Royal Academy #Wattys2020

Epilogue

He kept his mouth shut and silently followed the young lady whose feet came to a halt near the statue.

His head cocked to the side and made his presence known. Luna should be able to realize as soon as possible that not everything is as it seems.

She was beautiful, and he was the first to notice it while she was still in the mortal realms. But her time at the academy had improved every aspect of her face and body.

She's getting more beautiful. 

Too beautiful that it's almost sinful.

"What?"

But his thoughts were elsewhere. Who exactly is she? What is it about her that he senses that sets her apart from the rest? 

"Found you."

"No, no. Don't tell me we'll ride that freaking thing." Kinakabahang sabi ni Luna at napaatras.

Sefarina cupped her cheeks. "Those are Griffins, honey, and they're not a 'freaking thing.' They'll be our mode of transportation, so let's go, hmm?" She chuckled.

"Wow, this is my first time seeing actual Griffins." Manghang ani Iraia at hahaplusin sana ang ulo nito nang pigilan siya ni Veton. 

"Ikaw na alitaptap ka, alam mo naman sigurong nananakma 'yang mga 'yan diba?!" Iritado nitong sigaw.

Napahawak naman si Iraia sa kanyang dibdib. "Aw, did I worry you?"

Napailing naman si Pream sa kaibigan. "Parang hindi siya tinawag na alitaptap ah?"

Nang lahat sila'y makasakay sa kanya kanya nilang Griffins ay naiwan si Luna na na-estatwa sa kanyang kinatatayuan.

She's not even breathing!

"Luna, breathe." He commanded.

Parang may sariling isip naman ang katawan ni Luna at agad na sinunod ang binata. Mahigpit siyang napakapit sa bag niyang hawak nang ma-realize na siya na lang ang naiwang nakatayo sa lupa.

They cheered for her but she really can't. 

Not until Dame reached his hand out. "Come."

Tahimik niyang binaybay ang daan patungong Sarca. Hindi naman talaga siya dapat nandito lalo na't sa Teadra ang lugar nila. 

Inutusan lang siya ni Master Laidre na i-check ang Sarca.

His gaze was drawn to the woman who was still following her. He was aware that she was following him, so when he approached Vodka's room, he welcomed her gaze and presented her with a gift.

He was the one who hypnotized her, but he was also the one who catched her.

What's with me?

Walang reaksyon siyang naglakad papuntang infirmary habang pangko ang dalaga nang makasalubong niya si Enfys na may makahulugang tingin. Tinaasan niya 'yon ng kilay at bahagyang tinago ang mukha ng dalaga sa dibdib niya.

"Shut up."

"This is so unlike you." Ngisi ni Enfys na sinamahan pa rin si Dame sa infirmary.

He stared at her sleeping face before leaving the infirmary. Nakita pa niya ang dalawang kasama niya sa Teadra na parang tangang nagsisigawan sa hallway.

Tumigil siya sa harap nila. "Your friend is in the infirmary." 'Yon lang ang kanyang sinabi at tuluyan ng naglakad palayo.

He could've just left her there.