🌲Luna 🌕 Skye🌲

But here, in Luna's small cabin in the woods, the chirping and singing was everywhere. Still half asleep, he enjoyed the moment. Bundled under the covers, relishing the peace and the warmth… and his tiny girl curled into a ball in his arms. Fragrant, sweet and adorable. He listened to her little sounds: whimpers, meows, mumbles from her dreams. He softly kissed the top of her head. Luna shifted slightly, snuggling even more against him. 

At last he had told her how he felt. And she felt the same for him. His heart soared. Now, closer to his 18th birthday, ready to receive his vast inheritance, the most precious thing in the world for him was his Luna. He wanted to put the world at her feet and bring her the moon if she wanted him to. He knew she wouldn't ask for anything. She only wanted him, and that made him love her even more. 

He caressed her face, she meowed a bit and started opening her eyes. 

“Good morning my tiny Luna”

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

“Morning” was the meow that came from somewhere between Roman's chest and the covers where Luna had her face buried in. Then the rain of little kisses peppered over his chest. He laughed because they tickled him. He pulled her up, closer to his face and kissed her, slowly, unhurried, relishing the feeling of her lips, her sweet mouth, her cute noises. 

For Luna that was what being in paradise must have felt like. Someone who loved her, and for who she was. Her Roman, the strange boy, misunderstood by all. And now here she was in his arms, being kissed, feeling cherished. 

“I'm so happy, Roman. You make me feel like this just by looking at me”

“Likewise my tiny girl. I adore you” 

And the kissing, the sweet caressing, the tender words started all over again, and again. Roman went easy and slow. Luna was special to him, he would wait until she felt ready to have sex with her. Her lack of experience was so obvious, so endearing. At the same time it gave him the chance to be the one to teach all those things to her, to guide her in her first steps into intimacy. She was a natural, just kissing him, touching his body, giggling with abandon. He performed an excellent exercise on restraint, controlling his impulse of devouring her whole. Instead he revelled in the feeling of pure love and joy.

 After making out for the best part of a couple of hours, they got up, had breakfast and went for a walk in the woods. Luna knew them like the back of her hand. She showed Roman her favourite places, they picked berries and rocks, they played, they made out a bit more… 

Back in the house, that afternoon, they curled on the couch making plans. The finals were in two weeks and they were planning to study together. 

“Is it ok with you if I bring some of my clothes here? We can study for longer and I prefer this rather than my mother making stupid drama all over the house”

“Sure thing! It will be great to study together. If you go now, you'll be back for dinner” 

Luna was delighted with the prospect of studying and spending time with Roman. He left and in the meantime she made a cheesecake with the berries they had picked up in the forest.

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

Roman arrived at the Godfrey mansion. Olivia seemed to be in the conservatory. He went straight to his room, packed a few clothes and toiletries, put a few blazers and trousers in a suit bag and his laptop in the laptop bag, which he hung over his shoulder. He was going down the staircase when Olivia appeared. She stood at the bottom with an expression between sarcastic and pissed off. 

“Well, look who has decided to grace us with his presence. Where are you going? Aren't you going to have dinner with your mother? “

“Sorry, can't do. I got plans already.” was the curt answer from Roman. He stood one step over her. To have even more height advantage. 

“And what are these plans, darling? “

Olivia had changed tactics, trying to wrap Roman in her web, but it didn't work. 

“They're not your business.” 

“But darling, tell mommy, “ she pleaded with a honeyed voice that concealed the poison. She tried to wrap an arm around him and Roman rejected her like she was a snake.

“Take your hands off me!! “ The tone made Olivia stop mid-gesture. It was commanding, imperative, not open to discussion. But what she noticed more was how she reacted to his voice. The sheer power it emanated from him was scary and compelling. For the first time in Roman's life, she looked at him with…fear. 

Roman left the house swiftly. Put his bags in the trunk and left, leaving behind him a cloud of dust and a pensive Olivia who watched him disappear in the distance. 

“Soon you'll be ready, my darling, my boy”

She went back inside the mansion and filled up a glass of red wine, pondering about her and Roman. She felt the moment was near. Soon Roman would be hers forever. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

(Roman’s POV) 

The cherry red Jaguar stormed away. With every yard of distance between the car and the mansion, Roman's mood improved. Just a few more days and he would be free from that bitch. 

Since his father's death when he was just five years old, Roman had the feeling that his mother wasn't good. As he grew up he realized that this was a huge understatement. Olivia kept him and Shelley on a tight leash but when she started visiting his room, sometimes in the middle of the night, and suffocating him with her presence, her touch and her attentions, Roman rebelled. He started doing things just to upset her or to forget about her. Alcohol and drugs drowned his hatred for her into a haze and sex with many other women helped wash the feeling of her hands on his skin. He endured family meals and outings just to be there for Shelley. When she disappeared, he started distancing from Olivia more and more. He was now almost an adult. He was finding it easier to reject her. He felt no remorse, he had no feelings left for her except loathe and contempt. 

