Moonlight

Paedyn

"Ugh, Ellie, why would you choose such a scandalous dress for me to wear?" I grumble.

"It was one of Adena's original designs," she replies.

I sigh as I look again in the mirror. It's a deep blue dress made of silk with an open back and a slit that reaches just below my hip bone. The neckline is square, stopping about a hand's width below my collarbone. How am I supposed to walk in this without flashing everyone? I sigh again. Kai is going to have so much fun with this.

Ellie puts my hair up into a simple updo because, as Adena would say, "I want to see those collarbones of hers!" I grin at Ellie when she finishes putting my hair back and curling the face-framing pieces. I twirl around to give Ellie a once-over, and when I get the head nod of approval, I thank her.

"See you later! Thanks so much," I say as I exit.

When I step outside, I hear a sharp intake of breath, and I whip around to see the one and only Kai Azer.

Kai

I wait for Pae outside her room before the ball. I look down at my outfit—a pair of crisp navy blue dress pants and a short-sleeved white dress shirt because Ilya has been getting increasingly hotter each day.

When I hear the door open and close, I look up and see her step out. She's stunning. The blue silk fabric clings to her features, highlighting her slim figure, and the open back reveals her smooth tan skin. The deep blue matches her eyes, and I don't realize that I gasp until her body spins around.

"You see something you like, Azer?" she smirks.

"Oh, darling, I see something that's mine," I drawl.

She arches a perfect eyebrow, then laughs as I pull her in by the waist.

Paedyn

I shiver as he traces calloused fingers down my back. I knew it was a mistake to wear something backless.

"You like that, darling?" he murmurs into my ear as we step into the ballroom.

I roll my eyes. "I will be right back; I'm just going to go get a drink. Don't fall for a random stranger," he jokes.

How could I ever fall in love with someone when I have Kai freaking Azer?

After a while, I start walking quickly to find Kai, and when I do, I nearly stumble into him.

"Do you always fall into the arms of handsome strangers, or is this a new thing for you?" Kai says.

That was the first thing he ever said to me. My heart stops when he places his hand on my waist.

"No, only the cocky ones," I respond.

Kai spins me around.

"Do you want to go outside to get some fresh air?" he asks.

I nod. I let him lead me outside to the willow, where Ava rests. He lays his jacket down, sits on it, and pats the spot next to him. I sit down, and he slings a warm, heavy arm around my shoulder. I lean in.

Kai

I gently trace the scars that wind down her neck below her collarbone. She flinches.

Another man from my bloodline did this to her.

"Are you okay?" I whisper.

She nods.

"I'm so sick of feeling weak. It seems like every day I'm just crying, and I'm done with feeling like this," Paedyn says shakily.

I pull her into my arms, her silver hair tickling my shoulders.

"You're the strongest person I know. Never forget it."

She smiles and grabs my face. Every time she does this, my heart jumps. I can never be prepared for it. She presses her lips against mine, and I lean in.

Paedyn

I melt into him, letting the warmth of his touch drown out the echoes of my past. His lips move against mine, hard and slow, like he's trying to piece me back together with every kiss.

For once, I let him.

When we finally pull away, his forehead rests against mine, his breath steadying me more than I care to admit.

"I've got you," he murmurs.

And for the first time in a long time, I believe him.

Hey, back with the next part of these one shots. I have a couple questions

- Do y'all like Paedyn or Kai's POV better?

- Moody, emotional, spicy, or lighthearted?

I've mostly been writing emotional stories, but lmk! I'd be happy to write something new. 

Love ya!