Chapter 12

Ver marriage ceremony had concluded with an air of finality. As the guests dispersed, Lune felt the overwhelming weight of what was to come pressing down on her. The vows had been spoken, the ritual complete, and now, the next step was unavoidable. She was to move in with Arlo, her new husband, and her life was about to change forever.

Outside, Marcus, Arlo’s Beta and most trusted right-hand man, waited beside a sleek, black car. It was polished and imposing, a stark reminder that everything had been carefully planned and prepared. Marcus, ever watchful, leaned against the car with a calm yet authoritative presence. He was here to ensure the transition was smooth, but his eyes lingered on Lune, knowing the weight of this moment for her.

Lune turned to her parents, her heart aching. Her father smiled, trying to reassure her, but the tension in his expression betrayed his unease. Her mother, holding back tears, wrapped her in a long, tight embrace.

"Stay strong, Lune," her mother whispered, though the words barely reached her ears as her mind whirled with emotions.

"I love you," Lune managed to say, her voice soft and trembling.

She pulled away and faced Valerie, who had just returned from the wedding. Valerie’s eyes were filled with sadness, and without a word, she stepped forward to hug Lune. They held each other tightly as if they were sharing a silent farewell to the life they had once imagined for themselves.

“I’ll come see you, no matter what,” Valerie said, her voice catching in her throat.

Lune nodded, but speaking felt impossible. She wasn’t sure how she would face the new reality without Valerie by her side.

Arlo approached then, his presence steady and unyielding. He placed a hand on her back, signaling that it was time. Marcus stepped forward and opened the door to the car with a respectful nod. Lune looked back at her parents and Valerie one last time, their faces filled with a bittersweet mixture of pride and sorrow.

As she slid into the car, her heart raced. The door closed softly, but the sound felt like the echo of her old life sealing away behind her. Marcus settled into the driver’s seat, and the car smoothly pulled away. The world outside began to blur, and with it, the life she once knew slipped further from her reach.

As the car smoothly glided away from the wedding venue, an almost unbearable silence settled inside. Lune sat stiffly next to Arlo, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her eyes fixed on the world passing by outside the window. The fading sunlight cast long shadows on the road, but inside the car, the atmosphere felt cold, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Arlo sat beside her, his presence large and commanding, yet he said nothing. He seemed content with the quiet, perhaps even comfortable in it. His hand rested on his thigh, his posture relaxed, while Lune’s entire body felt tense, her mind racing with thoughts she didn’t dare voice.

The engine hummed softly, a constant, low noise that filled the space but did little to ease the tension. Lune wanted to say something, anything to break the silence, but no words came. She didn’t know what to say to the man she barely knew, the man who was now her husband. Every breath felt heavier, weighed down by the reality of her new life, and she felt like she was drowning in her uncertainty.

Arlo glanced at her a few times, his expression unreadable. There was a calm certainty in his eyes, a silent confidence that unsettled her even more. He wasn’t nervous, wasn’t anxious—he had waited for this moment, and now that it had come, he was simply waiting for her to adjust. But for Lune, every second felt like a step into the unknown, into a life that wasn’t hers anymore.

Marcus, driving ahead, didn’t interrupt the quiet, his eyes focused on the road. He understood the gravity of this moment for both of them and his presence, while steady, didn’t intrude on the heavy stillness in the back seat.

Lune stole a glance at Arlo, wondering what he was thinking, but she quickly turned away, her chest tightening. The silence stretched on, growing louder with every passing moment, as if the car itself was holding its breath, waiting for what would come next.

As the car rolled up the long, winding driveway to Arlo's estate, Lune's heart raced. The towering iron gates had swung open as they approached, revealing the grandeur that lay beyond. The estate sprawled before her, a majestic blend of elegance and power. Tall, ancient trees lined the path, their branches swaying gently in the breeze as if bowing in respect. The mansion itself was an architectural marvel, with high arched windows, intricate stone carvings, and lush greenery draped over balconies.

The car came to a stop in front of the grand entrance, where a few maids waited in neat rows. Lune noticed how their faces held a mixture of awe and curiosity as they gazed at her. Dressed in crisp uniforms, they stepped forward as soon as Marcus, who had driven her, opened the door. The lead maid, a kind-faced woman with silver streaks in her dark hair, stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Welcome, Lady Lune," she said with a warm smile. "We have been awaiting your arrival."

