No More Secrets

Chapter 22

Luka watched as the black cat jumped out the window and ran far away from the bakery. Luka mustered a sigh before dragging his back against the white walls, tears stinging in his eyes. Was it really so bad for him to be with Marinette? Had he done something to deserve such a cruel punishment as to watch Chat Noir force a kiss on the bluenette's lips?

Luka felt the tears fall down his cheeks as he buried his face in his knees.

Maybe he really was cursed.

Maybe he deserved to be alone.

He deserved to suffer in silence.

The world around him turned black as a dark aura suddenly surrounded him, the only source of light being the bright purple butterfly symbol hovering over his face.

0~0

Marinette didn't hear anything. Her ear was placed against the trap door and she held her breath, waiting for something. But there was nothing.

Sighing, Marinette got up and quickly changed into brand new clothes, tossing the torn ones aside for her to sew up later, even though she knew she may never get to them.

Knock, knock.

There was a soft knocking on the trap door. 

Knock, knock.

Marinette stared down at the small door on the ground before reaching her arm down, gently clutching the metal handle, as her hand shook. 

What if it was Chat?

What if Luka was hurt?

What if Luka had left her?

Many thoughts raced through her head, none of them being positive in the slightest.

She slowly opened the small door to reveal...

Nothing.

There was no one there. Not even Luka. She slowly walked down the steps and looked around her room. Everything was in place, and nothing was out of the ordinary. She sighed and walked over to the kitchen counter before grabbing an apple. She sighed.

Luka really did leave her.

A small frown appeared on her face.

"Is there something wrong, Marinette?"

The bluenette jumped as she heard the soft voice breath in her ear. She turned and tossed the apple, only to see no one. It was just her.

Was she imagining things?

She breathed out another sigh.

"Marinette, I know something's wrong."

The girl stiffened and turned around once more. "W-Who's there?"

"Don't be alarmed. It's just me."

"Who?" Marinette turned her head in every angle hoping to see the source. Did Chat Noir bug the house?

"It's just me." The voice repeated. "I will protect you from that rodent, Chat Noir."

Marinette froze. "Luka?"

"It's not Luka anymore, sweet Marinette." The voice huffed out, in a slightly gentle manner. "But you can call me Guardian Angel. I will protect you from those who try and hurt you, including that dreadful hero, Chat Noir." Marinette felt a cold hand touch her face.

"L-Luka..." Marinette's voice began to shake. "Y-You can't. You're gonna take my-"

"Miraculous?" Luka finished. "That was Hawkmoth's original plan, but I insisted to save Ladybug for last. So you have a bit of time to say goodbye to that kwami of yours." Marinette shivered as his invisible hand slowly perked her chin upwards. "We wouldn't want you to watch your friend go without a proper farewell."