Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Thalia

I shake my head and hurry out with Leo. A maid rushes to us, bowing.

“Luna.. your room is ready.”

“Thank you,” I say, following her.

I follow the maid down a quiet corridor, Leo’s small fingers curled tightly around mine, his eyes gazing around in confusion.

She stops before a modest wooden door and pushes it open. “This way, Luna.”

I step inside and pause.

The room is small, much smaller than our rooms in the cabin where we stayed. A simple bed sits neatly made against the wall, the linen clean and freshly pressed. There is a wooden vanity by the corner, a small mirror resting above it. Our bags are already inside.

It isn’t grand but it isn’t unkind either.

Leo lets go of my hand and wanders a few steps in, peering around with curious eyes.

The maid shifts beside me, fingers clasped together. “This was the only room immediately available,” she says calmly, almost apologetic. “But in time… the Luna’s chambers will be available and prepared for you.”

You mean Lucinda would soon leave. That should excite me but it doesn't. Not when the paternity of her son is unclear.

I shake my head gently as I smooth my palm over the edge of the bed. “It’s fine,” I say, forcing a smile. “This is more than enough.”

“Your son’s room is also being prepared as we speak. It will be ready soon.” she adds.

I nod, glancing at Leo again. He climbs onto the bed, sitting cross-legged, already getting comfortable.

A faint smile tugs at my lips then fades.

“And my husband…” I ask quietly, turning back to her. “The Alpha… Where is he?”

“In the Alpha's bed chamber.”

I step closer to the bed, my eyes meeting Leo’s. I bend down, bringing my face level with his. “Can you stay here?” I whisper, my fingers brushing his soft cheek. “I promise I’ll be back in a short time.”

He nods.

“Don’t open the door unless it’s me,” I add, my voice firmer now, “and don’t go anywhere.”

He nods again.

I press a quick, soft kiss to his forehead, savoring the warmth, then straighten.

I glance at the maid, who stands patiently by the doorway. “Please… take me to Cassian.”

She inclines her head and gestures toward the corridor, leading the way. I take a deep breath, fingers tightening slightly around the edge of my sleeve, and follow her.

I trail behind her as the corridor changes. She then slows before a tall oak door carved with the sigil of the GoldenMoon Pack. She stops and turns slightly toward me.

“The Alpha’s chamber,” she says softly. “He should still be inside.” She bows, already shifting her weight as if to leave.

“Wait,” I say, my voice catching her.

She pauses, looking back at me.

“What’s your name?”

For a moment, she seems surprised by the question. Then she smiles. “Theresa, Luna… My name is Theresa.”

“Thank you, Theresa,” I say quietly. “For everything.”

Her smile deepens. She bows once more, lower this time, and retreats down the corridor, her footsteps fading until it’s just me and the door.

I stare at it. My heart pounds as I lift my hand and knock. There is no response. I furrow my brows, knocking again.

“Cassian?”

Unease curls in my chest. Slowly, I push the door open, “Cassian?” I call as I step inside.

The room is dim, curtains drawn down. I smell his scent and I take another step, then another, my eyes adjusting. That’s when I see him.

He stands with his back to me, his hands clasped behind him while he stares at the portrait of Alpha George and Lucinda's wedding picture.

My chest tightens.

I step closer, “I…” My voice falters, so I try again. “I was thinking… you and I could share your room.”

He doesn’t turn.

“At least until the Luna’s chambers are vacant,” I add, forcing the words past the lump in my throat. “My room is so far from yours.”

There is a moment of silence as my heart beats so fast.

Then slowly, he turns, his face looking so calm. His eyes flick to me briefly, then he steps aside, utterly unbothered by what I’ve just said.

He picks up a wine on the table and pours it into the glass beside it. “You know… I met her first.” he smiles while dropping the wine. “She loved me… But she wanted to be Luna. It meant so much to her.”

His jaw tightens. “Now I’m Alpha.”

My heart drops.

He drinks the whole liquor and drops the glass.

I take a hurried step towards him, widening my eyes in disbelief. “Please don’t tell me you’re considering marrying your brother’s widow.”

He keeps quiet.

Oh no! I open my mouth to speak but quickly close it, not saying anything. My breath becomes shallow as tears well up in my eyes.

I should have known that this day would come, when he would easily discard me. After everything, this is how he wants us to end. Of course it wouldn't be hard for him, all he needs to do is annul our marriage and wed her. He is alpha now.

“Cassian?” Lucinda's voice drifts me out of my thoughts from beyond the door.

I quickly throw my gaze to the direction as I hear the door handle turn. I return my gaze to Cassian who seems unreadable, his eyes locked on mine.

“Please,” I whisper, stepping closer to him. “Don’t do this.” My throat tightens and I swallow hard. “We have a son together… We are a family.”

His jaw tightens, his lips part slightly, as if he might speak but Lucinda walks in and he throws his gaze at her, widening his eyes.