Hades' Cursed Luna

Behind The Mask

Eve~

We sat as we had the previous day. Silence engulfed the room again as she assessed me.

"She was here, wasn't she?" she murmured when the quiet became unbearable.

"Who?"

"Her Highness, Felicia."

I nodded. "How did you know?"

She smiled sheepishly. "Her suffocating perfume is hard to miss."

I smiled a bit at that. "Almost passed out," I joked in return.

She laughed. "Don't let her intimidate you."

"Am I that easy to read?"

"No, dear. I know her Highness; she can be a bit... well, much."

"Yeah, she is." It was hard to believe they were of the same kind. Both Lycans but so different.

"Don't let her get to you," she advised gently.

I nodded, appreciating her kindness.

"So, let's continue from where we stopped yesterday."

"Of course," I replied, sitting up straighter. "I am ready."

"What's your biggest fear?" she asked, her tone thoughtful.

"Cages," I said too fast, immediately realizing my mistake. I was supposed to be Ellen. Why would Ellen fear cages?

I felt my heart race, the silence that followed heavy with suspicion. Her eyes lingered on me, analyzing the quickness of my response. I held my breath, forcing myself to stay composed.

"I'm sorry," I quickly added, attempting to recover. "That came out wrong. I meant..." I paused, scrambling for something that would fit Ellen's persona. "I fear losing control," I said, forcing a laugh. "The idea of being trapped in a situation where I can't make decisions for myself. It makes me feel caged."

I expected her eyes to narrow or something, but her expression remained open. "My fear is failing when I need so much to succeed," she supplied after me.

"Was it a patient?" I asked.

She did not look all too surprised that I had asked. "You knew I was a therapist?"

I shrugged. "It's obvious. Who comes to see a stranger just to talk about her feelings right after a suicide attempt and a panic attack?"

She blinked, probably surprised at how direct I was. "You are right," she finally spoke. "And yes, it was a patient of mine who I failed."

"I am sorry," I offered, "But let's go to what you really want to know. You have questions, and I have answers." With the way things were going, I was getting too comfortable with her, and sooner or later I would let something slip. I had to make sure she knew only what I wanted her to know. I had to take the initiative.

"Okay then," she cleared her throat. "When did your panic attacks start?"

"Not too long ago. It was after I found out that I would marry the Lycan King."

She looked convinced. "How often are they?"

"Not too often. Once every two weeks, maybe?"

"Alright. What triggers them?"

I swallowed as the half-lie slipped past my lips. "Close proximity with the King."

"Alright," she nodded. Her movements were calm, methodical, and I could feel her analyzing every word I said, every nuance of my body language.