Moonstone – Chapter 2: Some Unexpected help

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Fleur’s chest heaved in the aftermath of the heated chase, as she frantically looked around her for the source of the voice, the shadowy figure that had continued to elude her. She saw nothing at first, which almost made her think the whole thing had been a dream. But just as she was about to dismiss the shadowy figure as another flight of fancy, the dark figure returned, casting a tall, pitch black shadow directly over her. Crying out again, Fleur began to scramble away, her hooves flailing as she tried to stand.

“Please, relax.” The voice was calm and even toned, but what struck Fleur immediately was the almost melodic quality that seemed to permeate. Only when the clouds parted to reveal the face of the moon did she get a good look at the figure. Fleur’s violet eyes rose to meet the face of her shadowy target, and her heart nearly froze.

“Princess Luna??”

“Fleur De Lis, I presume?” The princess smiled down at her, offering a hoof. Fleur tentatively took it, standing up with a sheepish look. “What are you doing out in the hedge maze?”

“I… I don’t know, to be honest.” Fleur whimpered. Then the memories came flooding back - the revelation of her ex-husband’s cheating, Fancy Pants’ friends and their incorrigible teasing; and the shame that came with it all. Fleur felt tears well up in her eyes, some of them slipping free to slide down her cheeks, despite her efforts to hold them back in the presence of the Princess. She knew she should be angry at learning such things, but instead she felt saddened. Heartbroken, even. What had she done to deserve such treatment? Why did the other ponies have to be so rude about it? Did they endorse his unfaithful behavior? All those questions and more overwhelmed her, and Fleur began to sob.

“Hey, stop that.” Luna’s voice interjected between the tears. Fleur felt a ginger pressure lift her eyes up, looking directly into Luna’s own. “I’ll not have one of my subjects crying so. Come now, tell me.” Luna released her chin, the princess’ lips spread in a warm and gentle smile. “Why are you so sad?”

Fleur struggled to find words. She honestly, truthfully didn’t know where to begin. Should she really be telling Princess Luna of her marital troubles? Her naiveté? And why was the princess out here in the first place? In all her years, Fleur had only ever seen either of the princesses in passing, when they were making customary appearances at social gatherings. She had never had the pleasure of speaking with them directly. Now, her makeup in shambles, and her dress all but tatters around her legs, Fleur wanted nothing more than to run home and cry some more. Speaking with Luna was the last thing on her mind.

“It’s nothing, princess.” Fleur whimpered, shuddering slightly. ’Why is it so cold? It’s mid-august, so why am I shivering?’ “I’m sorry to trouble you. Please, excuse me-“

“I’ll not stop you if you wish to leave,” Luna stepped forward, her lips turned into a slight frown. Not one of discomfort or disapproval, merely one of confusion and concern. “But I’m honestly interested in why you’re so distraught, Ms. De Lis.” Luna’s mysterious gaze swept over Fleur’s body, taking in her makeup, her grass-stained, tattered dress, and all-round frumpiness. Fleur withered under Luna’s gaze, trying desperately to hide her disposition from the Princess.

“It’s… Nothing, really.” Fleur felt the tears come on once more. “Just… Some personal issues. My husband… Well, he…” Fleur struggled to find the words. Luna stood by patiently, her expression drawn as if she was content to wait for Fleur to elaborate. After a few moments, Fleur swallowed past the lump in her throat. “He cheated on me… Has been for several years now. Or at least, I think so… He left me, and moved to Trottingham to be with one of his… his… mistresses.”

“Oh, I see…” Luna didn’t smile, but her expression conveyed understanding and sympathy. “That’s terrible. I’m sorry to hear about that. I always figured Fancy Pants to be the loyal sort, too. He always put on a good show at the charity dinners.” Luna slowly lowered herself to her haunches, smiling faintly at Fleur. “I’m assuming that’s not all that is troubling you, though.”

“No…” Fleur admitted with a sigh. Despite her instinct to run home and clean herself up, Fleur felt herself relaxing. “It’s his friends, and business partners. They were teasing me, saying I was blind to it… I couldn’t handle them anymore.”

