You can't

You know you can't risk Claire's identity, or your own for that matter. You do feel bad that you're about to lie to Lexie but it's for the best..."Fine!" you blurt out "You win. I'll tell you."

"Well?" Lexie asks, her foot tapping the ground.

"I know her from Rathkin." you take a deep breath "When I was training there, I saw her, training as well, day in and day out. I got infatuated with her. I ended up watching her train every day for weeks." you continue making up this story "She was so beautiful. So strong. So intriguing. Mysterious. I knew nothing about her. But I made up scenarios in my head. Eventually, I built up the courage where I was going to talk to her. See if she was single. See if she was interested. See if she just wanted to grab some food, or even train together." you look down at the ground, trying your best to act sad "That day never came though, as she was never back training again. I later found out she was given to the Syndicate. Which is why after Nillix I wanted to come here."

"Awwww...." Lexie interlocks her hands together, bringing them to her chest "That's so romantic!" her bottom lip juts out.

"I knew that..." you managed to get a tear to run down your cheek, but you quickly brush it away "Sorry..." you mumble out "I knew that...if I ever saw her again I wanted to fight for her, show her how strong I was. That I could fight with her if needed. So when I saw her on that Plateau..." you pause for a few seconds "It wasn't my head thinking at that point...it was my heart." your eyes glance up, looking at Lexie.

Her hand is just covering her mouth as she stares at you "Awwww...Darien." she leans forward, wrapping her arms around your stomach which you reciprocate and do the same.

You begin to lightly whisper the continued lie into Lexie's ear "So...after the battle on the plateau...she took me to her chambers, gave me some medical herbs. We talked. But she denied me. Told me she couldn't be in a relationship." you pause "I was hurt, mad, pent up. So...when she kicked me out I was angry...and...well, I'm sorry I took it out on you."

"It's okay, Darien. I understand. I mean, Luna is really fucking hot. Like...really really gorgeous...and when you get to sit down and talk with her, not about battles or training, her personality is amazing! She's so fun to talk and joke around with." she hugs you harder "But she is our leader, being in a relationship with would tough. Plus...to be honest, I don't think she's been with a man since she's been here in the Syndicate."

"Oh?" you question

"Well...us Sunriders know how to release tension if needed and most are willing to lend a helping hand...or tongue if needed" she giggles "But...maybe she just doesn't swing that way?" she questioned.

"Oh." you feign shock "Maybe you're right."

It really got you thinking. Although you just flat out lied to Lexie about your story, it did make you think about Claire. All the problems she went through when you were kids. The men that took advantage of her. The men that kidnapped her. The men that traded her from kingdom to kingdom. Maybe she just grew a hatred for all men? You and Claire were really close your entire childhood. You did everything together until she was taken from you. Maybe...just maybe you're the only man in her life that she completely trusts.