Chapter 156: Amusing Moments.

AARON. I watched Helena's face light up the moment I mentioned showing her around Lunaville, and a part of me felt… lighter. The suggestion came basically out of nowhere, and while it would be fun, it would also be magical. Seeing her smile…oh gosh. It was like seeing the sun rise after a long, sleepless night. She tried to play it cool, but the glint of excitement in her eyes was undeniable. It made me want to take her everywhere, show her everything. Where should I start? I knew Lunaville like the back of my hand, but this wasn't just about showing her random places. I wanted her to see the beauty of this town..its secrets, its history…but most of all, I wanted her to feel at home. Maybe I could take her to the river where the wolves gathered under the full moon. Or perhaps to the old stone bridge where the water flowed so peacefully that time seemed to stop. I wanted to share every corner of this town with her, like I was letting her into a part of my soul that no one else had ever seen. Because I was. I couldn't help but smile as she practically skipped off to get ready. Her eagerness was contagious. She was adorable when she got like this, and the fact that I had a part in making her smile? It sent a rush of warmth through me. She was everything I never knew I needed, and I was going to make sure she saw just how much this town had to offer… and maybe how much I had to offer too. 'Careful," Luna's voice interrupted my thoughts, her tone teasing. 'You're starting to look like a lovesick puppy." Sigh. I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't deny it. She wasn't wrong. Every second with Helena felt like a gift, and I had no shame in admitting that I was completely, irrevocably obsessed. 'I just want her to enjoy the day." I shrugged, trying to sound casual, but Luna could see right through me. 'You do realize you still have to report Dorian's return to the council, right?" she reminded me, her voice losing its playful edge. 'They'll want answers, and we don't have much time before he makes his move. They need to know." Dorian. The thought of his name brought a sour taste to my mouth. I knew Luna was right—this wasn't something I could ignore. But for today, just for a few hours, I wanted to put it aside. The council could wait. 'Yeah, I know," I replied, running a hand through my hair. 'I'll deal with it, but not today." Luna raised an eyebrow, folding her arms across her chest. 'You can't just ignore it, Aaron. Dorian's not someone you mess around with. If he's really back, we're all in danger." 'I'm not ignoring it." I insisted, though part of me was definitely trying to push it out of my mind. 'I just… I need this. Helena needs this. One day, that's all I'm asking." Luna gave me a long look, then sighed. 'Alright, fine. But don't say I didn't warn you." She was right, of course. I couldn't avoid Dorian forever, and sooner or later, I'd have to face him. But today? Today was about Helena. I wasn't going to let anything, not even the threat of Dorian, ruin this for her. She looked so….happy. As Helena returned, ready to go, I couldn't help but stare at her for a moment. She looked perfect, like she always did, even when she wasn't trying. There was something about the way she moved, the way she smiled…it was like she drew me in without even realizing it. I was lost in her. Completely. Utterly. We walked side by side, and even though I knew the council would be breathing down my neck soon enough, for now, I didn't care. Every moment I spent with Helena was a moment I wanted to freeze in time. She had a way of making everything else seem less important, less urgent. As we stepped out of the house, I noticed how she looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity and wonder. It was like she was seeing Lunaville for the first time, and I couldn't wait to show her more. I glanced at her, the obsession bubbling up inside me again. How was it that she could make me feel like this? Every single time. I wanted to protect her, to keep her close, to show her that she didn't have to face any of this alone. And maybe… maybe I wanted her to feel the same about me. But she did, didn't she? Was that selfish? Probably. But I couldn't help it. Luna had been right when she called me a lovesick puppy. That's exactly what I was. And I wasn't ashamed to admit it. We hadn't even started the tour yet, and I was already savoring every second, knowing that once we began, I'd get to see her smile, hear her laugh, and maybe, if I was lucky, she'd look at me with the same intensity I looked at her. Yeah, today was going to be perfect. 'Ready for the tour of your life?" I asked, my voice playful, though I was dead serious. I was going to make sure this day was unforgettable for her. Helena laughed, a sound so pure that it made my heart ache. 'Lead the way." And with that, we began. HELENA. I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection a mix of excitement and hesitation. I was actually going to explore Lunaville with Aaron. The thought was thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. I had actually been looking forward to going around Lunaville, but now that I could, the reality of it was setting in. What if something went wrong? What if I was caught? I had the spell, but there was always that nagging worry in the back of my mind. My heart raced at the thought of stepping out into a town full of werewolves, where my human nature could be exposed at any moment. Luna's voice broke through my thoughts as she knocked on my door and entered. Her smile was teasing, her eyes sparkling with mischief. 'I hope you're ready to face the day." she said, crossing her arms. 'And don't forget to refuel your potion. You don't want your wolf masking spell wearing off while you're out there." I blinked, suddenly remembering the potion I had almost forgotten about. 'Oh, right. Thanks for the reminder." The tension in my shoulders eased slightly as I moved towards the small vial containing the potion. Luna chuckled and came closer, taking the vial from my hands. 'You know, Aaron's been absolutely smitten with you. He's practically glowing when he talks about you." I felt my cheeks warm up. 'He's really been amazing. I can't believe I get to spend the day with him." Alone. Away from all the drama. Luna's eyes sparkled with a mix of teasing and genuine happiness. 'Well, don't let him down. And just so you know, if you two decide to get all lovey-dovey later on, I'll be here with the embarrassing stories ready for you." I laughed, rolling my eyes. 'I'll keep that in mind." As Luna helped me with the potion, she continued. 'Honestly, I've never seen him this invested in someone. It's kind of cute, really. Now you two are making me feel oppressed. You're in for a memorable day, that's for sure." I smiled, feeling a bit of the earlier tension dissolve. 'I hope so. I really do." 'Just be careful," Luna said softly, her teasing tone giving way to a more serious note. 'You know how to handle yourself, but stay alert. Not everyone is as friendly as Aaron." 'Got it," I said, taking the vial back from her. 'I'll be careful." With the potion securely in hand, I finished getting ready, my nerves giving way to excitement. Luna's playful comments made me feel a bit more at ease. When I finally stepped out of my room, I found Aaron waiting for me in the hallway. His usual confident demeanor seemed to falter for a moment as he took in my appearance. His eyes widened slightly, and his mouth parted a bit. 'Wow." he said finally, his voice low. 'You look… incredible." I felt a flush rise to my cheeks at his reaction. 'Oh, stop it," I said, trying to laugh off the nerves. 'I'm not that—" 'No, seriously," Aaron interrupted, stepping closer and letting his gaze sweep over me again. 'You really do look amazing. I wasn't expecting… well, this." His sincere admiration made me blush even deeper. I wasn't even trying.. 'Thank you. That means a lot," I managed, feeling my heart flutter.