“Perfectly understandable. And Celestia wonders why I almost never go to charity functions.” Luna chuckled. “I find their endless prattling unbearable. N-not to assume you’re the same, of course!” Luna waved her hooves frantically just as Fleur felt another wave of tears come forth. “Quite the opposite, in fact. You see, I might not attend any charity functions or fundraisers, but I do have to deal with the bureaucratic side of them, and I’ve seen your signature on more than a few checks made out to charities across Equestria. You must work hard to raise that much money for so many honorable causes.”

“Th-thank you.” Fleur muttered. So somepony had noticed her hard work. And not just anypony, but the Princess! The mere thought made Fleur’s lips spread in a warm smile. “It means much to hear you say that.”

“I’m still perplexed, though.” Luna tapped her lower lip with a hoof. “How you managed to end up out here in the hedge maze?”

“Oh, I uh…well, I ran. I remember finding myself here in the maze, and I was… I was chasing somepony. A dark figure. That wasn’t you, was it?”

“Hmm? A dark figure, you say?” Luna’s frown intensified as she chewed on Fleur’s words. “I don’t think so. I was out enjoying a late-night flight when I saw you asleep in the hedge maze. When I landed, you woke suddenly. What did this dark figure look like?”

“Oh, they were… Uum…” Fleur wracked her brain, trying to recall details about the figure from her dream. But much like her other dreams, the details began to fall through her hooves like grains of sand. “I can’t remember… It’s slipping my mind.”

“Perplexing.” Luna furrowed her brow, seemingly in thought. “Well, that’s unfortunate. But pardon my saying, you do look like you’ve seen better days. It won’t do to run into one of your ‘friends’ on your way home. Would you like to freshen up a little before leaving?” Luna tilted her head back towards the castle with a warm smile. Fleur tensed a little at the mention of ‘friends,’ but in the end found herself smiling. She would at least like to clean her makeup and see about mending her dress before she left for home.

“I would like that very much, Princess. Thank you.”

“Please,” Luna smiled at her. “Call me Luna.”

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“Oh, wow.” Fleur gasped as Luna ushered her into the door. They had left the hedge maze and entered the castle’s extensive system of back hallways and service corridors. ‘To avoid running into one of the guilty parties,’ Luna had said. After a short walk and a few flights of stairs, Luna had led Fleur into what she assumed was the princess’s private quarters. The room was large, but not forbidding or dark. Candles glowed in their places along the walls, and on one of the many warm wooden tables. All along three of the four walls were bookshelves stacked high with dusty, important-looking books of magic, law, and a myriad of other subjects. The far wall was dominated by a massive four-poster bed, and to the left and right, several dressers and vanities. The cool floor had several rugs spread across it, and in front of the room’s one fireplace sat a series of three comfortable-looking couches. There were two sets of double glass doors leading out to a joined balcony, and aside from them, three other doors. One, she assumed, led into the princess’s wardrobe, while the other had to lead into the bathroom. The third, of course, they had just come through.

Luna smiled over her shoulder as Fleur appraised the warm room with wonder in her eyes. Almost immediately, she picked out the section of books devoted to fantasy and romance novels. Luna didn’t miss her longing gaze.

“Do you like romance?” Luna asked, her horn glowing with a dim light as she hovered a small selection of books off of the shelf. Fleur found herself blushing.

“I do… It’s a nice escape from the boring ledgers and charters I normally have to read.”

“Then you and I are alike in that regard.” Luna hovered one book forward, which Fleur peered at curiously. “Are you familiar with his work?” Fleur glanced at the author’s name with a frown.

“I can’t say I am.” She looked over the cover, and noticed it looked like any other trashy romance novel marketed to lonely mares. Then again, she was a lonely mare herself.

“Here, then. Take it with you. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” Fleur smiled up at Luna as she accepted the book, her own field of magic wrapping around the well-worn cover. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Thank you, princess…” Fleur held the book close to her chest, her blush intensifying. “I’ll be sure to return it to you as soon as I finish.”

“Keep it as long as you like, Fleur. There’s no rush. But, alas, I didn’t bring you here to throw books at you. The bathroom is through there. Please, feel free to freshen up. You’re welcome to draw a bath or take a shower, if you feel the need to.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly…” Fleur muttered, the blush not quite done heating her cheeks just yet. “I just need to use the sink is all…”

“Suit yourself.” Luna shrugged. “I’ll tell you now, though, you’re missing out.” Fleur glanced over her shoulder before slipping into the bathroom. Was it just her, or was Luna’s smile somehow more meaningful than it ought to be? Silently berating herself for even thinking such things about the Princess, she shook her head as she closed the door behind her and surveyed the bathroom.