“Three weeks” He thought, “and she'll be out of my life forever” 

His future was with Luna. He concentrated his thoughts on that. As the daylight was fading, his head was full of projects, ideas and dreams. He wanted to talk about them with his tiny girl. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

Luna had a quick shower and changed into a pretty and colourful hippie dress. She made, a salad, a chocolate mousse and set the table. Music was playing. She loved music, and thanks to Roman, to be now able to access any song she liked was one of her most favourite things. 

Roman arrived just as the sun had just set. He could hear the music from outside. He smiled thinking of a happy Luna. When he went in, she was in the kitchen, preparing that delicious pasta they had the night before. 

“You're just on time “ she chirped happily. 

“That smells amazing, let me just drop all this in the room’

So he did, and then joined her in the kitchen. He hugged her from behind, kissing her head and her temple. Luna turned around and they kissed slowly, intensely. He felt her small body trembling, responding to his touch. His long fingers ran through her hair, down the back of her neck, and down her back. Her skin was covered in goosebumps. Her arousal provoked his own, but he was determined to wait until she felt ready. When they broke the kiss, they got lost in each other's eyes until the gurgling of boiling water brought them back to reality. 

“Take the salad. I'll bring the ravioli” 

They had dinner while chatting like parrots. Roman didn't remember having talked that much in all his life. What a difference the simple life with Luna was compared to living with Olivia in the mansion. The happy moments in this cabin in the woods versus the old money luxuries in a bleak house where there was no love, no warmth, no joy. 

Luna noticed his mind drifting off for a moment. It was just a split second but she saw it. His eyes darkened. He went from summer skies to pitch black storms. 

“Are you ok?, what's wrong?“

“Nothing, I just want to keep you from Olivia, She's poisonous, I won't let her harm you” 

Luna had heard things about Olivia. She seemed to be a first class bitch. But the contempt in Roman's voice was such that she wondered what monstrosities she was capable of. 

“Don't worry, you're about to become an adult. There's nothing she can do to stop that. You will be in charge of your destiny”

“Yes, and soon she won't be able to bother us”

He held her in his arms, caressing her head while he vowed to himself that he would never let Olivia come near his tiny Luna. She wouldn't have her life ruined, like his and Shelley’s had been. He would protect her whatever the cost. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

For the next two weeks they settled into a cosy routine. There was school only in the morning. They would return home for lunch, then they would revise together for a few more hours, after studying, they would go for a walk, have dinner and relax in the evening. 

They slept together every single night. Roman had never known what a good night’s sleep was. No waking up in the middle of the night and staying awake for hours, no nightmares, not relying on drugs and alcohol to pass out till the morning. 

The week of the finals arrived. It was pretty intense. Two exams a day and then back home to brush up on the ones for the next day. They were done by Thursday. On Friday they returned to school to find out their results,.They went to the assembly hall where all the senior students were congregated. Luna started having last minute anxiety. 

“You don't need to worry, tiny girl, you're the best student of the whole school.” Roman said, trying to soothe her. He held her hand squeezing to reassure her. 

“For four years I have put all my heart on this, because it's my only chance to get into college. I don't want to be a nobody” 

The anguish in her voice was evident. Roman's heart hurt to think that the most deserving person in the whole school still thought herself as potentially unworthy. He took her small hand to his lips and kissed her fervently. 

“ That won't happen my tiny girl, no while I'm here. But you will succeed on your own merit. No one is more deserving than you”

Luna leaned on his shoulder and took a moment to compose herself and be brave. She smiled shyly at him while he kissed her forehead. Roman was aware that they were the talk of the school. The Heir of the Godfrey Empire dating the poorest girl in Hemlock Grove. He didn't give a fuck. No one of them could compare to this girl, who had the purest and kindest heart. 

The Principal and the teachers of the senior year made their entrance on the stage. After a short speech, the Principal made the announcement that everybody was waiting for. 

“And now, the time has come to know who the valedictorian and salutatorian will be.  This year the valedictorian is a tie between two students. Both of them have brilliant minds. The first one is Mr. Roman Godfrey, following the tradition of his father and his grandfather. He has proven to be an excellent student. I am proud to give him this well deserved honor.”

Everyone applauded while they thought he had got the honor purely for who he was. Roman couldn't care less about their opinion. He knew who he was and he knew what he wanted to be. Luna cheered louder than anyone, she was almost jumping out of her chair, while she applauded enthusiastically. She smiled the biggest smile Roman had ever seen on her. 

When the applause subsided the Principal continued with his announcement. 

“The second valedictorian this year has achieved something that no student in this school had achieved before: The highest GPA in Pennsylvania. A perfect 12, with every single result of the four years being always the highest. The intelligence, passion, and dedication of this student has caused a deep impression on the teachers and myself. This honour belongs, in all justice, to Miss Luna Kyle.”

It took a few seconds for Luna to realize. People were already applauding when she fully realized the meaning of those words. Roman got up and taking her hand made her get up too. Luna couldn't control her emotions and started sobbing. She looked at Roman as the emotion got the best of her. He hugged her, covering her with kisses. 

“I told you, you're the very best, I hadn't any doubt of it. I'm so proud of you that I think I'm going to burst.”

The Principal had given the name of the salutatorian as well. When all the applause had subsided, the three students were called to the stage. The Principal had still another surprise in store. 

