112. Shared Nature (Luke POV)

The days that unfurled leading up to the full moon ceremony were like navigating through a stormy sea of emotions. Each day was a clash of feelings, a whirlwind that left me feeling unsettled and restless. The most jarring wave came crashing down when Trevor, my own brother, and Kyla, his partner, expressed a desire that took me aback – they wanted to be marked at the same ceremony as Lexi, Clay, and me.

This revelation stirred a deep turmoil within me, a complex tangle of resistance and discomfort that I couldn't easily shake off. It wasn’t that I begrudged Trevor and Kyla their own moment of commitment. But this ceremony – it was meant to be a sacred seal on the bond between Lexi, Clay, and me. It was our moment to sanctify the union of our souls, a ritual marking our journey and struggles, our love, and resilience. The idea of sharing this intimate event felt like it would somehow lessen the profound significance it held for us.

With a heavy heart, I found myself voicing my concer