PLAYING ALONG

PLAYING ALONG
Celine's pov

“Make you happy...make you feel more like a human.” He said, his gaze shifting to the flower.

“You… you don’t have to.” I said softly.

“Of course I have to. I want you to know that even if you’re human, you’re still one of us. You’re loved and appreciated here, no matter what.” Kael said.

Those words melted my heart. Is he really serious?I’m loved here?

“Are you sure I’m loved here?” I asked quietly.

“Yes, you are,” he replied without hesitation.

“Then why am I not free?” I teased, a smile tugging at my lips.

“Because it’s not safe yet,” he said, finally smiling back.

“Wow. I’m really sorry if I offended you earlier,” I apologized again.

“It’s nothing. But don’t call this ‘loveless,’” he said with another soft smile.

“But…” I hesitated, thinking of putting it straight to him but we've had enough for today.

“But what?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

“Nothing,” I muttered.

“You think this is truly loveless?” he asked.

I stayed silent, unsure how to respond, I won't want to sound rude and make things worse. I stood staring at him.

“I know you don’t feel the same way I do. You just need a roof over your head.” Kael said quietly.

Does he really feel that way? How? Please, let this not be what I think it is.

“Feel the same way? How do you feel?” I asked bluntly.

Kael smiled and looked straight into my eyes.

“I know I haven’t said this, and maybe you want me to express my feelings in your human kind of way and that’s fine.” He said, pausing.

My stomach tightened; every part of me waited for what he would say next.

“I… I love you, Celine.”

The words left his lips slowly, and before I could react, his lips met mine.

I pulled away with my heart thundering.

He loves me? How can this be possible? Yes, we’re mates but we shouldn’t fall in love. That could ruin everything, or… even make things too easy.

I’d better play along, pretend to feel the same. This mission is already harder than I imagined.

“I love you, Celine,” he repeated.

“I… I love you too, Kael,” I said, forcing my voice to sound convincing.

“You don’t have to lie. The love I have for you can be enough for both of us. If you don’t love me yet, it’s fine. You’re still my mate and my Luna,” Kael said.

Why did I suddenly feel sympathy for him? Why was my heart beating so fast?

He opened the door, ready to step out.

“Thank you, Kael,” I said before I could stop myself.

He nodded, then shut the door behind him.

“Hah…” I sighed, breathing heavily.

He’s really fallen in love with me? Isn’t it too soon? Or is this just another part of their plan?

I went to the bathroom, showered, got dressed, and did some light makeup before waiting for Kael.

The door creaked open as he walked in and disappeared into the bathroom for his shower.

Should I still stay here? He deserves his privacy… but he told me not to leave the chamber.

He came out again, wearing only a towel and robe. He picked up a shirt and trousers, then headed toward the smaller door beside the bathroom.

I guess he can have his privacy there then.

A few moments later, he returned, fully dressed.

“About your visit to Kaida. Some men have been sent and should return soon with news,” Kael said, adjusting his scarf as he checked his reflection.

I still didn’t know what they discussed in their meetings. Who knew what those elders might have suggested?

“How did the meeting go yesterday? Have you come up with a plan?” I asked, as my heartbeat suddenly became faster.

Kael only sniffed, fixing his gaze on me without blinking.

“I’m just worried about everything,” I said, forcing a small smile to ease the tension.

“And since I'm Luna, I feel I have the right to know.”

He turned back to the mirror.

“It’s being sorted out,” he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Fine,” I said, stepping closer. Our reflections stood side by side.

Is this really me? Looking into this mirror, I had mixed feelings. One part of me was glad to still look so soft and girly, while the other burned with anger; I still hadn’t completed my mission.

“I’ll head out now and return to tell you how it went,” Kael said.

Return? He could easily send a maid to deliver the news.

“But you can assign a maid to bring the message,” I suggested.

He placed his hand on the doorknob.

“I need you to lock this door as soon as I leave. And about the news, I’ll bring it myself. We can’t trust anyone right now. Too many are in pain, and we can’t afford another mistake.” He paused.

The maids are in pain? How?
Wait, does he mean Freya? I noticed how sad she was earlier, where she mentioned I wasn't like them. She must have lost someone too.

“I’ll also get your breakfast before I return,” he added, then closed the door behind him.

I locked it with the key. I think I understand now. I’m not safe around anyone but Kael.
It’s strange how protective he is. It’s only because I’m his mate. If I were anyone else, he’d probably kill me himself.

I walked back to the mirror.

“It’s been a while since I heard from Damien,” I whispered, collapsing onto the bed.

My phone wasn’t with me, and I needed to talk to him. How was I supposed to get it? I’d been warned not to leave, but I needed that phone.

I couldn’t trust a maid to bring it. Damien might have sent a message, and if anyone saw it, everything would be exposed.

I couldn’t let that happen, I’d have to get it myself.