“As a reward for surpassing the State's highest GPA, Hemlock High is very pleased to present Miss Kyle with a grant of thirty thousand dollars. Pennsylvania and Princeton Universities have expressed interest in Miss Kyle, and have offered fully funded scholarships for her University studies: tuition, books and materials, accommodation and a generous grant to cover all her expenses while she's in college. ” 

It was a good thing that Roman was by her side, because Luna was overwhelmed and couldn't stop crying. After a few moments she composed herself. 

“Thank you Principal Turner, and thank you to Hemlock High for this huge opportunity. Today you have made my dream of four years to become a reality. I couldn't be more grateful.” 

A thundering applause suffocated her last words. Mr. Turner then took the microphone and looked directly at Luna 

“ Is not us the ones you owe this to, but to your own efforts, dedication and resilient spirit to rise over your circumstances and emerge triumphant, by your own merit. You are the pride of this school, Miss Kyle”

While another deafening applause filled the assembly room, Roman couldn't help but feel total contempt towards everyone in that room. For four years Luna had been invisible to every student in the senior class. Not even one friend, no one acknowledging her existence. The pariah of the school just for being poor. And now, all of a sudden everyone cheered for her. The sheer hypocrisy made him feel sick. But he held his temper for her. This was her moment of glory and she deserved to feel top of the world. 

Only one person didn't cheer for Luna: sitting at the back of the assembly room, Brooke Bluebell sulked, while she felt the bile of jealousy rise from the pit of her stomach. If she already despised Luna, now the hatred she felt for her was borderline murderous. Not only did she get Roman Godfrey as her boyfriend but she also was the star of the school. Compared to her mediocre grades, that little piece of trash was getting access to the best Colleges. She got up and stormed out of the room. Not even Roman noticed, focused as he was, on watching Luna enjoying her moments of glory. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

Once the ceremony had finished, Roman and Luna went back to the Jaguar. They stopped at their café and Roman bought a little picnic of Italian sandwiches, a small box of summer berries and two bottles of the pomegranate drink they both liked. He drove to the lake to a secluded spot under the trees. They laid a blanket on the grass and both sat under an weeping willow, near the water. They talked about the results and the graduation while they had the sandwiches. Luna was still recovering from the news and couldn't stop giggling every time she replayed the moment in her head. 

“Tell me I'm not dreaming, and if I am, don't wake me up, please “

“You're well awake, tiny girl. I was convinced that you would get it.”

“And you. People assume that you got everything handed out on a gold platter just for being who you are, when you are so intelligent and dedicated.  I'm so proud of you, Roman”

And she brought his large hand to her lips, covering it with soft little kisses. Roman's heart ached with her sweet and innocent acts of affection. She had no filter. She loved him unapologetically, unashamedly, sincerely. 

He slowly stroked her head and told her something he knew it would make her uncomfortable. 

“Listen, now you must prepare a speech for the graduation” 

Luna almost choked on her drink and looked at him with panic in her eyes

“I didn't even think of that. What am I going to do? I'm not good at speaking in public, I will stutter and ruin the speech! “

“No, you won't. I will help you, You will be wonderful, you will see” 

She looked at him with worry, but as it was becoming the norm, his eyes infused her with calm and confidence. She took a juicy, ripe strawberry, hulled it and took it to his lips. Roman opened his mouth slowly, with his intense gaze fixed on her eyes. He took the fruit carefully in his mouth while at the same time he held her fingers. He chewed the strawberry and then licked her fingers and put them in his mouth. He sucked them slowly. She tasted delicious, even better than the fruit.

Luna blushed crimson and felt shivers running down her spine. She inhaled deeply and bit her bottom lip. Then Roman took a big, plump raspberry and fed it to her. She took his index finger and repeated his actions, sucking it with her lips dripping with red juice. He almost lost his mind. They never took their eyes from each other. 

Like in the two previous occasions, when the pillow fight and in the car park, Luna sensed the atmosphere change from a sweet intimate moment to something charged with eroticism and something else, something dangerous and irresistible. She felt the electricity between them, his sharp inhale, her skin covered in goosebumps, his heartbeat, hers adapting to the rhythm of his. His mouth hovered over the pulse point under her ear, his teeth grazing the delicate porcelain skin, the tip of his tongue, hot against her jugular.

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

ROMAN'S POV

He kissed her neck, inhaling her scent. Since they were together and they had made out so many times, he could feel it even stronger than before. As if his senses were tuned on her body, her heartbeat, the minimum changes in temperature… Everything was intoxicating and irresistible. He craved her, badly 

Her heartbeat drummed in his ears, the pounding rhythm echoing inside his skull, and a thirst that had now become familiar clouded his senses. Not only he desired her, her blood called to him with the promise of unlimited pleasure and the taste of forbidden fruit.

For the past weeks, his blood kink had grown into hunger. His mind fantasized with sexual acts involving blood and smearing hers all over her body with his lips. 

He kept himself in check just in time. He fumbled in his jacket pocket and produced a barber’s razor. Without stopping devouring her mouth, he opened it a little and sliced his thumb. He broke the kiss just enough to smear his blood all over his lips, like lipstick. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

Luna watched him do it, completely mesmerized. She had suspected his blood fetish. She had looked it up on the Internet and she wasn't put off by it. On the contrary, she felt the frisson and she liked it, a lot. 

