The Red Moon

I pondered for the whole night, comparing and replaying the scenes about my dreams in my head again and again. The way he called my name and the way he smiled at me. I recognized the warmth, but why do I feel like that smile is not for me?

I walked towards the tall mirror and frowned. I looked at myself, remembering the words others said about me. People say I look the exact copy of Floriana, and some say I'm her reincarnation. It might be true because I've had dreams about them or us.

But am I really her? If I was. Then why don't I have her memories? Why do I have to forget them when they're precious? I sighed and walked away from the mirror. I'm starting to feel a bit angry about myself. 

"I am not Floriana, the Daughter of the Angel Lord. I'm just a simple and normal Floriana," I told myself and forced a smile on my face. "If not, who am I?" I looked down at my hands and clenched them. 

The image of his smile flashed into my head once more. I bit my lip and sighed in frustration. What is this feeling? I don't feel comfortable at all. 

"Miss Flora, may I enter?" Asked Bianca.

"Sure, come in."

Bianca enters the room, holding a duster in her hand. I gave up trying to convince her. Since she would say absurd words. She would kneel onto her knees and cry out loud, saying she wouldn't find a suitable husband for herself. 

I don't know how demons live their lives. But if it means not marrying someone, I should step aside and let her do her work.

"Bianca, can I ask something?" 

Bianca turned her back and looked at me, "You may. What is it that you want to ask?" She lowered her arms down. 

"I've been wondering if I can visit the cities."

"The cities? If that's the case, you should ask permission from Master Kaeden," said Bianca looking curious. 

"You're right," I frowned but thinking about the things I can find in the cities made me smile. "I know that the deadlands have delicious street foods. What do you recommend?"

"Hm…what do you prefer? Something sweet or salty?" Bianca asked me. 

"I'll go with sweets then."

Bianca looked in deep thought, and I didn't want to disturb her. So I watched her until she had an idea in mind. She pointed her finger up and smiled. 

"The macaroons are a must-taste, but I should say the strawberry mousse taste even better," Bianca looked excited, which made me think of an idea. 

"Would you like to accompany me?" I asked.

"I-if you don't mind," stuttered Bianca as she fiddled her fingers in circles. 

"Then I'll go and ask Kaeden. Do you know where he is right now?" I asked excitedly about to leave the room, but then Bianca gently pulled my hand, stopping me. I turned my neck and looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"M-master currently isn't in his right state right now," said Bianca as her eyes wandered around the room, unable to meet mines. "I forgot to inform you that you must stay in your room. No matter what you hear or see. You must not go out of your room."

I nodded my head and didn't question any further. It seems like Bianca didn't want to talk about it. I went back to sit on the chair by the balcony and looked up at the skies, which looked unusual. It looked redder than the usual sunset. 

Seeing the red moon slowly make its way up the skies, my eyes grew wide. "Bianca, is it just me, but the moon is red?"

Bianca rushed out to the balcony, and her mouth grew wide. She shook her head with a serious expression on her face. "It's too early," She muttered, which I didn't understand at all. Bianca placed her hands on my shoulder, trying to tell me something. "Please remember not to leave your room tonight. Make sure that your windows are all locked, and that includes the balcony door and the main door."

"Okay…"

"I almost forgot but take this right now," Bianca hands me a small bottle with liquids in it. "This is a sleeping medicine. Since you're a human living in the Waste Land. It's best if you don't see this event."

Event? Since Bianca gave me a sleeping medicine and she looked a bit frightened. It means that it's not a joyous event. That means the red moon is a bad omen? I drank the bottle in one shot, and I felt nothing at first. But slowly, my body started to feel heavy.

"Anyway, I have to go. I'm going to remind you for the last time, but please lock the doors and windows." Bianca left the room in a rush, and I went to the door and locked it. Then moved to shut the windows and the balcony door. It still bothered me what was about to happen. 

Stuck in my own cloud of thoughts. My emotions rose in me not until I heard a loud sound and felt the ground shaking. I looked up at the ceiling, scared and confused, but I did what I was told. There are so many things I do not know about. 

"What is happening?" I asked myself and walked towards the window to see the outer of this palace. I saw small figures of the people, and they didn't look like they were in panic. It's as if the red moon is normal to them. 

Another loud boom occurred, and the ground once again trembles from the impact. I rushed to the bed and hugged my knees. I covered my ears, hearing the screams of the servants. 

"Everyone! go back to your own rooms before it's too late!"

"Don't push and calm down. There is still time until it happens."

"Everyone, calm down! Chancellor Alice has activated the protection barrier, look!"

I slowly lowered my hand down and gulped. What is happening? All I know is that we are not under attack. I've locked the doors, so I must be safe. If I want time to pass faster, I should go to sleep. But then sleeping on the bed doesn't make me feel secure. 

I pulled the clean sheet on the ground and followed the pillows to create a soft cushion. I then removed the fully blanket onto the floor and covered my body. This is better. It's cozier and smaller, but it doesn't feel suffocating. 

When I shut my eyes. I felt the world spinning, and I gave into darkness despite feeling scared of the current situation.