1. Eclipse On The Full Moon

LILIANA SPENCER…..

A smile bloomed on my lips as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

The woman looking back at me was flawless, ethereal, and breathtakingly beautiful. For a moment, I couldn't even recognize myself. The sight left me speechless. Behind me, Lucy, Noah, and Cassie watched me with proud smiles and their eyes were shining with excitement.

"You are smiling all the way to your eyes, my Luna." Cassie, my personal maid said, holding a mischievous grin on her face.

"Is it really me?" Pointing my finger at my reflection in the mirror, I asked Cassie to confirm that I wasn't hallucinating.

"Yes. It's really you, my Luna" Noah, Beta Killian’s sister, replied grinning from ear to ear.

"Now tell me how it is?" Lucy, my makeup artist asked me eagerly, gently pushing Cassie aside.

"It's beautiful," I replied honestly. I truly hadn’t expected such magic from her hands.

"Now it's time to get dressed now." With that saying Lucy ushered me into the dressing room.

I slipped into my red gown which was off-shoulder, elegant, and daring, with a long slit running up the front. Every step would reveal my long, slim leg, pale against the bold crimson fabric.

When I stepped out, Cassie helped me into my golden, sky-high heels, the delicate straps hugging my ankles perfectly.

"Perfect. Absolutely perfect! Now you are all ready, my Luna." Cassie announced cheerfully, clapping her hands in delight.

"Mark my words, every eye will be on you at the New Moon festival party. You are so beautiful that no one can resist your beauty. I'm afraid that someone will abduct you." Cassie giggled saying the last line.

“Don’t worry, no one will dare to put their eyes on what belongs to Alpha Zade. They are aware of the consequences.” Noah said confidently, and I smiled shyly in response.

“I’m so excited how Alpha will react after seeing Luna. I’m certain he will fall in love with my Luna again and again.” Cassie teased me, making warmth rush to my cheeks.

“Now you all go. Alpha will be coming anytime soon.” I hurriedly shooed them away before Zade arrived in our room.

“Are you ready, Anna? I don't want to be late for…..” Zade walked inside the room opening the door and stopped mid-sentence when his eyes met mine.

The trio bowed quickly and rushed out, leaving the room in silence.

I felt his gaze travel slowly over me, from head to toe, lingering on every detail as if committing me to memory.

I didn't miss how his eyes darkened, something raw flashing within them only for it to vanish the moment our eyes met.

“Let's go. We are getting late.” Here comes his cold reply, just like always.

Not a single word of compliment. In four years of our marriage, not a single word of compliment has come out of his mouth. I had long stopped expecting to get it from him. Maybe, I'm not beautiful in his eyes or maybe he simply didn't know how to express what he felt. Zade was terrible at expressing his emotions.

“Why have you bathed in perfume? I like your natural fragrance. I have told you many times not to use them on you?” Suddenly Zade snapped at me, making me freeze and confused.

I wasn’t sure whether to feel flattered that he liked my natural scent, or chastised for wearing perfume.

“I will remember from now on. It will not happen again.” I replied softly.

Then I stepped closer to help him with his tie, something he could never manage on his own.

As my fingers worked, I could feel his heated gaze burning into, making my breath hitch and my knees weaken.

me when I was busy helping him with the tie. I felt like melting away under his intense gaze. So to ease the awkward tension between us, I tried to lighten the environment.

“You know you are looking more handsome in this suit that I had chosen for you? But did you like it?”

I asked him in a soft tone and waited for his response.

“It doesn’t matter if I liked it or not. What matters is that it suits me. And I know you will choose the best for me. You know very well what is good for me. I never doubt your choice. You know me better than myself. So, yes. I always trust you blindly. Because I know you love me crazily.”

I looked up instantly to meet his eyes which were already looking back at me. But to my dismay, there was nothing in his eyes except coldness. I flashed a smile and pulled him down by his tie to place a soft kiss on his forehead.

“I know, you don't feel the way I feel for you. But I believe one day I will be able to win your heart.” Saying that I let go of his tie. But he didn't move nor look away. He was still looking into my eyes. It was a complicated expression he was holding in his face that I could not put my finger on.

