Chapter 4 A Luna in name only

Lucian sat in front of the mirror as Lena gently combed her hair. It was her wedding day.

No music played. No laughter echoed. It was not a day of joy. It was a day of duty.

The dress fit perfectly. Simple, white, with soft lace at the sleeves. Her hair was pulled back in a braid that made her look older than her years. Her hands shaking slightly, resting on her lap.

"You look beautiful," Lena whispered behind her. Lucian tried to smile. It didn't reach her eyes.

She had not seen Alex since the day he agreed to marry her. She hadn't spoken to him since the moment she stood in front of his family and offered herself. The last time she saw him, he was walking away from her, silent and cold, his aura heavy with something she couldn't understand. And now he would be her husband.

She didn't even know what kind of man he truly was. All she knew was that he had once splashed dirty water on her and kept driving. And now she would share his name.

Only for duty, she reminded herself. Only for your goal. You came here for a reason.

Downstairs, the mansion was quiet. The wedding was small, just a few witnesses from the pack council, his family, and close friends. There was no cake. No rings. No dance.

This wasn't a celebration. It was a transaction.

When Lucian walked into the garden where the ceremony was held, all eyes turned to her. Most were filled with shock, a few with disgust, and many with curiosity. She kept her gaze low.

Alex stood by the elder, dressed in black. His expression was unreadable, hard as stone. He didn't smile. He didn't speak. He didn't even look at her properly.

But he held out his hand when she stopped beside him.

She took it.

The elder didn't waste time. Within minutes, it was done.

"You may now kiss your Luna," the priest said. Alex went for a small kiss before He turned a little toward her ear and said in a cold, flat voice, "This marriage changes nothing. Don't expect anything from me. You're here because I needed someone and you offered. You'll get the money you need. And I'll keep the title."

Lucian's swallowed a little. But she only nodded. "I understand," she whispered.

After the short ceremony, the guests left quietly. There was no celebration. Only whispers.

Lena stayed behind and led Lucian to her new room.

It was bigger than anything she had ever slept in before. The bed had soft white sheets, the window opened to the garden, and the scent of roses came inside the room through the air. but Lucian didn't feel at home.

"This is your room now," Lena said gently. "You don't need to work anymore. You're the Luna now." Lucian turned to her. "What if I don't feel like one?" Lena smiled sadly. "Then you pretend until you do."

The next few days were quiet but tense. lucian no longer cleaned. She no longer followed orders. But she also didn't have a role. The other omegas avoided her. Some whispered behind her back. Some refused to look her in the eye. Even Alex's sister, Mia, only nodded whenever they passed in the hallway.

But one evening, as Lucian walked alone in the garden, someone called her name.

"Lucian."

She turned to see a girl with blue dyed hair and curious eyes.

"I'm Blue. I'm Mia's friend," she said. "I just wanted to say that I don't hate you. And I think it's brave, what you did."

Lucian blinked, surprised. "You don't think I'm stealing something that isn't mine?"

Blue signed. "You offered. He accepted. Sounds like his choice to me."

Lucian smiled for the first time in days. "Thank you."

"You'll need friends in this place," Blue said before walking away. "Not everyone will be so kind."

But peace never lasted long.

Vanessa was still in the house. every day, she wandered around like she owned the place. She smiled at the staff, talked to the Alpha's mother, and laughed with his cousins. She made sure Lucian saw her everywhere.

One morning, Lucian stepped into the hallway only to find Vanessa sitting close to Alex in the lounge, holding a cup of tea and laughing softly.

Lucian froze.

Vanessa looked up and smiled sweetly. "Oh. Luna," she said. "You're up early." Lucian said nothing.

Alex didn't even look her way. He stood up a moment later and walked past her without a word.

Lucian's chest burned. I'm nothing but a title to him.

Two days later, lucian was in her room, reading a book when the door burst open.

Vanessa stood in the doorway, angry in her eyes. "You really think you can take everything that was supposed to be mine?" she snapped.

Lucian stood up slowly. "I didn't take anything."

"You think wearing a white dress makes you Luna?" Vanessa said mockingly. "You're a cleaner, nothing more."

She stepped closer, lifting her hand to slap Lucian but before it landed, another hand caught her wrist. It was blue.

"That's enough," blue said firmly. "You don't belong here anymore, Vanessa.

Vanessa yanked her arm free. "You think you're protecting her? Alex still cares for me. This marriage won't last."

Before Lucian could reply, another voice filled the room deep and cold. "Get out, Vanessa."

They all turned and saw alex stood at the door, his eyes dark, jaw tight. "Leave. Now." Vanessa angry, then stormed past him.

Alex looked at Lucian for a brief moment, his face unreadable.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.

Lucian stood frozen. Her cheek burned with heat from the slap that never landed.