Author's Note: Hello all! I've thought about writing fanfiction for a few years now and I finally got up the nerve to write a story. Some of the first fanfiction stories I read were about The Secret of Moonacre so it seemed appropriate that I start here as well. I hope you enjoy! J (Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and I'm sorry if there are any similarities to other stories written on here-they are purely coincidental).

Chapter 1

The pale glow of the moon and the twinkling of stars illuminated the otherwise jet black night. The ocean sliced across the cliff, sending mist spraying into the air. Maria still couldn't believe that it had only been minutes since she herself was among the crashing waves. She breathed deeply and detected a hint of salt in the breeze. Robin caught her eye and smiled lightly. His shout had especially stood out to her when she jumped off the cliff. Maria silently mused on how drastically their relationship had changed that day: in the morning, Robin would've killed her; in the evening, he held a knife to his own father's throat to protect her. Maria wished that she could have read his thoughts. Still she knew that she would be seeing much more of Robin de Noir after the adventure they'd had. Besides he still owed her a new ribbon.

Maria glanced over at her Uncle Benjamin and her heart fluttered seeing his arms wrapped around Loveday. Maria had never seen him so happy. For that matter, she hadn't seen most of those assembled so happy. Digweed and Miss Heliotrope still stood next to each other holding hands with small, embarrassed smiles on their faces and Coeur de Noir had an arm slung over Robin's shoulders. Wrolf and the unicorn stood majestically on the edge of the precipice. Maria's eyes focused in on the moon. It was difficult to fathom how something so beautiful had almost destroyed them all. Uncle Benjamin's voice sounded out over the stillness,

"Well, it's getting late and we've all had a rather taxing day. I think it would be wise for all of us to return home for the night."

"I agree," said Coeur de Noir.

"I never thought I'd see you two agree," added Loveday, amused. As soon as Maria thought about her nice warm bed, the fatigue of the day settled over her and her eyelids began to droop.

"Past your bedtime, princess?" Robin said, smirking.

"I could stay up all night if I needed to," retorted Maria. Robin didn't reply, but his ever-present smirk revealed that he knew she was bluffing. Still, he didn't press her and she appreciated that. The group turned away from the crashing waves of the ocean and climbed the ancient stairs out into the dark forest.

"Shouldn't we have some light?" said Miss Heliotrope in a worried voice. "To keep away the animals?" Coeur de Noir chuckled lightly and said,

"Now that peace has been made between our families, you have far less to fear than when you first came to Moonacre." Even in the dark, Maria could tell that Miss Heliotrope had not been soothed. Suddenly a branch snapped loudly and the entire group jerked their heads towards the sound. Out of the darkness came Dulac. He limped slightly and Maria saw a bruise forming on his head where Miss Heliotrope had hit him with an umbrella. His expression was terrifying. His jaw was clenched tight, his nostrils flared, and his eyes blazed with anger. As if by instinct, Robin placed his body in front of Maria. She could see how Robin's hand tensed just above the place where he kept his dagger. Coeur de Noir sensed this too and stepped in front of his son.

"Stand down, Dulac. It's over," he said, firmly.

"It will never be over!" Dulac spat. Coeur de Noir's eyes flashed.

"I am the Coeur de Noir. It is over when I say it is over."

"The de Noirs and Merryweathers have hated each other for centuries. One night will not change that!"

"The moonpearls have been returned to the sea. There is no more reason for our families to feud," said Coeur de Noir, fighting to keep his voice level. Dulac's lips twisted into a sinister smile.

"I don't think it was ever really about the moonpearls¾at least not anymore. I know there are many others who will agree with me." Coeur de Noir lost his temper. In a booming voice he said,

"I will not stand those who so blatantly question my authority! You are hereby banished from Moonacre Valley!" Coeur de Noir's words echoed off the bark of every tree in the forest. Yet the cold smile did not disappear from Dulac's lips.

"Banish me, but you'll find out that I was right soon enough." He turned and melted away into the inky darkness of the night. Maria looked at Robin and saw that his eyes were as fiery as his father's. She gently reached out and touched his arm. He looked at her and his eyes softened. He sighed and spoke,

"Don't listen to him, Father, he's just bitter about being beaten up with an umbrella." Coeur de Noir's eyes had not left the place where Dulac had vanished.

