Nebulous 2

Fernanda closed her eyes dramatically after closing the door to Emory's office. She decided not to leave right away. Tension still surrounded her entire body, and her knees felt weak from Emory's earlier question. Pretending in front of Emory had been exhausting and she needed a moment to calm down.

"Fernanda."

Fernanda jumped, startled. She turned around and exhaled in relief. "Oh, Lacey. It's just you."

"What's wrong with you? Are you okay?" Lacey Diana Castillo—Emory's personal assistant—asked. Then she looked at the door to Emory's office. "Did you just meet with Luna?"

"Yes." Fernanda grabbed Lacey's hand and pulled her away from the area. She glanced around occasionally, making sure no one else was around to overhear their conversation. "Did you do what I asked?"

Lacey nodded. "Just as you suspected, Madam Trina did indeed give me the tea. As usual, she claimed it would help Luna sleep soundly, but as per your instructions, I didn't give it to Luna during our trip."

Fernanda was silent for a moment. She seemed to be deep in thought before she spoke. "I'm sure there's something in the tea. Besides, I've never found any evidence of insomnia in Luna's medical history. I've confirmed that with Tanner several times." She briefly remembered her last meeting with Tanner Stefano Heath, the palace doctor. At that time, she'd asked about Emory's health, and all was well physically and mentally, despite the terrible tragedy of twenty years ago. "So now all we have to do is wait. If our suspicions are right that Alpha and his parents did something to Luna, we will get our answers soon."

"You're right, and if it turns out that way, they'll regret everything." Lacey's expression changed, her eyes reflecting a range of emotions. "Luna doesn't deserve to be treated like this. She's a noble woman. Alpha's betrayal is truly unforgivable."

Fernanda quickly squeezed Lacey's hand. She looked at Lacey and shook her head slightly.

Lacey understood Fernanda's signal. She quickly composed herself and calmed the emotions that had briefly surged through her chest.

"You must be tired from accompanying Luna on her journey," Fernanda said as she gently stroked Lacey's upper arm. Then she smiled warmly. "Go rest in your room and I'll prepare your favorite snacks."

Lacey didn't refuse. "Thank you."

Lacey's decision to follow Fernanda's suggestion was a wise one. The week-long business trip had indeed drained her energy, and she needed to rest while she had the chance. For soon after—in less than twelve hours—the palace was in chaos.

"Orlando! Orlando! Call Orlando immediately!"

Emory's voice echoed everywhere. Lacey, along with Fernanda and Sienna, rushed to Emory's room, only to be stunned by the sight of two lifeless women, both unclothed.

"Fernanda," Emory cried, stepping forward in anger. The floor creaked under her feet. "Where's Orlando?"

Fernanda blinked. "Orlando is gone, Luna."

Sienna added, "Orlando is carrying out your orders from this afternoon, Luna."

Emory stood silent; her mouth tightly closed. Her face hardened and her jaw clenched. Then her gaze fell on Myles, standing not far from her, now dressed in a nightgown.

"E-Emory," Myles stammered in a hushed voice. He couldn't hide the fear caused by Emory's actions earlier. "D-do you realize what you've done?"

Emory growled, then snapped. "Do you realize what you have done, Myles? You are truly disgraceful! You're unworthy to be called Alpha Consort! You're a cheap, immoral man!"

Not only Myles, but also Fernanda, Sienna, and Lacey were taken aback by Emory's outburst. They exchanged glances in disbelief at Emory's unusually harsh behavior.

"You, Myles!" Emory approached Myles and pointed directly at his nose. "You are a low man!"

Myles blinked, overwhelmed by the shock he couldn't contain. "E-Emory. What's wrong with you? You've never acted like this before." His brow furrowed; confusion written all over his face. "Don't you know I've always felt lonely because you're too focused on work? You're always busy with the pack and the companies. You neglect me. You—"

Emory's hand moved quickly to grab the collar of Myles' nightgown. Myles fell silent immediately, his face growing even paler.

"You really are foolish, Myles. You know I'm busy, and instead of helping me run the pack and the companies, you're having fun with those whores?" Emory snapped angrily. Without realizing it, her grip lifted Myles off the ground. "Don't you have a brain? Is your pathetic manhood the only thing you possess?"

This time it wasn't fear that enveloped Myles, but shame. His face flushed red. Emory had struck at his ego as a man, shattered his pride. Worse, she had done it in front of everyone.

"You crossed the line, Emory!" Myles shouted, glaring at her. "You think you can do anything just because you're a Luna Queen?"

Emory's eyes narrowed. "You already know the answer to that, Myles. You're nothing but an Alpha Consort. So, act accordingly."

With that, Emory released her grip. Myles' feet hit the ground again and he quickly caught himself to avoid falling.

Emory turned away. "Sienna, take the bodies of these two women to the Alpha's room. Order everyone in the palace not to help him remove them. Leave that to the Alpha." She glanced briefly at Myles. "It seems Alpha is quite fond of them."

Sienna nodded. "Yes, Luna."

Then Emory turned to Fernanda. "I'm leaving, Fernanda. I need to rest, and this room is already infested with disgusting bacteria and viruses. So, make sure all the furniture is replaced before I return tomorrow morning. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Luna," Fernanda replied firmly. "I will carry out your orders to the best of my ability. You can rest easy and sleep soundly."

Finally, Emory's eyes shifted to Lacey. "Come with me."

Emory rose and left the room, followed closely by Lacey. Together they left the palace.

