LUNA: Alpha’s Soulmate from Another World

Luna sat brooding on the balcony of her room, gazing at the bright blue sky. The day felt so beautiful compared to other days, but unlike the clear sky, her heart was clouded. The news about Judith left Luna overwhelmed with guilt. She couldn’t imagine the feelings of Judith’s family and even the other servants that she had left behind. She had asked Zyne if she could go to the temple and visit Moon Lake to say her farewell. Still, Zyne did not answer and only said to consult His Majesty the Emperor about it.

Alkrevas, since the morning, had been in the war room discussing some emergency that even Luna didn’t know about. This made her anxious. From the expression Alkrevas had shown earlier that morning, her gut feeling told her that something terrible had happened in Vasilos. She rarely, if ever, saw Alkrevas with such a tense expression, and for the first time, Luna felt so afraid. All of this happened because of her, and while others were cleaning up the mess she had caused, she could only sit still, doing nothing but staring at the sky.

If only Luna had something she could use to help Alkrevas-not out of sympathy for him, because she was sure Alkrevas was more experienced-but for herself, to ease the guilt she felt. Luna blinked as she heard the door open rather forcefully. When she turned around, she saw Sigmund standing in the middle of the room with an urgent expression. Luna immediately stood up and walked toward the Emperor’s chief aide. “Master Sigmund? What’s the matter?”

“Lady Luna, His Majesty the Emperor has decided to go to the border region.”

“What?” Luna’s face turned pale. She hurried out of the room and asked Sigmund, “When is His Majesty departing?”

“Very soon.”

“What? And no one told me?”

Zyne thinned his lips and replied, “His Majesty ordered the palace residents not to inform you of his departure.” Luna turned around and looked at Sigmund with a questioning gaze.

“I chose to disobey his order because I believe His Majesty will be gone for quite some time.” Luna nodded her head and gave the man a grateful smile.

The two of them ran through the palace halls, and from time to time, Luna groaned because of the heels she wore and the long gown that made it difficult for her to run. She stopped, took off her shoes, and threw them carelessly somewhere before gripping the hem of her dress and running faster.

This time, she ran more quickly as the things hindering her were removed. When she arrived at the entrance of the inner palace, Luna stopped and took a deep breath. She lifted her hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead and neck. Her hair was a mess, and she was thankful for not wearing makeup today, only some lip colour.

Luna glanced at Sigmund, who had arrived ahead of her, and then she smoothed out the wrinkled areas of her dress before stepping outside. Luckily, the gown was long enough to cover her feet, so none of the people gathered in the palace courtyard noticed that she was barefoot.

Luna scanned the area, searching for the Emperor, and found him in a spot far from where the knights were gathered, talking earnestly with Beta Savon. She noticed some servants and attendants handing items to the knights about to depart. Curious, Luna approached one of the servants and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Oh, Lady, it’s a tradition in Vasilos to give an item as a good luck charm to the knights going off to war, especially if the knight is their soulmate. We believe that by giving them a lucky charm, the knights will return alive.”

“Is there a specific item required?”

“No. Even if it’s just a handkerchief or a strand of hair, it’s perfectly fine.” Luna nodded and looked back at Alkrevas, who had finished his conversation with Beta Savon. Unlike earlier in the morning, Alkrevas was now dressed in full military uniform. A sword hung from his belt. Unlike the other knights, Alkrevas did not wear armour, signalling that he trusted his strength to protect himself.

Luna watched him, her heart racing when her eyes met Alkrevas’ brown ones. Luna hurriedly approached him and stopped right in front of him. The man frowned, displeased, and looked up to Sigmund, who only shrugged indifferently.

“How long do you plan to keep everything from me, Alkrevas?” Luna asked angrily. “Once, I could forgive you, but twice? Do you not know how I feel?”

Alkrevas sighed softly and lifted his hand, gently brushing Luna’s cheek, which was flushed red from exhaustion and sweat. “I just didn’t want to worry you. Besides, I won’t be gone for long.”

“Do you think I’ll just let this go? Do you not understand the sadness I would feel if I didn’t get to say goodbye to you? After all, we are bonded.”

“Soulmates,” Alkrevas corrected her with an amused tone. For some reason, his heart fluttered hearing Luna’s words. Even though it wasn’t entirely, she had indirectly acknowledged the mate bond between them.

