Rearing Demons
Chapter 136: On the Star

Chapter 136: On the Star

"Where am I?"

Luna found herself lying on warm, inviting ground. As she slowly opened her eyes, she observed dancing flames stretching high into the distance, so high that their tips were lost in darkness. Beneath her, a rocky surface radiated gentle warmth against her back, a surprisingly comforting sensation. It felt almost as if she were lying on a star.

Rose had always explained that stars weren’t burning rocks but rather vast, floating flames, massive orbs of light suspended in the void, providing heat and illumination. There should be no solid surface on which one could stand, let alone lie down. Yet here she was. Reaching out, Luna extended her hand and felt delicate, flickering tendrils of flame caress her skin; tiny, mesmerizing embers from the majestic blaze that stretched beyond her sight.

"So, this is what a star feels like?" she wondered aloud, her voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. The warmth was unexpected; gentle and comforting rather than harsh and searing. There was no pain, no burns, no suffocation; only a soft, soothing heat that invited relaxation.

Slowly, Luna pushed herself up, her eyes wide with curiosity as she surveyed the surroundings. Towering flames arched above her like infinite trees, transforming the area into a flaming forest. Although it bore little resemblance to an earthly woodland—lacking leaves, branches, and the vitality of life—the arrangement of light and heat mimicked a forest’s structure in an abstract way.

With cautious determination, she stepped forward to explore this barren, fiery landscape. There was little to see and little to do, yet she felt compelled to explore nonetheless. After all, this was a test, a challenge with no clear instructions or guidance. The answers, she believed, had to be discovered on her own. The simple act of wandering through the flames brought her a sense of calm.

The whole expanse was filled with dancing fire, and though it might have appeared chaotic to others, to her it felt perfectly natural and even comforting. Occasionally, when she raised her hand, the flames would curl around it briefly as if they were alive, though she knew they were nothing more than transient touches of heat that vanished almost as soon as they appeared.

As she ventured further, the ground beneath her began to change. At first, the terrain was a uniform brown and barren expanse, but gradually, hints of green emerged.

Looking ahead, Luna was astonished to see patches of grass—soft, delicate blades trailing behind the emerging greenery. Soon, the flames above coalesced into a canopy-like ceiling, leaving the ground below cool and inviting.

Take off your shoes! A clear command echoed in her ears. Though the voice was unfamiliar and the source unclear, its tone carried authority. It was unlike the commanding voice of the majestic being on the throne; nevertheless, Luna suspected it might be connected somehow. Reluctantly, she slipped off her shoes and set them aside on the cool, damp earth, a surprising contrast to the earlier warmth.

As she continued, Luna’s feet began to sink slowly into the bright green grass. First her feet, then her legs, and finally her waist, gradually, the blades of grass grew taller, and she felt herself diminishing in comparison. The world around her seemed to expand, transforming into a forest of sharp, towering grass that swayed with the slightest breeze.

Beneath her, the cool dirt pressed against her with a gentle weight, and though confusion tugged at her mind, a strong gut feeling urged her forward.

After a while, she encountered two thick blades of grass that formed a natural doorway, an inviting passage. Without hesitation, Luna stepped forward and, using both hands, parted the dense green curtain to reveal an opening.

Beyond it, the landscape transformed once more. The ground was now lush with verdant grass intermingled with vibrant flowers and plants. Bright red and orange flames, arranged in the shapes of animals and small creatures, flickered about, their movement graceful and mesmerizing. Yet, what captivated her most was the solitary throne at the center of this new realm.

The throne was seamlessly integrated into its surroundings, as if grown from the earth itself—a natural extension of the flora around it, fashioned from a material reminiscent of wood.

Seated upon the throne was a strikingly beautiful man. His long, light-brown hair framed a serene face, and his eyes remained closed as he rested his cheek gently on his knuckles, as if lost in a deep, peaceful slumber.

Though Luna hesitated—unsure of what or who this figure might be—her body moved of its own accord, drawn by an inexplicable magnetism. She found herself being pulled forward, each step light and effortless.

As she approached, she became increasingly aware of the man’s beauty: his features were refined and stunning, and the soft strands of hair that cascaded across his closed eyes seemed irresistible.

Without fully understanding why, her hand reached out to brush them aside.

In that moment, the man’s eyes slowly opened to reveal a deep, entrancing shade of purple. "Who are you?" he asked quietly, his voice carrying a magnetic, almost otherworldly tone as he gazed steadily at her.

"Luna," she replied, almost automatically, the words issuing from her lips without her conscious control.

"Luna?" the man repeated, his tone imbued with a curious warmth. "Are you here for me?"

"I am," Luna answered again, her voice soft and unsteady.

"Do you know of me?" he inquired further, his eyes searching hers.

"I will learn," she promised, though inside her mind a storm of uncertainty raged. What was happening? What was she saying? The loss of control over her actions was both frightening and bewildering, yet she found herself powerless to resist.

The man paused, lost in his own introspection for a moment before making a gentle movement. Reaching out, he took her delicate hand and placed it before him. "Then, learn of me," he said softly, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her hand.

His lips were warm, reminiscent of the comforting flames that had embraced her earlier.

Strangely, Luna felt no blush or discomfort at his touch, it felt natural, even normal.

Then, without warning, the man began to burn. His body erupted in slow, deliberate flames that danced around him as if time itself had decelerated. Like drifting ash, he began to disperse, the flames flowing from him toward her chest—or, more accurately, toward her Orb.