The Alpha Prince's Forbidden Luna

CONFLICTED

"I will never love you, Alex," she spat, her eyes aflame with fury. Her words cut through him like a knife slicing through ripe fruit. He struggled to keep his composure, meeting her gaze with a mix of disbelief and hurt. "This marriage you're forcing on me will never happen as long as I-"

"Arranged marriage, you mean," he interjected, his voice steady but laced with tension.

She looked breathtaking in a royal blue gown that hugged her figure, her hair cascading in deep, luxurious waves down her shoulders and back. Silver high-heeled sandals glimmered like stars against the polished floor. Adorning her wrists were a few delicate bracelets, gold earrings, and a locket resting just above her heart. The absence of makeup revealed a constellation of tiny brown freckles under her eyes and across the bridge of her nose, adding to her raw beauty.

Her anger was almost tangible, crackling in the air. "So that's why you'd send your goons to attack me, keeping me a prisoner here?"

For the first time in her life, she was shocked by the intensity of her fury. She had never believed she could feel this way about anyone. Sure, she had disliked her bullies in school, but she couldn't recall ever hating anyone like this.

Like him, she had initially rejected the arranged marriage, but over time, she had tried to accept her fate. Yet, his rejection felt like a dagger to her heart, and now she longed to escape, while he pretended to care.

The grand hall around them was a spectacle of opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, telling tales of valor and love. A long, polished table stretched across the center, laden with delicacies that sparkled like jewels. The air buzzed with laughter and the clinking of glasses, celebrating the Silver Moon Year-a time marked by longer nights and shorter days, where darkness reigned for twenty hours with only four hours of sunlight.

Wolf years were divided into four distinct phases, each rich with significance. The Year of the Silver Moon brought nights shimmering with an ethereal glow, awakening ancient instincts within the pack. The air was thick with anticipation, and every howl echoed promises of transformation.

Next came the Eclipse Year, steeped in mystery and foreboding. As the moon darkened, shadows danced across the land, and the werewolves braced for upheaval. It was said that during an eclipse, the veil between worlds thinned, allowing ancient spirits to roam freely. This year would test their strength and unity against both external threats and the darkness within.

Then arrived the Year of the Howling Shadows, where whispers and secrets filled the night. The pack found themselves hunted by unseen forces, their howls a desperate call for truth against the encroaching darkness that threatened their existence.

Finally, there was the Lunar Cycle of Awakening, heralding rebirth and renewal. As the moon waxed and waned, the werewolves felt the pull of their primal natures. It was a time for forging bonds and intertwining destinies, as the pack prepared for the challenges ahead. Legends spoke of this cycle as when the true essence of the wolf emerged, igniting fierce loyalty among the clan.

As her words echoed in his mind, Alex snapped back to reality, fighting thoughts of losing himself in the depths of her world, exploring every hidden corner of her being. The table could become their playground, or perhaps she would cling to the tapestries, her body arching against the rich fabric as she surrendered to a whirlwind of ecstasy and longing.

Every glance exchanged was electric, their unspoken connection igniting a fire that consumed them both. He envisioned her breath hitching, her skin glistening with anticipation, as they explored the hidden corners of each other's souls, reveling in the intoxicating dance of pleasure and fulfillment.

Gasps rippled through the room as her words hung in the air. Alex blinked in disbelief; no one had ever dared to speak to him like that and lived to tell the tale. Heads would have rolled by now.

His anger morphed into a visible storm, drawing the attention of the guests. "First, you accuse me of forcing you into this marriage, and then you blame me for your attacks?" He narrowed his eyes, his voice low and menacing.

He stepped closer, but she stood her ground, unwavering. Deep down, he sensed her fear; he could practically smell it. Who wouldn't be scared with a seven-foot werewolf looming over them? Yet, he secretly admired her bravery.

Around her, he always transformed into a wolf. His younger brother, Max, had warned him not to reveal his human form, believing it would help her develop a strong hatred for him. But hearing her words now filled him with a sense of unease. He didn't need to be in wolf form to be heartless; everyone had heard his stories, yet he complied anyway. Max, married for two years, claimed to know better, having dated both human and merwolf girls. He often said, "Alex just fucks them," a statement that hung over him like a shadow, amplifying his inner conflict.