Lune nodded, still taking in the grandeur surrounding her. The sheer size of the mansion made her feel small. The doors of the mansion swung open, revealing the magnificent interior. Marble floors gleamed under the soft light, and a grand staircase swept up to the second floor, its railing adorned with polished gold accents. Large chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow throughout the foyer. Expensive paintings lined the walls, each telling stories of power, legacy, and wealth.

As the maids guided her inside, Lune couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the place. Every corner of Arlo's home was a testament to his wealth and status. The lavish furniture, the plush rugs, the towering bookshelves—all seemed to belong to a world far removed from the simplicity she had once known. Despite the grandeur, there was something cold about the space, like it lacked a personal touch, a sense of warmth that made a house a home.

"Is there anything you require, Lady Lune?" one of the maids asked, her voice gentle.

Lune shook her head, still speechless, her mind racing. She knew her life had changed the moment she agreed to this marriage, but the reality of it all felt even more daunting now. Stepping into Arlo’s world felt like stepping into another realm—one she wasn’t sure she belonged in. But here she was, the future wife of one of the most powerful men she’d ever known, and the weight of that reality pressed down on her as she stood at the entrance of his magnificent home.

The lead maid, noticing Lune’s quiet contemplation, gently broke the silence.

“Lady Lune, would you like us to show you to your room? You must be exhausted from the journey,” she said with a soft smile, her tone respectful yet encouraging.

Lune blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts, and nodded. "Yes, that would be nice."

“Right this way, my lady,” another maid, a younger girl with a bright smile, gestured toward the grand staircase. They moved in unison, guiding her up the stairs, the soft patter of their footsteps the only sound as they ascended. Lune's gaze wandered as they passed elegantly carved statues, long velvet drapes framing the windows, and chandeliers that sparkled like a sea of diamonds.

As they reached the second floor, the hallway stretched wide, its polished wooden floors reflecting the soft glow of the golden sconces that lined the walls. They led her to a pair of large double doors at the end of the hall, which the lead maid opened with a graceful sweep of her hand.

“This will be your room, Lady Lune,” she said, stepping aside to let her in.

Lune hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, and her breath caught in her throat. The room was enormous, much larger than her old bedroom back home. The bed, a magnificent four-poster draped with soft, sheer curtains, sat in the center of the room. The linens were a pristine white, embroidered with gold thread, and the headboard was carved with intricate floral patterns. Large windows let in the golden hues of the setting sun, bathing the room in a soft, warm light. To one side, a grand vanity stood, adorned with polished silver, and a door on the far end led to what she assumed was the ensuite bathroom.

“The bathroom is fully stocked with everything you’ll need to freshen up after your journey,” the older maid explained. “Once you’re ready, we will bring you down for dinner. Lord Arlo has arranged a special meal in your honor.”

Lune gave a small, polite smile, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything. “Thank you.”

“If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask,” the younger maid added cheerfully. “We are here to assist you.”

They both bowed slightly before leaving the room, closing the doors behind them with a quiet click.

Lune stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by luxury, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She had come here for a reason, and tonight she would sit down with Arlo, face this new reality, and figure out where she fit into his grand world. But first, she needed to take a moment to herself.

With a deep breath, Lune made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, the looming dinner with Arlo now weighing on her mind.

Downstairs, the dining hall was already set for the evening. Arlo descended the grand staircase, his footsteps steady and purposeful. Dressed in a tailored black suit, he exuded confidence and power. His piercing gaze scanned the room as he approached the long dining table adorned with elegant silverware, fine china, and candles flickering softly in their holders. He felt a mixture of anticipation and satisfaction. Tonight was important—the first dinner he would share with Lune as his future wife.

As he reached the base of the stairs, Marcus appeared at his side. "Everything is ready, my lord," Marcus said quietly, his voice respectful.

Arlo gave a slight nod, his eyes flicking briefly toward the staircase. "And Lune?" he asked, his voice low, yet laced with the underlying impatience that always seemed to creep in whenever he thought of her.

"She's finishing up, my lord. The maids are preparing to escort her down," Marcus replied.