THE CURSED LUNA

Amira pov

I could not shake the thoughts of the earlier incident from my mind. My heart raced with a whirlwind of emotions, and my eyes were reddened from the onslaught of pain. The incessant thinking consumed me as I curled up with my distraction, turning restlessly without any regard for my surroundings.

"Emily, are you there?" I heard Tris's voice call from the corridor, but I was not prepared to engage with him. Not at that moment; my breath was caught in my throat, making it difficult to inhale or exhale without hesitation.

"Emily?" he called again, his tone now calm yet tinged with unease, suggesting he was anxious about my silence. Concern was evident in his voice, and I could not bring myself to face him and confess the mistake I had made by kissing Alpha Christian. The fear of being labeled a cheat and the potential for his hatred loomed over me.

I chose to remain silent, hoping Tris would assume I was asleep or simply not in the mood for conversation. The door creaked open, revealing his worried face in the dim light. "Emily?" he whispered, his eyes searching the shadows of the room. I buried my face deeper into the pillow, feigning sleep. I felt the mattress shift as Tris settled beside me, his gentle hand brushing through my hair.

"Emily, I know you're awake," he said softly. "What's troubling you? You've been acting unusually all day."

I shook my head, still concealing my face. "Nothing, Tris. I'm just tired."

Tris's hand paused, his fingers lingering in my hair. "Is everything alright between us?" he inquired, his voice filled with uncertainty.

My heart felt heavy with despair. How could I possibly reveal the truth to him? The weight of guilt was overwhelming. Just hours earlier, I had shared a kiss with Alpha Christian, and the sensation of his lips on mine haunted me, igniting a deep sense of shame.

"Emily, please talk to me," Tris implored, his voice trembling with concern.

I gradually turned to him, attempting to create a reassuring smile. However, upon meeting his gaze, I was struck by the genuine worry reflected in his eyes, and my conscience began to torment me.

"Tris, I..." I hesitated, uncertain of how to proceed.

His expression shifted, narrowing as he sensed my distress. "What is it, Emily? You can confide in me."

I inhaled deeply, yet the words remained trapped within me. How could I admit to my betrayal? The thought of losing Tris, of witnessing disappointment in his eyes, rendered me mute.

"Never mind," Tris replied, disappointment evident in his tone. "If you're not ready to share, I will give you space."

He rose from his seat, his movements rigid, and exited the room, leaving me to grapple with my guilt.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I released a sob, the burden of my secrets weighing heavily upon me.

How would Tris react upon learning the truth? Would he ever find it in his heart to forgive me?

The shadows seemed to close in around me, and I understood that I would soon have to confront the repercussions of my actions.

"Emily, you are worse than the devil himself," I exclaimed, anger surging within me, each word dripping with venom. I loathed myself for my actions and was determined to erase the memories from my mind. Rising abruptly, I made my way to the mirror, staring at my reflection with disdain, my eyes blinking rapidly as tears began to flow.

"Foolish, foolish, foolish!" I whispered, striking my fists against the dresser, causing the mirror to tremble. Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I glared at my own image.

How could I have betrayed Tris's trust in such a manner? Christian, of all people! His closest friend!

I splashed water on my face, attempting to cleanse myself of the shame. Yet, the cold water only stung my skin, serving as a painful reminder of the guilt that consumed me.

As I dried my face, my eyes fell upon the silver necklace Tris had gifted me on our anniversary. It glimmered mockingly, a cruel reminder of my betrayal.

With a cry of anguish, I tore the necklace from my neck, letting it fall to the floor with a clatter. The sound reverberated through the room, symbolizing the fracture of our relationship.

I sank onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow to stifle my sobs.

Why did I allow this to happen? Why did I kiss Christian?

Memories surged through my mind-Christian's intense gaze, his captivating smile, and those alluring lips.

"No!" I shook my head vigorously, trying to dispel the thoughts.

At that moment, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. A message from Christian read:

"I'm coming over to see you..."

My eyes widened in disbelief, and my heart raced. I hoped he would reconsider, for Tris would be furious if she discovered that Christian was coming to the house. Tension gripped me.

I swiftly erased the text conversation, ensuring that no trace remained. My thoughts raced with various scenarios. What could Christian possibly want to discuss?

The doorbell rang, interrupting my contemplation. My heart raced.

Please, let it not be him.

I cautiously approached the window and peered through the curtains. Christian was standing on the porch, his gaze fixed intently on the door. "No, no, no."

A wave of panic washed over me. Tris must not discover him here.

I hurried to the door, opening it just before Christian could press the bell again.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered sharply, striving to keep my voice down.

Christian's demeanor was serious. "We need to discuss what occurred."

"Not here," I insisted, glancing anxiously around the neighborhood.

Christian's eyes narrowed. "Where, then?"

I paused momentarily before seizing my keys. "Follow me."

"Where are you going with Alpha Christian?" Tris's voice rang out from behind, causing me to halt abruptly. "Hi, Tris."

"What are you doing with Emily?"

"Nowhere," I interjected hastily.

Tris's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident on his face. "What is happening, Emily?"

Christian stepped forward, his expression cautious. "Tris, I believe we need to have a conversation."

Tris's gaze shifted between us, his jaw tightening. "About what?"

I interjected, desperate to divert attention. "It's nothing, Tris. Christian just needed assistance with something."

"Are you serious? He was holding your hands, and you're claiming he needed help?"

I found myself at a loss for words, feeling the heavy weight of my heart.