"You think I'm a monster who will attack you and-" Alex began, but he paused when he noticed her mocking smile as if to say, "Monster alert." He stood there in his wolf form, thick fur bristling, and caught himself before he could react.

She glanced past him at Jane, sitting at the table. "So you think I wouldn't know you've been frolicking with other merwolf girls?" Confusion washed over him. "What?" He feigned innocence. From her window, she had seen other merwolves slip out of his room every morning, semi-naked and seemingly enthralled by the night's escapades with him.

He let out a heavy sigh, trying to rein in his rising frustration. "Look, Zahi, this marriage was arranged for your protection. If you decide to leave, I won't come to your rescue." The finality in his tone was clear, but deep down, he knew he wouldn't be able to turn his back on her if she were in danger.

"Fine," she shot back, her gaze sweeping the room, landing on her parents and then back at him. "I don't need anyone else to rescue me or your help. I'm a big girl and can take care of myself."

With that, she turned and walked away. He watched her retreating figure and called out to the crowd, "Now that the tiny, annoying cat lady is gone, can we all celebrate?" Laughter erupted in the hall, echoing off the majestic marble walls. Zahi halted, her fists clenched, and stormed out. The hall was vast, and it would take her some time to reach the door.

Suddenly, Alex's voice rang out over the laughter, "Hey Zahi, you forgot something!" The laughter ceased. Zahi turned, her expression shifting to horror as Ned, Alex's cousin, held her cat, Ethan, in front of him. "No, please don't!" Zahi pleaded.

Ned threw Ethan into the air, and just as the cat was about to land, he kicked him with such force that sent Ethan flying, landing with a thud at Zahi's feet. She screamed, rushing to check on him, her heart racing. He winced in pain, and she thought about how her mom would check him out as soon as they escaped this nightmare.

Ned had been itching for revenge on Ethan ever since the cat spat in his eyes, but Alex had always stopped him. A cat's spit in a werewolf's eye was a nightmare, worse than a scorpion's sting. It left the wolf in excruciating agony for seven days, temporarily blind and plagued by hallucinations.

Zahi scooped Ethan into her arms, her voice trembling with anger as she shouted at Alex, "I hate you!" before dashing out of the hall.

Laughter erupted again, reverberating through the opulent space. Zahi's dad, Ra, her mom, Grace, and her twin aunts, Nina and Ivy, jumped from their seats and hurried after her.

Alex felt a wave of guilt wash over Alex. She was in pain, traumatized by what had just happened, but she had hurt him too. Regret gnawed at him for allowing Ned to take revenge on Ethan. Ned was being cruel, and Ethan had only defended himself.

He wanted to apologize, but he knew she wouldn't listen in her current state. His gaze met his parents, Elle and Fred, and his brother Max. They wore expressions of disappointment, and he understood what that look meant: he was doomed. His chance for redemption had slipped away.

His sister, Rita, and her friend, his supposed mate, Jane, seemed delighted by the chaos. They clinked their glasses and cheered each other on. General Gordon, Jane's Dad, wore a slight frown on his face.

Alex moved to the large windows overlooking the section of the mansion where Zahi and her family had been staying. Max joined him just as two cars pulled up from the garage. Zahi and her family were leaving.

"Do you think she'll come back?" Max asked. Alex didn't respond.

At that moment, he knew she wouldn't return. The horrified look on her face said it all. He turned away from the window and left the hall, pulling out his phone to text Ra, "How is Ethan?"

"Grace said Ethan will be fine-just a few broken ribs and a bruised paw, nothing she couldn't heal" Ra replied.

"I'm so sorry," Alex typed back.

"I know," Ra responded.

"How is she?" Alex asked, anxiety creeping in.

"Not so good," Ra replied, leaving a heavy silence lingering in the air.

