Chapter 5 WHERE I AM
AURORA
The moment my lips touched his, the entire room seemed to freeze. Nathan went completely still beneath me, his breath catching sharply against my mouth as though the contact alone had stolen the air from his lungs.
His lips were warm and soft, yet firm enough to make my heart stutter violently inside my chest. The scent surrounding him overwhelmed my senses instantly, cedarwood, rain, and something darker beneath it all. Something dangerously comforting. My fingers curled unconsciously around his coat.
I only meant for it to be quick, a distraction, something to stop him from questioning me.
But the moment his hand tightened against my cheek, everything spiraled out of control, as he kissed me back, so hard, my breath hitched.
His lips moved against mine slowly at first, cautiously, and one of his hands slid into my hair while the other wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer until there wasn't a single inch between our bodies.
Heat exploded through me.
“Hera…” he breathed against my mouth.
The way he said her name shattered something inside me,I quickly pulled away, suddenly feeling strange.
I had gone too far,I couldn't blame anyone but myself. “I am sorry…” I trailed off, seeing Nathan's brows raise.
“For dying.” I quickly added, and his face smoothed, a sad smile spreading across his lips.
“This was never your fault, it was all mine. From the very start. I should have done better, I should have protected you. I am sorry, Hera.”
I nodded, pursing my lips as I lowered my gaze. I suddenly couldn't look him in the eyes. All of these felt so wrong, yet I couldn't come clean about the truth.
The Goddess brought me back for a reason, giving me a second chance after my untimely death.
Carl got rid of me, to keep his affair a secret, but now I am back, and I am not going to spare them for what they did to me.
“Hera…” I looked up to Nathan's gleaming blue eyes, the worry etched in them made my heart clench.
I am very sorry Nathan, I am sorry I have to deceive and pretend to be your wife for my revenge, but I hope one day, I will have the courage to tell you the truth.
“I want to take you home, and get the best private doctor to continue your treatment.” He offered, gently squeezing my hand.
I nodded, agreeing to his words. The sooner I get out of here, the better my chances of finding out who Nathan and Hera are.
A few hours later, the car halted at an extravagant castle-like building that just looked too good to be true. Still, nothing about this place rang a bell, I didn't even know how far I was from home.
The door opened and Nathan stretched out his hand to me. I placed my hand on his and he helped me out, closing the door behind me.
“Welcome back home.” He said, interlocking our fingers as he led me forward.
As soon as we stepped into the building, a grand entrance awaited me. A gasp escaped my lips even before I could stop myself.
Walking fully into the foyer, warm golden light spilled across polished marble floors, greeting me. Above me, the towering ceiling stretched endlessly into shadow, every inch carved with impossible details.
Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, glittering over everything. Every spot was decorated with beautiful flowers, including the elegantly curled stairs.
My fingers tightened around the fabric of my dress as my footsteps echoed softly through the enormous hall. I had seen wealth growing up as the Alpha's daughter, and becoming Carl's Luna. I had been to lavish parties, multiple Alpha estates, and ceremonial palaces. But this… this was different, this place wasn’t built merely to impress. It was built to remind everyone who entered exactly how powerful the owner was.
The only thing I know about Nathan is that he is an Alpha, and Hera was his Luna. Somehow I know he isn't just any Alpha, and I have to figure that out very soon.
“Welcome back Luna Hera.” A beautiful young woman approached me, her brown eyes, bright with joy. “I can't believe it's true.” She whispered, palming her mouth.
I didn't know what to say to her, as she seemed to be overwhelmed with emotions. “It's a miracle,” I remarked with an awkward smile, hoping that was enough.
“Hera.” Nathan called, turning me to face him, “I will leave you with Trisha. She will keep you company while I quickly clear out my desk. I will be with you soon.” He said so sweetly, and a genuine smile spread across my face.
“Okay, uh…” I trailed off, unsure of what Hera used to call Nathan.
Thankfully she leaned in and pressed his soft lips on my forehead, before handing me over to Trisha.
She led me upstairs, “Luna, would you like to go to your room? Or that of the Alpha Nathan's?”
“My room? Urm…No, take me to the Alpha's.”
Trisha looked at me as though I had made some kind of mistake with my choice. “Is something wrong?” I asked, holding my breath, as if it would make any difference.
“Nothing Luna.” She shook her head, “This way please.”
We stopped before a gigantic oak door, and Trisha stepped aside, as if she wasn't permitted to make any further steps.
I pushed the door open and walked into the greyish room. Everything from the curtains, to the bed paintings and furniture, was either grey or black.
The demeanor of this room felt dark, almost like a dead soul lived here. My stomach churned as I took further steps in. Maybe this was why Trisha looked surprised.
There wasn't a sight of anything here that belonged to Hera, no portrait or frame. I turned towards the entrance, and Trisha was standing there looking petrified.
“Come on in.” I offered, but she remained still, fiddling with her fingers. “Please.”
That seemed to do it, as she cautiously walked in. “Luna Hera,” Trisha grabbed my hand, worry etched on her face. “Are you alright? I can take you to your room if you want. There we can talk about what happened.”
“Why can't we talk here?” I countered, something I knew I shouldn't be doing.
“This is the Alpha's room. It's private, remember? You said so yourself.”
I blinked, once then twice, “Yeah, you are right. I did. Take me to my room, let's talk.” I said, hoping I could gather enough information to understand where I am.
