Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV

Even with my eyes tightly shut, the intensity of the lights still manages to penetrate, illuminating my consciousness. In serene surroundings, voices blend into conversations, I can partly catch their words, which resemble an unclear murmur.

“Will she get better?” The concerned question carried my mother’s gentle tone.

“Physically, she will heal, but emotionally, the journey might be difficult,” Maria’s voice held both empathy and sadness.

Slowly, I opened my eyes a little. A space of pure white surrounded me, the vast walls, curtains, and light, all in perfect harmony.

“Stay resting, Cers,” Maria quickly approached as I moved slightly, asking for my well-being. But I remained stubborn, ignoring her request and sitting up.

“Where am I?” I looked around, trying to understand where I was.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“You’re still in Lucian’s mansion,” Maria’s reply was swift, but it puzzled me. Lucian’s mansion? Yet this place looked like a medical facility. Why am I shocked? Of course, having a small clinic inside his mansion would make sense.

“Mon Chéri,” my mother’s affectionate voice drew my focus toward her. My glance quickly shifted from Maria to my mother.

She looked different now, her appearance not the usual gentle charm. With short hair and dressed in black pants, a racerback shirt, and boots, she resembled one of Lucian’s mysterious assassins. Is she following that path now?

My lips quickly compressed into a tight line, a contrast to their previous warmth, as memories surged back. I recalled inflicting ruthless pain on Vienna, witnessing her vulnerable state between life and death, and the concealed truths she revealed to me, driving me to hurt her.

On impulse, I pulled my arm away from Maria’s grip and expressed my thoughts with a hint of sarcasm while staring at my mother.

“Want to tell me something?” I snapped at my mother.

She was surprised by my distant response. This is the first time I’ve ever spoken to my mother like this. She’s raised me well, teaching me manners, and I’ve always held her in high regard. This side of her is unexpected. Maybe I should have seen it coming, but I was probably blinded by my perfect image of her as a saint who can do no wrong, who can’t even tell a lie.

Sensing the tension, Maria stepped aside and quickly went out, allowing my mother and me a moment to talk privately. The door closed, creating a barrier between us and the outside world as Maria left.

“I’ve missed you, Chèri,” my mother’s words held emotion as she reached out for a hug. But I remained distant, not returning the gesture. Eventually, she let go, realising my rigid stance.

My mother’s gaze was brimming with maternal affection, attempting to establish a connection with mine, yet my anger formed an impenetrable wall. The woman I held in high respect, with a virtuous image, had hidden several lies. Love and trust now lingered under the shadow of my overwhelming anger toward her.

“I’m truly sorry,” she began, tears glistening in her eyes, a display of vulnerability in distinction to my firm behavior.

“I deeply apologise for not telling you the truth, Chèri,” her voice trembled as tears flowed. I felt the urge to reach out to her, hold her close, to offer comfort in her distress. But my pride held me back. I couldn’t allow myself to be vulnerable; I needed answers to my questions.

“Remus,” she mentioned his name as though it held all the answers, as though he was the source of all the blame.

“He instructed me to stay silent, both me and Henrì. He didn’t want the world to know about the consequences of his actions,” she sniffled.

“He raped me,” she confessed in a hushed tone. That revelation hit me hard. She lowered her head after admitting it, avoiding my eyes.

“He forced himself on me when he was in heat. I was helpless. Despite being a warrior, my strength couldn’t match that of an Alpha royal. And even if I could, the repercussions would have been even worse,” she swallowed hard.

“A month later, I discovered I was pregnant with you. He sent me away to hide me, and he commanded his butler to accompany me and tend to my needs. It was during that time that Henrì and I fell in love,” a faint smile crossed her lips at the memory of my father. Even now, the love they shared lingered in her heart.

“After giving birth, we had to return to the mansion. In exchange for your safety and life, Remus made us his personal slaves. I agreed, driven by my love for you. Regardless of the circumstances of your birth, I love you, and Henrì does too,” my Mom revealed with a rush of emotion. I reached for her trembling hands, our eyes locking.

“I suppose I was also terrified and in denial. I believed that by keeping the truth from you, I could somehow erase the pain he inflicted on me. I thought that the love between Henrì and me would be enough for you,” she added, her voice carrying a mixture of regret and sadness.

“It is enough,” I responded gently, my heart tearing apart for her. Now both of us were shedding tears.

“Your love means everything to me, and I am deeply grateful that you’ve given it to me,” I confessed, my tears matching hers.

“And Mamà, I’m sorry for being so self-centered, for not understanding. I had no idea. I’m sorry you had to endure all of that,” I pulled her into a tight embrace, offering the most loving comfort. She cried against my shoulder, releasing years of pent-up emotions.

I had been self-absorbed, even doubting her at times.

“I’m the one who should be apologising,” she wept, and I comforted her by rubbing her back.

“I spent all these years lying to you because of my own shortcomings. I was foolish to think that I could rewrite the past,” her words carried a weight of remorse.

“Shh,” I soothed her, patting her back. If anyone was acting selfishly, it was me.

She pulled away from our embrace and stared at me. Her hands cupped my cheeks gently.

“But I’m not afraid anymore. Lucian helped me. I’m finally going to achieve the revenge I once yearned for. I’ll avenge Henrì, I’ll avenge you, and I’ll avenge myself,” she declared firmly.

I gave a bitter smile upon hearing Lucian’s name.

“Lucian helped you?” I inquired.

“He made me realise that facing our fears is better than avoiding them forever. I’ve spent far too long running away,” she explained. Her smile was meant to reassure me, but I couldn’t muster one in return.

“Don’t harbour anger towards Lucian, Cercei. It was me who instructed everyone to remain silent,” she held my hands, attempting to clarify.

“I forgive you, Mamà,” I replied, squeezing her hand.

“But I’m not entirely convinced,” I admitted.

“Cers,” Mamà spoke my name softly.

“This isn’t just a secret he kept from me. He kept Vienna imprisoned for weeks. Do you know about that?” I questioned. She shook her head slowly.

“I’m certain Lucian had his reasons…”

“It doesn’t matter. It may not be his secret to tell, nor is it his secret to keep,” I interrupted with conviction, cutting off my mother’s words.

I’m sorry, Mamà, but I don’t know if things can return to how they were before. In truth, I’m uncertain about what actions to take. While I may not hold any affection for Monsieur and Vienna, and I might even despise them, the undeniable fact remains that we are bound by blood. The truth was concealed from me, but I won’t shy away from it. They are my family, and this conflict must come to an end.