The Alpha's Forbidden Luna

Chapter 2

Evelyn's POV

The interior of Ravenwood was chillier than I anticipated.

Not cold as if the air conditioning was off but cold as if it had a heartbeat I couldn't detect, something throbbing just behind the walls. Ancient stone surfaces extended below my footwear. Lofty ceilings curved overhead like cathedral arches, supported by dark wooden beams. Candles glimmered in silver stands, despite it being just past noon outside.

I walked behind the tall man whom I guessed was Jeffrey, along a lengthy hallway, making an effort not to fixate on his back. He walked as though he governed the earth beneath him, as if the air made way for him.

He hadn't mentioned his name to me yet.

"So," I remarked, clearing my throat. "For how long have you been living here?"

He did not turn. “Throughout my entire life.”

"Correct." "And how many attendees are expected for the ceremony?"

"None."

I stopped walking. “Pardon me?”

He hesitated as well, eventually turning to look at me. Those silver eyes fixed on mine, calm and inscrutable.

“It’s not that type of ceremony.”

I raised my eyebrows. "Well, you mentioned it was a ceremony of unity." "Isn't that... similar to a wedding?"

His jaw became stiff. "Not in the way you think it is."

“Alright, Mr. Mysterious.”

"Could you clarify that, please?" “I mean, it will help my planning if I truly understand what we are preparing for.”

He observed me for a brief moment though I could still hear the fire snapping from an adjacent room. He then said, “In due time, everything will be disclosed.”

I looked at him, my irritation building like warmth beneath my skin. "Alright, I’m here now so you should begin to speak.”

A ray of light flashed in his eyes. Was it astonishment? Entertainment? It disappeared too fast to know.

"You're courageous," he said gently. “Most of those who come here don’t speak to me the way you did.”

I folded my arms. "Perhaps they’re too courteous to bring up just how bizarre this entire situation is."

The edges of his lips moved, ever so slightly. “You’re different from what I expected.”

"I hear that frequently."

For a moment, we simply remained there; me, obstinate and perplexed; him, silent and unfathomable. He then turned and walked once more, signaling for me to come along.

“This way,” he said. “Your accommodation has been arranged.”

He guided me to the east wing, where the corridors became tighter and chillier. We stopped at a solid oak door etched with untamed vines and also that annoying wolf symbol. The place was arranged.

Inside, I discovered a room that resembled a scene from a fantasy book. A canopy bed adorned with rich crimson drapes. A fireplace made of stone was already burning. Bookshelves stocked with leather-covered books. No television. No timepiece. No technology of any sort.

“I trust this is comfortable,” he said, standing by the door.

“It’s… amazing,” I said. “I feel like I'm inside a fortress.”

“You are.”

He began to turn, then hesitated. "You will see some clothes in the wardrobe." "I can arrange for someone to deliver your meals unless you would rather eat with the others."

"The others?" I inquired. "Are you referring to the staff?"

He did not respond. He simply nodded once and left, shutting the door behind him.

I was lonely.

And in some way more surprised than ever.

I unpacked quietly, my thoughts still on him.

Jeffrey.

He didn't reveal his name, but the way he carried himself exuded authority and strength.

And those eyes.

Wow, those eyes.

They were not humans. I suppose they were, yet they weren’t. I had never encountered anyone with eyes like those. It seemed as though he could see right into me. As if he was aware of all I was attempting to hide.

I nodded my head and opened the wardrobe.

My jeans and sweaters would appear absurd in this place.

Within the wardrobe were garments that fit me perfectly, made from gentle fabrics; natural hues and loose styles, reminding me of a historical film. Who was this person? Did he enquire about my measurements? How did he know about that?

I wore a long, emerald-green dress that miraculously hugged my body perfectly, and strolled outside.

Ravenwood was a maze.

I passed by large paintings of people dressed in vintage attire, many of whom seemed to look at me as if they had knowledge I lacked. An entrance opened up to a greenhouse that seemed as if it hadn't been used for a long while. Another led into a library so extensive that I could hardly fathom the distant wall.

It was not only lovely. It felt unusual.