It was almost as luxurious as the room she had just left. There was a massive, sunken-in tub that took up almost half of the floor. Fleur almost mistook it for a small swimming pool. The edge was lined with bottles of lotions, shampoo, conditioner, oils, and all sorts of beautification products. To take a soak in that tub would have been divine, and Fleur was seriously considering indulging. She put the thought aside for a moment, as she inspected the rest of the luxurious bathroom. The other half was occupied by a walled-off stall where she assumed the princess kept her toilet. There was also a large shower encased in clear glass, which sported several shelves also lined with mane care products. Opposite that was a well-lit sink, the counter for which was filled with makeup and brushes and a vast array of bottles, the contents of which Fleur could only guess at.

Continuing her slow walk around the room, she stopped to survey herself in the reflection of a massive floor-to-ceiling mirror located next to the sink. The hem of her dress was sodden with dew, stained from the grass, and had even ripped in several places. With a soft sigh, Fleur threw the clasps and slipped out of the all but ruined garment. It had been one of her favorites, too, and she highly doubted that there was a seamstress in Canterlot who could repair the damage.

After shedding her clothes, she moved on to her face. Her makeup was a mess, leaving her face a series of dingy streaks and baggy eyes. Her coat was beyond repair without partaking in a bath or a shower, but she could at least run damage control on her ruined makeup. After poking through the bottles and products on the counter, Fleur found makeup remover and a cleansing agent, along with a few fresh towels and soap. It took some scrubbing and a few stung eyes, but Fleur removed what was left of her makeup and returned her face to some semblance of normalcy. The hot water and scrubbing were invigorating. Her impromptu nap in the hedge maze was all but forgotten when she dried herself off, admiring her face in the mirror.

She took one last longing look about the bathroom. She had a very nice one back at home, with a wide white tub and a very wonderful shower, but it paled in comparison to the massive tub and sleek-looking shower Luna had, not to mention all of the beauty products lining the tub that would have done wonders on her coat. All the odd circumstances aside, Fleur was happy to be here. She exited the bathroom back into Luna’s bedroom, where she was greeted with a warm smile.

“That’s much better. Oh, was your dress ripped?”

“I’m afraid so.” Fleur frowned as she held the tattered dress up. “It was one of my favorites, as well.”

“Here, let me see.” Luna gingerly took the dress from Fleur’s grasp, hovering it into the air in front of her with a focused look. “Hmm. This should be easy to fix. I’ll need a book, though… Fleur, could you be a dear and find ‘Tailoring Troubles’ from that shelf over there?” Luna gestured with a hoof to a nearby book shelf, where Fleur turned to next. After scanning the titles, Fleur found the book and hovered it over to Luna. “Thank you. This shouldn’t take more than a moment.”

“O-okay…” Fleur stood back and watched as Luna opened the book, flipping pages until she arrived where she needed to be. Then her horn began to glow densely, wrapping the dress in a tight embrace. Fleur watched as the magnificent white fabric was almost completely obscured by the princess’ magical field. When Luna was finished, the green stains and rips were completely gone. In fact, the fabric appeared to be whole again, fresh as the day it had been made. Luna hovered it back to Fleur, smiling at the wide-eyed wonder.

“Good as new, no?”

“Yeah, it is.” Fleur breathed, completely shocked. The dress had been ruined just two minutes ago. And now, it looked more radiant than ever. She looked over each little bit of fabric, marveling at the wholeness Luna had returned to it. “That’s amazing.”

“Oh, it’s nothing major.” Luna waved her off with a warm smile. “Anything for a friend.”

That word nearly stopped Fleur’s heart.

“F-friend?”

“Well…” Luna blushed a little, looking away. “I’ve really only just met you, but you strike me as somepony who’s not quite as insufferable as the other socialites.” Luna looked back at her, her lips spread in an apprehensive smile. “I don’t have many friends, and I hoped, maybe, you might indulge me?”

“Pr… Princess, I’d be honored.” Fleur breathed deeply, trying to calm herself. The book, the dress… Letting her use her own private bathroom… Luna was certainly being kind. And she was very beautiful. The other high-brow socialites had their own opinion of Luna, that she was somewhat aloof, and still evil to a certain extent. But Fleur was seeing Luna in an entirely different light after the night’s events. The princess was very warm and welcoming, and while she might have seemed to have prodded for information earlier, Fleur now understood it was only because she had the best of intentions. Indeed, without Luna’s interjection, Fleur’s night might have ended much worse than it had.