PART I

CHAPTER 1: Wild Call

"Meow meow" my cat Ethan whispered urgently into my ears, nudging me with his paws. I jolted awake, bewildered, my heart racing and beating frantically as dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft glow across the riverbank.

"Where am I?" I gently whispered to myself.

I blinked against the morning light, realizing that I was barely covered in my nightwear.

The cold from the river and forest clung to me like a second skin, sending shivers through my body. My long jet-black hair hung in damp strands from the snow draped over my shoulders providing little warmth against the chill of early winter.

Ethan snuggled closer, his furry body a comforting weight against my legs. "This doesn't feel right, Ethan", I murmured, my bare feet pressing against the frost-kissed ground as we made our way home. The cold nipped at my skin, and I felt a wave of unease wash over me as I now recognized and soaked in the familiar surrounding environment all around me.

Sleepwalking had become a strange part of my life, a mystery my parents and doctors couldn't unravel. Each full moon or crescent night, I found myself wandering into the woods or by the river, drawn by an invisible force. I couldn't remember how I got there, but I always woke up feeling disoriented and cold.

As I moved forward through the woods, Jess and Sharp both leaped down from the trees as soon as they saw me, their familiar forms, a comfort in the dim light. Jess, my aunt's female cat, was a black sleek ball of energy, while Sharp, my pet chameleon, blended perfectly with my lingerie color, ensuring I wouldn't miss her.

"Thank you, my brave companions," I thought, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease. The trees seemed to whisper secrets to me, their branches swaying a gentle breeze. I tried to smile, but the colds numbed my lips making it harder to shake off the lingering dread.

"Oh dear!" My mother Grace exclaimed, rushing forward with a thick long robe in hand. She quickly wrapped it around me, leading me inside and brushing off leaves and twigs from my hair. As she did, sand fell from my locks-yellowish, unlike the brown from the riverbank, a reminder of my trek through the snow. I remembered the way the snow had crunched beneath my feet, reaching my knees, the world transforming into a winter wonderland.

"I must look like a Medusa," I mused, glancing at my reflection in a nearby puddle melted from the snow. My hair was a wild mess, and my cheeks were flushed from the cold. Sensing my thoughts, Mom smiled and said, "You're just as pretty as ever". She reassured me, her eyes sparkling with love. I managed a weak smile, though our lips trembled from the chill.

My father, Ra, stood quietly at the entrance, watching us, concern etched on his face. His name was Ahmes Ahmos, but we called him Ra, meaning 'father'. He opened the library door, allowing us inside. The warmth from the library enveloped me like a comforting embrace, and I sighed in relief. The library was my sanctuary, a place filled with stories and secrets, where I could escape reality.

The clock chimed 6 AM, its sound echoing in the stillness. With the library closed until 9, I barely had three hours to rest. Ethan stayed by my side, his eyes full of worry. Sometimes, I could swear that Ethan was more human than a cat. Jess and Sharp darted upstairs, their playful antics a welcome distraction to the anxiety and unease. Sharp was perched atop Jess's back as they galloped away.

I slumped onto the couch in the reception area, exhaustion washing over and consuming me. A thick blanket was wrapped around me, cocooning me in warmth. The reception area of the library was small, designed for first-time visitors and coffee drinkers, with a round center table and a couple of chairs. It felt cozy yet I could sense the tension in the air.

"You can take the day off if you need it," Grace offered, holding a steaming cup of herbal tea, an ancient recipe meant to soothe. I nodded in acceptance. I nodded grateful for her thoughtfulness. The aroma was calming, remarkably filling the air with hints of chamomile and Lavender. I made a mental note to myself to learn the recipe.

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I breathed in the rich aroma of the tea. As I sipped, warmth spread through me, but my mind raced with questions. What had drawn me to the forest and then to the river again? What did it mean?

Ra sat on the other chair, next to Grace, also watching me. I felt like a subject being examined for an experiment.

"Tell me about your dream," Dad said breaking the silence. It had been years since he'd asked. The dreams had become routine, but this one felt different-intense and vivid.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I could feel the weight of his gaze, a mixture of concern and curiosity, and my mom's linger on me. "Can't you see that she is exhausted, let her rest," Grace chipped in. "Okay, when you're ready," Ra added softly, sensing my struggle and agreeing with Mom.

