Luna raised her gaze toward Ren, who was offering his hand to help her up. She thought again about the hug, turned red, and thought he would mock her or her reaction... but she was surprised to find no arrogance in his expression, just simple respect.
"You were great," said Ren sincerely. "It hurt a lot to receive your shadow claw; you surprised me with that last move."
Luna hesitated a moment before accepting his hand. "How... how do you do it?" she asked quietly, so only he could hear her. "How do you so sincerely believe everything you say?"
"Believe what I say?" repeated Ren. "I'm not sure if I understand the question, but maybe the right answer is… because my parents were always honest with me…?"
Luna thought for a moment and then nodded slowly. For some reason, defeat didn't feel as bitter as she had anticipated.
