Hades' Cursed Luna

Her Mission

Eve~

I awakened with a jolt—something was not right. The bed beneath me was soft, and my nose was not instantly filled with the odor of my cell. Just as confusion set in, it all came rushing back. I had been let out, and I was no longer in Silverpine. I was in Lycan territory—the Obsidian Pack.

I surveyed my surroundings, my skin prickling at the unfamiliarity of it all. The room was furnished elegantly, with velvet cushions, a vanity, and ornate yet modern wardrobes. A chandelier hung above everything, tying the room together. I didn't know exactly what I had expected, but this was not it. It seemed almost ordinary, like how any royal family might furnish their chamber. The fact struck me harder than it should have.

"Finally awake," a voice tore through my thoughts. I snapped my head forward just as Hades came into view. He was dressed in a white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to expose toned arms that looked capable of breaking a neck.

I swallowed thickly as he stalked toward me. "Welcome home," he said.

This was not my home; it was his domain, but I replied nonetheless. "Thank you."

"Hmm," he mused, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it—not with a lighter but with his finger, a flame flickering at the tip like a small torch.

I let out a soft gasp, but if he heard the sound, he didn't show it.

He took a slow drag before blowing the smoke into the air. His silver gaze fell on me again. "Now, onto the matter at hand—our marriage." His eyes flickered to the bedside table where a file and pen lay. "You'll have to sign this one as well."

We had already signed a marriage certificate back in Silverpine, but I didn't question it. I reached for the document, flipping through the pages to ensure I knew what I was getting myself into. It was the usual formalities, so I scribbled my signature where it was needed.

I handed it back to him, a smirk playing on his lips. Our fingers brushed, the contact sending a cold chill through me. His smirk widened as though he enjoyed my discomfort. "Good," he purred. "Get up, princess. I want to see you."

A tingle crawled up my spine at his tone and his words. Reluctantly, I rose from the bed.

He looked me over, his eyes calculating as though I was something to be analyzed. "Strip."

It was as if someone had thrown cold water on me. "What?"

His eyes flickered to my face, narrowing. "Strip," he repeated. His voice was soft, but the command was clear.

"I can't... why... that is—" I stumbled over my words, utterly flabbergasted by his order. What was he thinking?

To my horror, he only stalked closer. "You can't or you won't?" he asked.

"I can't," I replied.

He raised a dark brow. "Why?"

"You're a stranger," I explained.

"I'm your husband," he countered.

"Then why in the goddess' name would you want me to strip?"

"Assurance."

My brows shot up in confusion. "Assurance?"

He blew another puff of smoke, flakes of ash falling. "Yes," he replied, looking me over. "What if your father asked you to kill me?"

My blood slowed to a crawl in my veins, breathing suddenly becoming harder. He suspects. He was not just a brute; he was an intelligent brute. I raised my chin. "That's preposterous," I said, my voice shaking only slightly. "My father wants peace. He wouldn't kill the king of a pack he's trying to make peace with."