I Am The Luna

77. A Challenge

ZAIA.

“So how old are you, Zaia?” Gerard asks as he sits back, that unnerving smirk on his face getting to me. “I am in my mid-twenties,” I reply cordially.

“A good age. Once you get to my age, you have to take care of yourself a little more,” he chuckles. “It takes a lot longer to recover from tumbles and falls.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? Well, I beg to differ. I think regardless of our age, we all need to take care of ourselves.” I reply. He raises an eyebrow before he nods. “I guess that’s true, we can all be permanently wounded…”

What a strange thing to say….

“So, when did you come to the States?”

I ask. “Not too long ago. “That isn’t very clear, Mr King… Not too long ago could mean a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.” I reply.

He watches me intently before leaning forward, sparing the clock a glance before giving me all his attention. “So… why do I feel like you don’t trust me, Zaia?” Oh? How exactly did he deduce that? Unless, of course, he has something to hide…

“Oh, not at all. I don’t have an opinion of someone I have just met yet. I usually decide an opinion on what I feel depending on one’s actions… and I can’t do that so soon, We have… just met, right? Time will tell, Mr. King.” “I see…”

His demeanour changes for a second before he looks away. “Unless, of course, you expected me to recognise you,” I add quietly.

I might just be making a fool of myself, or worse, even offending someone innocent, but it is the only way I can think of to get answers.

By pretending to know more than I do. His eyes glimmer, his smirk faltering as he watches me. “The thing is… Mr King. You confuse me.” I continue.

“You say you don’t watch the news… yet you knew of me becoming CEO.” I say, sitting back and crossing my legs gracefully. “As a businessman, business… other companies

your way.” “Getting rid of?” He throws his head back, roaring with laughter, a sound that grates on my nerves. “Those words are a little… extreme, are they

fake laugh as I look across at him innocently. “Extreme? For someone who used the

darken. “As much as I’m enjoying this conversation, Zaia… I do take offence when insulted and you are incredibly brave to do so to my face… or

the atmosphere in the room shifting. Our eyes meet and I refuse to back down by looking away first. I pull on every emotion in my body, feeling my eyes burn with

almost challengingly. My next sentence might just get me confirmation… This is it. I give it my

yourself? Or to attempt to kill me once again.

and scorn. There’s a sliver of fear that ripples through me but I refuse to show him that After all, he is possibly the one who tried to murder Val… tried to kill me… and Sebastian. He stands up, towering over

think that you will win…because I will make sure you will not succeed.” His poisonous words are barely above a whisper as he leans closer to

succeed. But you are right about one thing.” I begin. He runs his fingers through my hair and I

world needs to be cleansed of scum. I will do the honours

been enough… don’t anger me because now that you have chosen your side, I no longer need

triquetra has been completed, that is the end of it. We have as good as won.” I say sharply. He chuckles, “Oh, it doesn’t work that

mean?” “That’s for me to know,” he whispers tauntingly. “I don’t get it… I understand wanting to hurt me, to hate me, but how could you try to kill your cousin’s son?” I ask, glaring

a little carried away.” I clench my fists trying to contain my anger. “And one of them is my brother,

me sick. There’s a glimmer of surprise on

“Indeed.”

those who don’t deserve to be

Since you have made your

as he now begins to circle me as if I am his prey but I don’t think he realises I am not so weak. “What warning?” I say. Now that we have a face for the attacker,

we will end his

deeply. From

does keeping us apart benefit them? “And why do

here’s the deal. If you refuse… your little Sia, who is already near the end of her life, might just die

make me sick. The terrifying truth that maybe she won’t live long, which I have always tried to deny has been spoken aloud and it

have proven to be disobedient… so I need to keep you in line,” he whispers, now taking hold of my

at him. Not Sia… not Sia… not

him away from me, my

and Sia your little dew drop will be fine… In fact, I have the antidote to the poison that was given to her before she