Chapter 2

Amber's POV

Dragging myself out of bed, I walked to the mirror, cringing when I saw my reflection. Dark circles marred the skin under my eyes, a testament to the sleepless nights and constant worry that gnawed at me.

With trembling fingers, I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to tame the wild strands cascading down my back. Each brushstroke serves as a reminder of the life growing within me, the life that ties me to Nash so I can’t escape.

As I got ready, my mind wandered.

Two years ago, Nash had united dozens of groups through plunder and war, establishing the Luparian Empire. In the eyes of the outside world, I am the most prestigious Luna. But behind closed doors, I endured abuse and torture, living as a slave in my home, but no one knew. Even though my screams of torment echoed throughout the palace, Nash was a cunning man, and no one dared speak of him.

As I sat alone in the ornate palace room, memories of the past flooded my mind. The weight of Nash’s oppression pressed down on me, suffocating me with his suffocating grip.

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the memories, but they were still there, haunting me like ghosts from a forgotten past. I can still feel the sting of Nash’s hand on my cheek, the echo of his cruel laughter ringing in my ears.

I forced a smile, trying to cover the turmoil that was raging inside me. I hurried to complete my preparations, eager to complete my task despite the turmoil raging inside me. But as I walked towards the great hall, preparing to take part in the national celebrations, a servant who brought news that shattered the fragile hope I had held on to stop my steps.

“Amber,” the maid said, her voice trembling with trepidation, “I’m sorry, but you’re disqualified from attending the national celebration.”

Disqualified? The word echoed in my mind, disbelief washing over me like a tidal wave. How could this happen? I had spent countless hours preparing, steeling myself for the public scrutiny that awaited me, only to be denied the opportunity to prove myself worthy.

As the reality of the situation sunk in, a bitter taste filled my mouth, the bitterness of disappointment and betrayal. How could Nash do this to me? Haven’t I endured enough?

Holding back tears of frustration, I turned away from the maid, unable to hold back the pity in her eyes. With a heavy heart, I retreated to the solitude of the abandoned attic, seeking solace in the dusty corners of the forgotten room.

From my vantage point high above the great hall, I watched the guests arrive, their laughter and chatter coming over me like derisive taunts. I saw my parents and siblings enter the venue in all their clothes, their smiles bright and their faces shining with anticipation.

And then, to my horror, I saw Nash, openly holding a mistress on his arm. The sight struck me like a physical blow, the realization of his betrayal hitting me hard. How could he flaunt his affair so brazenly, especially on a night meant for celebration?

Anger boiled within me, hot, fueling the fire of hatred that burned deep within my chest. How dare he treat me with such indifference, strip me of my dignity, and deny me the chance to reclaim my rightful place by his side?

As the guests murmur expectantly, wondering why their revered Luna hasn’t yet appeared at the national celebration, Nash cunningly weaves a web of deception to cover up his own misdeeds.

“Oh, I’m afraid Amber isn’t feeling well,” Nash announced with a concerned expression, his words laced with fake sympathy. “He is sick and is resting in his room.”

The gathered crowd nodded in understanding, their expressions sympathetic as they whispered concerns to each other. After all, it wasn’t unusual for Luna to fall prey to the burden of her duties, especially in her hard condition.

Meanwhile, Nash’s master, who was just a daughter of a small group of alphas, shamelessly flaunted her presence at Nash’s side, her actions showing the brazen attitude that she had over Nash. Ignoring the subtle looks of disapproval from some of the more traditional guests, she leaned towards Nash, her hand resting on his arm as she whispered sweet nothings into his ear.

The sight of Nash openly walking around with him caused a wave of gossip among the crowd, the murmurs getting louder with each passing moment. Speculation ran rampant as to the true nature of their relationship, fueled by the scandal that unfolded before their eyes.

I, hiding in the silence of his room, could only imagine the whispers and rumors that would surely follow. Having unwittingly become the center of attention, his absence from the celebrations became fodder for scandal-loving gossip mongers.

Alone in the attic, tears flowed down my cheeks uncontrollably, a silent testament to the overwhelming sadness that swept over me. Each tear brought with it the weight of years of suffering, betrayal and heartache that I had long hidden from the world.

Lost in my grief, I could barely hear the sound of approaching footsteps, their soft echo barely audible in the background of my agony. But then, to my surprise, a familiar figure appeared before me, an unexpected light of solace in the darkness.

Everett.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight, a flood of conflicting emotions swirling through me. Everett Clawson, Nash’s twin brother.

“Amber,” Everett’s voice was calm, soothing my broken soul. “I heard what happened. I am sorry.”

I blinked away the tears, my gaze meeting his with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

“Everett,” I whispered, my voice full of emotion. “What are you doing here?”

He gave me a gentle smile, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

“I came to check on you. I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I couldn’t just sit there knowing you were hurt.”

I nodded, the walls around my heart starting to crumble at his unexpected kindness.

“Thank you,” I muttered, overwhelmed with gratitude at his unexpected gesture of compassion.

Everett drew near, his presence a calming anchor in my emotional storm.

“You don’t have to face this alone, Amber,” he whispered, his voice full of sincerity. “I may not change what happened, but I can offer my support.”

Everett reached out, his hand touching mine in solidarity.

“You don’t need to say anything,” he whispered. “Know that I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

For a moment, we sat in silence, the weight of our shared pain heavy in the air.

As I sat in the attic, enveloped in Everett’s calming presence, a whirlpool of confusion and conflicting emotions churned within me. Here was a man who was once a close friend, now offering me comfort in my darkest hours. However, even though her gentle words of comfort washed over me, doubt still lingered in my mind.

“How did you find me?” I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion.

Everett’s expression softened, understanding flashing in his eyes.

“I asked,” he answered simply. “When I heard what happened, I knew I had to come and check on you.”

“Why?” I blurted out before I could stop myself, the words leaving my lips unbidden. “Why do you care about me?”

The question hung between us, heavy with unspoken implications. But Everett didn’t seem offended by my skepticism. Instead, he returned my gaze with unwavering sincerity.

“Because you’re my friend, Amber,” he whispered. “And friends look out for each other, especially in times of need.”

But before I could think any further about my suspicions, a wave of shame washed over me, making me suddenly realize how vulnerable I had allowed myself to be in Everett’s presence.

“I... I have to go,” I stuttered, then stood up self-consciously. “Thanks for coming, Everett. But I think I need some time alone.”

Everett’s expression froze for a moment, a hint of disappointment crossing his face before he covered it with a polite smile.

“Of course, Amber,” he said, his voice tinged with understanding. “Take all the time you need. And remember, I’m here for you whenever you’re ready.”

As I hastily retreated from the attic, guilt tugged at my heart. Everett showed me nothing but kindness and compassion, but I couldn’t shake the suspicion that lingered in my mind.

Could he be sincere in his offer of friendship? Or was he just another pawn in Nash’s twisted game, sent to deceive me and keep me under his control? I turned around to look back at him.

He is strange and suspicious.