Chapter 23

While Arlo was in his meeting with the elders, Lune sat by the large window in her room, gazing out at the gardens below. The events of the past few days had left her mind spinning. It was hard to reconcile her new reality—the werewolves, the secret marriage, and the weight of being Arlo’s mate. Despite her growing feelings for him, the world she was now a part of still felt foreign.

As she sat, lost in her thoughts, there was a soft knock on her door. Lune blinked and stood up, smoothing her dress before heading to open it. She wasn’t expecting anyone and the sound took her by surprise.

When she opened the door, she was greeted by a familiar face. Standing in the doorway was Rowan, Arlo’s cousin, who had been introduced to her during her first breakfast at the palace. He was tall, with a lean build and striking dark hair that framed his sharp features. His eyes were kind but piercing, carrying an intensity that always seemed to lurk beneath the surface.

“Rowan,” Lune said, a bit surprised but smiling politely. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” Rowan replied with a warm smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I just thought I’d stop by to check on you. Arlo mentioned he’d be tied up in a meeting with the elders, and I figured you might appreciate some company.”

Lune stepped aside, motioning for him to come in. “No, not at all. I wasn’t doing anything important.”

Rowan entered the room, his eyes briefly scanning the elegant yet simple decor. He had the calm demeanor of someone used to navigate both social and formal settings, but there was something about him that intrigued Lune. He carried himself with confidence, though it was clear that, like Arlo, he took his responsibilities seriously.

“I remember how overwhelming it can be to adjust to all of this,” Rowan said as he took a seat in one of the plush chairs by the fireplace. “Especially since your situation is… well, unique.”

Lune sat across from him, her curiosity piqued. “You mean being Arlo’s mate and not knowing anything about this world until now?”

Rowan nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Exactly. It’s a lot to take in. I imagine you have a million questions, and Arlo can be... let’s just say, he might not always realize how overwhelming it can be to someone new to this life.”

Lune chuckled softly. “You could say that again. He’s been trying, though. It’s just… I never expected any of this. Growing up, werewolves were more of a myth, something you’d hear about in old stories. And now, here I am, married to one.”

Rowan smiled, leaning forward slightly. “I can imagine how strange that must feel. But you’re handling it well. Arlo speaks highly of you, you know.”

Lune felt a warmth spread through her at that. “He does?”

Rowan nodded. “He’s proud of you. Even though things happened quickly, he’s protective of you and wants to make sure you feel at home here.”

Lune looked down at her hands, unsure of how to respond. She had felt that protectiveness from Arlo, but hearing it from someone else made it feel more real. Rowan’s presence was comforting, though she couldn’t help but wonder what role he played in the pack and why he had come to see her.

“I appreciate you saying that,” Lune said after a moment. “It’s good to know I have people looking out for me.”

Rowan smiled again, his expression softening. “Of course. Family takes care of family, and now that you’re part of this, you’re one of us. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Lune appreciated his sincerity. Despite all the uncertainties swirling in her mind, it was nice to have someone like Rowan offer support. She had barely gotten to know anyone other than Arlo since arriving, and it felt like Rowan was reaching out to make sure she didn’t feel alone.

“Thank you, Rowan,” Lune said, her voice genuine. “That means a lot. I still have so much to figure out, but knowing I have people I can turn to makes it easier.”

Rowan stood up then, his tone light as he said, “Well, I won’t take up too much of your time. I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing alright. I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”

Lune stood as well, walking him to the door. “I appreciate you stopping by. It was nice to talk to someone else for a change.”

As Rowan opened the door, he glanced back at her with a smile. “If you ever want to know more about pack life or just need someone to chat with, you know where to find me.”

Lune returned his smile, feeling a sense of relief. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

With that, Rowan gave a small nod and stepped out of the room, leaving Lune standing at the door, feeling a bit lighter than before. She still had a long way to go in understanding this new world, but with people like Rowan around, she felt like she wouldn’t have to face it all alone.

As Lune closed the door behind Rowan, she lingered for a moment, her thoughts drifting to Arlo’s family. Since arriving at the palace, she had been nervous about how she would be received. The secrecy surrounding her marriage to Arlo had made her feel isolated at first, unsure of how she would fit into this new world, especially as a human in a pack of werewolves. But Arlo’s family had surprised her.

Lune found herself thinking about the kindness they had shown her from the beginning. Sybil, Arlo’s aunt, had been the first to welcome her warmly, even sitting down with her for dinner and explaining the traditions of their people. Despite the overwhelming information about the second wedding and all that it entailed, Sybil’s warmth had made Lune feel a little less lost. She could tell that Sybil was someone deeply rooted in the pack’s customs, but she had taken the time to make sure Lune wasn’t completely left in the dark. It was a gesture Lune appreciated more than she could put into words.

