Chapter 38(We Must Be Happy For the Luna)

Chapter 38(We Must Be Happy For the Luna)
Elder Marcus’ pov

The night felt heavy and dull. It's been days, since the punishment, but I still see it when I close my eyes, how mean can Roman be. I have met ruthless Alpha’s in my time, but none comes close to Roman. Sometimes I admire his rule, and other times it scares me. I sat in my chair and tried to rest my mind, butI just couldn't relax. Then the thought of the Luna being pregnant struck me. How can she be pregnant again, and what if it's a son?

She can't be pregnant…that will spoil my plans, and I can't afford any set back at all. Elena must be the one to give the Alpha a son. Only if she had come back, when I asked her to. But even at that, I know Roman never wanted to marry from this pack, that was why he secretly got a bride from another pack. A bride without a family, without any backening. Someone who would never ride against him…smart man.

The door opened with a small sound, and Elena walked in. Her face looked pale in the candle glow, her eyes were sharp but full of worry. She closed the door and walked to me with slow steps.

“Father,” she whispered. Her voice trembled even though she tried to hide it. “What if the child is a boy? What if everything we planned falls apart?”

I leaned back in my chair. I did not answer right away, I let the silence hang in the air until it felt heavy. Then I smiled, but only a small, tight smile.

“Elena,” I said, slow and calm. “Relax. You worry too much.”

She frowned and bit her lip. “But…”

“But nothing,” I cut her off. My voice stayed soft, but it carried weight. “Listen to me. Do not panic, I have everything under control. Just do exactly what I tell you. Nothing more. Nothing less. If you follow my words, all will go as planned.”

Her eyes searched my face, still full of fear. “What do you want me to do Father?”

I leaned forward. My voice dropped to a low whisper. “Go to her. Take your mother with you, Offer gifts. Smile. Make her believe you are happy for her. Do not show doubt. Not even a shadow of it. Do you understand?”

Elena breathed out slowly. Then she nodded. “Yes, Father.”

“Good,” I said, sitting back. “This is not the time for mistakes. She must feel safe. The more she trusts you, the easier it will be when the right moment comes.”

Elena nodded again, but her shoulders stayed stiff.

“Remember, your acting must be real.” I added. “Let your warmth fill the Luna's room. She must see only joy in your eyes.”

“Yes, Father,” she said softly.

She turned and left, and the door closed behind her with a small thud. I stayed alone with the light, and watched it shine so bright. The game had changed, but the game was not over. Pregnant or not, the Luna would not break my plan.

Kaelenya’s pov

My head pounded, since I didn't sleep back last night, my body felt weak and tired. Even as I sat on my bed, and time I closed my eyes, my mind flashed back to my dream of a faceless figure running behind me, then to the figure at the garden. It felt too real to be just fear, but too strange to tell anyone.

The door creaked open, and Janet stepped in with a small wooden cup. The smell of bitter herbs reached me before she spoke.

“Good morning Luna, hope you slept well?”

I just nodded my head, staring at the cupin her hands. I hated the taste of the tonic, but I didn't have a choice.

“Your drink, Luna” she said, soft as always.

I took it from her, closed my eyes and gulped it down my throat. The taste was sharp and ugly. Janet watched me carefully, and smiled when I made the disgusted face.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said quickly. I tried to smile, but my chest felt tight.

“Are you sure?” she pressed. “Any pain? Any strange feeling?”

“I’m fine,” I said again, adding a small laugh that felt false. “Just tired.”

She waited a heartbeat, then smiled back. “Alright. You have a visitor.”

I blinked. “A visitor? Now?”

“Yes. Miss Elena and her mother are here.”

My stomach tightened. “Elena… and her mother?”

“Yes. They brought gifts. Shall I let them in?”

I took a slow breath. “Yes. Let them in.”

Janet slipped out, and a moment later, the door opened again. Elena walked in with her mother, Lady Margaret. Lady Margaret carried a small basket covered with cloth. Elena held a box with a silver ribbon.

“Luna!” Lady Margaret said brightly. “Congratulations!” Her smile was wide, she held the hem of her gown.

“Thank you,” I said, rising to greet them.

Elena stepped forward, smiling. “We had to see you. News like this should be celebrated in person.”

“That is kind,” I said, forcing my own smile. “Please, sit.”

They sat near on the empty chairs in front of them. Lady Margaret set the basket on the table and opened it. Inside were fresh fruits and soft pastries.

“We brought a few things for you,” she said. “Good food for you and the baby.”

“That is so thoughtful,” I said, touching the edge of the basket. “Thank you.”

Elena handed me the silver box. “And this is from me. A small gift for the little one.”

I untied the ribbon and opened the lid. Inside was a soft knitted blanket, it had a pale cream colour, with tiny wolves stitched around the edges. My lips curled into a smile. “It's so beautiful,” I whispered, my hands running through the blanket, thank you so much.”

Elena’s eyes softened. “I am glad you like it. The baby should have something warm. Something made with care and love.”

Lady Margaret nodded. “A child of the Moon Goddess deserves the best.”

I ran my fingers over the soft yarn. “This means a lot. Truly.”

Elena tilted her head. “How are you feeling? Is the pregnancy hard?”

“A little,” I said, smiling faintly. “Mostly I feel nervous.”

“That is normal,” Lady Margaret said. “Every mother feels this way. You are strong. You will be fine.”

Elena gave a small playful look. “And how is the Alpha? He must be happy.”

I gave a small laugh. “Roman is… Roman. Careful, and watchful.”

Elena chuckled. “That sounds like him.”

For a while we talked of small things. The coming festival. The cool air of late night. Old recipes for morning sickness. Lady Margaret shared a trick with honey and herbs. Elena teased her for using too much honey. Their voices were warm, and the room echoed with happiness. But my heart for some weird reason, wasn't settled. Behind every smile, the warning from the market, kept replaying in my head.

“Luna,” Elena called, tapping me. I flinch and faked a smile immediately.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“Of course I am,” I replied increasing my fake smile.

One thing I have learnt from this pack, is that a shared problem, is not a half solved problem. Rather, a shared problem, is a bigger problem.