Moonlight and Secrets
"…Not bad," the stranger said softly.
Orion's chest heaved with his gaze on the hooded figure who'd just launched a mighty magical beast flying through the air with the mere flicker of power. His sword arm throbbed, but his hand didn't relax. As much as his voice was tranquil, the rigidness in his body gave away his preparedness.
"Who the hell are you…?" he demanded, eyes narrowed, tone controlled.
The figure did not reply at once. Instead, beneath the silver light of the moon, the hooded stranger gradually raised his hand and drew back the cloak.
Emerald-green locks flowed out first, catching the moonlight like silk in motion. Then the face—one Orion knew at once. Pale, perfect skin, violet eyes that sparkled with brilliance and enigma. Lovely in a way that could unsettle most men.
"Lady Selina…" he grunted, eyes tightening.
She smiled weakly at him. "Hey, Orion."
Slowly, he got to his feet, still holding his damaged arm. "What are doing here?" he demanded, attempting to sound light, though his eyes danced with suspicion.
"Following you," she said blandly, as if it were the most ordinary thing possible.
"I'm not actually following you," she told him, sounding smooth and unmoved.
She emitted a quiet laugh. "Okay, I was at the night market
She smiled, "I am just following you."
Orion narrowed his at her remark "Don't you think it is rude to trail someone into the forest like this?" he remarked in authoritative tone
"I'm not really following you," she replied suavely.
He arched an eyebrow, plainly not believing.
Lady Selina smiled kindly. "Yes, I was strolling along the night market when I witnessed someone creeping around the rooftops. Suspicious, my nosiness got the best of me. So I trailed along. And voilà…"
She gave her head a slight tilt.
"It was you."
He narrowed his eyes even more, as though attempting to catch a lie in her words. But her face was open and honest. Orion let out a sigh. He knew Selina well enough—she wasn't a person to tail people out of ill will. Her reputation in the city was that of a sophisticated, intelligent, and compassionate woman. Yet her unexpected arrival tonight had taken him aback.
Finally he nodded curtly.
She stepped closer, her eyes drifting to his hurt arm. Not asking, she carefully reached out for it.
"What are you doing?" he said, furrowing his brow.
"Isn't it clear?" she said. "I'm checking your wound."
"It's okay," he said, carefully extracting his arm. "It's not that deep."
"Even if it's not, take this," she said, producing a small pill from a secret pocket in her robe and throwing it at him.
He reflexively caught it. There was a weak aroma of herbs wafting from it.
"It's a top-grade healing pill. It'll seal your wound within seconds," she stated matter-of-factly.
He nodded once. He did not question her. Selina had a reputation for being great at alchemy, and for being truthful. Swallowing the pill, he felt a hot flush flow through his veins. A soft glow fuzzed over his arm as the wound closed fully.
"Powaft," he said, bending his arm. No sign of damage was to be found. "Very useful."
He returned his gaze to her and performed a brief bow. "I thank you, Lady Selina."
She grinned and nodded. "Your practice has improved, Orion. Right at the border of novice 4-star. With your build, your real power is already close to 6-star. Not bad."
"Thank you for the compliment, Lady Selina," he replied, sweeping a lock of hair from his face. "I'm just an ordinary cultivator, who trying to improve and become strong."
"You are the first person in same generation, who impress me by words" She laughed. "And You're far from ordinary and too humble."
Then she cocked her head. "But tell me, why are you out here alone, in the middle of the night, without a single guard?"
Orion paused. Her eyes were direct, but not intrusive.
Picking up on his unease, she finished softly, "It's something personal. So, you don't have to respond."
He shook his head. "No, it's not that. I just… come out here to train. Fighting real threats—facing this magical beast—it's how I hone my skills and improve my cultivation."
Selina nodded, impressed. "A practical method. But next time, be a little more careful when choosing your opponents."
Her voice grew slightly firmer. "If I hadn't arrived when I did. you might not be standing right now."
Orion winced inside. She was correct. He had underestimated himself against the alpha Frostmane wolf. Had she not come along, things might have taken a very bad turn.
He bowed once more, deeper. "You are correct. I will be more cautious."
"You'd better," she said, her voice returning to its normal softness. "Now then, are you going to continue training?"
He shook his head. "No, Lady Selina. I've had enough for tonight."
"Then let's head back to the city," she laughs and proposed.
Orion nodded, and hand in hand, they walked back under the moonlight. The forest disappeared behind them, giving way to the glowing lanterns of Valeric City bust streets market.
Strolling along the deserted streets, Selina suddenly halted in front of a warm-looking shop. A wooden sign creaked softly above the door, painted with graceful calligraphy: Grapeseed Wine House.
"Best wine in the whole place," she replied, with a sly smile. "Care to join me?"
Orion blinked, and shrugged. "Why not, Lady Selina?"
Inside the wine house, it was warm and cozy. Low tables, padded chairs, and walls with wooden barrels provided a country ambiance. There was the sweet, earthy scent of grapes and honey hanging in the air.
They sat down in the corner. Selina had a jar of their specialty elderberry-gold wine and two cups brought over.
When the beverage came, it glittered like liquid amber, silky and scented. They tapped their cups together.
He tasted it. It was sweet, with a soft bitterness at the finish. "Not bad," he conceded.
Selina smiled smugly. "Told you."
They chatted lightly as they sipped their drinks. After some time, she signaled the bill, but Orion held up a hand.
"No, Lady Selina. I'll pay. It's the least I can do considering what you've done for me tonight."
She scowled. "It's fine, Orion. We're friends. Assisting you wasn't that much of an effort."
"Nevertheless," he insisted, setting the coins on the tray. "Please. Let me."
Selina surrendered with a slight smile. "Very well. Thank you."
They left the shop under the starry sky. Their footsteps were light against the cobblestone streets.
"I guess we say our goodbyes here," she said, pausing at a street corner.
"Alright," he nodded. "Thank you once more, Lady Selina."
She nodded. "Next time, should you venture out for practice, watch yourself better."
He smiled slightly. "I will. And… don't mention this night training to anyone."
Her eyebrows rose slightly, smiling. "Secrets, eh? Very well, I won't."
He bowed his thanks. "Thank you."
She turned and departed, emerald hair swaying behind her.
Orion crept back to the estate, moving past the guards with practiced stealth. Once in his room, he fell onto his bed.
The wind outside his window whispered through the night. And peacefully, for the first time in days, he slept.