Then there was Rowan, who had just left. His visit had been unexpected, but the way he’d gone out of his way to check on her made Lune feel a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected to feel so soon. Rowan had a quiet confidence about him, but there was no arrogance in his demeanor. Instead, he had treated her with respect and kindness, something she hadn’t been sure would come easily given how unusual her situation was.

She also thought about Arlo’s cousin from the wedding, who had greeted her with a warm smile and polite conversation. Even though she barely knew them, Lune was beginning to feel a connection to Arlo’s family. She hadn’t been thrust into a cold or judgmental environment like she had feared. Rather, she was surrounded by people who, despite their curiosity or concerns, were extending warmth and support to her.

It was a relief she hadn’t anticipated. After learning about the werewolves and the deep traditions they held, Lune had been bracing herself for more judgment, more pressure. But instead, she was met with an openness that made her feel like she was truly becoming a part of something bigger, something more meaningful. And it wasn’t just because she was Arlo’s mate—it felt like they genuinely cared about her well-being.

Lune smiled to herself as she moved back to the window, her heart feeling a little lighter. Maybe this marriage, this strange, new life, wasn’t going to be as overwhelming as she had feared. If Arlo’s family was this welcoming, perhaps everything would fall into place in time.

She had been so worried about what the pack would think of her, of how she would fit into this world where she was the outsider, but Arlo’s family had shown her that it wasn’t about fitting into their world—it was about becoming a part of their family. That realization made her feel hopeful, and for the first time in days, the weight of uncertainty lifted just a little.

Arlo’s family wasn’t just being nice out of obligation—they were treating her like one of their own. And that, above all, was what made Lune think so highly of them. They didn’t have to accept her, but they were choosing to, and for that, she was incredibly grateful.

The days at the palace had started to blend together for Lune. While everything around her was luxurious and the staff was attentive, she couldn’t shake the feeling of boredom that had settled in. She spent hours wandering the vast hallways, exploring the gardens, and sitting by the window in her room, but after a while, it all felt monotonous. Lune had never been the type to sit idly, and staying at home day after day, with nothing but her thoughts, was beginning to weigh on her.

The palace itself was beautiful, but it felt more like a cage when there was little to do. Sure, there were books in the library and paths to walk in the garden, but Lune craved more. She missed the busyness of her old life—the freedom to come and go as she pleased, the ability to interact with people outside of the palace walls, and even the simple pleasure of running errands.

She couldn’t deny that being married to Arlo came with certain privileges, but it also came with limitations. The secrecy surrounding their marriage, the fact that no one outside of Arlo’s immediate circle knew she was his wife, meant that she was stuck in a kind of limbo. She wasn’t free to explore the nearby town, nor could she openly interact with the rest of the pack without drawing attention.

As the days passed, Lune realized she couldn’t continue like this. She needed something to do, something that made her feel useful or, at the very least, entertained. The thought of spending another day in quiet isolation made her restless.

That evening, as she sat by the fireplace in her room, she made up her mind. She would talk to Arlo about it. He had been kind and attentive, doing everything he could to make her feel comfortable, but he probably didn’t realize how much the boredom was affecting her. After all, he was busy with pack duties, meetings, and dealing with the elders, while she was left to fill the hours on her own.

Lune decided that when Arlo returned, she would bring it up. Maybe he could help her find something to do, something to occupy her time and give her a sense of purpose. She didn’t want to feel like she was just waiting around, watching the days pass by.

Her thoughts turned to Arlo’s life before their marriage. He had been so consumed by his responsibilities as the pack leader, managing the affairs of their people, and now, adjusting to being married as well. Lune wondered if there was a way she could help him, maybe get involved in some of the pack’s affairs in a small way. Surely, there was something she could contribute.

The idea of approaching Arlo with her feelings made her both nervous and hopeful. She knew he cared about her happiness, and she trusted that he would listen. He had already shown so much concern for her well-being, but this felt different. It wasn’t just about her comfort—it was about finding a sense of fulfillment in this new life.

With a sense of resolve, Lune stood up from her chair and moved to the window, watching as the sky turned a soft orange, the sun beginning to set. She imagined what Arlo was doing at that moment—probably still in a meeting or handling some pack business. When he returned later that evening, she would speak to him. She needed to feel more than just a wife waiting in the palace. She needed to feel like herself again, and Arlo was the key to helping her find that balance.

As the evening deepened, Lune felt a quiet determination take root within her. She would talk to him, and together, they could figure out how to make her new life more fulfilling, less isolated. She wasn’t just Arlo’s mate—she was her own person, and she wanted to feel that again.