AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cautious hope builds in my chest as I scan his face. My father has always warned that cunning is second nature to Ambassador Falen. That his neutral expression is the perfect mask for his shrewd and calculating mind.
“I’d like to see Luna,” I tell him, but he steps in front of me, blocking the entryway.
“Come back at noon,” he says. “We will speak then.”
I bite back a rumbling growl. Everything within me demanding that I storm past him and go straight to her room. She is mine, and until I claim her, my inner wolf will never be settled. Even now, fierce possessiveness burns in my veins.
Luna’s father does not know it yet, but if she will have me, it matters not what his decision may be. I will claim her as my mate whether he accepts it or not.
CHAPTER3
LUNA
“We have much to do,” Mother says as I yawn loudly. “We will go to the seamstress first so she can take your measurements.”
I’m exhausted, but I cannot tell her why. So instead, I sip on my morning tea, hoping it will give me a bit of energy to stay awake. “Why?” I ask. “I already have enough dresses as it is, Mother.”
She purses her lips. “We’ll be returning to Avalor after the winter. Your father has already asked your grandmother to reopen the rest of the manor in preparation for our arrival and for your coming out ball.”
My heart stops. “We’re going to Avalor? For how long?”
“Indefinitely.” She takes another sip of her tea, staring at me over the rim of her cup. “Your father has taken a position as personal advisor to the king.”
“But… our life is here,” I protest. “We’ve been here since I was ten years old. I—”
“It has been a long time, but now we can finally go home, Luna.”
“This is my home.” Worry floods my veins. I don’t want to leave Winterhold. Malak is here, and I—
“Where were you last night, Luna?” my father asks in a thunderous voice that matches the anger in his expression as he storms into the room.
Mother spins to face him. “Falen, what is the meaning of this?”
He ignores her as his iron gaze remains locked on me. “Answer the question,” he demands. “Tell me the truth.”
“I—I went to the… bonfire last night, Father.” Mother pales as Father’s expression grows even angrier. “I’m sorry. I merely wanted to join in the festivities. I—”
“Were you with Prince Malak?”
Panic trips my heart. I don’t know how, but he knows already. He is merely waiting to see if I’ll lie to him, so I have no choice but to tell him the truth. “Yes,” I reluctantly admit. “I was.”
He clenches his jaw. “Did you go into the city gardens with him? Into the hedge maze?” he asks, his voice rising.
“I—”
“Tell me!”
Mother’s head whips to me. “Luna, darling,” she says, worry etched in her features. “Surely, you did not—”
“Nothing happened between us,” I deny vehemently. “I swear. Malak is my friend. We—”
“Pack your things,” Father cuts me off. “Now!” he roars.
“But, Father!” I look to my mother for help, but her eyes are full of tears.
“Oh, Luna, you’ll be ruined if anyone finds out,” she cries. “No one will want to—”
“No one will find out,” Father snaps. “We’re leaving the city. Now.”
