Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0003

Chapter 0083

“Then

farmer’s market it is,” I said, smiling

+25 BONUS

She glanced up at me, narrowing her eyes. “Why are you smiling at me like that? Are you making fun of again?”

“Not at all,” I said, my voice softening. “I was just thinking what a pretty puzzle you are.”

Her breath hitched ever so slightly, and 1 saw something in her eyes–a glimpse of vulnerability, perhaps before she quickly turned her gaze away.

The farmers‘ market here in the capital wasn’t like anything Ella was used to back home. It resembled more of an outdoor marketplace than a simple farmers‘ market. Fresh fruits and vegetables mingled with baked goods, but there were also handcrafted items–things people had crocheted or sewn, and occasionally even intricately carved wooden guns.

differences, though. The moment we entered the marketplace, a bright smile lit up her features. She looked around with obvious enjoyment, her enthusiasm infectious. Yet, every time her eyes

when we first made our agreement–more

more, or so we had just established. But I couldn’t lie to myself and pretend that my heart didn’t ache when she offered me that distant, strained smile.

day, and we quickly found something for lunch: fresh bread and cheese. We even stumbled upon an

said, smiling kindly at the woman as she offered her money in

what I always say!” the woman

know I will,” Ella said, her eyes sparkling as she turned towards me.

few tables in this direction,” I said, indicating a

way,”

side by side with me, she trailed

table and unpacked the food. Ella kept her eyes focused on the task at hand as she spread the soft cheese over the bread. She handed a piece to me, but as I took it from her, she pulled her hand away quickly, ensuring there

of her warmth felt like a chill in the air intensifying the awkward silence that hung between us. I could

hated it. That heavy feeling of guilt and self–doubt clung to me every time Ella gave me

that thought away. I couldn’t begin comparing Ella to her. That would only

I enjoyed my time with Ella–I truly did. Even though I knew