Chapter 68 Gale
Chapter 68 Gale
Luna’s POV
Even when Kael is out of the room, I cannot stop the rate of my heartbeat speeding up. My cheeks burn, and I place my palms over them.
Why did he kiss me?
Why did I let him?
We are neither mates, nor meant to be.
A forced bond is not a thing of honor.
But I cannot help the way I feel like my heart is alright with contentment.
Slowly, surely, a bond built on something other than a master-servant relationship has formed between us.
My thoughts unravel, and for a time I forget my anger from his previous actions.
A knock echoes through the room and I lift my head, weary.
“Who is it?” I call out. The door swings open with nary a creak on its hinges.
My eyes widen.
Elder Mireya steps in, and the entire room is enveloped in warmth.
“Luna Belle. You have awakened your Wolf. What a joyous thing,” she smiles warmly, genuinely happy to see me.
The crow’s feet at the corner of her eyes only serve to emphasize the graceful aging she has undergone.
My heart relaxes and I move to clasp both her hands.
Ever since I can remember, Elder Mireya has not only advocated for my safety and comfort, but also ensured my path has been smooth.
I know not the extent of her actions, but seeing her brings me nothing but joy.
“How have you been? I am honored to see you,” I effuse, leading her to the chair by the corner. She shakes her head gently.
“I will not stay long. There are many things to do. I wished to ensure you were well.
“I’m fine,” I assure her.
“I can see that.” She raises her hand to my forehead, and I feel a stream of chill flowing from her fingertips. The Wolf inside stirs, growling at the intrusion.
I swallow.
“Control is not yet solidified. Your abilities still require refinement, Moonborn.”
My eyes flicker. She calls me by that title.
One that plagues the deepest recess of my thoughts.
“I have many questions to ask,” I breathe. “I need to understand the truth.”
“Truth?” She smiles knowingly. “Of the prophecy, or your bloodline? Of your powers or your future? Your weaknesses?”
I am speechless. She knows everything. Of course, she must. She is not only a seer, but distinctly respected throughout the vast region, as well as a former Master of the Sacred Order.
“What can you tell me?”
“Nothing that you will not find out in due time Except for this,” Her weathered hand cups my cheek. “Your heart is divided, but pure. You must focus on your true destiny, not on the obstacles before you. The Luna Trials are only the beginning.”
Her words cut to my core, even when I can barely understand them. My mind processes, aiming to make sense of them. She smiles knowingly, stepping backwards.
“You must prepare yourself for tonight. Take this,” She places an object in my hand. Upon closer inspection I see it is a tiny insect, unmoving yet warm to the touch.
When Elder Mireya makes her exit, I feel the insect-like object pulse in my palm, full of life.
I place it alongside the parcel, stowing it away.
The banquet time approaches and the preparations are relentless. The maids first draw me a hot bath, steaming and fragrant. Rose petals are scattered over the water, evoking a romantic atmosphere. While I soak, my hands and feet are scrubbed and prepped without mercy. It underlines the true gravity of this banquet.
This is a large gathering unlike any other in at least the past half- year.
After soaking, my hair is meticulously styled. I quietly opt for a simple style, my hair is parted in the center, wavy silver strands framing either side of my pale visage.
Out of three dresses provided by Alpha Kael, I choose a midnight blue brocade dress, which has golden and silver threads of embroidery at the hem.
I retrieve the Wolfborne Steel choker from my backpack and place it on my neck. It still fits perfectly, and hums with indescribable life.
As the maids take their leave, I briefly look over my appearance before rising to my feet.
Out of the corner of my eye a light flashes, blinding and brief.
Then, something happens.
A paper flutters down, spawned out of thin air.
I reach my harm out, catching it deftly. Flames lick at the edges, blue and cool, before swiftly extinguishing themselves.
The script on the parchment is one I have not seen before, but the crest is familiar.
A moment of recognition passes through my mind.
From the Stronghold, the fortress of the Royal family. The seal stands out starkly on the light brown parchment.
I read:
Master,
There are whispers of enemy forces gathering to the East, encroaching on the region. Do take note, and ensure your safety is paramount.
Disaster may arrive at any time. Should you require aid, you need only call.
In eternal loyalty,
Ymir.’
Ymir’s letter bears hints of hastiness in his scrawl, though barely continued.
I sigh, tucking the letter away into my bag.
Too many warnings from different places. What is it that I am missing?
I have to be careful.
I stride out of the bedroom and nearly run into Calla and Gale, who both look resplendent in their evening gowns. Calla’s gown is of green lace, the gathers accentuating her curves nicely. Meanwhile Gale is dressed in all-black, the sleeves replaced by thin straps, exposing her slender neck and toned arms.
Both, like me, are adorned in layers of luxurious jewelry and fabrics, the stars of the evening by default.
“You both look wonderful,” I compliment Calla and Gale.
Calla smiles winningly but Gale merely snorts, moving over to my other side. The two girls flank me as we walk.
“I hear there was another confrontation. That blonde bitch from before is under house arrest.” Gale states, making me falter.
What?
Eurielle is under house arrest?
…