Roman, licked his lips, and smeared blood over them again. As if that was her cue, Luna kissed him, devouring his mouth. The metallic taste made her dizzy, but in a tipsy or high kind of way. His heart swelled at seeing her so eager. She lapped him clean. 

“ That was hot!. Would you like to taste my blood?”

The look Roman gave her was so hungry and ravenous that she shivered. It was dangerous, predatory. They stayed like that for a long while. He could hear her blood pumping and it made him salivate. He looked at her with fascinated horror. 

Luna took the razor that had fallen on the picnic blanket and sliced her thumb before Roman could stop her. From there on he saw red, literally. The rich scent of the viscous fluid filled his nostrils. She presented her dripping hand to him, like an offering. That's all he needed. 

He grabbed her thin wrist with his large hand, gripping it like a vice. His other arm circled her waist pulling her towards him. Just one look into her eyes and she succumbed. His mouth latched on her thumb, suckling the precious liquid as if his life depended on it. 

Roman drank with his eyes on her. His pupils were so dilated that the green had almost disappeared. Luna couldn't tear her gaze from those pools of darkness, and yet she wasn't afraid but even more aroused. His long, deep ‘hums’ as he indulged his kink were making strange things to her core and she could feel her cotton panties dampening. 

He noticed it immediately. The scent of her arousal was now mixed with the scent of her blood. Just when he was on the brink of losing his mind to the animal inside him, a spark of lucidity stopped him. He closed his eyes, then he opened them again. They were back to green. He had stopped drinking. 

“Forgive me my tiny girl. I got carried away”. 

He sounded ashamed and apologetic. He was breathing heavily. He never had acted his kink on another person. 

“But… but, I liked it!

 Luna protested. There was a note of disappointment in her voice, but mostly concern at his sudden change of demeanor. 

“Are you ok, Roman?”

He was already wrapping her thumb on a paper napkin. He looked a bit lost and sad

“Yes, tiny girl, nothing you should concern yourself with. I just got carried away a bit too much. I don't want to hurt you “

“You wouldn't hurt me, ever. I have complete trust in you “

The look Roman gave her spoke volumes.  She was the only one aside from Shelley, who trusted him completely. She was his jewel and his treasure. 

“I know, my tiny Luna. And I love and value you over everything else in the world.”

He caressed her cheek and kissed her softly. An almost chaste kiss, given with the purest love. Luna could sense his feelings, and wondered why he hadn't continued when she was so obviously eager and wanting him to do so. 

“Roman, I know that you have lots of experience with women and I haven't got any experience of sex at all, but, do you think I'm not ready yet?“

His heart ached. It was so her to think that it was something wrong with her instead of thinking that the problem lied on his side. 

“It's not that, my angel. It's me. Of course I want to have sex with you! I've never desired any other woman as much as I want you. Because this time my desire comes from love. But I want our first time to be special for you. Something to last the whole night. I want to pour all my feelings on you when we make love. A moment ago I was going to consume you. I would have devoured you in a few minutes, carried away by this blood lust I feel sometimes. You don't deserve that”

Roman wasn't a man of many words. To hear him putting every ounce of himself in that speech was beyond moving. It was a declaration of love and an apology all at once. 

“You always think of me first, Roman. It shows me that I am right in trusting you”

Luna rose on her knees and kissed him all over his face. He laughed at her sweet way of showing her. affection. 

“Come on tiny girl, let's go home” 

He stood up and pulled her on her feet. They cleared the picnic and returned to the cabin. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

ROMAN POV

During the entire ride home, he appeared carefree and nonchalant. The reality was different. He was very worried. His fixation with blood wasn't just a sexual fetish. He had thought of drinking Luna's blood, all of it. It was like a frenzy taking hold of him. Her taste was delicious and intoxicating. It was as if there was another being inside him. Some kind of bloodthirsty monster. 

But his primary instinct had been to protect Luna, to keep her safe. This time his rational self had won. But what if the monster inside him broke loose?. 

He was determined to control that side of him. He wasn't going to give up Luna. Not for the world 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

During the week up to graduation, Luna and Roman prepared their speeches. When the day came, he was calm but Luna was ecstatic and nervous. Roman had helped her rehearse her speech till he saw her confident enough to do it. 

They arrived at the ceremony and as they were walking to the lawn where the Graduation was taking place, Olivia showed up in front of them. Dressed in her trademark white: a tailored fitted dress and matching big pamela, and dripping arrogance and authority, she approached Roman and kissed him on the cheek. He made a superhuman effort to not push her away. He remained cold and detached so as not to cause a scandal. 

“You look so gorgeous and grown up, my beautiful boy. I'm so immensely proud of you”

He was going to clap back but Luna squeezed his arm slightly. He composed himself and decided to be civilized. 

“All I have done is my own merit. There's no room for you to try to claim it for yourself Mother dearest”

Olivia smiled. A smile full of teeth and composure. She was a pro at keeping up the appearances. 

“Of course darling. I want to celebrate your triumphs “ 

Just then, she looked at Luna as if she just realized she was there. 

