Chapter 5 Tensed

don't know how living with Alpha Malik will be, but something tells me it's not gonna be good or even any better than living with my stepmother. The thought of Hannah choosing not to marry him, even though he is wealthy, makes me wonder what must have driven her to that decision. Was it the allure of his power, the status that came with being his wife, or was there something deeper that I just couldn't see?

The palace gate swung open, revealing a magnificent view of the castle in all its grandeur. As the driver drove in, I took in my view, starting with the front garden which took away my attention in a bit. It is beautifully manicured with touches of flowers, grass, and an elegant waterfall.

I glanced at the formidable guards stationed in front of the castle, their intense gaze sending a chill down my spine as if they were fixated on me. I quickly averted my eyes and marveled at the castle's majestic presence. Its towering spires seem to touch the sky, while the luminous grand windows emit a mesmerizing sparkle in the warm sunlight.

The driver pulled the car to a stop in front of the castle, its towering stone walls glistening in the sunlight. As the engine quieted, I watched the guards stride forward, their expressions serious yet welcoming, ready to open the door for me. I stepped out of the vehicle, feeling the cool breeze against my skin, and made my way toward the grand entrance, where the guards held the heavy door open.

As I crossed the threshold, a woman with a warm smile approached me, her presence instantly calming. "Hi, I'm Safi," she said, her voice friendly and inviting.

"Eli," I replied, a bit nervous but trying to match her warmth.

"That's a beautiful name for our new Luna,"

"Thanks, but I feel more like an omega," I admitted, my shyness creeping in as I glanced down.

She let out a soft scoff, shaking her head. "I can sense that, but as long as you're married to the Alpha, you are a Luna."

A smile broke through my uncertainty.

"Anyways, let me show you to your room. The Alpha instructed me to take care of you while he's away," she said

"Oh, I thought he was around,"

"No, he's not, but he'll be back soon," she reassured me as we walked down the hallway.

We finally reached my room, and she opened the door, revealing a cozy space filled with soft colors and inviting decor. "This is where you'll be staying."

"Okay, that's great. Thanks," I said, taking in the room's warmth.

"You're welcome! If you need anything, just let me know," she said with a friendly nod.

"Well, my bags are downstairs. Can you help me with them?" I asked, hoping she wouldn't mind.

"You don't need them. As the Luna, you have access to a plethora of designer clothes and accessories, so you won't be needing your old clothes," she said, her tone firm yet gentle. I was about to speak up, but she instantly interjected, "It's the Alpha's words, not mine, and we all have to listen to the Alpha."

"Yeah, but I was just gonna say thank you," I replied, a bit taken aback by her interruption.

She smiled warmly, her demeanor softening. "You are welcome. The Alpha said you should stay back in the room, so please abide by that. If you need anything, just let me know. You can ring the bell, and I will come right away."

"Okay, thank you," I said before she turned and walked away. As she left, I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. The room was lavishly decorated, with elegant furnishings and intricate designs that spoke of wealth and power. I couldn't help but wonder about Hannah and why she had refused to marry Alpha Malik. This was the kind of life she had always dreamed of-luxurious and filled with everything she desired. Yet, she had chosen a different path, and I just didn't understand why.

After a while, I decided to head to the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water splashed against my skin, refreshing me from the overwhelming thoughts swirling in my mind. Once I felt a bit more composed, I walked back into the room and found myself feeling a bit isolated. With no one to talk to, the silence was almost deafening.

A few minutes later, Safi sent my lunch to the room. The aroma wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble. I took a couple of bites, savoring the flavors, but soon found myself unable to finish the meal. The weight of my thoughts was making it hard to enjoy the meal, and I pushed the plate away, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity about Hannah's choices.

I just don't understand why she would decide not to be with Alpha Malik when he literally has everything she ever wants-money, accessories, a big mansion, and everything else. There must have been something that stopped Hannah from wanting to be with Alpha Malik, something I don't know about yet but I have to find out what it is.

I don't know anything about Alpha Malik and I find myself thinking about what kind of person he might be. I mean does he have any hobbies or interests? What does he do when he's not busy being the Alpha? I imagine him in different scenarios-maybe he has a soft side that he keeps hidden, or perhaps he's just as intimidating as he appears. Now that I am going to live here and will probably be around him, I really want to know who he is, and maybe if I'm lucky enough he might just be the Prince Charming I always dreamt of.

I stood up and walked over to the window, trying to calm my thoughts. I looked through the window, staring at the sky for a moment before I decided to stroll around the house, not caring about what Alpha Malik had instructed. I figured I will just stroll around and come back to the room before he gets back home.

As I walked around the house, I couldn't help but notice how grand it was. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, each piece telling a story of its own. The floors gleamed with polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of the ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. As I wandered through the hallways, I noticed there were many doors, each leading to different rooms.

The house is definitely massive, so I can only guess he lives here with family or friends. It's strange how I don't know anything about his family, which makes me feel a bit lost and out of place but I believe I will get to know them or maybe even meet them today. Since he's an Alpha I'm sure he does family dinners every night and maybe tonight will be the night I get to know him and his family.

As I kept exploring, I took a moment to look around the house and was captivated when I discovered a beautiful library tucked away in a corner. The rich mahogany shelves were lined with books of all genres, their spines gleaming in the soft light. As someone who loves reading, I felt an instant connection to this space; it was like a lovely home within the house. I could easily spend the entire day here, getting lost in the pages of countless stories and relishing the peaceful solitude that enveloped me. After a while, I reluctantly pulled myself away from the library, eager to continue my exploration. As I wandered further, one particular foot caught my attention. It stood out from the others, located at the end of the hallway, slightly ajar, and the darkness beyond seemed to pull me in, almost like it was inviting me to discover what lay hidden inside.

With each step closer, the air felt heavier, charged with a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling in my stomach. I paused for a moment, glancing back to see if anyone was watching, but the house felt eerily quiet as if I were the only one there. Even the outside world seemed muted, with no sounds filtering in. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and gently pushed the door open. But the second I did, I found myself face to face with a stern-looking man-no doubt Alpha Malik. His piercing gaze felt like it could cut through me, and my breath hitched in my throat as I gulped, acutely aware of the tension in the air and the weight of the moment pressing down on me.