The Moonbound Bride

Chapter 6

LYRA

A sudden knock on the door jolted me from my panic. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and moved to open it.

Had Blade come through? Just the thought of him sent a shiver down my spine.

I swung the door open, and to my surprise, Ryder stood there.

"Hello, Lyra," he greeted me warmly.

"Uh... are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

It was only then that I realized why-he had noticed the terror on my face.

Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I forced a small smile. "Yeah. What is it?"

My fingers still anxiously toyed with my wedding ring.

"Blade has called you downstairs. You're going to the office with him," he informed me.

What? But he was so reluctant at breakfast. Why the sudden change?

"Did he really say that?" I asked again, needing to be sure.

"Yes. But are you sure you're okay?" Ryder pressed, his gaze searching my face.

"I'm fine. I'll be down in a bit. Thanks," I said, offering him a sheepish smile before closing the door.

Thank God it wasn't Blade.

But what was that look on his face? One thing was certain now-he wasn't human. What exactly is he? Who is my husband?

I clutched my head in my hands as panic surged through me, my mind racing with all the worst possibilities.

★★★

I made sure to wear orange before heading to the office with Blade. I couldn't risk breaking any rules.

The dress was a dark velvet orange, its sleeves adorned with delicate fringes. A perfect bodycon that hugged my figure and ended just at my knees-fitting and elegant.

I saw Lucas moving across the hall, his hands in his pockets as usual, flashing me a smile before heading upstairs to his room. I ignored him completely.

Ryder walked toward me, dressed in formal office attire. Then, from the corner of my eye, I noticed Blade approaching as well. His markings had disappeared. I studied his face closely, searching for any trace of what I had seen before.

"What?" Blade shot me a look.

Like nothing had happened. Like he hadn't just worn that monstrous face moments ago.

"Are we ready to go?" Ryder asked.

"Please, Ryder," Blade gestured impatiently for him to lead the way.

I followed them both in silence.

My hair was styled in soft curls-not too overdressed, but enough to make me look like I belonged to a wealthy, elegant family.

A Porsche pulled up near the gate. From where I stood, I couldn't see its full exterior, though I craned my neck slightly, trying to take in as much as possible.

I was far from home. Very, very far.

The driver opened the door for me and Blade and Ryder took another car. Ryder seemed like the perfect choice to assist Blade in his work if this was part of his daily routine. He carried himself with maturity and professionalism.

But I had no doubt Lucas, Amelia, and Margaret would be interfering too.

Sitting comfortably in the car, I was about to bring up what I had seen earlier, but before I could speak, Blade's phone rang.

"Yes, Grandma. I have Lyra with me," he said, his tone neutral.

I tensed.

Why was his grandmother asking about me? Had she told Blade to bring me along?

Why were some people treating me kindly while others were completely arrogant? I still couldn't figure it out.

Then Blade's voice turned cold.

"Why were you in my room?"

Sitting beside him was unnerving enough, but this... this felt like one of my novels coming to life.

"I came to ask what I'm supposed to do in my free time. Am I allowed to write?" I turned toward him.

He looked so normal now. Too normal.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" he asked, catching me studying his face again.

"You know why," I said.

"You saw nothing," he muttered, turning to stare out the window.

The road was narrow and winding, surrounded by towering trees. The landscape stretched into endless hills, thick with greenery. Was the Harlow Mansion built in a jungle? Or on a mountain?

"You're not going to answer me, are you?" I sighed. "But that's why I came to your room-to ask."

He exhaled sharply. "Yes, you can do whatever you want, as long as you stay in your room, stay quiet, and obey me." His voice carried a sneer.

I raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly am I doing now?"

He shook his head and kept his eyes on his phone, scrolling through what seemed like an endless stream of messages.

I interrupted him. "So... can I use your library for my research on writing?"

He looked up, surprised.

"Who's been telling you about our house? And what's in it?"

I forced a casual shrug. "I saw it while heading to the breakfast table." I lied.

His expression darkened. "Impossible. The route you took doesn't pass by the library."

I froze for a second.

"You better not be lying to me." His brows furrowed as he studied me.

I quickly turned away, my pulse quickening.

Am I putting the servants in trouble again? Keep your mouth shut, Lyra. Or you'll never find anything and be trapped with Blade forever.

"I'm not lying," I said quickly. "Ryder told me when he came to my room." Another lie. I bit my tongue from the inside.

Blade still didn't look convinced.

"You know, if you're lying, I can-"

"You can kill me! I know!" I snapped before he could finish.

"Good." He adjusted his coat and sat up straight.

I rolled my eyes.

Ryder seemed like a warm guy-I'd just have to beg him to cover for me. After that, I'd handle whatever came next.

"You didn't answer my question, though," I said, turning to face Blade again.

"Yes, you can use it," he finally replied. "But inform someone before you go."

I nodded, though I was already questioning the rule.

What? I need permission just to go to the library? As if I could escape from there.

Unless... maybe there was a hidden passage.

★★★

The office is a towering skyscraper with countless stories. I still don't know exactly what Blade does as a billionaire, so I read the sign out front. Not much to my surprise, he manages various tech companies. All I knew about him before was his wealth-nothing more. Maybe because I never took an interest in him.

Ryder walks ahead of us, the revolving doors inviting us in. Inside, people stare at me. They must not have seen Blade with a woman before, so their curiosity is understandable. Or-wait!-could it be the opposite? Maybe Blade brings plenty of women here, and now they're wondering who I am. The newest one?