“Ah! You must be the mysterious girlfriend who keeps Roman away from his home and his mother”

Her tone was frivolous and casual but her eyes were those of Medusa wanting to turn that insignificant girl into stone. Luna didn't even flinch. Even if Olivia was using her height as an intimidating weapon for she was almost as tall as Roman, Luna held her head high and following Roman's cue she also spoke in a polite and collected tone. 

“As Roman's mother you must surely know that Roman doesn't stay where he doesn't want to be. You're giving me too much credit if you think that his absence from your mansion is my doing” 

Olivia wasn't used to insolence, however politely it might be presented. She gave a scathing stare at that little nobody and then turned around and left, making her way to the guest seats. 

Roman couldn't believe his eyes, Luna not only had stood up to his mother, but she made her retreat without knowing what to say. 

“Well done, tiny girl! I don't recall any moment in my life where my mother was lost for words” 

“I didn't want to be disrespectful, but if she thought that she could make me feel small just because I'm tiny and poor, she better think twice. I'm done with people treating me like trash”

Roman looked at her with unbridled admiration. That was his little Luna: fierce and fearless when the occasion required it, sweet and innocent the rest of the time. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. 

Meanwhile, sitting on her chair, all majesty and airs of dominance, Olivia tried to digest the insolence of that girl. Who instead of feeling grateful because she, the most powerful person in Hemlock Grove had deigned to acknowledge her, had the nerve to clapback. She would make sure that the little slut paid for the humiliation. The occasion for revenge might be near.

The Graduation ceremony started. After the speeches of the Principal and a few teachers and representatives of the Department of Education, the time came for Roman to deliver his speech. Instead of going for something outrageous and iconoclastic, his speech was surprisingly moderate, with mentions of following the tradition of his father and grandfather and to continue their legacy. He truly didn't give a monkey about everyone's opinion. He knew he was a hellraiser but also that he had worked his ass off to get these marks, he couldn't care less if they thought he had it handed to him on a gold platter. He thanked all the Hemlock High teachers and went back to his seat, next to Luna. 

Her time of going up to the lectern had come. Roman was eager to see how she would deliver the speech. It would certainly ruffle a few feathers. She walked calm and collected and took a breath before starting. When she spoke, her sweet voice was clear as a bell, she wasn't a timid little girl, but a confident young woman who knew her worth. 

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

LUNA'S SPEECH

“Today is the culmination of a dream that started four years ago. That little girl from the woods had big expectations on her first day of High School. Soon she understood that in the big scheme of secondary school relationships, she was rather unimportant. Social life was an alien concept to her. She didn't lose heart and tried to fit in: the school newspaper, a theatre play.. I got myself a place in these activities and many other extra curricular ones, but I kept being a shadow backstage. 

As I had almost no friends, I concentrated on studying. Then in the second year my world collapsed with the death of my grandmother. My only living relative, who raised me in poverty but with dignity. I did the unthinkable and carried on as usual. I wanted an education, a chance to go to College. So I kept studying while my economic situation worsened. Almost nobody noticed my loss, and those who knew, didn't bother to check on how I was doing. By Senior year things were dire, but I didn't want to ask for help from people who never had cared about me. 

Only one person noticed me, only one person gave me the gift of his friendship. That person is Roman Godfrey. The only one with enough heart to really care. 

So today I want to express my gratitude to Hemlock High for acknowledging my efforts and for the grant they have given me. I wish I could say something nice or grateful about my classmates and peers. And I would have done it if it wasn't for the events of a few weeks ago at one of my classmates' parties. 

What I have today is the product of my own effort and sacrifice. I owe nothing to any of you except the fact that with your behaviour you made me stronger. 

I got my life ahead of me. And I plan to live every minute to the fullest. Because even in the darkest moments, the only thing to remain is hope. My triumph today is dedicated to my grandma, who would have been so happy for me, and to my boyfriend Roman, who always believed in me, I love you both more than words can say. “

❇️🏡🌙🌹📜🎓 💕❤️💕🎓📜🎂💰🏢❇️

Luna descended from the stage. The silence was deafening. Her speech was not the usual valedictorian schmaltz but the hard truth of her reality during her high school years. Those who had attended Brooke’s party, knowing well what was going to happen, felt the sting of shame. So did the rest of her classmates and teachers. 

The Principal didn't object to her speech because it was purely the truth. She had been shunned and ignored by all of them and she had risen like a Phoenix. He was the first one to applaud, and little by little the whole congregation joined in an ovation. This time Luna didn't cry. She just sat by Roman who held her hand. 

After the students had collected their diplomas, the assembly dissolved. Olivia approached Roman while Luna was talking to a Princeton representative. 

“Would you come to have lunch with your mother? To celebrate”

“I have plans already.” was Roman's curt answer. 

“I'm so proud of you, Roman. Your father would have been proud as well if he had been here”

She stood by him caressing his nape. He wanted to push her away, but he limited himself to moving away from her. 

“Well, we both know the reason he cannot be here today, don't we? “ 

The rebuke made her flinch.  She gave him a hurt look designed to make him feel guilty. 

“Don't talk to your mother like this, you know how much I care about you “

“It's a little bit too late to play the loving mother. You should have started with Shelley. But thanks to you, this family is nothing but a pile of ashes”

Olivia saw that she couldn't fool him. Yet she tried one last move. 