"I wish that was the case, Robin, but you and I both know it isn't," he said, solemnly. An unsettled silence fell over the group. Wordlessly, Coeur de Noir turned and began leading the group in the direction of Moonacre Manor. When they arrived at the edge of the forest, the group was in awe of the sight before them. The run-down manor had been restored to the height of its splendor. The gardens surrounding it were lush and full and light seeped out of every pristine window, fully illuminating the ornate details on the exterior of the building. Maria didn't think she'd ever seen a house so beautiful. Uncle Benjamin cleared his throat and said,

"I'd like to extend an invitation everyone present to stay at the manor tonight." Coeur de Noir's lips curved upward into a small smile.

"Thank you for your invitation, but I'm afraid I have much to attend to. Unfortunately, none of it can wait until morning." Uncle Benjamin nodded in acknowledgement.

"I should go back too," said Robin. Maria was surprised that she was saddened by this news.

"At least take a look inside," she quickly added. Coeur de Noir and Robin made eye contact and nodded yes. Uncle Benjamin awkwardly led the way to the front door and opened it. The interior had been transformed as well. The pillars in the foyer were clean and milky white and covered tapestries lined the once bare walls. A vibrant rug covered the ground. The chair cushions were plump and bright and the wood of the side table glowed as though it had only just been polished. A fire crackled in the grand fireplace and enveloped the room in warmth and light. Maria realized that the manor truly felt like home for the first time. She glanced at the others around her and was further assured of this sentiment. Coeur de Noir cleared his throat and said,

"We should return to the castle, Robin."

"Yes, Father." The two turned to go, before an impulse suddenly seized Maria.

"Wait!" the duo turned to look at her. "I-I have something to show Robin. It will only take a moment." She sensed the looks of curiosity that were being aimed her direction.

"Alright," said Robin with a curve of his eyebrow, "Go ahead, Father, I'll catch up to you."

"I'll wait," said Coeur de Noir, "strength in numbers." Robin nodded and looked at Maria. Maria turned and headed in the direction of her bedroom and Robin followed her. She faintly heard her uncle say something about how he would check on them if Robin didn't return soon. Maria hurried down the halls until she reached the foot of her spiral staircase and led the way up. She passed by the portrait of the first Moon Princess and silently thanked her.

"Where exactly are we going, princess?" said Robin.

"Just wait," Maria replied. She opened the door to her room and looked up. All the stars in her ceiling had returned and they took turns glittering and winking at her. She smiled. "This is what I wanted to show you." Robin craned his neck upwards and she could see the wonder in his eyes. When he finally pulled his eyes away she was surprised to see that his eyes were lit up as though he was still looking at the stars. Maria felt a rush of heat coming to her cheeks and turned away. "I realized I never really got the chance to thank you for today."

"It was nothing, princess." Maria laughed lightly.

"Then I'd love to see what you consider something." Robin laughed with her. Silence ensued as the two looked up once again at the stars.

"Well," said Robin, shifting his weight, "I should probably go back before your uncle comes."

"You heard that too?"

"That's the kind of thing I pay attention to." They laughed again and Robin turned to go.

"Wait."

"Maria," Robin groaned, jokingly.

"Just do me a favor and blow out the candles in the lanterns beside the door on your way out?"

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all." Robin rolled his eyes, but Maria saw the corners of his lips twitching. She turned and made her way towards her bed, blowing out the candles on her desk and bedside before lying on her bed, thoroughly exhausted. She heard the door open then close, but saw that room was still bathed in light. "Robin!" she called, sitting up. The door opened and she saw him poke his head in.

"Did you have some other request, princess?"

"No, I was just going to ask you to blow out the candles again. I don't sleep very well when there's light." Robin didn't answer.

"Maria, are you feeling alright?" Maria furrowed her brow.

"I'm very tired, but I feel fine. Why?"

"I did blow out the candles."

"What do you mean? It's still bright in here." Silence again. She saw Robin's expression turn to one of concern. "Robin?"

"Maria…the candles are all out and the room is completely dark aside from the stars." Maria felt her heart begin to pound in her chest.

"Can you see me?"

"I can make out your outline, but that's all."

"I…I can see you as clearly as I would on a bright sunny day," Maria replied, feeling the pounding in her chest increase. Robin's worried expression deepened. In a soft voice Maria continued, "You don't think that….that I…" Maria silently pleaded with Robin not to say what they both already knew.

"I don't know how, Maria, but I think you can see in the dark."