I wanted to share, to explain the haunting details that lingered in my mind, but the words felt trapped, caged inside of me.

Just then, my twin Aunts, Nina, and Aunt Ivy rushed down the stairs from our apartment above, their laughter echoing in the quiet space. They covered me in tight hugs, squeezing the breath out of my lungs. "How are you?" they both cried in unison, their voices a comforting melody.

I smiled, the warmth of their affection wrapping around me like a blanket. "I'm okay," I managed to say, though I felt anything but.

"Let her breathe!" Ra interjected a hint of amusement in his voice. Aunt Nina stuck out her tongue playfully, while Aunt Ivy beamed at me, her smile infectious.

As the tea's warmth enwrapped me, I gulped it down in one go, letting out a loud burp before sinking into a deep sleep, the world around me fading away into a comforting haze.

But even in my deep sleep, I sensed something was off. I was flying-was I sleepwalking or dreaming again? Ra sensed my anxiety and softly said, "It's alright love. I'm just going to put you to bed."He lifted me from the couch, cradling me in his arms as he trudged up the stairs to my bedroom.

Ethan ran ahead of us to my bedroom, meowing all the way up as if he were heralding the arrival of a princess. "The princess of sleepwalking," I chuckled softly, grateful for his presence. Yet guilt tugged at me; I felt bad that Ethan missed his nightly adventures, always trailing behind me on these strange and mysterious journeys.

My face squeezed into a frown. Dad looked down at me, his smile reassuring. "You're gonna be fine. I promise you that," he said, his voice steady.

The room temperature was set just for me, a sanctuary of warmth and safety. Ethan lay beside me, curling up against my side, while Ra tucked the duvet around us both. Soft socks, a small comfort in the chaos of my mind covered my feet. It would have been strange to see a partly-clad young woman on one of the library couches dozing off.

I trembled for a few minutes, jolted from my experience, before finally succumbing to sleep. Even as I drifted off, I could feel the gentle closing of my room door, a soft click that signaled my world retreating into darkness.

And then I heard them-those whispers that beckoned me from the shadows. I could see them, hear them, and they didn't know it.

Chapter Two: Whispers of the Forest

The whispers led me subconsciously down the stairs to Ra, Grace, Nina, and Ivy arguing for the umpteenth time. Their voices echoed through the library's reception area, a space usually filled with the comforting silence of books and whispered stories. Ra and Grace stood on one side, their expressions tensed while Nina and Ivy faced them from the opposite side, arms crossed and brows furrowed.

Though they were downstairs, somehow I could hear and see them in my subconsciousness, a strange gift-or curse-of my sleepwalking state.

"We need to do something!" Grace insisted, her voice rising with urgency. "Yes", echoed Nina, her tone sharp. "Ra's failed attempt to get her to talk about her dream was a disaster." Ra shot her a side-eye, the kind that spoke volumes without needing words.

Were you able to extract anything from her dreams? Did you see anything that could help us, help her, make all this stop? Asked Grace anxiously, her hands wringing together as if she could squeeze answers from thin air. Ra shook his head, his expression grave. "No, she blocked me from entering into her dreams or seeing anything. By the time, Ethan gave me her location, they were almost home."

Nina sickered, a sound tinged with disbelief. "And you know by the time she wakes up, she will forget everything. Her sleepwalking gives her memory loss."

"I was sorting the books on the shelf just over there." Ivy interjected, pointing to one of the towering bookshelves that seemed to stretch towards the ceiling. "And she walked past me at midnight. I saw her face; I had never seen anything like it before. It glowed so brightly.'"

Everyone turned to Ivy, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. She continued, her voice trembling slightly. "I tried to stop her but everything felt frozen. I found myself unable to move. It was like I was stuck."

