The girl who wore Moonlight.

10: "Is this how it starts?"

Maha Emerald

            The car door slammed shut with a finality that made my chest tighten. Ryker didn't even bother to open it for me. Without a backward glance, he strode away, his tall frame disappearing toward the mansion. I peeked out of the car's tinted window, my heart sinking as I saw the others—Willow, Mangus, and Ryder walking ahead—as if I didn't exist.

The servant opened the car door for me, bowing slightly as if it mattered. I ignored his offered hand, straightened my gown, and stepped out on my own. The night air was sharp against my skin. I tilted my head up toward the moon, desparate to stop the tears that threatened to fall. My throat burned, my chest ached, but I whispered myself, it's just a bad time, not a bad life. Keep walking, Maha.

The mansion looming in front of me, dark and unwelcoming. There was no decorative lights, no warmth—just the cold, oppressive silence of this new chapter in my life. As I walked in, willow's sharp voice echoed through the hall, barking orders to the maids. Her tone grated on my nerves, but I didn't look at her for long. She turned and marched toward her room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The sound echoed in the vast emptiness of the house, leaving me feeling smaller than ever.

The maid by my side carried my belongings with quiet efficiency, but I barely noticed her. My heels pinched with every step as I made my way to the grand staircase. My gown dragged behind me, and I was too focused on adjusting it to notice much else.

When I finally glanced up, my heart stumbled. Ryder stood nearby the staircase, leaning casually against the railing, his eyes on me. Was he waiting for me? No, that wasn't possible. More likely, willow had forced him to. His expression unreadable, but the way his sharp gaze followed my movements made my skin crawl.

As I reached the first step, he extended his hand toward me. I stopped, glaring at him. Like hell I'd take his help. I adjusted the hem of my gown again, pushed his hand away, and took the first step on my own.

But before i could climb any further, Ryker moved, in one swift motion, he swept me off my feet, his arms strong and unyielding as they wrapped around me. I gasped, my hands instinctively bracing against his chest. "What the—let me down!"

He didn't say a word. He simply carried me up the staircase with effortless strides, his sharp cologne invading my senses. My face burned as I caught a whiff of it, the scent pulling something deep inside me, i turned my face away, refusing to acknowledge the strange flutter in my stomach.

When we reached the landing, he let me down none too gentle. "I only did this because your pace was unbearable." He said, his tone clipped. "And I'm too tired to deal with your dramatics tonight." Without waiting for a response, he walked past me, heading toward his room

An idea stuck me, What if I locked the door before he could get in?

The thought fueled me. Gathering the skirt of my gown, i rushed ahead, ignoring the sharp sting in my heels. My heart raced as I reached the door just before him. I stepped inside, gripping the handle and trying to lock it behind me.

But before i could, a strong hand caught the door. Ryker pushed it open effortlessly, his strength overwhelming mine in an instant. I stumbled back, my pulse thundering in my ears as he entered, his frame blocking the doorway.

He stepped closer, with a smirk. "How silly?" He drawled, "Scared of me already? Is this how you treat your husband on our wedding night?"

Heat surged to my cheeks, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. My words spilling out, "What is you problem? You're nothing but a spoiled, arrogant—" i faltered, my anger escalating into something cruel. "You're not better than a parasite, feeding off other people's lives for your entertainment."

Ryker's sharp eyes darkened, and the smirk tugged at the corner of his lips sent a shiver down my spine. He stepped forward, slow and deliberate. "What did you say?" His voice was quiet, too quiet, but it carried a dangerous edge.

I retreated, my breath catching as he kept advancing. "I said you're a parasite—"

"Say it again." His tone was softer now, laced with mockery, but his steps didn't falter.

I tried to steady myself, my back colliding the edge of the couch. His presence toward over me, and my voice broke as I blurted out. "Ryker, I know we're husband and wife now, but for the world, right? We're not doing the... first-night thing."

The words left my mouth in a rush, and shame burned through me as soon as I heard them. Why did I say that?

Ryker froze for second, then the smirk returned, more predatory than ever. He leaned closer, his hands braced on the either side of me as I sank onto the couch.

"First-night thing?" He repeated, his breath warm against my cheeks.

I turned my face, unable to meet his gaze. My heart pounded wildly, and I hated the way my body betrayed me, heat rushing to my face, neck and between my thighs.

He leaned further, his lips just inches from mine. The proximity stole my breath, his sharp scent and blue eyes overwhelming every thought.

Then he smirked again, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "You're not my type, Maha."

The words cut sharper than I expected, and before i could respond, he straightened and stepped back, his expression cold and distant once again.

"Goodnight," he said flatly, his back already turned as he walked toward the bed.

I sat there, froze in place, every nerve in my body still burning. Shame and anger fought for dominance as I clenched my fists, glaring at his retreating figure.

He shrugged his coat off, tossed it onto the chair, and began unbuttoning his cuffs. Ignoring me entirely, he kicked off his shoes and sank onto the bed.

"You think this is funny? You think it's all just a game to you?" My voices cracked, tears rolled down my cheeks. "This is all your fault! Everything—this marriage, this mess—is because of you!"

Ryker didn't even flinch. "Are you even listening to me?" I demanded.

He just turned to me, raising a hand in exasperation. "Goddamn, Maha, just sleep now." With that, he grabbed a pillow and pressed it over his ears, blocking me out completely.

I sat there for what felt like hours, the weight of everything pressing down on me. Eventually, the exhaustion won.

I curled up on the couch, still in my wedding dress, my body too drained to care. My tears dried on my cheeks as I fell into an uneasy sleep, only for the nightmares return.

They came in flashes—my parents' faces, flashed in the darkness, their voices calling out to me. I reached for them, but my legs left like lead. I screamed, but no sound came out. The crash, the blood, their cries—it all played out again, suffocating me.

My body jerked awake, sweat dripping down my temples. My breath came in short, panicked gasps, and i felt my chest tighten as if the nightmare had followed me into the real world.

The I felt it—strong arms wrapping around me, pulling me close. The warmth was overwhelming, grounding me in a way I couldn't explain.

I didn't resist. I buried my face against the firmness of his chest, my hands clutching at his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping me tethered to reality. He didn't speak, didn't push me away.

I felt the soften of the bed beneath me, and before i knew it, I was cradled in the safety of his arms. My breathing slowed, my tears stopped, and for the first time I felt at peace.

I let myself lean into the confront of him, letting go of the nightmares, the pain, and the fear.

Sleep claimed me again, and this time, it was dreamless.