“Will you at least come tomorrow night?  Like a sort of… farewell. Let me have one last birthday with my son. I will personally hand you your legacy and if after that you want nothing else to do with me, then I will not bother you anymore.”

Roman seemed exasperated, but then, tomorrow he would be eighteen, one last concession to Olivia was a small price to pay for a lifetime of freedom from her. He would have to tell Luna. 

“Ok, but it will be the last time. I'm going to live my life the way I want, and you won't stop me anymore. “

“I promise darling. Your uncle Norman wants you to drop by his house before, around five, then from there you could come home around seven, what do you think? “

Roman shrugged. Just wishing for all that to be over as soon as possible. Olivia left and he went to meet Luna who was waiting under the big oak. 

“I didn't want to interrupt you. I got the impression that your mum hates my guts”

“You're probably right. She's a jealous, possessive bitch. She wants me to go to the mansion tomorrow, some kind of final birthday celebration before I ditch her. It felt bad to say no. But I'll make it up to you, my tiny girl” 

He wrapped Luna in his arms and gave her a peck on the tip of her nose

“Don't worry. We can celebrate the next day” 

“We can still do something. My uncle Norman also wants me to drop by his house before going to the mansion”

“Then we can have lunch in our cafe, yes?”

“That will be the best part of the day. Uncle Norman is cool and I love to see Letha, but nothing compares to being with you. We have lots of plans to make.”

Luna was an uncomplicated person. It was only normal that his family wanted to celebrate him on such an important day. 

They went back home and after lunch they went for a walk in the woods. Luna told him about his conversation with the Princeton representative. He would send an information pack to her in the next few days. 

The following day, Luna made berry pancakes for breakfast and gave Roman an antique silver pocket watch with a silver chain as a present, engraved on the inside with a short phrase. ‘Roman, I love you endlessly, no matter what. Yours forever, your tiny Luna’

Roman loved it. He was not used to thoughtful gifts chosen carefully and presented with such love. It was perfect. He had wanted a pocket watch since forever. He wore his father's Rolex, but he had a thing for pocket watches. Luna’s one was plain silver except for a Fleur-de-Lys engraved on the cover. Simple but very classy. His heart clenched at the happy and hopeful expression on Luna's face. He brought her into his arms as if he never wanted to let her go. 

“Thank you tiny girl, I'll carry it with me, always “

They made many plans for the future ahead of them. Then they went for lunch and for a walk around the lake. In the afternoon, Roman took Luna home before heading for his uncle’s. 

Luna settled for the evening with her laptop and a couple of movies. Roman had left about twenty minutes ago when there was a knock on the door. She went to open it and to her huge surprise, it was Olivia. 

“Mrs Godfrey. Roman left less than half an hour ago. “ 

She was confused. She thought that Olivia didn't like her. What was she coming to do there? 

“I know darling. He doesn't know I'm here. I thought that it would be a nice surprise for him if you would come for dinner as well. I wasn't very nice to you last time we met, I'd like to make amends”

These words caught Luna off guard. She blinked, initially lost for words. She never got to answer Olivia's invitation. Everything just went black. 

🕸️👹🕸️🪔💀❣️🕯️💔🕯️❣️💀🪔🕸️👹🕸️

Roman had a good time at Letha's house. His auntie had made a cake and he blew the candles. This had been a tradition since his father died. Norman made the point of trying to bring some normality into Roman and Shelley’s lives. Every year for the last 12 years he had celebrated their birthdays in family. Him and Marie knew too well that this would be the last celebration. Roman would take over Godfrey Enterprises and he would become an adult. It felt bittersweet but Norman made a point of making Roman feel loved 

Letha, being her sweet, happy self, kept him laughing non stop. There was a toast, presents and speeches. The time for Roman to leave arrived too soon. He said goodbye to his aunt and cousin and Norman walked him to the car, watching how he drove away to meet Olivia. 

Roman had the feeling that a part of his life was ending today. No more carefree rich kid, no more manwhore bedding all the girls in Hemlock Grove, no more drugs and alcohol to cope with Olivia and piss her off. 

In the Eve of coming into the possession of his vast inheritance, he had very clear plans. He wanted to make his father proud, to honour his memory. He wanted to make Godfrey Enterprises even better, bigger, more successful than it already was. He would rebuild his grandfather and father’s empire. 

To drown the uneasiness of having to meet Olivia, he focused on the life he would have from now on. With his tiny Luna by his side. Together there wasn't anything they couldn't do. The world was theirs. 

He arrived at the Godfrey Mansion just as dusk was giving way to the night. The building was wrapped in an aura of gloom. Roman had never paid attention to it, but after all this time in Luna's cabin, which both of them had transformed into a home: happy, cosy and comfortable, the mansion resembled a mausoleum, cold and dead. 

There weren't any live-in servants with the exception of an elderly couple who inhabited a small house across the back garden. They usually retired by 6pm. Roman couldn't recall to have crossed more than a dozen words with them. 

His memories of the mansion were of total loneliness, Just Shelley, him and their mother. Not many happy memories to treasure from a house where there never had been any love and it showed in the outdated state of the place: luxurious but lifeless. 

