THE CURSED LUNA

Christian

pov

I found myself hesitating, unable to proceed, as I recalled that Emily had never wished for my presence, and now I risked complicating her relationship with Tris.

Emily's expression contorted with distress, as if she were on the verge of tears. Her heart seemed to tremble under the weight of Tris's accusatory finger, which pointed at her with an unsettling intensity.

"Tris, please understand, it's not as you perceive it. I was feeling disinterested in the pack's activities, so I thought I would check on her. If my visit has upset you, I sincerely apologize," I said, meeting his gaze with tired eyes. Tris's face contorted in revulsion. "Spare me the excuses, Christian. You've been pursuing Emily for months. Don't act oblivious now."

Emily's eyes widened in shock, her voice quaking. "Tris, please stop. Christian is being honest."

Tris's attention shifted sharply back to Emily. "You are defending him?"

"I assure you, Tris, nothing inappropriate occurred," Emily maintained, her eyes brimming with tears.

I took a step back, raising my hands in a gesture of peace. "I promise, Tris, my intentions were entirely honorable. I never meant to create any trouble."

Tris's eyes burned with fury. "Pure? You refer to sneaking around with my girlfriend as pure?"

The atmosphere was charged with unease. Emily's expression crumbled, and she covered her mouth to suppress a sob.

"Tris, please," I attempted once more, "just hear me out-"

"No!" Tris shouted, his fist tightly clenched. "You have crossed a boundary, Christian. You were meant to be a friend."

My demeanor wavered as I noticed the regret in his eyes. "Tris, I-"

"Leave," Tris hissed, gesturing toward the shadows. "Get out. Now."

"No, you shouldn't make such a decision, Tris." Emily interjected, hastily moving to stand beside him, his gaze fixed on both me and her. I exhaled deeply, hoping he would calm down regarding the entire situation.

"Tris, let us go inside and discuss this like adults, please." I implored, gradually approaching him. Emily was already embracing and comforting him, which made me feel uneasy, yet I had no choice but to accept my circumstances. I was the one in the wrong, not him.

Tris's tense demeanor gradually eased as Emily's gentle caress and comforting words provided solace. He inhaled deeply, his eyes still tinged with redness.

"Very well," Tris replied, his tone calm and measured. "Let us discuss this."

Emily led Tris into the room, her arm still securely around his waist. I followed closely behind, feeling somewhat like an outsider.

Upon entering the living room, Emily released Tris and motioned for us to take a seat. The atmosphere was thick with tension.

Tris's gaze remained fixed on me. "Clarify your actions, Christian."

I inhaled deeply. "I recognize that I overstepped, Tris. I sincerely apologize. It was a fleeting moment of poor judgment."

Tris's jaw tightened. "A fleeting moment of poor judgment? You have harbored feelings for Emily for months."

Emily interjected, placing her hand on Tris's arm. "That is not accurate, Tris."

Tris turned his attention to Emily. "Do not defend him, Emily."

Christian persisted, resolute in his desire to mend the situation. "I assure you, Tris, my aim was never to harm you or jeopardize our friendship."

Tris's eyes narrowed. "Friendship? You call betraying me a friendship?"

Emily stood, her voice firm. "Stop, Tris. We need to resolve this."

The room fell silent, the weight of our actions hanging heavy. I adjusted on my couch, clutching the seat properly. My head was facing the ground whole. I hear murmuring from Emily's end. Is she pleading for Tris forgiveness? I thought, still staring at the floor.

Alpha christian, we're good. He suddenly mentioned, and quickly I cautiously raised my gaze at him. Thank you, I stuttered out, looking at Emily lustfully, her smile was contagious that I find myself laughing too.

Tris's unexpected forgiveness caught me off guard. I smiled, relief washing over me.

Emily's smile faltered, her eyes darting between us. "Tris, does this mean...?"

Tris nodded. "We'll work through this, Emily. But Christian, don't think this erases what happened."

I shook my head. "I won't, Tris. Thank you."

The tension dissipated, replaced by an awkward silence.

Emily stood, breaking the silence. "I think we've all had enough drama for today."

Tris agreed, his expression softening. "Yeah, let's get some rest."

I made lunch so if you don't mind, you can slide to the dinning while I get something for all of us. She stated, standing to leave for the kitchen when I called out. Sorry, Emily, I will be leaving now. No, you must stay and eat, I prepared enough for everyone. I felt ashamed as Emily insisted that I wait for lunch. I was ashamed.

Mmm...

"Please, Christian, don't be silly," Emily said, her smile warm. "Tris will be happy to see you're still here."

I hesitated, feeling uneasy about intruding further.

"Okay... thank you," I replied, standing up.

As Emily disappeared into the kitchen, Tris emerged from their room, his expression softer.

"Hey, Christian," Tris said, his voice more relaxed. "Stay for lunch. Emily's cooking is always worth staying for."

I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Tris."

The kitchen was filled with the savory aromas of roasted chicken and steaming vegetables. Emily expertly juggled multiple dishes.

"Sit down, guys," Emily called out, carrying a large platter.

We gathered around the table, the tension from earlier dissipating.

As we dug into the delicious meal, conversation flowed easily.

For a moment, it felt like old times - laughter, inside jokes, and warmth.

But beneath the surface, I sensed unresolved emotions.

Emily's gaze met mine, and for an instant, our eyes locked. I quickly looked away, focusing on my plate. Tris's voice broke the silence. "Christian, how's the pack?"

I launched into updates on pack dynamics, grateful for the distraction.

As lunch concluded, Emily began clearing the table.

"Thanks for staying, Christian," Tris said, his expression genuine. I smiled. "Thanks for having me."

As I stood to leave, Emily handed me a container. "Take some leftovers."

Our fingers touched briefly.

The spark was unmistakable.

Mmmhmm. Let's just say you guys are distracted and I don't really like the distraction. Tris snapped me off, as I gently cleared the forge on my face. Emily handed the food to me, making me feel better at last.

"Bye. I'll be leaving now." I waved, turning to the exit door.