Chapter 100
“Thank you, Lucien,” I murmured softly, barely meeting his gaze.
When he didn’t smile, Lucien always looked intimidating–his sharp jawline and icy golden eyes exuded the kind of Alpha authority that could silence a room. But when he did smile, it was like the winter sun breaking through a blizzard–rare, brilliant, and almost impossible to look away from.
I stared a second too long. My breath caught.
From the kitchen, I could feel the not–so–subtle glances. Matriarch Duskgrave, along with Mia and Mrs. Beck, were pretending to be busy, but I could see their shadows moving behind the archway, peeking around the corner every few seconds like curious pups.
“You see that?” the Matriarch’s whisper floated in. “He’s so soft with her. Our Lucien finally found his match.”
“I’ve never seen the Alpha smile this much,” Mrs. Beck agreed in a hushed tone. “He always looked like he wanted to maul someone before.”
Every time I turned around, their heads would vanish like lightning, clanging pots to make it seem like they were working. It was adorable and embarrassing.
Lucien and I sat across from each other in the sunlit sitting room, a light breeze drifting in from the open window.
I felt my cheeks flush, looked away. Was I imagining things?
We stood up together. Matriarch’s delighted squeal made me jump.
“I told you! They’re going out together!” she beamed. “Look at that, an actual date!”
“I haven’t seen our Alpha act like this since he was a pup,” Mrs. Beck added, laughing so hard she nearly dropped a dish.
Matriarch Duskgrave, wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, smiling at me like I’d just been chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.
Lucien drove through the heart of Silvermist City in his sleek obsidian car. It purred like a beast beneath us, graceful yet powerful. We arrived shortly at the Moonthread Den, a boutique nestled between a runestone engraver and an elixirs apothecary.
Lucien parked, came around to my side, and held the door open. His hand hovered protectively over my head as I stepped out.
“We’re here,” he said.
I thanked him again, quietly.
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The boutique was everything I imagined–warm wooden shelves lined with shimmering silk threads in every color imaginable. Stacks of rune–etched needles, enchanted to resist tearing, glimmered in glass cases. Rolls of enchanted mooncloth, soft as mist, caught the sunlight from the windows.
I was completely absorbed.
Lucien followed silently, always a step behind, his golden eyes never straying from me. When I reached too. high, he plucked the item down without a word. When I hesitated, he offered gentle suggestions.
We spent nearly thirty minutes there, and I gathered everything I needed–threads blessed under the Blood Moon, a crescent–shaped hoop crafted from lunar silver, and a fresh set of charm–infused pins.
As we stepped outside, the warmth of the sun touched my skin, and I let out a content sigh.
But the peace shattered in an instant.
“Well, well… what are the odds?”
That voice. My blood turned cold.
Lucien stiffened beside me as a tall male figure strode forward from across the cobblestones. Ronan Duskcliff.
My breath hitched. My body reacted before I could think–I clutched Lucien’s arm tightly, seeking warmth, protection, anything. My legs trembled. My lungs felt like they’d shrunk.
I hadn’t seen Ronan for days. Not since last time we gathered in Tessa’s ward. Not since he ruined everything.
I hid behind Lucien, making sure Ronan couldn’t see my face, though I noticed he was still trying to get a clear look at me.
Ronan was my nightmare.
I hated him.
I feared him instinctively–every fiber of my being recoiled at his presence, screaming for me to avoid him.
“Alpha Lucien,” Ronan said smoothly, though his gaze didn’t shift from me. “What a surprise to see you here. And… this must be your companion?”
Lucien’s voice dropped several octaves, calm but ice–cold. “Do you need something, Alpha Duskcliff?”
Ronan’s smile deepened. “Just passing by. It’s rare to see you in town these days, Lucien. Thought I’d say hello.”
He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing on me like he was trying to see past my changed appearance. I lowered my gaze, tucked closer into Lucien’s side, heart pounding like war drums.
Lucien’s arm slipped around me, drawing me in, shielding me fully.
“She’s none of your concern,” he said, voice now laced with warning.
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Ronan hesitated. For a moment, it looked like he might say something more. But Lucien’s stance- dominant, protective, powerful–must’ve changed his mind.
With a shrug, Ronan turned away. “Another time, then.”
I didn’t breathe until he vanished around the corner. My legs nearly gave out.
Lucien caught me before I fell.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly, his voice now a balm instead of a blade.
I nodded weakly, eyes stinging. “I didn’t expect to see him… not here.”
“You won’t have to deal with him again,” Lucien promised. “Not while I’m here.”
And just like that, I realized–I wasn’t alone anymore.