The silence between them didn't fade.
Even outside, walking through the quiet street,
Luna could feel it—heavy, unspoken, pressing down on her with every step. The night air was cool, but it didn't calm her racing thoughts.
She wrapped her arms around herself slightly, more out of unease than cold. "You don't have to follow me this closely."
"I'm not following you," Ethan replied calmly. "I'm protecting you."
"That's the same thing."
"It's not."
She didn't argue further.
But something felt… off.
Not just between them.
Around them.
Luna slowed her steps, her gaze shifting subtly as she looked around. The street was empty, the lights dim, the shadows stretching longer than they should.
"Do you feel that?" she whispered.
Ethan's eyes sharpened instantly. "What?"
"…Like someone's watching."
He stopped immediately, scanning the area with precision. His posture changed—alert, ready.
There was nothing obvious. No movement. No sound.
But instinct—
Said otherwise.
"Stay close," he said quietly, his voice lower now, serious.
Luna stepped slightly closer without thinking.
But it was already too late.
A sudden movement—
From the alley.
Before she could react, a hand shot out of the darkness and grabbed her wrist.
"Luna!"
She gasped as she was pulled back sharply, her balance breaking instantly. Her heart jumped into her throat as panic surged through her.
Everything happened too fast.
Ethan moved instantly, his reflexes sharp. He grabbed her other arm and pulled her toward him with force.
For a brief second—
She was caught between two forces.
Pulled in opposite directions.
Then Ethan shoved the man away hard, stepping in front of her without hesitation.
"Don't touch her."
The figure stumbled back slightly but didn't fall. Instead, he straightened slowly, completely unbothered.
And then Luna saw his face clearly.
Adrian.
Of course it was him.
Her heart began pounding violently. "What are you doing?!"
Adrian didn't even glance at Ethan. His gaze remained fixed on her, calm and unreadable.
"I told you," he said quietly, "I'd come back."
Ethan stepped forward, placing himself fully between them. "This ends now."
Adrian smirked faintly, almost amused. "You really think you can stop it?"
"What do you want?" Ethan asked coldly.
Adrian didn't hesitate. "Her memory."
Luna froze. "…What?"
"That's where it is," he said softly, as if stating something obvious.
Ethan's expression darkened instantly.
"You hid it well," Adrian continued, his eyes still locked on Luna. "Even from yourself."
Her breathing became uneven. Confusion, fear, and something deeper twisted inside her.
"What are you talking about…?"
"The drive," Adrian said. "You don't remember where you put it… because you made sure you wouldn't."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
Ethan clenched his jaw. "That's enough."
But it was already too late.
The words had sunk in.
The idea had taken root.
"I hid it…?" Luna whispered, her voice barely audible.
Fragments hit again—stronger this time.
Her own voice echoed in her mind.
"I can't let them find it."
Her hands shaking—
Hiding something—
Running—
Luna staggered slightly, her body unable to keep up with the sudden rush of memories.
"Luna!" Ethan caught her before she could fall.
Adrian watched the scene calmly, almost as if he had expected this.
"No one forced you," he said. "You chose this."
"Stop talking," Ethan snapped, his voice sharp with warning.
But Luna shook her head weakly. "…No…"
Her eyes lifted slowly, filled with confusion and fear.
"What if he's right?"
That question hung in the air, heavier than anything else.
Ethan didn't answer immediately.
And that hesitation—
Hurt more than anything Adrian had said.
Adrian smiled faintly. "That silence says everything."
Ethan's voice dropped, colder now. "Leave. Now."
For a moment, it felt like Adrian might refuse.
But then he stepped back slowly, as if he had already achieved what he came for.
"But this won't stop," he said.
His eyes met Luna's one last time.
"Because the truth is already waking up."
And then—
He turned.
And disappeared into the darkness.
Just like that.
Luna stood frozen, her body still trembling slightly.
Her mind was spinning, unable to process
everything at once.
Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
"…I did this…" she whispered.
Ethan tightened his grip on her arm slightly. "No."
But this time—
His voice didn't sound certain.
And Luna noticed.
That was the moment something inside her truly broke.
Because now—
It wasn't just her past she doubted.
It was him too.
And that doubt—
Was far more dangerous than any memory.