The Alchemy of Moonlight

by David Ferraro

“It’s no trouble,” Valancourt assured me. He gestured to the kerchief. “May I?” “Oh, yes. Please.” I handed it to him, nausea sweeping through my stomach briefly as I caught sight of the red blossoming along the bottom of the cloth. Our fingers brushed against one another’s and my heart fluttered, causing me to momentarily forget what we were doing. I wanted to hold on to his warmth for a little longer, even for another precious second, but it wasn’t to be. Valancourt pulled away from me, eyes never lifting from the kerchief. He was clearly not affected by the contact as I had been. Disappointment doused my excitement. What had I expected to happen?

LOVE how this knucklehead isn't even QUESTIONING the fact that he found A HAND✋ IN THE WOODS and is instead IMMEDIATELY taken with this dude

He knelt down to secure it somewhere in his doctor’s bag,

SIR!!!! I THINK YOU HAVE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE STERILE? IN THERE??????? PLEAAAAASEEEEEE DO👏NOT👏STICK👏THE👏 HANDKERCHIEF👏HAND👏IN👏THE FUCKING 👏BAG👏

“I apologize. I get carried away sometimes and this is fascinating. Usually they’re attached to people.” I stared at him until I realized that he’d told a joke. A weak joke, but a joke nonetheless. I humored him with a chuckle.

Men are stupid.

I shook his hand, his attention flustering me. “Emile St. Aubert.”

Tell me you aren't giving him your real name after JUST talking about needing a fake one literally two pages ago.💀

Valancourt blinked, then watched me thoughtfully as he dropped my hand. “I thought your name was Dupont.” My eyes widened, and I cursed my slip of the tongue. A pretty face and I’d completely forgotten my cover story. “I … yes. Please call me Dupont. It’s more a nickname. Or better yet, just call me Emile.”

EMILE YOU HAD ONE JOB!! ONE PRETTY BOY SHOWS UP AND POOF IN SMOKE!

“Very well, Emile. And I suppose you’d like me to believe that you’re used to a life of servitude with not a single callus on your hands?” My heart stuttered with panic. I opened my mouth, then closed it as anything intelligible fell directly out of my mind to gather at my feet. Valancourt was observant. I wasn’t used to people giving a servant a second glance. “Whatever the reason for the subterfuge, it’s none of my business,” Valancourt assured me, no doubt noting the distress on my face. “I was curious, is all. But I won’t press you.” “Thank you.” I bowed my head as the tension melted in my chest. “I appreciate it.”

The gig has been gagged— idek but this IDIOT has been found out and we haven't even finished chapter one🤦

“Why don’t you wash up and meet me at my carriage? I’ll be done seeing to Mrs. Blake in short order.”

I swear if y'all start making out

It was a nice view.

My boy is down HARD

I supposed it stemmed from growing up with two parents who doted on one another, love in every glance. I wanted that for myself, that easy devotion, wherein every step was taken in consideration of the other, a dance meant to only make each other happy. I didn’t think that was too much to ask, but society had other ideas.

Dont try to win me over by being a mushy gay. I see you.

“Bram.”

BRAM? FANTASY FRENCH BOOK AND ALL YOU COULD COME UO WITH IS *BRAM*??? WHY DON'T WE JUST ADD A "STEVE" TO THE MIX? CALL OUR PAL "JASON"??

Bram raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know the first thing about me, Emile.” “I know that you’re a man of integrity.” I shrugged. “You can keep secrets.”

Do you know? Do you REALLY know? How yall met like two minutes ago he hasn't gotten the chance to tell anyone! HOW HAS YOUR AUNT NOT GOTTEN YOUR ASS YET?

nodded. “It doesn’t leave much time to build a life for myself, I’m afraid. It’s very demanding. Friends are hard to come by when you have to dash off at a moment’s notice.”

plz B poly 😔🙏

“You’re very thoughtful, Emile. And articulate. Especially for a servant.” I ignored the dubious note in his voice. “Thank you. I do my utmost to be diverting.” “Mmm,” Bram returned, leaning back in his seat. He clearly saw right through me, that I wasn’t a servant any more than he was. But he was polite enough to move on and allow me my secrets. For now.

YEH "FOR NOW" DUMBASS

aThe gendarmerie

HA! typo

“Come along, Emile.” Bram placed a hand on the small of my back and guided me forward. “There’s nothing more to be done here.”

My guys are speed running this relationship i swear

“I … I’m sorry, Bram, but I don’t think I would be back in time. I still have to assist with valet duties tonight.” The smile on Bram’s face never faltered for an instant. “Your next day off then. Come, promise me.” “I … yes. I would love to,” I agreed, returning the smile. “It’s settled then. In the meantime, we can get a bite to eat at a pub.” “That would be perfect.”

oOOoooO look who's gOtTa dAtE 🤪

He wants you to call him Bram.

Please i BEG of you authors to italicize thoughts like this

The next few hours were busier than I’d expected. I hadn’t realized all that went into a valet’s duties. I’d assumed they just helped their master get dressed, arranged things for them, and accompanied them on their travels.

Not that being my first thought too✋😂

“Where’s Hargrove?” she exclaimed, voice accusing. My heart pounded as the woman’s eyes raked over me, assessing. “I … I saw a light in the mausoleum. I’m Hargrove’s replacement.”

HAHAHAHAHA HE'S FKN DEAD! #RIP LMAO