered what to say. Astell wondered how she had never changed. From top to bottom, she looked the same as two years ago. And he couldn't deny her beauty had dazzled him.

"Aren't you searching for your sister?" Adriana changed the topic and tucked her hair behind her ear as the breeze blew to her side.

"O-oh, why yes, I am. Thank you for reminding me," stuttered Astell, who scolded himself in his head. "What about you, lady? It's about time the family head is about to announce something."

The glow in her eyes turned dull as she looked out the window. Adriana sighed heavily and accidentally answered, "I don't want to go."

Adriana realized what she had just said and turned her face away from him.

"What an unexpected answer to hear from the lady. Is there something the family head will be announcing that you don't wish to hear?" asked Astell, who thought Adriana wouldn't answer him, but to his surprise, she did.

"Marriage," paused Adriana, who stared into his eyes. "I don't wish to marry a man I despise and hate."

It felt like a pang in his chest hearing the word marriage from Adriana. This made him question who was the man? From what family did he come from? And who is it that makes Adriana look bitter as she mentions the man.

"Marriage? Well, I supposed, since you are at the right age," Astell played along though he tasted bitterness in his tongue.

Adriana did not know if Astell was playing with her or not. He seemed gentle and close at one point. But so distant at the same time. And one thing she knew was she did not like it. How her chest was feeling heavy.

"Yes, I suppose…."

But what do these two have? Despite the past, they had together. They both didn't know each other well. It was like a one-night stand, but they met again after a long time.

"If I may ask who the man is?" Inquired Astell, who hoped for her to answer.

Adriana slightly tilted her head as a brow rose. She wondered why Astell was so curious when it had nothing to do with him. And what would she gain if she were to tell him? Of course, the answer was simple. Nothing.

In her case, she can't even do anything. All the more, Astell won't be able to help her.

"And what will I gain if I tell you?" Adriana asked Astell, not knowing it would change her life.

"Power, justice, and…a man who will protect you for the rest of your life."

His words made her speechless. It was like a proposal asking her to marry him. Adriana had no clue or idea why this man had said that.

"I'm sorry. Do you mind repeating those words?"

"Power, justice, and a man who will protect you for the rest of your life," repeated Astell, who still had no idea why he had proposed that way. "I've heard what the family head of the Belladonna had been doing the past few months."

Astell gently closed the door and walked deeper into the room. He knelt down on one knee while Adriana watched him in surprise. He picked up a heel and slipped her foot into the shoe. Then picks up the other heel and did the same thing.

"I may have an idea who the man you were speaking of," Astell raised his head, looking up at her. "And his name is Issac Belladonna."

"Yes, that is his name," calmly answered Adriana, who then asked, " And what would the both of us gain from this?"

"Family peace between the four families. The lady doesn't need to spend her life as a Belladonna, and you'll escape from Issac Belladonna. While I will gain information about the Belladonna family from you."

Judging from his eyes, Adriana knew this man was serious about marriage. It was a good offer. She won't need to stay in the mansions where other Belladonna lived. But what troubled her was Raven.

The truth was Adriana never planned to become the heir of the Belladonna family. She wanted to pass it on to Raven, who had much more potential than her as a leader. He received education and is well versed in administration.

All Adriana wanted was to rebuild the Belladonna family and to take revenge. Yes, revenge will never slip off her mind. As the past still haunted her.

Though some said to let, it go. There are some factors in life where it is hard to let go. And the death of her loved ones will never leave her memories.

"I feel you want to take down those in the Belladonna family. Our motives align, which gives me a reason to agree with your offer."

"Then I shall ask my assistant to prepare the documents as soon as possible," a smile lifted across his face, and so did Adriana.

It was a full moon that night. Where a poisonous flower drops its poison into the great moon.