Darkness enveloped the haunted house.

Shane Prescott's fingertips trembled slightly as he instinctively reached out to pull Luna Valentine into his embrace.

Her lips were impossibly soft.

Luna abruptly stepped back half a pace, wiping the corner of her mouth with her hand.

Always composed and restrained, tonight she had inexplicably initiated the kiss.

Shane's Adam's apple bobbed.

He suddenly seized Luna's wrist, yanking her against his chest.

His thumb brushed her delicate chin as his breath turned scorching.

"May I?" His voice was hoarse.

Luna's eyelashes fluttered before she nodded.

Shane carefully pressed his lips to hers.

His tongue tentatively parted her teeth, tasting her sweetness.

Every drop of blood in his body burned.

So this was what kissing felt like.

Cradling the back of her head, he deepened the kiss.

Only their frantic heartbeats echoed in the darkness.

Suddenly!

Shane's ears twitched. He instantly shielded Luna behind him.

"Who's there?"

A sinister chuckle drifted from the end of the corridor.

A white-robed figure with disheveled hair floated toward them.

"Again?" Luna arched an eyebrow.

Shane glared coldly at the hanging ghost.

The specter froze midair before retreating with a huff.

Silence returned.

Only then did Shane realize his arm still encircled Luna's waist.

Her subtle fragrance lingered in his nostrils.

Through the thin fabric, he could feel the warmth of her skin.

He abruptly released her, his ears burning.

"Let's go." Luna took the lead.

The car's atmosphere grew peculiar.

Shane gripped the steering wheel, stealing glances at Luna's profile.

"What flowers do you like?"

"Unnecessary."

"Handbags?"

"Too cumbersome."

Shane pressed his lips together. "Then... what do you like?"

"Firearms." Luna turned to face him. "And protecting you."

Shane's chest swelled with warmth.

He recalled the village girls who only cared about his looks or bank balance.

Luna was different.

"Are we... dating?" he ventured cautiously.

Luna's lips curved. "What do you think?"

"We've kissed." Shane's ears reddened. "That counts."

The car stopped at the residential gate.

Shane produced a peachwood figurine.

"For protection."

The carving depicted Luna's likeness, every feature lifelike.

"I'll take responsibility for you." His tone was solemn.

Luna suddenly grabbed his collar, planting a light kiss on his chin.

"Sealing the deal." She turned to leave. "You're mine now."

Shane caught her wrist.

Pulling her into a tight embrace, he couldn't bear to let go.

"Someone's coming." Luna nudged him.

Under the moonlight, a slender figure approached.

The newcomer shot Shane an icy glare.