“Forgive me, little mate.” Luna grasped Alkrevas’ large hand tightly. This was the second time they were parting, and for some reason, it hurt so much. Was it because she had grown used to him? Luna felt so empty and sad without Alkrevas by her side, and now, she was even afraid of being alone.

Where was her promise during their public mating to hate Alkrevas and never give him her heart? Luna didn’t understand why her heart could not align with her logic, and she finally admitted that this wasn’t just the mate bond’s influence. “I’m sorry for everything.”

“You know that apologies won’t change everything.”

“I know.”

Luna looked down, taking note of the accessories and dress she was wearing. Then, she reached for the ribbon on her gown and tied it around Alkrevas’ arm. “I’ll forgive you if you return to me whole. Then we’ll talk and start everything over again.”

Alkrevas smirked. He reached out and took a strand of Luna’s soft, rose-scented hair, kissing it with promise and devotion. Luna shivered under Alkrevas’ intense gaze, gasping as he gently pulled her closer and pressed their lips together in a slow kiss filled with emotion-love, obsession, adoration, longing, affection, and, most importantly, tenderness. There was no lust in the kiss, and as quickly as it happened, it ended just as fast.

Alkrevas pulled away, gazing at every detail of Luna’s face, gently stroking her hair as he said, “I like that. When I return, we will truly start over.” Luna nodded briefly, still hypnotized by his deep brown eyes. The kiss’s effect hadn’t faded from her body, with the strong surge of electricity running wildly through her, rendering her speechless. Alkrevas distanced himself, and to Luna’s surprise, he removed the ruby-studded ring he always wore. He then took her hand and slid the large ring onto her index finger. “This… are you giving me this? Isn’t this the ring-”

“I’m entrusting this ring to you… even though I won’t be by your side, this ring will allow me to protect you with my magic.” Alkrevas kissed the back of Luna’s hand and whispered, “I will come back.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”

After that, Alkrevas turned away from Luna, mounted his black horse, and signalled the knights before heading toward the palace’s main gate. They were heading for the teleportation circle near the western entrance of Mylonas Capital, which would shorten their journey to the location where Thymos originated.

Luna watched as the group faded into the distance. She then looked down, observing the ruby-studded ring whose colour matched Norris’ eyes, and smiled slightly, her fingers brushing the surface of the gem before she turned and walked back into the palace, her heart still uneasy.

…

“Lady Luna.” Luna stopped in her tracks when she heard one of the Emperor’s guards call her, approaching with a nervous expression. She had just finished dinner with Beta Savon, who had wanted to offer her a few rules and suggestions during the Emperor’s absence. To be honest, Luna had no issues with these rules, especially the one about staying inside the palace for her safety, as she wasn’t keen on going on any ‘adventures’ that would worry the whole palace and get reported to Alkrevas, who was far from the capital.

Luna turned to look at Sigmund, who was walking beside her, furrowing her brows in confusion. The chief aide simply shook his head, indicating that he didn’t understand either. “What is it?”

“There’s a guest who wishes to meet with you.”

“A guest? Who?” Luna asked in confusion since, as far as she remembered, the nobles didn’t like her presence. Alkrevas had forbidden anyone from making appointments with her for her safety, mainly while traitors still roamed freely within the palace. So, it was strange for someone to request a meeting, especially just after Alkrevas had left for the border.

“His Grace, Duke Veniam.”

Luna glanced at Sigmund, noticing the change in his posture and expression. Her brow furrowed even more profoundly as she replied, “Well, I can’t keep him waiting, can I?”

“Wait, my lady.”

“Yes?”

“I will accompany you.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Luna was slightly startled by Sigmund’s words but quickly understood and nodded in agreement. “Alright. Where is he waiting?”

“In the main reception room, my lady.”

Luna nodded and walked towards the indicated room, with Sigmund following behind her. It didn’t take long before she arrived at the door. She signalled the guard to announce her presence, and shortly after, the door opened, allowing Luna to step inside. She immediately greeted the Duke, who was sitting gracefully on a sofa, sipping a cup of tea. Luna straightened up and walked towards the sitting area, still a bit surprised by the Duke’s sudden visit.