“You don’t need to call me princess, Fleur.” Luna smiled as she extended a hoof towards her. “Luna suits me just fine.”

“Okay, Luna.” Fleur wrapped her hoof around Luna’s, smiling up at her new-found friend.

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As the weeks went on, Fleur found Luna to be a surprisingly supportive and active friend to her. The princess almost always had time for a lunch date, or to come over for dinner, or even to spend the day shopping with Fleur. Rumor spread around Canterlot about how the princess had found a new friend, and how Fleur had made a miraculous recovery from her divorce with Fancy Pants.

The latter, of course, she owed to Luna. Following the break-up, Fleur initially had some trouble acclimating to not only organizing and coordinating the charity events, but attending and headlining them as well. Luna had offered some assistance in booking venues, or providing a small bit of financial support when necessary. Fleur was more than grateful to receive the help, as it allowed her to downsize her agenda. She attended fewer functions per week than she had when she was with Fancy Pants, but Luna’s increased attendance at these events drew larger crowds, which of course meant more funds for the many charities and organizations that benefited from these events.

In the end, Fleur found that she had more-or-less broken even, while freeing more time in her schedule to actually relax and enjoy herself. She might have managed to do so without Luna, of course, but having the princess’ assistance was reassuring nevertheless. Fleur was glad to have found a new friend in the mysterious, normally secluded princess of the night.

It wasn’t until summer was over and fall was upon them that Fleur re-discovered the book Luna had lent her. She found it on the desk in her study, buried underneath a stack of neglected party invitations. A warm smile played across her lips as she lifted the well-worn book from its place and surveyed the title. The synopsis on the inside cover made her smile grow even more.

’Two colts, two mares, two marriages, one relationship. A web of lies, deceit, and passion…’ It went on to hint at a friendly relationship between a group of four ponies who agreed to try wife-swapping, and found out their friends’ spouses were markedly more enjoyable than their own. There was a hint of mystery and intrigue, and flared passions when the two husbands clashed over some new developments. Fleur found her heart racing already. This was going to be a very good read. She didn’t have anything planned that weekend, so she poured a full glass of wine, started a fire, and curled up with the book that had been given to her by Luna.

Little did she know just how risqué the book would turn out to be. She was hardly through three chapters when she encountered the first sex scene, and what a racy one it was. Fleur squirmed on the couch as she read through the scene, which vividly described a wife screaming with passion, and a husband grunting with the force of each thrust…

“Oh dear...” Fleur glanced down at her hoof, which had idly begun to find its way between her thighs. “What have you given me, Luna?” The book was having quite the effect on her. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the fact she hadn’t had a mate since her divorce, but Fleur was flushed and eager. She at least had to finish this scene, though. She owed the author that much. As it went on, though, Fleur found she couldn’t resist the needs of her all too neglected body. Her hoof traced lower and lower along her stomach, circling around and around as she neared her pubis.

She found herself spread out beneath him, completely and utterly exposed. ‘Take me, Dashing. Take me hard.’ She panted, positively open for him. Her husband mounted her once more, his glistening stallionhood poised at her entrance. She needed him. She wanted him. And as he-

“Uuhn…” Fleur’s hoof had found her core, and wasted no time eliciting a deep, throaty groan from her. The scene went on, going into some very intimate and blush-inducing details. Not that it mattered, Fleur’s hoof was busy grinding against her marehood hard enough to elicit a steady flow of wet, erotic noises. Fleur knew she should have moved to the shower, or at least to her bedroom, but she couldn’t tear her eyes off of the book. Each new sentence sent a fresh wave of pleasure shooting into her system. Why was she so sensitive? Why was this book turning her on so much? Was it the author, or the fact that she hadn’t had a satisfactory orgasm in almost eight weeks?

Nevertheless, her release came upon her well before she could get somewhere decent. Thankfully, it wasn’t very wet, but it did rob her strength and make her eyes flutter closed. Her hoof remained pressed against the delicate, flared lips of her marehood, grinding into the flesh as she whimpered and shook.