He opened the main door with his key. The dim staircase landing looked as bleak as always. There was light in the dining room. He made his way there. Olivia had displayed dinner for them both on the table and she was lighting up some candelabra, bone china, silverware, and crystal goblets were on opulent display. 

“Hello Olivia” 

He said in a neutral, emotionless tone. He was determined to get done with this last requirement from her as quickly and diplomatically as possible. 

Olivia raised her eyes from the table to him and smiled with her typical insincere, arrogant and triumphant smile. 

“Hello darling. Did you have a nice time at Norman’s?“

“It was ok.”

Strangely, or perhaps not, he had a feeling of dread since entering the mansion. His stomach churned. He bit the inside of his cheek till he tasted the blood. That calmed him slightly. But he had noticed that he was depending more and more on the taste of blood for comfort, and lately that wasn't even sufficient. 

He sat at the table, across Olivia, away from her reach and her demonstrations of affection. She went on rambling about him being a man now and about him receiving his inheritance, his father's empire. Roman let her talk, not giving a shit about what she had to say. He didn't touch the food.

But then she went onto something else. She started talking about him receiving his birthright from her side of the family. He focused on her. 

“What the hell are you talking about?” 

“Darling. I have waited until this moment to reveal the truth of your lineage to you. You are my favourite, my blood, the one destined to greatness, and all the signs of who you are are already on display, you just need to take the final step” 

“Shut the fuck up! I'm your ‘favourite‘ because I was the only one born without physical defects. I know about Juliet, and what you did to her! “

Olivia deliberately ignored Roman's outburst. She put her cutlery on the plate and got up, beckoning Roman to follow her. His patience was wearing thin, but he followed her, eager for all that charade to be over as soon as possible.

They went all the way up to the attic. To what it had been Shelley’s bedroom. Last time he walked up there the attic was completely empty, but now there were black sheer curtains in the centre of the room. Surrounding black bed with black bedding. Scattered around the walls of the room there were several candelabra and candlesticks, all shimmering with the glow of two dozens of lit up candles. 

Roman looked at all that display like he was hallucinating. Olivia then started talking again:

“My family is from Romania. We have been an aristocracy for centuries. We ruled the regions we inhabited because of who we are. We aren't normal humans but something far superior”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” 

“Let me finish, darling. All will make sense soon” 

She took his hand and walked him till he was facing a huge full body mirror. Besides it there was a small table with a very old book on it. She wrapped her arms around him from behind. Roman made a huge effort to not shove her away. 

“We are Upirs. Like the vampires in folk stories. But stronger, more lethal, we feed on the blood and flesh of the humans. Our power and abilities are immense. I know you can mesmerize people. And I also know of your craves for blood. It's the Upir inside you, awakening. And today. The day of your eighteenth birthday, is the time for you to become who you are meant to be”

Roman was speechless, thinking that his mother had gone completely insane. But there was a feeling inside him compelling him to listen to what she had to say. 

“To fully become who you were born to be, you must take a life, the moment you do, your transformation will begin. You will be able to carry a normal human life but you will feel the hunger from time to time. Animals and blood pouches can quench it temporarily, but only fully feeding from a living human being will sate the need completely” She pointed at the table. “Everything you need to know is in that book”

Roman was about to floor her with a sarcastic comment but he felt in his gut that she wasn't crazy. His thirst for blood had grown stronger in the last few weeks. He thought of him drinking Luna's blood and he felt his mouth watering. 

“Let's suppose that what you're saying is the truth and not the feverish ramblings of a lunatic. Why me? Why not Shelley or Juliet? “

“Because I mated with a human. And the possibilities of one of you being a full Upir were slim. Shelley was a half-Upir. Juliet was born human. But you were born with a caul covering your head. I knew you were a full Upir the moment I saw you. Now we will live together. 

“So you murdered Juliet because she was human? You're a monster!” 

He broke free from her embrace, feeling the rage starting to boil in his stomach. 

“I already have a girlfriend and I don't plan on leaving her or doing any of this crazy shit you're talking about “

“Ah, your little girlfriend” Olivia cooed as she took him once more by the hand and led him to the bed. “She has a role to play in your birth as an Upir “ 

Roman's heart stopped. He could see something on the bed. He moved the curtain away and approached the bedframe. There was a heap on top of the mattress, with a black satin sheet over it. He pulled the sheet away. 

Luna laid there, she wasn't moving. 

He leaned over her, feeling her neck for a pulse. She was just unconscious.

“What have you done to her!!!” He roared

“Calm down, darling, she's just sedated. I thought it would be fitting if she was your first prey. You can feast on her and then, after your transformation, you and I will make love on the same bed. Sex and blood, two of my favourite things together. We will be together for eternity”

She was so sure of having Roman wrapped around her little finger that she was brimming with arrogance and lust. All these years tantalising herself, kissing Roman, running her hands through his body, laying next to him on his bed when she thought he was sleeping. And tonight she would satisfy her appetites with someone of her kind, her own flesh and blood. 

Oh boy, she was terribly mistaken. 

Roman turned to face her. He was furious. his blood called for more blood, taking over everything else. The green in his eyes had almost disappeared, they were black and bloodshot now. When he spoke, his voice thundered all over the attic. 

