Dorian's Shadow (BL)

1.12 Rankings, Results, and Resurrections

Luna got ready and headed to the mess for breakfast, a subtle smile playing on her lips. In just an hour, the trial would be over, and the troublesome Dorian would be out of the picture for good.

Ever since Aries poisoned him, Dorian had confined himself to his cave. Luna took pleasure in the confusion that ensued when people started questioning Dorian's absence on the show's Stellarnet account. Damian, it seemed, remained indifferent.

Luna deliberately avoided Damian. Aware of his intention to propose, she believed it best to keep her distance until the end of the trial. While her family's reputation had taken a hit, she anticipated that Dorian's demise would soon dominate conversations.

Luna entered the mess, feeling uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes directed her way. People had been avoiding her ever since the truth came to light.

Swiftly finishing her meal alone, Luna made her way to her office. Her routine was interrupted by an unexpected announcement: "General Luna Zeno is being summoned to the Supreme Commander's office."

Luna frowned but complied, hoping the meeting would revolve around work. Knocking on the door, she waited for permission to enter.
"Come in."

Entering and closing the door behind her, Luna stood before the commander with a forced smile.
"What can I do for you, Supreme Commander?"

Damian looked up from his tablet, stating matter-of-factly, "I only called you to let you know we're done. And you can stop avoiding me. If you miss another one of your shifts, you'll be penalized. You can leave now."

Her heart raced, and her eyes welled up with tears. Luna couldn't help but ask, her voice shaky, "Why?"

Damian chuckled, offering a simple response, "Are you seriously asking me that question?"

Luna bit her lip, her eyes reflecting hurt.
"We've been together for two years. How can you break up with me just because of my reputation?"

Damian responded calmly, "I'm not breaking up with you because of your reputation. I'm breaking up with you because of the way you treated Dorian."

Luna blinked, confusion evident.
"What does it have to do with us? You were just planning on having fun with him."

Damian said, "I wasn't. I want him and no one else. I won't give up until he becomes my mate."

Tears streamed down Luna's face. She couldn't believe the determination in Damian's eyes. Despite knowing her for two years, Damian seemed captivated by someone he barely spent time with.

Unable to face the situation, Luna turned around and left. Locking herself in her office, she slumped onto the couch. Even though she knew they could never be together now that Dorian was dead, the fact that Damian cared for him infuriated her.

Certain that Damian would come running back to her once he found out about Dorian's demise, she resolved to make him beg before considering taking him back.

Aries approached the rendezvous point with a smile. Surveying the area, he noticed that a third of the candidates had been eliminated. Darius inquired about Dorian, but Aries couldn't help but roll his eyes. Dorian was dead, and Aries couldn't be happier.

Within minutes, the candidates were beamed onto the ship, focusing their attention on Damian, Aeron, and Luna.

Damian acknowledged, "Congratulations for making it this far."

Amidst the joyous applause, Aeron announced, "You have two hours to shower and eat, then we'll meet in the council room for the ranking."

Everyone nodded. Darius lifted his hand, seeking clarification, "All the people missing have been eliminated?"