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• Luna •

For the fifth time, Luna stared at her new name. The name rang a bell. "Blair Meyer?"

Liberty bounced and wiggled her eyebrows. "I chose them, so I hope you like them."

"What's your say, Amir?"

"Imran Malik. I wonder where that originated from?" he said, shaking his head at his cousin. "The Maliks?"

Luna and Faisal laughed. She recognized the name's origin. It was the surname of the woman Amir was arranged for. Raima Malik.

She grinned and turned to her sister. "My last name commemorates my favorite photographer, Natalie Meyer, and my first name is Blair from Gossip Girl."

Liberty smiled. "When I needed to combine two good names, it fits you."

Luna couldn't stop grinning. She nibbled her left cheek and examined her photo ID like an invention. It looked like her driver's license but was from a different state and address. The envelope included her real ID and Social Security number.

"Sarah's new birth certificate is in her envelope," Liberty said, looking at it. "You'll love it."

While Amir fiddled with his papers, Luna nodded and lifted hers. Even though it would be strange, she could call him Imran. She gently opened the envelope and withdrew the fresh birth certificate with Sarah's new name.

Luna chuckled and whispered, "Serena Meyer." Sarah's original name, Serena, came from Gossip Girl. "Thank you," she said as she put the contents back in. Staring at the papers was about to give her an identity crisis.

"Where did my new first name come from? I'm curious why you chose this one," Amir asked Faisal.

"I don't know," Faisal replied. "Imran came from the new Biologist at work, and Malik . . . well, Imran Malik sounded perfect."

Amir looked at Luna. He smiled and elbowed her. "When Luna and I get married, we'll use our real names. If you still think we have a future together?"

Liberty asked, "Are you proposing to my sister right now?"

He shrugged. "One day I will, but now isn't the right time."

"Very romantic," Cami commented.

"Yeah, this week we will change all your accounts to your new name, Amir. You'll have a new bank, a new set of paperwork, and documents that show you can stay in the country," Faisal said as he sat down on a chair. "If you inject the serum, you can live anywhere. Each of us has a new name and identity."

"How did Darren do this?" Luna asked, stunned at the new IDs and fake certificates.

Decker smirked. "Darren had a little help. Among my many talents and knowledge, I can easily produce a phony ID, passport, and legal status. You learn this when you work with a deceitful doctor."

Luna shook her head, laughing softly. Was there anything he wasn't capable of?

Amir beamed while holding the envelope beneath his right arm. "Thank you," he said, glancing at the group. "This is a new beginning for us. We can't go back."

"Nope," said Vikram. "But when you both move somewhere else, we'll make sure you have lead domes with you." He then handed Amir and Luna two rings. "These lead rings will protect you from hunters."

Luna placed the silver band on her right third finger and murmured, "I'm afraid to ask how you got these."

"When Amir and I spoke at St. Matthew's, I called my friends in Mumbai who are Tethered Souls, and they shipped these babies out here. Thankfully, I got them just in time. I wouldn't recommend taking the rings off. You should always wear them."

"Thanks, Vik," Luna said, giving him a small hug.

"Unfortunately, we didn't realize Sarah was one of us until this morning, so we have nothing for her," he added.

"That's okay. My ring is hers if we go out. Right now, protecting her is my top priority," Luna replied, looking in Sarah's direction.

Amir kissed her palm and whispered, "I'll protect you both."

She smiled and thanked the heavens again for bringing them together.

Mera took Luna's hand and helped her up, then showed her around her beautiful house. Luna walked into a room, which was almost as big as a gym, then through a door into a huge cream-colored bathroom with a large hot tub in the center.

She showed Luna where she prayed and tried to explain how Muslim women kneel, but Luna was too frightened about being found out to understand anything Mera had said.

Amir flew out to America for her, and now everyone had to go into hiding because they didn't know Tethered Soul Hunters were out there. Luna never wanted to be used as a test subject again.

Mera whispered, "Luna?" to get her attention.

Luna couldn't believe she was thinking about those things as she stood next to her friend, who was kneeling in prayer.

