Chapter 56
When she left, the room felt oddly quiet, the weight of the evening’s conversation still heavy on my chest. I moved toward the wide balcony doors, craving fresh air to clear my tangled thoughts.
The moon was yet to show it’s face to the world but night was fast approaching, the stars bathed everything in silver as I stepped onto the cool stone. I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the crisp night breeze that danced gently across my skin. But as I opened them again, my heart leapt into my throat.
D
Alaric stood at the far end of the balcony, arms braced against the stone railing, his back to me. The evening caught in his dark hair, and I watched silently, entranced by the quiet strength radiating from him.
“You know,” he said without turning, voice smooth as velvet, “it’s rude to stare.”
Heat flooded my cheeks. “I–I wasn’t staring,” I lied quickly.
He glanced over his shoulder, lips twitching in amusement. “No?”
“No,” I insisted, walking closer, hoping the dim light hid my embarrassment. “I was just surprised to find you out here. You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys moonlit strolls.”
He turned to face me fully, leaning against the railing, his eyes glittering in the faint silver glow. “And what sort of strolls do you think I enjoy, Luna?”
I narrowed my eyes playfully, stepping closer. “I imagine something involving snarling and general intimidation.”
He chuckled, low and deep, the sound vibrating through me. “You’re quite imaginative.”
“I try,” I said lightly, coming to stand beside him. I stared out over the quiet grounds, feeling his gaze linger on my face.
He remained silent for a moment before softly asking, “Did Cecelia frighten you with her endless instructions for the harvest?”
“A little,” I admitted quietly, glancing at him. “She believes I can handle it. I’m not so sure.”
His gaze softened, and he tilted his head thoughtfully. “I’ve never known Cecelia to be wrong.”
I smiled faintly. “High praise coming from you.”
He shrugged lightly, leaning slightly closer. “She’s not the only one who believes in you.”
My breath caught. The quiet sincerity in his voice sent warmth blooming through my chest, banishing the evening chill.
“You do?” I asked softly, barely more than a whisper.
His eyes never left mine! “Shouldn’t I?”
I swallowed, heart pounding. “Considering how we started, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.”
He reached out slowly, fingertips grazing the back of my hand where it rested on the balcony railing. A small, innocent touch–but it felt charged with electricity.
Things change,” he murmured. “People change.”
I bit my lip, trying to steady myself. “Have you changed?”
He studied me, something unreadable flashing behind those piercing eyes. “Maybe.”
I laughed quietly, leaning toward him unconsciously. “That’s not very reassuring.”
His lips twitched into the smallest smile, his gaze darkening slightly. “I’m not exactly known for reassurance.”
“No, I teased, matching his smirk. “You’re known for snarling.”
His hand shifted, capturing mine gently. His thumb traced slow circles against my skin, each movement sending sparks dancing through my veins.
“Only when necessary, he corrected softly, stepping even closer. “You seem less afraid of me lately.”
1/3
8:31 PM
Chapter 56
I lifted my chin slightly, pulse racing beneath his touch. “Maybe you’re less terrifying than you think.”
He raised a brow, amusement glittering in his gaze. “Careful, Luna. You’re dangerously close to insulting my reputation.”
I grinned, heart hammering wildly. “Maybe it needs insulting now and then.”
He chuckled quietly, voice dropping low. “You’re becoming quite bold.”
“I have to,” I whispered, pulse fluttering at his closeness. “To survive here.”
His expression grew serious, his gaze flicking down to my lips briefly before returning to my eyes. “I don’t want you to merely survive, Liana.”
My breath hitched. “What do you want, then?”
His voice was barely audible, filled with something intense, something that sent my heart racing. “For you to thrive. For you to feel safe here.”
“With you?” I asked, unable to hide the tremor in my voice.
His thumb brushed softly against my lower lip, eyes darkening further. “If you’ll have me.”
The space between us vanished. I didn’t know if it was him who moved first or me, but suddenly, his lips were on mine. Gentle at first, cautious–then deepening, growing urgent, demanding.
My hand found his chest, fingers curling tightly into the fabric of his tunic as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me against him. Every nerve in my body came alive under his touch, the world fading until there was nothing left but the heat of him, the strength of him, and the dizzying thrill of finally, finally feeling wanted.
He broke away first, breathing heavily, eyes blazing as they searched mine. I could feel the wild, uneven rhythm of his heart beneath my fingertips.
“Well,” he murmured hoarsely, his voice barely recognizable. “That certainly wasn’t intimidating.”
I laughed breathlessly, my face flushed. “You’re ruining your reputation.”
He smiled slowly, dangerously. “Only with you.”
My chest tightened, happiness flooding through me, pushing back all my fears and doubts. For the first time, standing there in his embrace beneath the soft glow of the moon, I felt I belonged somewhere.
Not as an omega, not as a pawn–but as Luna.
My lips stretched into a smile, “Thank you.”
Alaric’s gaze softened. His fingers traced a slow, delicate line along my jaw, sending pleasant chills down my spine. “Don’t thank me yet,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Why not?” I breathed, barely daring to move.
His eyes darkened, heavy with something deeper, something that made my heart skip. “Because you might regret it later.”
“I won’t,” I insisted quietly.
He smiled faintly, almost bitterly, and slowly began to close the distance between us once more. My breath hitched, anticipation curling tightly within me, and then-
He froze, his body stiffening as if some invisible force had grabbed him by the shoulders.
“Alaric? My voice trembled slightly.
He growled softly, low and frustrated, pulling back abruptly. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles white against the railing. “I–I can’t.”
Confusion and disappointment washed over me, but I forced myself to steady my voice. “Is it..your curse?”
He nodded once, sharply. “Something like that.”
I reached for his arm, but he pulled away, eyes blazing with fury and shame. “Don’t,” he said sharply. “Just–don’t
2/3
8:31 PM
Chapter 56
“Alaric-”
He didn’t let me finish. With a strangled noise, he turned sharply on his heel and strode quickly from the balcony, leaving me standing alone beneath the moonlight, feeling suddenly colder than ever.
I didn’t blame him, not really. Knowing about the curse made things clearer–but it didn’t ease the ache spreading through my chest.
I stayed outside a moment longer, staring out at the vast gardens below, trying to calm the turmoil raging inside me. But the longer I stood, the more restless I became. The quiet, peaceful night now felt empty and cold.
Sighing, I turned and walked back inside, shutting the balcony doors gently behind me.
The corridor was silent, eerily so, with only the faint glow of lanterns lighting the dark passage. My steps echoed softly against the stone floor, the sound comforting in the oppressive quiet.
I wandered aimlessly, not ready to return to my chambers just yet. The castle seemed endless, halls twisting into corridors, stairways appearing and vanishing again. After a while, I realized with a sinking feeling that I had n
o idea where I was.
sudden prickle of unease brushed the back of my neck, and I glanced behind me, pulse quickening.
But I saw
Nothing.