“What if you failed to win my heart?” His question stunned me but I composed myself and flashed a wide smile.

“It doesn't matter to me. I love you so much that my love would be enough for both of us to spend the rest of our lives. It's okay for me if you don't fall in love with me. You just stay with me forever. And don't stop me from loving you.” He didn't say anything, just pulled back and looked away.

“Let’s go.” He offered his arm for me to hold and I happily took it, clinging to that small gesture of closeness as we left for the New Moon festival.

The celebration was held at the Alpha King’s residence. After three long hours of travel, we arrived at a breathtakingly decorated venue. Lanterns glowed softly in the night, their warm light dancing in the air. As we entered, several Alphas and Lunas approached us, exchanging pleasantries. My heart fluttered with joy.

“Luna, Liliana. We know you have a handsome mate and you are afraid someone might steal your man in your absence. But we are your friends. You have to draw out some time to spend with us too. Come with us.” Luna Athena teased me playfully while asking me to join them.

“It's nothing like that. I trust Zade. Even if someone tries to approach him he will never lift her, let alone betray me. I have full faith in him.” I replied confidently, pride shining through my smile.

“Wow! Lucky girl.” Luna Athena said warmly, patting my arm.

Alpha Jasper chuckled and said. “I must say, Alpha Zade. You are a lucky guy to have such an understanding and amazing Mate. You must have done some good deeds in your previous life due to which you got a Mate like Luna Liliana. She blindly trusts you.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Zaid said, pulling me closer to his side. Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“Men are not trustworthy. It is sheer foolishness to trust men.” Luna Athena snapped at Alpha Jasper, glaring at him.

Sensing the rising tension, I intervened. “Luna Athena, come with me. I have a lot of things to share with you.” I guided her away from there.

It was clear, they fought before coming here. Small fights between husband and wife are common. Until it's become a threat to your relationship.

“What was that, Luna Athena? You are a Luna. Losing patience like this doesn’t suit you. You should get a hold of yourself. Learn to keep the conflict between you two confined to your room, don't let it become a public matter. It will only make things worse.” I tried to make her understand but she just smiled sadly.

“I know. But when he was praising you and telling Alpha Zade about being a lucky person to have a mate like you it felt like he was mocking me for doubting him. His relationship with Miss Lisa is way too close. But he keeps saying that they are just good friends. You tell me, would you allow a girl to go so close to Alpha Zade?”

“I would never allow that until my man showed any interest in her. If you find your man, let her come close to him, don't say anything, just keep your distance from him.

Sometimes you just gotta leave people alone to see where you really stand in their life.”

“And if you see he doesn't care about you then leave him. Forcing someone to be with you who is not into you anymore is sheer foolishness. I hope you make a wise decision, dear.” I patted her arm and she pulled me into a warm hug.

“Wish me luck, Lily.” She said, squeezing me a little.

And I smiled. “I always will.”

“Isn't it Gianna!” My world stopped spinning on its axis at the mention of that name. I felt my heart skip a beat, I instantly pulled away from her to see the owner of the name.

“Alpha Zade’s Ex is back!” Luna Athena gasped in utmost shock.

But my condition was worse.

I couldn't move.

I couldn't blink.

I couldn't breathe.

My lips trembled, but no sound came out. My hands, which had been elegantly clasped in front of me seconds ago, were numb and cold.

It felt as if someone had reached inside my chest and twisted my heart without mercy.

There he stood, my husband with another woman in his arms, holding her like she was precious while smiling.

A smile I spent four years trying to earn.

My nails dug into my palm until I tasted blood in my mouth from biting the inside of my cheek.

He never smiled at me like that. Because someone else holds his heart. Gianna Carstairs, my husband's ex.

Luna Athena whispered beside me, equally stunned. “Luna Liliana…” But I barely heard her.

I straightened my back, lifted my chin.

If my heart was shuttering then it would shatter silently. If my world was collapsing then I would stand among the ruins with grace.

Because it's not time to cry, it's time to stay strong.