And peaceful.

Excessively silent.

Until I listened to voices coming from below the hallway.

Intrigued, I traced the noise and discovered an open door into a place that seemed to be a dining area. A fire blazed in the fireplace, and gathered around the elongated table were six persons, all looking at me simultaneously.

Silence descended like a fallen rock.

The tall, elegant woman at the head of the table was the first to rise, dressed in black. She squinted her eyes.

"You must be Evelyn," she remarked, her tone composed.

“Yes … I am.” Apologies. "I was simply investigating."

Jeffrey sat at the opposite end of the table, his face inscrutable. The others looked at one another, tension building in the atmosphere.

“This meal is private,” the woman said smoothly. "But you may join us if you don't mind.”

I paused.

Jeffrey looked into my eyes. He kept silent.

“I…I prefer not to interrupt.”

“Really?” the woman said, taking out a chair next to her. "Come." "Take a seat."

I complied, even though every part of me was shouting that I mustn't.

“This is Cassandra,” Jeffrey announced unexpectedly. "My mentor."

“And guardian,” she said with a grin that did not illuminate her eyes. "Jeffrey has little or no time for specifics." "That’s the reason I was determined to bring someone like you on board."

I took a quick look at him. "Therefore, you didn't want my presence?"

His eyes became a bit darker. "I never said that."

“Yet you didn’t show it differently,” I murmured.

Several others laughed quietly to themselves.

Cassandra said, “Jeffrey isn’t easily impressed but we’re all pleased that you showed up. This event is very important. It is sacred and needs to be perfect.”

"Exactly," I replied. “Concerning that.” I still aren't quite sure what the ceremony involves. "Or for whom it is intended."

"It's for the well-being of our community," she said plainly. "Also for Jeffrey."

I shut my eyes briefly. "So... you must be the bridegroom?"

Jeffrey's jaw tightened.

Cassandra’s smile wavered.

"No," he replied slowly. "I am the one who will coordinate the ceremony."

"Where is the bride?"

Everywhere became quiet.

I glanced around. Nobody responded.

In the end, Cassandra remarked, “We’ll allow Jeffrey to clarify that when he’s ready.”

“Alright.”

I could sense the increase in the tension in the room.

I nodded gently. "That sounds nice."

That evening, I couldn't rest.

I flipped and turned beneath soft sheets, my thoughts whirling with inquiries. What was the actual purpose of the ceremony? Why wouldn’t anyone provide me with direct responses? And what was going on with Jeffrey?

I hardly knew the guy, yet my body responded strangely whenever he was close. My skin would tingle. My chest would feel constricted. It was more than mere attraction. It was more profound.

At midnight, I arose and strolled into the hallway.

That’s when I heard the whispers.

I followed them to a balcony that looked over the back garden. Below, bathed in the glow of the moonlight, stood Jeffrey. He looked like he was lost in his own thoughts. His coat slightly open, hair ruffled by the wind.

He looked up at the moon as if it held all his mysteries.

I should have granted him some privacy and gone back to see him.

Nevertheless, I felt prompted to continue.

I got to the balcony, and the floorboards made a creaking sound beneath me.

His head turned suddenly. His eyes were focused on me.

"You should be taking a break," he said.

"Consequently, you should."

"I don't sleep very often."

I moved closer to the railing. "Do you often stay in gardens, reflecting at midnight?"

The corner of his mouth trembled. “Do you often wander into the shadows uninvited?”

I raised my shoulders. "Only when I can't stop my thoughts."

A prolonged hush.

He subsequently questioned, “In relation to what?”

I stopped. "You."

A moment of silence remained.

Jeffrey shifted his focus, clenching his teeth. "That is not safe."

"Why?"

"Because I can't withstand distractions."

"Do you think I'm just a distraction?"

His eyes returned to me, glimmering and enigmatic. "You are better than that. You are a storm."

My heart raced within my chest.

He started to move back, but then stopped.

“You're not meant to be here, Evelyn.”

"Why did you employ me?" I asked.

"I did not."

And suddenly, he vanished into the shadows.