Lacey walked at a steady pace. Occasionally she glanced at Emory through the rearview mirror. She waited a moment before summoning the courage to ask, "Luna, where would you like to rest?"

Emory remained silent. Her eyes were closed and she was so still that Lacey thought she might have fallen asleep.

"When was the last time I was in the Lustre Lounge, Lacey?" 

Lacey blinked, a little confused. She thought Emory wanted to go to the hotel to rest, but maybe she was wrong. "Maybe about eight months ago, Luna. Why? Do you want to go there?" 

"It seems so," Emory replied weakly. She seemed to take a deep breath, suggesting exhaustion. "Something is wrong with me. I feel restless, uneasy, as if I can't control myself. I'm sure I won't be able to sleep tonight. I need something to calm me down." 

"Alright, Luna." 

Lacey opened the digital map on the dashboard's touchscreen. She typed in the name of the outlying district in the city of Weslin TC, and the steering wheel turned, guiding the car along the fastest suggested route. They left the city of New Cascade behind.

It took them about two hours to complete the cross-town journey, arriving at the grand Lustre Lounge, which stood tall amidst the glittering city at night. Lacey slowed the car as they approached the entrance to the club. However, instead of stopping at the main door where the regulars queued, she steered the car into a more secluded side lane, separated by an iron gate that only opened for VIP and VVIP guests. A small gold-plated sign prominently displayed on the gate read 'private access'. 

The gate opened automatically when the sensor recognised the car's number plate. They entered the quiet and heavily guarded underground car park, away from the outside crowd. There were luxury cars neatly lined up and a valet approached quickly as their car came to a stop. 

"Good evening, Miss Abernathy," the valet greeted them with a polite bow. "We'll take care of your car." 

Emory nodded briefly while Lacey handed the car keys to the valet without saying a word. After that, they walked to the private lift at the end of the car park. 

The atmosphere changed drastically as they entered the lift. There was no loud music coming from the dance floor, just the low hum of the lift as it took them to the top floor, the VIP floor.

Moments later, the lift doors slowly opened to reveal an elegant lobby with gleaming black marble floors and the shimmering light of crystal chandeliers. A club manager in a black suit greeted her with a professional smile. 

"Welcome back, Miss Abernathy. Your private room has been prepared," the manager said respectfully and warmly as he gestured for them to proceed. "This way, please." 

They walked down a luxurious, thickly carpeted hallway to a private room at the far end, away from the crowd. The soft sound of jazz music from hidden speakers greeted them as the door opened. 

Inside the spacious VVIP room, the dark decor and fine furniture created an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Emory sat down and a waiter quickly approached with a friendly smile. 

"Good evening, Miss Abernathy. What would you like this evening?" 

Emory glanced at the glittering drinks menu on the table. "I want something strong. So, bring me a bottle of premium vodka." 

The waiter nodded before walking away. "Of course, miss." 

As the waiter prepared the order, Lacey approached Emory, sat down next to her and said, "Are you sure, Luna? This seems like a bit of an intense start." 

"Not now, Lacey," Emory shook her head, frustration written all over her face. "I just want to be at peace tonight." 

Lacey couldn't say another word, especially as Emory's order arrived shortly afterwards. "I understand, Luna." 

The waiter poured cold vodka into a small glass. Emory reached for it, gazed at it for a moment, then downed it in one gulp. 

The burning sensation spread through Emory's throat, but she didn't complain. Instead, she wished the heat would actually burn her and make her forget everything. 

Lacey watched Emory with concern but chose to remain silent. She let Emory enjoy the moment uninterrupted. 

Emory leaned back on the sofa, her eyes staring blankly at the dim chandelier above. She seemed lost in thought, then reached for her glass, which had been refilled by the waiter. She emptied it again in seconds, and the same thing happened again and again, like a cycle.

The warmth began to spread through Emory's body. The world began to blur in her vision. She let out a long sigh and murmured, "What's wrong with me today? Do you know, Lacey? I've been feeling strange lately. Like something's happening to me, but I don't know what it is." 

Lacey could clearly see the confusion mixed with exhaustion on Emory's face. On top of that, Emory's eyes were getting heavier and heavier, signalling increasing fatigue. 

So, Lacey took the glass Emory had reached for again and spoke carefully. "I think you should rest now, Luna. I'll take you to the suite." 

"I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight, Lacey." Emory closed her eyes, frowning and shaking her head several times. Then she hit her own head, causing Lacey to quickly grab her hand. "Today has been so exhausting that I can't even feel sleepy. This business trip has worn me out. The news of the Hallowed Pack's surveillance wore me out. And then Myles' affair made my exhaustion truly unbearable. Even now I see them naked in my head." 

Lacey understood how Emory was feeling. Frankly, it was to be expected. She didn't want to see Emory excuse Myles' infidelity. Emory had every right to be upset. "I understand, Luna. But I think it's time for you to rest now." 

Emory groaned and pulled her hand out of Lacey's grip. "I need something to get the image of Myles and his whores out of my head, Lacey. What do you want me to do?" She grimaced, then clenched her hair in frustration. "I need to distract myself." 

Lacey quickly loosened Emory's grip on her own hair. "What do you want, Luna? What am I supposed to do?" 

"I don't know." Emory seemed angry with herself. "I just want peace. It's not just Myles who should feel good. I want that too, Lacey. I'm tired. I ...." Her voice trailed off and her eyes opened. She looked at Lacey with an uncertain gaze. "You, Lacey. I want you to find me a call boy."

*