"I'm sorry. My mind was elsewhere."

"Take your time learning our customs, Luna. Understand everything properly." She smiled softly as Luna looked around the room with Urdu inscriptions on the walls. "If it's okay, I'll tell you what Amir thinks about you wishing to convert to our faith. I don't think he wants you to."

Luna nodded at her. "You too. Amir has never put any pressure on me. I want to learn. I should have embraced Allah and everything earlier. I can learn from him, but that's cheating. I'd rather find out for myself. Because of our genetics, we never thought we'd be together this way." She teared up. "Mera, I love him. It's true love, not based on our connection. I wasn't well when we met seven years ago. I . . ."

Luna lost control. The day Amir tried to revive Sam made her heart race. It was the most painful thing she had ever seen, but when she met the doctor, she forgot everything.

Mera embraced her. "I know it's a painful memory for you, but look on the bright side. Being with your partner is extraordinary. You belong together. You can learn our faith without converting. Amir will love, honor, and respect you. He and Sarah already love each other. He'll be a great father to her. Wait and see."

Luna wiped her tears away, took a step back, and looked into her eyes. "Thank you for that affirmation."

"Some things happen for a reason, Luna. You first saw Amir through a camera lens, which led to you being with him many years later. You started your photography studio three months after I opened my restaurant, and both of our businesses were set up across from each other. You were placed in a hospital, which led to you making a new friend. You've been through a lot and came out stronger."

What Mera said touched her deeply. Those were wise words from a beautiful and smart woman. Luna was glad to have met her at the time she did.

Once they returned downstairs, Liberty saw them and hooked her arm through Luna's. Luna noticed Sarah playing hand games with Cami and Amir. Decker sorted luggage with Faisal.

She found Raul sitting on the steps with his phone as she passed through an open kitchen and sunroom.

Liberty told her, "I want to show you so much. You'll love this."

Mera smiled. "Once Liberty stepped inside my house, she stayed out here, trying to show Sarah how to garden, but she stopped and wanted to wait until you showed up."

Luna followed them through a backdoor into the humid air, intrigued. "Wow."

Liberty smiled and cast a glance in her direction. "I knew you would love it. Isn't it beautiful and peaceful?"

Luna just gaped. Numerous plants and medium-sized palms bordered a lead-embedded privacy wall, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The circular area had a large grill and a wide terrace. The edges had a fire pit and chairs. While pine and sage filled the air, brightly covered rose plants bordered the bottom of a wall. A medium-sized rectangular pool and lounge chairs were in the back.

"The pool and garden are available to you during your stay. I enjoy gardening out here. It helps to unwind." Mera touched a shovel and a brown apron hanging on the wall.

"I know we'd stay out here." Liberty squealed at the pool. "And we'll swim. The water is warm."

Luna didn't notice her pool comment. The small garden caught her attention. Gardening was her passion. She sighed and followed Liberty to the second floor, observing Amir and Faisal with Raul and praying. Amir being focused and connected to Allah was important for her.

She assumed Sue was in the open bedroom door. "How is she?"

Liberty slowed down next to the wall. "She's okay. They rushed out here, and the time difference is rough for her."

"I'm excited to meet her," Luna said as her sister opened a door.

"I'm sure you will later."

Luna saw a large bed in the front, French doors across from it that likely led to a walk-in closet and a flat-screen TV on the wall. "So this is Sarah and my room?"

"What?" Liberty laughed. "Oh, sorry. Sure. For you and Sarah. Or not. She likes to sleep with me most nights. Perhaps, Amir?" She rasped. "Wow. You and he just discovered . . ."

A tiny smile tugged on Luna's lips. "My hopes of being with him in the same room were nearly non-existent. And now we are here. I don't know how he will feel about sleeping with me, considering he is reserved and has never slept with a woman."

"No way!" Liberty's eyes shot up as her mouth opened wider. "I did not know that."

"Yep." Luna sat on the bed and patted the mattress, immediately feeling its warmth. "We'll discuss sleeping arrangements later."