"Maybe we should take her to see a doctor." Grace suggested, but everyone except her screamed "No" in unison. The doctors had been of little help last time during my last visit, and it seemed my situation only worsened with the pills they prescribed. This was the second time my mom was talking about breaking her own rules. She had made them, and we adhered strictly to them. We had three rules-one of which was to never see a doctor or visit the hospital. Strangely, Mom healed us of our ailments with her herbal teas and potions, which usually worked, except for my sleepwalking. The most potent of her teas kept me asleep until midnight.

Ivy mumbled something under her breath, her eyes darting around as if searching for the right words. Grace leaned in closer, desperation creeping into her voice. "What did you say? What else did you see? Tell us now!' her voice bordering on frantic, and everyone tried to ignore her rising panic. Nobody could blame her, she was desperate for answers, solutions, or anything to put a stop to my sleepwalking.

"I said, it was strange." Ivy continued her voice barely above a whisper.

'What was strange?' Ra pressed, leaning forward, his brows furrowing in concentration. "I don't know if this helps or makes any sense, she did not glow like the sun this time, she shone like the moon".

Ra exchanged a glance with Grace, who looked back at him, her eyes wide. "Hmm", he murmured, placing his thumb and index finger on his lips in deep thought.

"What is it? What do you think? Is that why she shut you out of her dreams?" Grace's voice rose slightly. Nina shushed her, her eyes darting toward the staircase leading up to my room. "You're going to wake her up," she cautioned.

'I don't know', Dad replied, his voice heavy with uncertainty. Ivy kept quiet and refused to say more about the other thing she noticed about me. The atmosphere was tense already and she did not want to inflame it.

"Ah, that was it!" Nina exclaimed in a low scream, forgetting to lower her voice after sushing Grace. Ivy signaled her to be quiet, leaning closer. "I was with a friend down the street."

"With a friend at midnight?" Ra interjected shooting her another side-eye. We all knew what Aunt Nina meant when she said 'with a friend'. Luke lived at the beginning of the street and Aunt Nina was well known for visiting him whenever his wife was away for the weekend.

Dad was judgey. He considered himself to have high morals and he prided himself on raising a daughter with high principles too.

Grace shot him an angry look as if to say, "Not now Ra."

"The whole forest lit up to the sky. Every tree, leaves, and branches all glowed like the moon including the river." Nina said ignoring him wondering how Grace put up with Ra.

Grace let out a sob, covering her mouth in a futile attempt to stifle her emotions. She sank into the couch. "Oh my baby', she cried softly. She's suffered for so long and I can't do anything to help her. I pray no one noticed or saw her lighting up the forest and river." A sunny or golden glow could mislead people into thinking dawn was approaching, but a silver glow would surely attract the wrong attention.

Nina moved to her side, sitting on the couch and wrapping her arms around Grace in a comforting embrace. "We're going to find a solution. Nothing is going to happen to Zahi. This will all stop." Ra stood up and went to the kitchen, preparing Grace a cup of her calming tea. He hated seeing her like this-mournful and grieving. He loved Grace more than anything in the world, and it broke his heart to see her in such distress.

Most of the time, I wish my family and friends-Olivia and Laura-didn't have to worry so much about me. They both witnessed something unsettling during a sleepover in my room after their night out at the bar, and it spooked them.

I couldn't blame them; I would be worried too if I were in their place. I often told them I would be fine and that the sleepwalking episodes would stop but every day they grow more palpable. Being an only child wasn't easy. Grace told me once I had a twin but he died in her womb when he was four months along. If he were alive, would he have taken some of this stress off me? Would he have dreams and sleepwalks like me if he were here?I often wondered about that as Ethan purred beside me, his warm body comforting.

"Have you spoken to Linus again?'" Nina asked Ra, raising her eyebrows and emphasizing "again".

Linus is my granduncle, a professional therapist, but we regarded him as our family shaman. He was good with mixing potions and reciting spells, often helping out in the library. My grandfather had died young and Linus practically raised my dad like a son. He tried his best to help me in the past, even managing to make my dad enter my dreams to help me. He also made my sleepwalking episodes stop for a while as I haven't had any episodes since last year.

Ra sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You all worry too much. I will go to him today." he handed the tea to Grace, who took it with trembling hands.

"No ...",