The Luna’s One True Mate

Chapter 1 Charlotte's POV “Be safe. Light City is not what it seems.” That was the last thing my father said to me before we lost contact. He had told me he was going to be back as soon as possible, but that promise extended from days to weeks, to months, and now... a whole year. It was weird and worrisome. I got up from my seat after packing up my things from my desk and sighed. I didn't pay attention to anyone after I filed my resignation letter to HR and walked out. There were whispers and stares, but I didn't care. It'd taken me a lot to leave this place. I'd always wanted to be a researcher, but I was too scared to take any risks. I also didn't want to be broke. "Well, there's no use in making all this money if there's no one to enjoy it with," I muttered as I settled in a cab. I glanced at the rearview mirror, catching the driver give me a look. My cheeks reddened as I broke eye contact. I was always caught talking to myself. It was a habit I struggled with, which led me to also being ostracized at work, even as a child people said I talked to demons. "I wish," I let out. I grimaced. Silence settled inside the cab and minutes later, I reached my apartment and got ready to leave. At the moment, I wasn't sure if I was going to miss Light City just yet. But I sure as hell wasn't excited to go to Shadow City. *** I took the train. The only one that ever went there, and it was almost empty. That was when I started thinking about what I was going to do, how I was going to act in a new city. I was nervous. I was always awkward, and thanks to my last job, I'd gained some confidence on how to speak to people and I learned how to defend myself from my father. But was it enough? The new found confidence I got a few days ago started depleting as I thought about my father. How was I even going to find him all alone in a foreign city? I mean, I knew the address of the house he bought, but he wasn't there. So what else could I do? I'd heard so many scary things about these people and I was throwing myself into the lion's den. I looked out the moving train, suddenly feeling a sense of melancholy. If only I had some friends to support me. Or a sibling. "Or Mom," I whispered. Because Shadow Vile was so far away, we arrived by nighttime. I stood up. "Good luck," was what I was told after I was helped with my bags. I nodded. Outside was dead silent, except for the sound of clacking shoes on the floor. There were some people moving about, but not to hop on the train. There were lights, but they flickered slightly. I turned back to see only one person get off the train. There were only two of us. I took in deep breaths, trying to reassure myself after offering the old woman that got out a smile. She returned it and before I could blink, disappeared right before my eyes. I held down the scream I almost let out and hurriedly dragged my bags away, finally finding a cab to help me. I breathed out as I got into the comfort of the cozy seats of the cab. "New in Shadow Vile, huh?" A scruffy voice asked. I glanced at the driver wearing thick black glasses and nodded. "Y- Yeah." "Hm. What are you doing here, pretty lady? People barely come here from Light City." My eyes widened. "How do you know where I'm from?" He snorted. "You're bright... Very, very bright... In everything. It's very obvious. Also, this station isn't used much except by those who want to commute to both cities." "Oh, um..." I contemplated my thoughts before speaking, leaning forward to the car seat. "Sir, please do you know of a... Finlay Starry?" "I do. I've picked him up from this station multiple times." My face brightened. "Then do you know where he is?" "I don't keep many tabs on visitors like him," he interrupted. "He comes and goes anytime." I deflated. "Oh." I took my time to look around, noticing some people walking around. But it still wasn't much, nor was it reassuring. That was when I noticed something. Looking through the GPS of my phone, our destination was... A cold chill went down my body. "S- Sir," I stuttered. "This isn't the way to-" "I know," he grunted. "I'm just doing my job, lady. Don't be scared." Then he stopped at a spot moments later. The street was darker than earlier and there was no sign of the moon, nor movement. I was starting to think this was a dead town and that I was going to be dead soon. I couldn't scream for help. I was frozen. Too scared to say anything more or move. He got out and opened my door for me. "Follow me, Miss." I quietly did. It's not like I could run. Sometimes I wished I was brave. I was led into a large building, up an elevator. And then to a door. "Go ahead," he said, nodding at me. "He just wants to talk. He won't harm you." I did as he said and stepped into a dimly lit room filled with smoke and four able-bodied men on their feet. Then my eyes saw him. Seated a chair fit for a king by a desk, he stared right at me, a cigarette stick dangling from his fingers. He was really handsome. Ruggedly so, with a sharp jawline, a luscious beard, and deep blue eyes. He had a mole by his eyes and his lips were taut. I watched him tense as I got closer and I wondered why. I stopped in front of him and began, "He-" His eyes brightened and I was hit with a faint scent. One of sandalwood. "Mate," I thought. Meeting his eyes, I could tell he felt the same. But he didn't express it. No, he seemed... angry? "Who are you?" he snapped. I shivered. "I'm... Charlotte Starry from Light C-" The room became quiet. "You should leave," was all he said. I stared at him in shock. "What?! I just got here and we just found out that we were mates!" "I'll make this easier for you then." He leaned forward, his eyes shockingly filled with undiluted fierceness and hatred as he spat, "I reject you as my mate."