“What brings you here to meet with me, Your Grace?” Luna asked after receiving a gesture from the Duke to sit down. She noticed Duke Veniam casting a brief, disdainful glance at Sigmund before looking back at her with a gentle, almost longing gaze as if she were someone he had missed for a long time. Luna was even more taken aback by how openly he displayed this sentiment.

“I just wanted to check on you, and please, don’t be so formal with me. Speak casually. You can even call me ‘Markus.’ I think it sounds better.”

“Uh… Am I allowed to do that?” Luna smiled awkwardly.

“Your Grace, you are violating His Majesty the Emperor’s orders,” Sigmund interrupted sharply, not caring that his tone was both rude and unethical. Duke Veniam merely smiled while calmly sipping his tea, which only deepened Luna’s surprise. Did the Duke not care about Sigmund’s insolence?

Luna nervously fidgeted with her fingers, feeling the atmosphere grow tense and intense. The two men exchanged glances before Sigmund finally looked away, lowering his head. Duke Veniam smiled in triumph as he turned back to Luna. “There’s something I want to ask you, but before that, are you okay? Are you hurt? Did that bastard hurt you more than he already has?”

“Excuse me?” Luna chuckled awkwardly. Bastard? Who was Duke Veniam referring to? Alkrevas? Luna blinked and laughed nervously. “I don’t quite understand.”

“Did His Majesty the Emperor hurt you?”

“Uh… no, I don’t think so…”

“You were forced into a public mating by that bastard.”

“Oh… That…”

“You’re not planning to forgive that scoundrel, are you?”

Luna mentally screamed in frustration, wanting to pull her hair out. What kind of conversation was this? She had hardly spoken with Duke Veniam except at the banquet and once in front of Alkrevas’ office, yet now he was acting as if he cared deeply for her. Luna couldn’t help but feel suspicious. After all, many men had shown concern for her in the past, all with the same goal: to sleep with her.

Fortunately, none of them had succeeded in breaking down the walls she had built-except for Alkrevas. Wasn’t that an accomplishment for Alkrevas, the psychopathic Emperor? “Uh… I really don’t know how to answer that…”

“I know this conversation is uncomfortable for you, but there’s one thing you need to realize. As the Prime Minister of this empire, I don’t approve of His Majesty’s decisions. Public mating is a tradition I’ve been trying to abolish. That bastard initially agreed, but for some reason, he ended up disappointing me by performing the tradition himself on his soulmate.”

“Oh.”

“And I apologize for not being able to prevent it. As Chancellor, I feel guilty. If I had finished my duties sooner and arrived in time, maybe the tradition wouldn’t have taken place. While I can’t silence or change the Council of Justice’s minds, I could’ve delayed things long enough for you to escape.”

“Eh?” Luna murmured in surprise while Sigmund growled softly in warning. “Your Grace, that would be an act of rebellion against the Emperor.”

“Hah! I don’t care.” Luna could only sit there, stunned. She had thought Duke Veniam was cold, quiet, logical, calm, and not reckless, but what she was seeing now was far from that. “So, Luna. While that bastard is away, I want to make you an offer.”

“An offer?”

“I know you’re not from this world.” Luna wasn’t shocked to hear this, as she had already guessed that Alkrevas had told the Duke about her background. “Would you come with me to the Veniam Duchy? There’s something I need to show you.”

“Something?” Luna glanced at Sigmund. “But I can’t leave. I’ve already promised His Majesty.”

“You don’t have to call him ‘His Majesty.’ Just call him a scoundrel and a bastard. He deserves it. He hurt… my sister, a member of the Veniam family.” Luna tilted her head in confusion. She had heard the beginning of Duke Veniam’s sentence, but the last part had been whispered so softly she couldn’t catch it. However, because Sigmund was a supernatural being-a werewolf-he could hear the Duke’s whisper, and he growled quietly in response.

Okay… so how was she supposed to handle this situation? “Why are you suddenly making such a surprising offer to me?”

“I’ve heard what happened to you.”

“Umm… yes…”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

Okay…? Luna wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I heard from that bastard that you were blinded by your desire to return to your original world.”

Huh? How much had Alkrevas told Duke Veniam about her?

Duke Veniam smiled conspiratorially, leaning forward slightly. His hands clasped together, and Luna had no idea how she found herself in this situation. “If you agree to come with me to the Veniam Duchy, I’ll tell you a way you can return.”

Luna didn’t know whether to consider this a stroke of luck or a potential disaster.

….