Blood Moon (JoongDunk Forcebook)

Ch. 6 ~ Fall on Me

***Picnic***

"Papa Theo, look! Such beautiful flowers! Can I go there? Please?"

Ciarra asked excitedly, her eyes are shining as she pointed to the vibrant roses blooming in the garden.

Theo could never refuse Ciarra when she asked for something so sweetly. He smiled and nodded.

"Alright! But don't go too far, okay? Stay where we can see you."

"Okay!"

Ciarra grinned, then ran toward the flower beds, her laughter filling the air as she admired the colorful blossoms.
Watching her, Dian sighed softly and turned to Theo.

"You shouldn’t spoil her too much. We still have to be careful."

Theo laughed while shaking his head.

"I know, but this place is safe for her. She’s just a child, let her enjoy it."

Dian hesitated before speaking again.

"But I can’t help thinking… what if one day—"

Theo gently placed a hand on Dian’s shoulder, cutting him off with a reassuring smile.

"Don’t think too much. Let’s just enjoy today and forget our worries for now."

Dian took a deep breath and nodded.

"Alright."

To lighten the mood, Theo reached for some fresh fruit and handed a piece to Dian, knowing he was only being protective not just of himself but of Ciarra too. Dian might appear cold to most people, but he was warm and caring toward those who truly mattered to him. Seeing Dian lost in thought, Theo tilted his head.

"What’s wrong?"

Realizing he had been quiet for a moment, Dian snapped out of it and smiled faintly.

"Nothing… I was just thinking."

"I’m just happy,"

Theo said while smiling. Dian looked at him for a moment, then, without thinking, picked up a slice of apple and gently fed it to Theo. It was such a small gesture, done unconsciously, but Theo cherished every little thing Dian did for him.

[I promise to protect you both, no matter what ~  Theo]

"Ouch!"

Ciarra suddenly let out a small cry.
Dian, who was close to her, quickly turned around, full of concern.

"Ciarra, what happened?"

Both of them were startled by the situation, and Dian wasted no time rushing to her side.

"Baby, what happened?"

He asked again and couldn't hide his worry. Ciarra cries eyes as she looked up at him.

"Daddy, I'm sorry,"

She wasn't crying because of the pain. Instead, she felt bad for making them worry about her. Dian's eyes shifted to her small hand, which was now wounded by the sharp thorns of a white rose bush. The cuts were not deep, but the sight of blood mixing with the delicate petals made his stomach turn. A strange weakness filled him, and a sudden wave of dizziness followed. The scent of blood filled the air, and it was almost too much for him to handle. Dian immediately turned away, trying to keep himself. Theo, who had been watching, noticed his unusual reaction.

"Dian, are you okay?"

He asked. Worried about him. Then, turning to Ciarra who can't stop crying.

"Come here, sweetheart. Let me press a handkerchief on your wound first, and then we’ll clean it properly in the car."