I Am The Luna

ZAIA.

Blow after blow…

The pain in my body is screaming at me to stop, to take a break and breathe… but I don’t want to.

I refuse to.

This is a way to release the rage inside of me and it’s… empowering.

“Zaia… let’s take a break.” Atticus’s breathless voice comes as he grabs my fist, yanking me against him, and twists my arm behind my back. “That’s enough for today.” He says, looking down at me.

His hair is drenched in sweat, as is his body. I’m the same. The hairs that refused to stay back are sticking to my face and I can feel the trickles of sweat dripping down my bare stomach as we stand there chest to chest.

“No. I’m not… but if you want to go, I’ll continue with one of my guards.” I say quietly, breaking free and turning away from him, about to summon one of my men when he grips.

hold of my elbow and forces me to face him.

“Zai “There’s concern in his eyes as he

obst s me, but I refuse to let people see the cracks within me…

I raise an eyebrow and tilt my head.

“What’s wrong Atticus? Can’t you handle me?” I ask challengingly as I slowly tug out of his hold and cross my arms.

He smirks slightly before sighing and shaking his head.

“Alright then, Red, let’s go again.” He says as he adjusts his sweatpants and re-ties the string. He’s shirtless, and he’s getting a lot of attention from the other females here and a couple of the guys.

He would make a good partner. I just hope he finds the one and gets that happily ever after he deserves without being hung up over me.

“Checking me out?” he asks, cocking a brow.

“I appreciate the view, but no, I was just thinking you aren’t getting any younger. I want to see you settle down.” I say as I fall into stance. I’m proud to say I’m a fast learner and this time I make the first move.

“That won’t happen,” he replies as he blocks me

“Ok, I’m done, even if you aren’t. I give up.” Atticus says breathlessly as I pin him to the ground, I’m straddling his stomach a dagger to his throat. He raised his hands in surrender, dropping them onto the ground beside his head as he looks up at me.

Hours have passed and we are the only ones left in the training hall. I know I pushed him today, but I feel a little calmer, or maybe that’s because I’m just exhausted.

“You went easy on me, didn’t you?” I ask, tilting my head.

“Honestly? No. I didn’t because this isn’t a joke, and I don’t want you to underestimate the

enemy or a real match. Not that you don’t know how to handle yourself on the battlefield,” he says quietly, slapping the side of my thighs. ” You did good Red.”

I suddenly become aware of our position and dropping the dagger, I climb off him groaning at how achy my body is.

He says, grabbing my arm ling me onto the ground beside

beneath me as I lay there

of our thundering hearts as we recover is loud in the room, but

silence between us until

want me to settle down…” Atticus says, making me turn my head to

getting any younger. Find a good woman. Life is short.” I say

the woman?” he asks,

mean?” I ask. “I mean, you can be a little annoying, but you’re

I have any right to give him advice when my own relationship is something I

I am in love with someone else?” his voice is quiet, but his

him. “I’m not worth it,” I

told you I’ll wait. Even if there’s no end… I’ll still wait.” He sits up, but I refuse to look at him.

saying let it go, I’m never going to return those feelings… don’t waste your life over me. It’s foolish.” say, about

“Hey, look at me.”

get it? I

trying to keep

choose who you love, and I know you will never reciprocate those feelings, and I respect that. But you don’t have the right to say whether they are

“Atticus…”

trying to make matters worse or use your

a breather.” He says, grabbing my arm pulling me

me as I lay there beside

we recover is loud in the room, but it’s oddly

silence between us

really want me to settle down…” Atticus. says, making me turn my head to look

woman. Life is short.”

to the woman?” he asks, his smirk

can be a little

I have any right to give him advice when my own relationship is something I can’t even keep

for when I am in

him. “I’m not worth it,” I say quietly

no end… I’ll still wait.”

I’m never going to return those feelings… don’t waste your life over me. It’s foolish.”

“Hey, look at me.”

I

into his eyes, trying to keep my face

you will never reciprocate those feelings, and I respect that. But you don’t have the right to say whether they are a waste of time or foolish, because that’s my choice and I don’t think they are. You are an incredible woman,

“Atticus…”

I’m not trying to make matters worse or use your emotional state to forward my gain, but just remember, you

the

away, ashamed that I let

you tonight,

replies softly as I take my

step into one of the showers. Switching it on, I sink to the ground, wrapping my arms around my

If only…

Love hurts…

plays. I want the one who doesn’t care for me, and the one who wants me… I will

voice comes into my mind, telling me that the kids are

I get up and push

you still

Atticus asks.

the report of Mom’s

several broken bones, along with so much other internal and

were ready to test out the Moon

Mom had been sick.

Cancer…

it seemed that the

never did find out who administered the poison back then,” I say quietly. “I’m assuming it could be the man Annalise was speaking to in your

New Year’s ball and I have had the tapes searched. Some files were deleted, but we are trying

need to know…”

she never mention it to you?” Jai

shoulders a gentle squeeze as she stands behind

never did.”

feel like I didn’t

dark?” Jai sounds a little frustrated now,

didn’t want to worry me… Even though