She met him again three nights later.
This time, she didn't flinch.
"You knew I'd come," she said.
He nodded. "You felt the Eclipse."
They stood closer now, tension thick between them.
"What are you?" she asked.
"Someone who once trusted the moon," he replied. "And paid the price."
She studied his face. There was no cruelty there—only restraint.
"I should fear you," she said.
"Do you?"
She hesitated.
"No."
His gaze sharpened. "That will cost you."
"Maybe," she replied. "Or maybe it will save us both."
For a moment, the world held its breath.