“Uuh… Wow…” Fleur sagged into the couch, basking in the warmth of the fire and her post-orgasmic bliss. Her wine sat completely forgotten on the coffee table, and the book lay face-down on her chest. She was content to lay there, letting the details of the book and her most recent exploit play back through her mind. It was a wonderful book, but above all else, Fleur began to wonder…

Why would Luna give her such a book? Let alone when she knew Fleur’s husband had been cheating on her, and she was so obviously distraught? Not that she was complaining, the book was amazing and she had every intention of finding more titles by the same author, but the question still plagued her thoughts. Fleur stood up from the couch and went to go clean up after herself. She had some questions to ask Luna come Monday.

But not until she finished this book. As she stood to move back to her bedroom, she stopped at the linen closet. She was going to need some new sheets before this book was finished.

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“Good evening, Luna.” Fleur smiled as she opened her door for the princess. Luna’s own smile was radiant in its own dark, mysterious way. Fleur stepped aside as Luna slipped inside, moving just as gracefully and smoothly as always. Fleur had wondered about the princesses and their mysterious traits, or how they could possess wings and horns. Whatever the reasons though, it was obvious that Luna possessed the strength of an Earth Pony, the grace of a Pegasus, and the poise of a Unicorn.

“It’s good to see you again, Fleur. Did you have a nice weekend?” Luna’s hushed sentence shook Fleur out of her reverie. She offered a warm smile at the princess.

“I did indeed. I read a very good book… You may remember it. The one you gave me the first night we officially met?”

“Oh! Oh, why, yes I do remember that book.” Luna’s cheeks were suddenly aflame with a positively radiant blush, and her smile became markedly wider - and much more meaningful. “I’m surprised you read it at all. I’ll admit, that might not have been the best book to start you out on…”

“No kidding,” Fleur rolled her eyes as she shut the door behind the princess. “I’m not upset or anything, but I had to ask myself more than once why you had seen fit to give me such a book in the state I was that night.” Fleur disarmed the princess with a light-hearted laugh, which Luna joined in on hesitantly. They retreated further into Fleur’s home, to the small lounge Fleur normally entertained in. Luna took her customary place opposite the fireplace while Fleur made drinks. “Do you still take one whiskey with no ice?”

“Indeed, I do.” Luna smiled at her while Fleur manipulated bottles, glasses, and ice. She poured the amber-colored liquid for the princess, and threw together a quick martini for herself. Fleur hated to admit it, but she was a featherweight when it came to alcohol. She could handle a champagne brunch, sure, but she never could keep up with her ex-husband and his friends on their all-night drinking escapades. She had learned that the hard way. This one martini would be enough for the night. Luna nodded gratefully as Fleur handed her drink off, both of them clinking their glasses together before taking hearty sips.

“I swear,” Luna moaned. “The castle bar has nothing on you.”

“You’re flattering me.” Fleur blushed, swirling her drink around. “It’s a common whiskey…certainly not good enough to occupy a shelf in the castle bar...”

“Aah, but served properly, it’s divine.” Luna set her glass on the coffee table, her smile just as warm as ever. “Then again, I didn’t exactly come for drinks and idle banter…”

“Dinner will be ready soon.” Fleur returned. “It’s finishing cooking now.” She had prepared her crumb bake, the same dish Luna had enjoyed the first time she came over for dinner. It was the princess’ favorite. Fleur almost stopped herself when she realized how much she had come to learn about the princess over the past two months. In all fairness, it was probably more than anypony else knew about her.

She was a fastidious study, and of course a powerful magician. While matters of state were primarily left to her sister, Luna handled a lot of the kingdom’s paperwork regarding laws, procedures, policies, and the running of Equestria as a whole. It seemed a taxing process, but Luna had assured Fleur up and down it was the least she could do for her thousand-year absence and all the trouble she had caused. When she wasn’t signing papers or reviewing budgets, though, Luna was a gifted harpist and an avid reader. She enjoyed all subjects and genres, though she claimed her favorite was romance.

Which led Fleur to her next series of questions; and these she voiced out-loud. “Luna,”

“Hmm?”

“That book you lent me…”

“What of it…” Luna proceeded cautiously. Fleur gnawed on her lower lip as she gingerly lifted the book from behind her couch, handing it back to her.

“Do you… Have any others?”

Luna smiled deviously.