"How was the motel room? You two were alone, right?"

Luna nodded. "It wasn't like that. We almost got close, but then something happened. I'm not sure how he'd feel about me being his first. We haven't reached that point."

"I understand." Liberty took a breath and threw her hands in the air. "Being in the same bed with someone who wasn't used to . . . certain things is scary. Did he sleep on the floor?"

"Ironically, we slept in the bed together."

"Okay. Hmm . . ."

"Not like that," Luna said. "Amir was gentle. He soothed me. I freaked out on him, and he didn't separate himself from my craziness. I even heard him praying to Allah for me before I fell asleep. He was a true gentleman. That's why I know I love him. He's in my blood."

"Wow, Luna, this is huge," Liberty said, hugging her. "Let's talk about it later. You've gone through a lot."

She walked to the closet and pulled out clothes for her sister.

"Thank you," Luna told Liberty, touching the spot above her chest. "I've been itching to wear something different for a while now." She spotted another door to the right. "What's in that room?"

"A big his-and-hers washroom. Every room has a bathroom, but you have the biggest. This place is enormous."

Luna wanted to live here forever after exploring this home and neighborhood. "What's next for you and Vikram?" she asked.

"We honestly don't know. I just want to focus on you, my little niece, and my new brother-in-law." Liberty paused and caught Luna's gaze as she giggled when her sister called him that. "I swear, you two better get married and give me some Aluna babies. If you don't, I'll find you a legitimate hospital. That man is a catch."

She giggled. "No argument there."

"And don't you be stressing over what society will say. You hear me? Because I know how that feels." Liberty exhaled and sat next to Luna. "When Vikram and I are out doing things, people give us the evil eye. They can't believe my pasty white self is dating someone with a gorgeous, permanent tan."

Luna chuckled. "I don't care for them. Amir's heart and soul are what matter to me."

"You and Amir are destined for one other. You should both get married and live in this room, praising Allah for bringing you two together."

"True. So, you're not an atheist anymore?"

Liberty paused. "I don't know. Vikram believes in different spiritual beings, and we're engaged. There's nothing wrong with adapting to his beliefs and gradually learning about them. Just like you are." She clasped Luna's hand. "Being in an interracial or interfaith relationship doesn't always have to be a deal-breaker. As you mentioned earlier, it's about the heart. But seriously, Amir is H-A-W-T."

Luna couldn't stop laughing. While listening to Liberty, she nearly cried.

"What did I say?"

"Sorry." Luna wiped her face and the hem of her shirt. "I'm sure Vikram wouldn't like hearing that from his bride."

"He knows I think Amir is gorgeous as hell. Vikram doesn't mind."

"Well, don't get too comfortable. I almost had to fend Cami off him."

Liberty threw her hair over her shoulder, looking at the ceiling. "Come to think of it, you probably had to mark your territory a little."

Luna laughed. "True, but Faisal charmed her, and that worked out well."

"Right? Since meeting, they've been holding each other."

"I want to do the same with Amir."

"Why can't you?" Liberty pondered.

"He and the guys are praying now," Luna replied. "We'll probably chat later."

"I'm sure Faisal and Amir felt empty when they didn't pray earlier."

Luna smiled while slightly nodding. "Yeah. Faisal can be funny sometimes. Like, I knew how he was from Amir, but he knows how to put a smile on someone's face."

She beamed. "He told us some jokes last night and mentioned a true story."

"What . . . story?"

Liberty shrugged. "Oh, nothing. Just a story about how he witnessed Amir express his undying love for you one evening. Faisal called it 'Tethered Confessions.' He's even started writing on a screenplay." Luna wasn't sure how red her face was, but she guessed it was cherry red. "Oh my gosh. Check the mirror. A lobster couldn't compare to how you look now."

Luna gasped with her hands over her face, giggling. She and Faisal will have some words later about what he was doing. She'd love to find out more about what he's writing, especially since it stars her and Amir.

Tethered Confessions . . .

Luna shook her head. That movie idea was so not going to happen. Not if she can help it.

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