Luna paced back and forth in her room, her mind racing with worry and anger. Isolde had texted her about what had happened between Elias and Rafe, and the image of Elias potentially in danger because of Rafe's ignorant actions gnawed at her. The room was dimly lit, the evening sun casting long shadows that seemed to mirror her turbulent thoughts. Her room, decorated in soft blues and silvers, usually provided a sense of calm with its plush rugs and elegant, antique furniture. Tonight, it felt like a cage.
She barely noticed when Isolde slipped into the room, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Isolde's auburn hair framed her face, her eyes sparkling with their usual mischief but now clouded with worry.
"Isy, what happened out there? Is Elias alright?" Luna demanded, stopping her pacing to face her friend. Her heart pounded, and she felt a mix of fear and frustration. Her long, silver hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and she wore a simple yet elegant dress, now slightly rumpled from her anxious movements.
Isolde sighed, flopping onto Luna's bed with an exaggerated huff. The bed, covered in a luxurious navy-blue comforter with intricate silver embroidery, sank under her weight. "Elias is fine, just a bit roughed up. Rafe and his goons were pestering him, but Elias held his own. Kinda impressive. No need to worry, I stepped in before things got too out of hand." She pulled a pillow into her lap, her fingers tracing the embroidered patterns absentmindedly. The pillow was soft, with delicate floral designs in silver thread.
Luna's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Rafe's arrogance knows no bounds. He's getting more brazen by the day. I can't believe he would stoop to this." Her fists clenched at her sides, the need to protect Elias burning within her. Her eyes, usually a calm shade of blue, now blazed with intensity.
"Yeah, well, it's not the first time Rafe has shooed away someone who got close to you," Isolde said, shrugging. "But enough about Rafe. What did your father want?" She tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes.
Luna's frustration deepened. "Oh, that. He's pestering me about my partner candidate and according to him, he just found the right guy. Just when I think things can't get more complicated." She sank onto the bed next to Isolde, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The soft mattress gave way under her, and she stared at the intricately carved wooden headboard, trying to find solace in its familiar patterns.
Isolde's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh really? Who's the lucky guy?" She leaned in closer, a grin tugging at her lips.
Luna groaned, collapsing fully onto the bed beside Isolde. "Lukan, Lukan Kael from the Stormridge Pack. My father and Magnus seem to think he'd make a perfect match for me." She stared up at the ceiling, feeling trapped between duty and her own desires. The ceiling painted a soft blue with silver stars, seemed to mock her with its serene beauty.
"Lukan Kael? Aren't we already scrapped him from the list?" Isolde laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet room. "Wow, this should be interesting. When do you meet him?"
"Two days from now," Luna muttered, rubbing her temples. "And I have to keep it a secret from Elias. It's going to be a disaster." She could already feel the impending doom of the situation, the conflict tearing at her. Her delicate fingers massaged her temples, trying to stave off the headache forming.
"Who are you kidding? There's no way you'll keep your meeting a secret. Both you and Lukan will be the center of attention if seen together. Elias will know instantly. It's better he hears it from you directly than through some exaggerated rumor." Isolde's words were a harsh truth that Luna couldn't ignore.
Luna sighed, her thoughts conflicted. "I know, Isy. But I feel like I'm going to hurt him whether I tell him or I don't." She hugged a pillow to her chest, seeking comfort in its softness. The pillow was cool against her skin, the fabric smooth and familiar.
YOU ARE READING
THE HEIR'S MATE
WerewolfLuna, heir to the powerful Silverwood pack, is haunted by the same nightmare every night-a chilling premonition of her death three years from now. Desperate to change her fate and protect those she loves, she seizes a mysterious chance to go back in...