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“Oh, wow.” Fleur was growing accustomed to muttering those words. Luna never ceased to amaze her. She was standing in the princess’ bedroom once more, her eyes wide as she watched the princess levitate a healthy portion of her personal library onto the table they stood at. “I never expected you to have this many.”

“I’m… A very big fan of their work.” Luna admitted. Her blush never faded, even throughout dinner and the short walk back to the palace. Fleur had to remind herself that, even though she was the princess’ friend for the past two months, she still had much to learn about Luna. As she glanced over the titles, she was beginning to wonder if she wanted to learn anything more about Luna. Some of the cover art for these novels was downright scandalous. Fleur froze, however, as she moved from one portion of the books onto the next. Hesitantly, she picked up a novel from the pile.

“Really?” She asked, her eyes wide at what she saw. “You read books like this?”

“Well…” Luna squirmed slightly, her cheeks flushed. “Yes, I guess you could say I do…”

“Wow.” Fleur let her gaze slide over the cover art several times, the blush on her cheeks intensifying all the more. It depicted a colt and a mare, though instead of wrapped up in a passionate embrace or sharing a deep kiss, like many of the other novels Luna had presented, these two were… Well, they were doing something. What that something was, Fleur could only guess at. But it involved rope, some hoof-cuffs, and a riding crop. And the mare certainly seemed to be enjoying herself.

“I… I guess I gave that one to you by accident…” Luna moved to take the book back, but almost instinctively, Fleur recoiled, clutching the book to her chest.

“Aah.” She teased, her lips spread in a devious smile. “Not so fast, now… I want to see what this is about.”

“Fleur,” Luna pleaded, but she didn’t move to take the book again. Fleur grinned and flipped the cover open to read the synopsis.

What she read very nearly had her dripping on Luna’s bedroom floor in a matter of seconds.

“I… Wow.” Fleur breathed, enraptured with what she was seeing.

“Fleur, please…”

“Not done yet.” Fleur raised a hoof, cutting Luna off as she continued to read. The synopsis alone was enough to make Fleur shudder with pent-up desire. She began to wonder if the book itself was going to be as good as this… Or maybe it was even better. She finished the synopsis, her cheeks flushed as she looked back up at Luna. “And this is the same author as the last book?”

“All of these are.” Luna admitted, waving a hoof out over the selection. At a glance, Fleur could guess they ranged anywhere from passionate and dramatic romances, much more tame than the last book she had read, all the way to aggressive and very obviously erotic books, like the one she still held. “I… Discovered the author upon my return to Equestria. Unfortunately, they passed away before my return, but they left these…”

“I must say,” Fleur looked over the array of books. There were probably close to thirty of them. “They were awfully prolific.”

“Oh you haven’t the slightest…” Luna’s coy tone made Fleur grin.

“Don’t tell me-“

“These are the tame ones.”

“Well.” Fleur still held the one book close to her chest, which was throbbing with her intense heartbeat. “I hope it isn’t too much trouble if I…”

“Oh, by all means,” Luna waved her hoof. “Borrow any one you like. Just don’t hold it against me if you don’t like what you read.”

“I doubt that I could ever hold anything against you, Luna.” Fleur smiled, clutching her book tight. “Reader beware, right?”

“I think that goes double for these books.” Luna chuckled, looking over the titles once more. The look on her face said it all. Fleur knew Luna cared very much for these books and what they held, and the mention of the less-tame titles made her squirm with anticipation. What could be more drastic than ropes and riding crops? She was certain she was about to find out.

“I think I’ll call it an evening,” Fleur looked over the books one last time, her heart still racing.

“Good night, Fleur.” Luna smiled warmly. “I’ll see you Thursday?”

“Dinner at Hoity Toity’s. How could I forget?” Fleur deadpanned. She was actually dreading the dinner appointment, but following her recovery from the divorce, Fleur hadn’t spoken with Hoity at all. It was about time she touched base with him regarding some of the charity drives he and Fancy Pants had co-founded. One of which was drawing closer and closer with the approach of the fall season.

Fleur gave Luna a warm smile and excused herself from the princess’ chambers, intent on making it home as soon as possible. She had until Thursday to enjoy the book, though if she read it any faster than she had the previous one, she’d need a new one by tomorrow. Still, the cool night air helped assuage her recently-awoken desires, and she briskly walked home.

This time, she’d make sure to aim for the sheets instead of the carpet around her bed.