Chapter 5 The Luna's Temple

Most of the tree branches were bare. Even as Nessa and Cole hiked through the woods, stepping carefully on the stony ground underneath, dry leaves descended from above on them.

It never snowed in Bellpond, but winter always graced the island. As the cold wind swept past them, Nessa saw Cole shudder. The temperature had dropped suddenly and he had declined wearing a jacket even though she had advised him to. She offered him her jacket, knowing that her body was naturally adapted to the climate but he declined politefully.

"How further is it?" Cole asked her, rubbing his palms together. Under his feet, a dry twig crunched. "I didn't think it would get this cold."

"I did tell you it would. Are you sure you don't want the jacket?"

"Hmm, yes, " He claimed through chattering teeth.

"We're almost there, " Nessa assured him and heard a sigh from behind.

After a few more steps, the naked trees surrounding them cleared up and the temple they were looking for came into her view.

She was always mesmerized by its humble beauty. Nessa knew that she would always be. The temple was an open structure made of black stone, barely a few metres wide with round pillars supporting its tapering roof. There were no walls and all it boasted was a few stony stairs and an ivory statue at the very centre.

The Goddess that her community-the werewolves-worshipped. The Goddess Luna.

She stood tall and graceful, her face the embodiment of kindness-her arms outstretched. A crescent moon was set in the centre of her head and near her feet Nessa found several fresh flowers.

"Amazing, " Cole exclaimed, his eyes gleaming in the pale moonlight. "I should've got my camera."

"We can come here again tomorrow morning. Hopefully, Carol would feel fine by then."

"Nah, she's never interested in this... stuff. People come here often?" He asked, his narrowed eyes watching the idol.

"Yes."

"You?"

"Sometimes."

"And people worship this? The Luna?" The word came out fumbly from his lips.

"Not really, " Nessa lied. She bit the tip of her tongue lightly and continued, "A few old people do, though. You know, they have weird beliefs." She shrugged, mustering a tiny smile.

"What about werewolves?" Cole asked, his lips widening into a smile. He took a few steps, inching closer to her.

Nessa laughed. "What if I turn into one right now? Would you run away screaming?"

"I thought you said they didn't exist, " He said, putting up a dramatic fearful expression over his face. His eyes darted left and right suspiciously and then he began laughing, clutching at his stomach while getting closer still.

"Maybe I lied, " Nessa whispered, looking him straight in the eyes. It was easier to joke about that than to dodge the topic away. She felt uneasy more often than not when she thought of how her ancestors had carefully concealed their existence. In truth, they hadn't. Not good enough. Or these fables would not have existed. But there was more lie to them than truth. For a moment, she lost track of where she was, her mind wandering elsewhere.

It happened suddenly-too quick to resist or retract. Cole's lips were on hers, engulfing them in a deep kiss. His fingers were burying into her hair. Nessa's hands immediately reached up to his chest and gently pushed him away.

"Oh, " Nessa said, drawing in a sharp breath. "I don't... " Her voice trailed off.

Cole stepped behind, the hurt of rejection evident on his face. He raised his arms in defence but no words came out of his mouth.

Nessa shook her head and tried to explain, "I'm sorry if I gave you any wrong signals but I like someone else." She made her voice small, not wanting to hurt his sentiments.

Cole waited a while before replying. The shock subsided by then. "The guy at the beach?"

Jordan, She thought immediately. Not him, no. Not any more.

"Umm, yes."

"I'm sorry, Nessa. I shouldn't have done that, " He apologised and hung his head low, running his fingers through his blonde hair.

"Oh, no. It's alright. Let's get back, right? It's getting late. And you don't want to catch a cold."

Cole nodded after a wear sigh.

They did not talk on their whole way back. It was awkward and Nessa hated that. This had never happened to her before. She thought he was an amazing person and truthfully she wanted to talk to him-get to know him better. Perhaps, be his friend. But he had ruined that.

Cole's sister and friends were at the same spot where they'd left them. They waved and Nessa mumbled a 'see you soon' to Cole but all he did was press her a smile that didn't meet his eyes.

She did not bother meeting the group. They would know how to find their way back to the hotel. Instead, she stood there, barefoot and gazed at the horizon. The seawater glimmered beautifully in the pale light and tiny waves crashed on the shore. The sand was cool between her toes.

As Nessa saw Cole and his friends leave, she thought of Riley and Niall-their minds deeply focused on the upcoming exams. On the other hand, she was here, contemplating on her words and decisions. Maybe it would've been better if she had decided to join in the study session.

"Vanessa?" A voice called from behind, startling her. It was a sudden intrusion in her serene thoughts. She turned around and found Jordan, standing inches away from her.

Her mouth opened slightly in shock but she regained herself instantly. She had failed to recognise his voice. He sounded different than he did that morning. His voice was more composed, his shoulders squared and not drooping. He had changed into a crisp white shirt, the blood moon pendant in his neck looked even more radiant against it.

What does he want? She asked herself, still upset about what had happened that morning. Her fingers played with the crescent of her own silver chain.

"Hey, " Nessa managed with a small voice, straightening her back.

"Can we talk?"

Her heart skipped a beat. Nessa felt it. She wasn't ready for this. When their eyes made contact, all the confidence she otherwise boasted of, fled from her.

"Er–sure."