“I love Luna!! She's the only one who I will ever want to be with. Not you! You're repulsive and make my skin crawl. All these years of you touching me, your hands left a stain inside me. She's the total opposite of you. I love her, and only her!! 

Those were Roman's last words as a human. 

He pounced on Olivia, both falling to the floor. He had caught her by surprise, so she didn't have enough time to react. Before she could retaliate, his jaw, wide open, more than normal, had preyed into her neck, tearing the flesh and muscle into shreds, crushing the trachea. Blood gushed out like a fountain. He gorged on it. He drank and ate her with a monstrous voracity, while his human side exorcised all the damage, abuse and cruelty she had inflicted on his father, on Shelley and Juliet, on him. When she was just a heap of torn flesh and broken bones, he ate her heart as a final act. Olivia Godfrey had ceased to exist. 

Then he felt it coursing through his veins. 

The Power. 

The Life

Like sweet fire, consuming and nurturing at the same time. 

Like a Phoenix reborn. 

Roman rose from the floor, drenched in blood and walked to the stone wall. He opened his arms and ropes of blood flew everywhere against the slate, painting red  wings. The monster had awakened, the dragon was alive. 

Time ceased to have any meaning, he stood there while centuries of power and knowledge ran through him. The whole story of his lineage, imprinted in his soul. Where there was confusion now there was clarity. Self-loathing gave way to almost arrogant confidence. The messed up boy was now a predator: intelligent, precise, lethal. 

Yet his humanity didn't die. There were now two beings inside that body: Roman Godfrey and The Upir. He was forever cursed to know the kind of animal he had become. Like having a nightmare living inside him. 

Through the skylight,, the light of the moon filtered, falling over him. Then he remembered:

Luna. 

The Upir approached the bed and took a look at the small form laying on top. 

Roman was hit by the wave of love and pain that came sweeping over him. He was now a monster, an abomination, but he loved her above everything else in this world.  

He remembered the scent of her blood. Unique and intoxicating, and he realized he was a danger to her. He had to keep her safe. Sweeping his gaze all over the attic, he could see the mess that was everywhere. If Luna was to wake up now… It didn't beat thinking about it. 

He wiped his hands on the black curtains, then he leaned over Luna, caressing her cheek. 

“Listen tiny girl, you will sleep until I tell you to wake up” 

A little whimper escaped Luna's lips, as if she was acquiescing. 

Roman closed the curtains and started cleaning the mess. He put Olivia’s remains in a bin bag, took them to the basement and threw them in the furnace, cremating them to ashes. Then he cleaned the blood from all over the attic, and disposed of rest of the evidence the same way. 

He showered and put on fresh clothes. Then he returned upstairs. He picked up Luna in his arms and carried her to his Jaguar. She was in her little pyjamas: a light vest top and tiny shorts. His heart ached seeing how vulnerable she looked. He felt the bile rising up in his stomach thinking of what Olivia had planned for her. But he quickly discarded the thought. There was no more Olivia. She left this world leaving her poisoned gift for him. A curse worse than death. 

He drove through the silent and deserted roads. Feeling the breeze, getting used to his new heightened senses. Everything was different and yet familiar: the night, the forest, the sounds, the smells. The power inside him thrummed through his veins. 

He arrived at the cabin, took Luna and deposited her carefully on the bed. Then he sat on the side of the mattress. 

“Luna, wake up now” he commanded. 

She stirred lightly and opened her eyes, trying to focus. 

“You're back! “ she said happily but still foggy

“How are you feeling, tiny girl?“

"I was dreaming, a strange dream. Your mom had come here” 

“It was just a dream” 

She incorporated, still a bit drowsy, and hugged him. She went to kiss him and he hesitated. She frowned, looking at him with worry. 

“Are you ok, Roman? You look haunted” 

“I'm ok tiny girl” 

And he leaned over her, kissing her like if the world was about to end. She could feel his intensity, but also his sadness. She surrendered to the kiss, pouring all her love on him to soothe whatever was making him sad. Roman noticed it. Now he could read her like an open book. Her feelings and moods were crystal clear to him. 

He broke the kiss and put his hands on her shoulders. 

“My sweet girl. Listen to me”

“Yes, Roman? “

“There are some things I must take care of. It will take me some days, maybe more. But it's necessary. During that time I won't be coming over. But I will call you every day, and you will lack nothing. I'll take care of it.”

Luna was taken aback, but she thought that he had to sort out all the issues of his inheritance and get to grips with the Company. She looked at his face. Something had changed in him. He was… dark, like if he had a horrible experience. 

“O-ok. I trust you completely, you know that. Are you sure you're ok? You seem a bit off. “

“I will be ok, my tiny girl. I'll explain things to you further ahead. But always keep this in here” He poked her forehead softly. “I love you above anything else. My priority now is to keep you safe. Don't ask questions. I cannot give you answers right now. But I'll be watching over you”

He kissed her farewell and left the house swiftly. Luna choked on a sob and forced herself to be brave. For him. For them both. As she fought the tears, it dawned on her what seemed off with Roman. 

His smile had gone. He didn't smile, not even once. He had a face like three days of storm. He was still Roman, but also something else. Something different and terrifying.