We call the elevator, and Blade's secretary rushes toward him, carrying a stack of files.

"You completely cut contact with me! What happened? You haven't been to the office in ages. Are you alright? You never do this! There's so much work piling up for you," she says, her tone scolding yet familiar. She seems comfortable with him.

Or maybe it's something else. Could she have a crush on Blade? I've written plenty of scenes like this in my novels, and she's giving off the exact same vibe.

"Sorry, Tina, I was busy. But meet my wife, Lyra!" Blade said, turning to her.

Her expression shifted. But why did Blade introduce me like that? Does he want the world to know he's married to me?

"You got married?" she asked, disbelief evident in her voice.

"Yes. She's beautiful, isn't she?" Blade replied, looking at me with a teasing smirk.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Yeah..." she muttered, disappointment clear in her tone.

So I was right-she does have a crush on him. And maybe Blade knows it, too.

We took the elevator up to the fifteenth floor, where Blade's office was. It was spacious, neat, and extravagant. Minimalist, yet with an unmistakable touch of orange.

I still don't know what Blade's agenda is for bringing me to his office. Just then, Tina informs him that the media has arrived.

Ryder leaves first to handle the paparazzi, ensuring Blade can make his entrance smoothly.

"Come with me," Blade says, looking directly at me.

"Me? Why?" I ask, astonished.

"Just do what I say," he orders.

I glance at Tina, and she's smirking. From the way Blade speaks to me, she must have already figured out that this is a loveless marriage. Cunning woman.

★★★

Outside, the media is in a frenzy as I arrive with Blade. He takes my hand in his, and the reporters immediately start throwing questions at him. He answers each one calmly, maintaining his composure.

Then, someone from the press recognizes me.

"Isn't that Lyra Faxon, the famous novelist?"

A reporter turns to Blade, then to me. "Why are you two together?"

Blade speaks before I can.

"We met at a party and have finally gotten married."

He keeps his smile and elegance intact, kissing my knuckles while locking eyes with me. For a moment, I feel a strange warmth in my chest-hot, almost intoxicating. But at the same time, a chill creeps over me. Now, more than ever, I understand that he's not human. Still, I keep my expression composed.

The media erupts with questions, confused by this sudden revelation.

"It was a secret wedding," Blade informs them smoothly.

Liar! So this is why he brought me here. He must have realized that I'm also well-known, and if anything were to happen to me in his mysterious mansion, he could use this publicity as a cover. A safeguard, so no one-especially the police-would come to find me.

This was my chance. I could have run away right then and exposed the truth.

But my parents were still in his hands.

So I say nothing.

Such a clever plan, Blade.

The entire day went by with Blade parading me around, introducing me to his colleagues and other important people. I was exhausted. All I wanted was to go home-even if that meant returning to the Harlow Mansion.

Yesterday's sleep had been so good. I remembered that, and I wanted today to end the same way.

Finally, Blade wrapped up his work, and we headed toward the car. Tina waved him goodbye. Blade smiled at her before turning to look at me.

Does he know that I know she has a crush on him?

Unpredictable bastard.

Just like in the morning, Ryder returned in his own car while Blade and I slipped into the Porsche, darkness settling around us.

The office was on the outskirts of the city, far from the Harlow Mansion. It had taken nearly an hour and a half to get here in the morning. But I hadn't been able to memorize the route-I'd been too busy arguing with Blade about the bloody library.

My mind was a mess.

"I think Tina has a crush on you," I start.

"And? Does that bother you? Are you jealous?" he asks, turning toward me.

I scoff. "Huh? Jealous? Of what? I was just making an observation," I say.

He smirks. "She likes me. And I know that."

I scoff again. "It seemed like the jealous one was her-because you married me." I fold my arms.

"It doesn't matter. I can still do whatever I want." His smirk lingers. "But I don't like her. She's just my assistant. And you're just my wife. She's too scared to ask me out-and you should be just as scared about thinking nasty things about me." He chuckles.

"Nasty things? Are you serious?" I glare at him. "I literally saw you *turn into something* today. I won't."

"I hope so. Because that's exactly what you should do-and maintain thoroughly." He leans in, his breath warm against my skin.

I roll my eyes and turn away.

"Were you scared today?" he asks after a pause.

"I was," I admit.

He just smiles to himself and falls silent.

Creepy.

I still can't make out the route, and even if I tried, it wouldn't help-it's too dark. All I can see are endless trees and dense jungle.

The window panes aren't exactly normal either, making it even harder to see anything clearly.

★★★

Reaching the eerie mansion, I wonder how the night will unfold. Blade walks ahead of me, completely nonchalant.

I know my way to the bedroom and start walking in that direction, with Blade just a few steps ahead.

As we climb the stairs, my legs feel weak, exhaustion threatening to take over. My gaze drifts toward the cavernous place where he showed me the tiger fangs earlier-it's along the path to my room. I glance at it briefly before continuing forward, following the unbothered Blade.

Then we both freeze.

A sound calls my name from behind the door of that place. The voice is unnerving, echoing through the hall.

I turn to see if Blade hears it too. He does.

Ignoring it, I start walking again as Blade shoots me a sharp look, silently ordering me to follow him.

Then the voice calls again.

This time, I don't move. Curiosity anchors me in place.

I glance at Blade, about to tell him I heard it again-

But then I see it.

His face.

It's changing.

Just like in the morning when I saw him in the shower, his skin turns a strange orange-yellow, his nails elongating into claws.

I stand there, frozen, watching as he gasps-his body convulsing as if something is taking over him.

Demonic.