The Moonlight (On Hold)

VI

(Violet Juliet Blackwood)

I woke up that morning feeling completely drained, my body heavy with exhaustion. The night of clubbing had taken its toll on me, leaving me with a throbbing headache that seemed to pierce through my skull. But despite the fatigue, I couldn't help but smile at the memories we had made. The pulsating music, the laughter, the dancing- it had all been so much fun.

As I groggily rolled over in bed, my bleary eyes focused on Leyla, peacefully sleeping beside me. She looked so serene, so content in her slumber. I didn't want to disturb her, so I quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed towards the bathroom.

Rubbing my temples in an attempt to alleviate the pounding headache, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. Dark circles framed my tired eyes, evidence of the sleepless night and the toll it had taken on my body. But despite my exhaustion, there was a sparkle in my eyes, remnants of the joy and happiness I had experienced just hours before.

With a sigh, I resigned myself to the fact that I needed to start my morning routine. I changed into comfortable clothes - a worn-out hoodie and a pair of sweatpants - and made my way to the kitchen. As I stepped into the familiar space, the scent of freshly brewed coffee tickled my senses, awakening my dormant appetite.

I couldn't ignore the rumbling in my stomach any longer, and with a growl, it demanded to be fed. I quickly set to work, preparing a hearty breakfast that would hopefully satisfy my voracious hunger. Just as I was about to take my first bite, my father's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"I want to talk to you," he said, his tone carrying an unusual weightiness.

My father was never one to be serious, always jovial and laid-back. His sudden change in demeanor sent a shiver down my spine. Curiosity mingled with a hint of anxiety as I followed him into his office, my mind racing with possibilities.

As I entered the room, my father motioned for me to take a seat, his face etched with concern. I sat down, anticipation coursing through my veins, unsure of what awaited me.

"Have you heard from Beta Alessandro recently?" my father asked, his voice laced with a mixture of caution and unease.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Beta Alessandro, my supposed mate. Memories of our past flooded my mind, along with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I hadn't heard from him in years, choosing to distance myself from him and the expectations that came with the title of being his mate.

"He wants you back," my father continued, his eyes locked onto mine. "He wants to claim you as his own, to have you by his side as his Beta."

Shock reverberated through me, leaving me momentarily speechless. I had thought I had escaped that life, that I had control over my own fate. The mere thought of returning to a life ruled by someone else, to be locked away from the world and stripped of my freedom, sent a surge of panic coursing through my veins.

But amidst the fear, there was a spark of determination deep within me. I couldn't bear the thought of being confined, of sacrificing the relationships and experiences that had become so precious to me. The freedom I had found outside of that world was something I clung to fiercely, and I refused to let anyone or anything take it away from me.

"I don't want that," I finally managed to choke out, my voice trembling with newfound resolve.

My father's expression softened, his concern shifting into empathy. He reached across the desk, placing a hand on mine, offering comfort and reassurance.

"I understand," he whispered, his voice filled with compassion. "Your happiness and well-being should always be prioritized. I will protect you, no matter what."

Gratitude washed over me, tears pooling in my eyes. In that moment, I felt safe, knowing that my father stood by my side, ready to defend my choices and shield me from anything that might threaten my freedom.

Leaving my father's office, a pang of guilt gnawed at my conscience. Had I been naive to reject the life that was expected of me? Was my decision to resist change a foolish one? Doubt clouded my thoughts as I made my way back to Leyla, who was now awake and waiting for me.

She immediately noticed the tears welling in my eyes, concern etching her features. Without uttering a word, I crumbled into her comforting embrace, allowing myself to release the pent-up emotions that had been brewing within me.

Between teary sobs, I recounted the conversation with my father, sharing with Leyla the weight of the decision I had to make. Through stifled cries and heavy breaths, I poured my heart out, voicing every fear, every doubt, and every conflicting emotion that swirled within me.

Leyla listened intently, her arms wrapped around me in a protective embrace. As I spoke, I could feel her silent support, her unwavering presence giving me strength. When I finally finished, she pulled away slightly, her eyes meeting mine with unwavering determination.

"You have the right to choose your own path," she said resolutely, her voice firm and full of conviction. "Nobody should hold power over your happiness, not even a mate."

Her words resonated deep within me, stirring a fire that had been burning quietly, waiting to be ignited. Leyla understood me in a way that nobody else did. She was my rock, my confidante, and my best friend. I knew that together, we could face any obstacle, no matter how insurmountable it seemed.

With renewed determination, we began to strategize. Leyla's sharp mind and level-headed thinking balanced out my own emotional turmoil. We weighed the potential consequences of each decision, analyzing the risks and benefits.

Hours turned into moments, and moments into an eternity as we discussed the various paths that lay before me. Through each word, each shared experience, our bond grew stronger, solidifying the unbreakable connection between us.

By the time our conversation had come to an end, thousands of words had been spoken, thousands of ideas exchanged. Yet, the depth and breadth of our dialogue went far beyond the mere exchange of words. It was a soul-stirring connection, a profound understanding that surpassed the limits of language.

As we sat there, surrounded by the remnants of our conversation, the weight of the decision still heavy in the air, I felt a sense of clarity wash over me. No longer burdened by doubt and uncertainty, I knew what I had to do.

I had to confront Beta Alessandro, to communicate my decision directly to him. I couldn't allow myself to be swept away by the expectations of others, to be trapped in a life dictated by someone else's desires. And with Leyla by my side, I felt empowered, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

But as the reality of the situation settled in, a wave of nervousness washed over me. The path I had chosen was not an easy one. It would require strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. However, I knew that with Leyla's unwavering support and my newfound sense of self, I was prepared to face whatever awaited us.

And so, armed with love, courage, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of my choices, I embarked on a journey to assert my independence. Beta Alessandro would not define my future, nor would society's expectations. I would carve my own path, forging a life filled with freedom, love, and the unwavering support of those who truly mattered.

As I took Leyla's hand in mine, our eyes locked with unwavering determination, I knew that together, we were unstoppable. The road ahead might be filled with uncertainties, but I was ready to face them head-on, confident that our bond would guide us through the darkest of days, and into a future where our happiness and freedom were fiercely protected.

And so, with every step we took, every word we spoke, we began rewriting the narrative of our lives, proving that love, friendship, and resolute determination had the power to defy expectations and shape our own destiny.

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What a chapter? Is Beta Alessandro going to be angry or will he accept his fate? What do you think so far?

Thank you for reading this ❤️

1419 words